CRAZY > higher tension > higher power - please explain !

[MaryFab]

I bought:

1. Volkl Power Bridge (295gr) L1 from USA (black - yellow)
&
2. Volkl Power Bridge (295gr) L3 from Europe (yellow - black - reversed colours)

I strung them at the same time with:

1. Luxilon BB Timo 1.10 25 kgs
&
2. Luxilon BB Timo 1.10 26 kgs


The difference is HUGE!
But the really weird thing is that the 26 kgs offers much more power in comparison with the 25 kgs - in the most obvious way no matter how many people tested that...

Please give me an explanation, I am lost...

[Jens]

Please define your perception of "power" ;)

[MaryFab]

When you use the same energy and apply exactly the same technique during a strike the ball goes faster and longer (has more power or in terms of physics has higher momentum) with the racket that is strung at 26 kgs...

[JPtennis]

Grip size?

[MaryFab]

JPtennis:

L1 > (1/8)

L3 > (3/8)



I did a test some minutes ago:

I use the racquet with the L1 grip with a double overgrip on it.

I just counted the balance of both racquets and the one with the L3 grip is 1.5 cm head heavier (there is no overgrip on it).

I have noticed that according to the tools of USRSA that makes sense if we consider that the double overgrip weights 14 gm at the L1 racquet and we consider it as a weight to add at point 6 cm (starting counting from the grip's side).

Nevertheless, is that enough (1.5 cm head heavier = double overgrip) to make a racquet feel soooo different? !!!!!!!!

It still doesn't make sense... I am so confused!

[Jens]

So you did the playtest with the L1 grip and L3 grip, both without overgrip?
Did you play again with the two overgrips on the L1?
The balance is one thing but also the level of contact to the racquet's grip may cause the differences in power. I personally have significantly less power with any grip that's smaller than L5.

[MaryFab]

I did the playtest with L1 grip wearing double overgip (a thick one + a wilson profile).
For your information I counted the new size of the grip, it almost became like an L3.

Jens, are you telling me that the difference in grip size can be more significant than the tension differences?

All the playtesters find the one with the L3 and the higher string tension such a more powerful racquet.

[Jens]

Yes for me the grip size is more significant than a tension difference of 1 kg. But maybe I'm super sensitive in this respect...

In any case, the balance shift of 1.5 cm (0.6 inch) does make a difference. Maybe it's a combination of both aspects that makes up for the increased power.

[MaryFab]

Thank you Jens!

[djinni999]

this is one of the biggest myths and misconceptions in tennis. lower tension does not equal more power. higher tension, up to a certain threshold, DOES.
lower tension merely increases dwell time, which alters the vertical launch, i.e. trajectory of the ball. hitting deeper, with less effort is the result. DEPTH is not the same thing as PACE!!!
the first time i encountered the phenomenon i was confused. the x-one biphase string at a very high tension on a lower powered racquet (93) compared to the one i had been using previously (98) but with a similar string (nrg2) at a low-to-mid range tension, gave me an unbelievable power boost. my strokes were the same, if anything, they were weaker because i had taken 2 months off.
by the way, especially with the polys, hitting through the ball and really bending the strings is necessary to bring about this PACE from high tensions, IMO.

[cheezhdinil]

Um, did you check to see what the tension IS in each?? Two different stringers, and shipping in cold airplane hulls have done more to cause questions than I'm up to typing about.... Before pondering it into oblivion, perhaps use a DT tester and also compare WHERE the sweetspot lies in each frame. You may find that your contact favors one frame over the other...

[TennezSport]

I use the racquet with the L1 grip with a double overgrip on it. I just counted the balance of both racquets and the one with the L3 grip is 1.5 cm head heavier (there is no overgrip on it).

You have answered your own question as you are forgetting about Swing Weight (SW); heavier head will have more SW.

Cheers, TennezSport :cool:

[cheezhdinil]

Guess I have to learn to read MORE carefully before posting. Thanks for the bail-out Tennez. I over-thought the problem. What would Sir Arthur Conan Doyle write about this? I think Sherlock MIGHT ream my deductive abilities LOL

Cheez