Racquet Services Equipment

RACQUETMAXX utilizes the very latest state-of-the-art equipment in all our services. We use BABOLAT STAR 5 Stringing machines. The STAR 5's are electronic, constant-pull machines featuring a 6 point mounting and diamond dust clamps. These machines are the finest in the industry and operated by our staff of experienced Master Racquet Technicians, which insures you of receiving the highest quality service available.

RACQUETMAXX machines are cleaned and checked everyday. We check all the functions including the pulling tension. This is checked using a digital scale calibration device to insure that every racquet serviced is accurate.

We also use the BABOLAT RACQUET DIAGNOSTIC CENTER Computer to analyze various aspects of racquets. The RDC measures the stringbed deflection, weight, static balance, Dynamic Inertia (swingweight) and Flex of racquets. This highly sophisticated piece of equipment is an industry standard and is used by almost every major racquet manufacturer to provide a uniform specification platform for tennis racquets. We utilize the RDC in our customization of racquets by getting precise measurements of weight and swingweight. We also record a stringbed deflection reading following every string job to insure accuracy and consistency.

WEIGHT: The weight of the racquet is critical. A heavier racquet will provide more power and vibrate less. The weight of a racquet will also be a determining factor in how maneuverable the racquet is. Our general opinion is that a player should play with as heavy a racquet as possible. Of course, a racquet that is too heavy will cause the player to make late contact and can also cause early fatigue. Choose a racquet weight that is comfortable for your playing style. Most of today’s racquets are light and need to be customized for optimum play. Because weight is such a critical component of the racquet’s performance, we use an additional scale that is even more precise than the RDC. Our scale is accurate to within 1/10 of a gram! We check its calibration before and after every job to insure accuracy.

SWINGWEIGHT or DYNAMIC INERTIA: This is a measurement of how the weight distribution of the racquet feels as the racquet is swung. It is basically a combination of the Balance and Weight of the racquet in movement. Although, two racquets can weigh exactly the same and have the same balance point, but have a completely different swingweight. We feel that swingweight is the most critical component in customization since it is the “feel” of the racquet as it is being swung. For racquets to be truly “matched”, swingweight is the most critical element. It is expressed in units on a scale of 0 to 500. The larger the number the higher or heavier the swingweight.

BALANCE: This is a measure of the Static Balance of a racquet. Expressed in mm as a measurement from the butt of the racquet to the balance point. Or it may be expressed in terms of points (1/8 inch increments) head heavy or head light. This measurement was widely used in matching racquets prior to the introduction of the RDC and other instruments to measure the dynamic inertia. It is still a vital component in the overall feel and performance of a racquet. But, since the racquet is used “in motion” rather than static, we feel that the swingweight is more critical, especially in matching racquets.

FLEX: This is a measure of the longitudinal stiffness of a frame by applying pressure on the tip of the racquet head and bending the racquet over a bar. The RDC assigns a value of 0-100 for this measurement. The higher the number, the stiffer the frame. The flex of a frame is determined during the manufacturing process and cannot be altered or customized after production. This measurement is useful in comparing racquets and in matching racquets to insure the flex is the same. We also utilize this tool in determining when a racquet needs to be replaced. Over time and use, the frame will become more flexible as the resin and polymers began to breakdown. When the racquets have lost 3-4 points on the flex scale, we advise our clients to get new frames.

STRING BED DEFLECTION: This measures the dynamic stiffness of the string bed of a racquet. This measurement is affected by the string pattern of the frame, the type of string used, and the tension of the installed string. We utilize this measurement on every racquet we string. Immediately after the technician finishes stringing a racquet, we take an SBD reading. Our technicians use this as just one more standard to insure consistency. We can also use this measurement to determine the percentage of energy remaining in the string bed to more accurately determine if restringing is needed or when play testing new string.

Our Best Tools: Even with all of our high-tech, state-of-the-art equipment, our most valuable tool is our people. Every one at RACQUETMAXX takes pride in their craft and will provide the very best racquet service available.