Racquet Sports Industry

January 2011
Volume 39 Number 1 $5.00

www.racquetsportsindustry.com
CHAMPIONS OF
TENNIS 2010
Our annual awards honor
those who continue to
make this sport a winner
The Polo Club Q Tom Parry Q Pro-Sport
Construction Q Rick Walsh Q NYC
Racquet Sports Q Robin Jones Q Butch
Staples & Leah Friedman Q Robert
Pangrazi Q Copeland-Cox Tennis Center Q
Harlon Matthews Q Dwight Davis Tennis
Center Q Southern Crescent Tennis
Association Q Rodney Harmon Q Ron
Woods Q Bill Wagstaff Q USTA Southern
Contents Our annual awards honor
R S I J A N U A R Y
INDUSTRY NEWS
2 0 1 1
the people, businesses and

7 Anna Kournikova to
organizations that are promote Cardio Tennis
making a difference in the
7 Community Tennis
tennis industry. Development Workshop
Feb. 11-13
23 Person of the Year 30 Municipal Facility of the Year 7 Eco-friendly flax
Jon Muir Copeland-Cox Tennis Center racquet debuts
26 Private Facility of the Year 30 Wheelchair Tennis Champion 8 Dunlop adds five new strings
The Polo Club of the Year
26 Stringer of the Year Harlon Matthews
8 Annual PTR Symposium set
Tom Parry 31 Public Park of the Year
27 Builder/Contractor of the Year Dwight Davis Tennis Center 8 Courier replaces Pat Mac
Pro-Sport Construction 31 Community Tennis Association as Davis Cup captain
27 Sales Rep of the Year of the Year
Rick Walsh
Southern Crescent Tennis Association 9 New racquets from Pacific
28 Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year 32 PTR Member of the Year

Rodney Harmon
9 Klip America changes
NYC Racquet Sports name, signs partners
28 Tennis Advocate of the Year 32 USPTA Member of the Year
Robin Jones
Ron Woods 10 Wilson unveils new
29 Junior Tennis Champions 33 High School Coach of the Year BLX frames
Bill Wagstaff
of the Year 10 Short Sets
Butch Staples & Leah Friedman 33 USTA Section of the Year
29 Grassroots Champion of the Year USTA Southern 11 Four new strings
Robert Pangrazi from Wilson
12 Peoplewatch
FEATURES 12 USPTA starts division
in China
34 Faked Out
Counterfeit racquets are becoming more prevalent, causing headaches
for manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
14 USTA to begin tennis
center overhaul
36 String Selector
Use our exclusive charts to find the perfect strings for your customers.
Cover photo by Bob Kenas/RSI
DEPARTMENTS
4 Our Serve 44 Ask the Experts
7 Industry News 46 String Playtest: Tecnifibre X-Code 16
17 TIA News 48 Your Serve, by Dr. Robert Heller
2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Our Serve
W
Looking for Ways to Improve (Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)
hen my RSI colleagues and I go to indus- Publishers

David Bone Jeff Williams
try events, we often hear from people in
Editorial Director
the tennis business—teaching pros, Peter Francesconi
stringers, court builders, retailers, school coaches, Associate Editor
community tennis leaders and others—that they Greg Raven
very much like RSI magazine. Design/Art Director

Kristine Thom
Often they mention a specific story that stuck out in their minds for
some reason—maybe it was something they never knew about, or a new Contributing Editors
Robin Bateman
way of doing something, or a new product or service that is available.
Cynthia Cantrell
Sometimes it’s to let us know that there might be more to the story, or Joe Dinoffer
another way of looking at an issue, or that we got something wrong. Liza Horan
It’s nice to hear this feedback, and it makes us feel good that people Greg Moran
Bob Patterson
read our magazine and use it (and increasingly, our website racquet-
Cynthia Sherman
sportsindustry.com) as a resource. And of course, it’s always nice when Mary Helen Sprecher
people say nice things about you and what you do.
But there are always things that can be improved upon. And we need to RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
Corporate Offices
hear this, too—whether in person at industry events, or on the phone or 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084
by email. Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
RSI covers a rather diverse audience—we’re not writing solely to teach- Email: RSI@racquetTECH.com
Website: www.racquetTECH.com
ing pros, or facility managers, or retailers, or manufacturers, or court
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
builders. We’re putting out information to all of these groups. And one
thing we want to make sure we have right is the “mix” of stories we run Advertising Director
in our printed issues and online at racquetsportsindustry.com. John Hanna
770-650-1102, x.125
From your perspective in this industry, how can we improve the maga-
hanna@knowatlanta.com
zine? What are we not covering, or not covering as completely as you feel
we should? What would you like to see more of? Less of? And in your opin- Apparel Advertising
ion, what are we doing well? Cynthia Sherman
203-263-5243
We realize that your answers—and what you find useful and interesting cstennisindustry@earthlink.net
in RSI and on our website—will in most cases depend on what you do in
Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per
this industry. But we need to hear your feedback, to make sure we’re on year: monthly January through August and com-
the right track as we move forward in this industry—so that we can better bined issues in September/October and Novem-
help you to move forward, too. ber/December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, 330
Main St., Vista, CA 92084. Application to Mail at
We understand that the content of RSI and our website will always Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Vista, CA and
require a sort of “balancing act,” to give all of our audience useful infor- additional mailing offices. January 2011, Volume 39,
mation. But help us to make sure we’re giving you the information you Number 1 © 2011 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All
rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and
need. Send me a note at peter@racquetsportsindustry.com, and when you
logo are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A.
see any of us at industry events, let us know your thoughts about RSI. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circu-
Thanks for your help. lation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscrip-
tions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to Racquet Sports Industry,
330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.
Peter Francesconi
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 1
INDUSTRY NEWS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS
New Eco-Friendly Anna Kournikova to Promote Cardio Tennis

Flax Racquet Debuts nna Kournikova is the new spokesperson for Car-
Groupe
Origine
recently
A
program.
dio Tennis. The 29-year-old tennis star will appear
in a p.r. and advertising campaign to promote the
“Thousands have already improved their health and

launched a
fitness with Cardio Tennis,” says Jolyn de Boer, execu-
new tennis
tive director of the TIA, which manages Cardio Tennis.
racquet
“With Anna, we feel many, many more will realize the
made with
benefits—and the fun—of this program.”
flax and
carbon “Tennis gives your whole body a workout, and Car-
fibers. “The dio Tennis takes it up another level," says Kournikova.
use of flax “It's designed for players of all ages and levels from
enables the beginners to advanced. You get a great workout and burn tons of calories. Plus, it’s a lot of fun—
design of an certainly more interesting than working out in the gym. And you’ll improve your tennis, too."
eco-friendly product, while Kournikova’s interest in Cardio Tennis peaked when she was scheduled to appear on the popu-
carbon fibers ensure strength lar NBC show "The Biggest Loser." The tennis star suggested to the show’s producers that she run
and performance,” says a Cardio Tennis workout. The episode aired on Oct. 5, with Kournikova putting the 15 contestants
Groupe Origine’s Benoit Bal- through a fat-burning Cardio Tennis workout as a key part of the show’s weight-loss program.
mana. “Cardio Tennis has been expanding rapidly,” says Cardio Tennis National Program Manager
Michele Krause. “I’m looking forward to working with Anna on promoting it worldwide.”
Flax fibers are less rigid than Kournikova joined the pro tour in 1995, reaching a career-high
carbon fibers, says the com- ranking of No. 8 in the world in singles and No. 1 in doubles.
pany, and that softness helps While she hasn’t played on the WTA Tour since 2003, she partici-
absorb vibration in the rac- pates in exhibition matches and charitable events and will be entering
quet, improving comfort. Flax her ninth season with the World TeamTennis Pro League. Kournikova is
is an eco-friendly product, heavily involved in causes that promote health and fitness.
and it grows naturally with- Cardio Tennis was developed in 2005 by the TIA in conjunction with the USTA as a fun and
out specific irrigation or healthy exercise to get in shape and lose weight. There are now more than 1,700 Cardio Tennis sites
requires no chemical prod- in the U.S. Visit CardioTennis.com and partners.CardioTennis.com.
ucts. Origine’s tagline is
“powerful by nature.”
The Origine racquet weighs USTA Community Tennis Workshop Set for Virginia
10.2 ounces with a 100- ennis providers, sign up now for the 2011 USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop,
square-inch head size,
designed for intermediate to
expert players. Retail price is
T which will be Feb. 11 to 13 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Va. The CTDW is the
largest annual gathering of CTA/NJTL leaders in the country, with opportunities to network with
more than 500 grassroots community tennis leaders from across the country.
$115. For more information, Sessions are led by specialists in their fields and include topics such as pro-
and to inquire about distribu- gramming for 10-and-under and for adults, how to become a stronger ten-
tion opportunities, visit nis advocate in your community, how to market and communicate your
groupe-origine.com. message better, more effective fundraising, developing and involving vol-
unteers, and much more. There also will be an “Open Space” session on com-
munity tennis, in which attendees will be asked to offer and lead discussions and
presentations on topics of their choosing. The schedule also includes the annual Awards Dinner.
Conference registration is $329 for current USTA Organization Members/$359 for non-members
until Dec. 30; after that, it’s $415. Rates at the hotel are $129 per night. Visit usta.com/ctdw.
www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1
USTA Sues Olympus for $11.65 Million PTR Symposium

INDUSTRYNEWS
Set for February

T he USTA is suing Olympus for $11.65 million for breach of
contract, saying the camera company wants to get out of its
sponsorship agreement for 2011. Olympus and the USTA have
been partners since 2003.
T he PTR will hold its annual International
Tennis Symposium Feb. 19-24 at PTR Head-
quarters on Hilton Head Island, S.C. For infor-
In a 2007 agreement, they extended their partnership through 2013,
mation and registration, visit ptrtennis.org.
including making Olympus the title sponsor of the US Open Series of hard-
The Symposium attracts nearly 1,000 ten-
court events leading up to the US Open. The contract allowed Olympus to opt
nis teachers and coaches from more than 50
out of the last two years of the deal, which it recently sought to do. But the
countries. Many of the tennis industry’s most
USTA complaint, filed in November, says Olympus also is trying to "prema-
notable speakers will be among the more than
turely" get out of its commitments for 2011.
50 presenters who will conduct classroom and
According to the complaint, Olympus wants to avoid paying $11.65 million
on court presentations. Presenters include Leo
next year because it says the USTA allowed Panasonic to infringe on Olympus'
Alonso, Mike Barrell, Doug Cash, Pat
exclusive sponsorship rights—something the USTA says is “without merit.”
Etcheberry, Don Henson, Anne Pankhurst and
The USTA says Olympus hopes to avoid fulfilling the contract because it is try-
Dr. Bryce Young, speaking on topics ranging
ing to reduce costs.
from tennis business to tactics to injury pre-
vention and treatments.
Dunlop Adds 5 New Strings There is also a special high school coaches’
sequence that will be held over President’s
D unlop has a revamped line of five tennis strings
shipping alongside its new Biomimetic
frames.
Weekend (Saturday to Monday), for coaches
who may not be able to get away for the
Silk: Designed for power and comfort, Silk whole week.
is a polyurethane-injected multifilament for Teaching pros show off their playing skills
players of all levels. at a tournament held in conjunction with the
Black Widow: For serious players, this co- Symposium. The Symposium also offers a
poly has a heptagonal profile for control Tennis Trade Show where 45-plus organiza-
and spin. tions and companies, such as, Gamma,
Hexy Fiber: A hexagonal shaped multifila- Head/Penn and Playmate, exhibit their new
ment string with a microfiber core, for play- product lines, latest technologies and services.
ers of all levels.
Explosive Polyester: The original Dunlop Courier Replaces Pat Mac
polyester string, Explosive is generated from
the high tensile premium polyester for
as Davis Cup Captain
added durability and power, says the com-
pany. F our-time Grand Slam champ and former
world No. 1 Jim Courier will replace Patrick
S-Gut: A multi-filament for all-around playability McEnroe as the Davis Cup captain. McEnroe
and durability, says Dunlop, S-Gut has highly elas- resigned in September after 10 years on the job.
tic synthetic fibers and a special PU coating. Courier's 2011 debut as captain will be March 4-
6, when the U.S. travels to Chile for the first
round.
Courier, a TV tennis commentator, helped
IMG Chief Told ‘Don’t Do That Again’ the U.S. win the Davis Cup in 1992 and 1995,
T ed Forstmann, the CEO of IMG, the agency that represents Roger Feder- and he finished with a 16-10 record in singles, 1-
er, Rafael Nadal and dozens of other top pro players, was told by the 0 in doubles. He retired from the pro tour in
men’s tennis tour not to violate its gambling rules after he acknowledged 2000 and was elected to the International Ten-
making a $40,000 wager on Federer to beat Nadal in the 2007 French Open nis Hall of Fame in 2005.
final. Federer lost the final. “I'm privileged to be able to step into the
“The ATP has sent the message very clearly to Mr. Forstmann that we very worthy shoes of my predecessor, Patrick
consider his behavior inappropriate and that he will be in violation of the McEnroe, who did a terrific job for the team and
rules if he engages in such activity in the future,” the ATP said. laid a great groundwork for the way the team
Forstmann’s wager was made before the ITF’s anti-corruption program works together and the camaraderie they've
came into force in 2009. “Forstmann has confirmed that he understands shown,” Courier said. “That will be one of my
and accepts this and advised that he has not gambled on tennis since the main goals, to maintain that same energy that
uniform tennis anti-corruption program came into effect,” says Mark Harri- Patrick has created.” The Americans have won
son, a spokesman for the ITF. the Davis Cup a record 32 times, the last in
2007.

INDUSTRY NEWS
PTR Creates 3 Certification Pathways

New Racquets
From Pacific E The PTR has created three basic certifications to fit the needs of
tennis teaching pros worldwide. In 2011, PTR’s education and certi-
fication pathway will be geared toward three distinct areas: Junior Development, Adult
N ew racquets from Pacific for 2011
include the X Feel Pro 95 and the
X Feel Tour, both featuring Graphite
Development and Performance. In addition, PTR has a Master of Tennis Program in these
three areas for teaching pros who want to further their education.
BasaltX in their frames and taking “We have totally restructured our education and certification pathway to meet the
advantage of Fischer technology. needs of teaching professionals, their employers, their students and our sport,” says Dan
(Pacific acquired Fischer Tennis & Santorum, PTR CEO. “The pathway will initially be piloted in the United States, so, PTR
Racquet Division in board members/staff will be visiting USTA Sections and Districts to answer questions and
2009.) explain how our new pathway can help facilitate the growth of the game.” The pathway
Applied in takes into account the recent rule changes that promote 10-and-under tennis.
“strategic
areas” of
the
frame,
Pacific
says
BasaltX
provides
enhanced
feel, stability,
comfort and
power.
BasaltX is a
natural material
that is 100 per-
cent recyclable.
Pacific says that
unlike regular
basalt fibers,
which are inconsis-
tent in quality, BasaltX
fibers are consistent
thanks to a production
process developed by ASA.TEC.
The new X Feel racquets, part of
Pacific’s Tournament/Player Series,
have a constant beam (vs. the
tapered beam of Pacific’s X Force
line of frames) for consistent feel
and feedback for skilled players,
says the company. The X Feel Pro
95 has a 95-square-inch head and
weighs 11.3 ounces, with a 16/19
string pattern. The X Feel Tour has
a 100-square-inch head, is 10.4
ounces and also has a 16/19 pat-
tern.
The “Junior Class” story in RSI’s
November/December 2010 issue
misidentified the technology used.
Pacific uses Fischer technology in
its frames. For more information
about Pacific racquets and strings,
visit Pacific.com.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1
SHORT SETS Wilson Unveils

INDUSTRYNEWS
>gramTheisUSTA Tennis on Campus pro-

accepting nominations for
national titles in 11 divisions. Visit
www.WTT.com.
New BLX Frames
> Inga Chilingaryan of Glendale, Calif., Wtion of 14 new BLX racquet
2010/2011 Tennis on Campus Leader of ilson announced the introduc-
the Year Award and Club of the Year
is the grand-prize winner of the USPTA’s models developed for players of all
Award. Nominations are due by January
personal website contest. Chilingaryan’s levels and playing styles. BLX rac-
31. For more information and an
website, ingab.usptapro.com, stood out quets are engineered with Basalt
awards nomination application visit
with relevant and well-organized con- fibers, a natural volcanic rock that
www.tennisoncampus.com.
tent, visually appealing photos and use delivers feedback for the perfect feel
>FedItaly beat the U.S., 3-1, in the 2010
Cup final Nov. 6-7, held at the San
of technology. Runners-up in the con-
test were Kamis Ahmad of Singapore,
on every shot, according to Wilson.
The cornerstone of the new 2011
Diego Sports Arena. Dalton Hutchins of Brentwood, Texas, BLX line is the Blade Family of rac-
and Shareen Lai of Morrisville, Pa.
>BNPTheParibas
BNP Paribas Open, along with quets. The Blade Series features five
and reBounces, will hold
“Rally, Roundup & Recycle,” a tennis
>ProLawyers representing the U.S.-based
Squash Tour filed suit in New York
new frames, including the Blade Tour
BLX, Blade 98 BLX, Blade Team BLX
Blade Lite BLX
Pro Lite BLX
ball recycling competition among clubs, state court against the UK-based Profes- and Blade Lite BLX. The Blade 98
school teams, community tennis pro- sional Squash Association and two BLX is also available in a pink
grams and other tennis organizations in other defendants for allegedly improp- cosmetic. New is the Blade
Southern California. The goal of the erly restricting competition in the U.S. Lite BLX—a 100-square-
competition, which runs to Feb. 28, is to The PSA ruled in October that any of its inch, 10.2-ounce racquet
collect 100,000 or more used tennis members participating in a PST event geared toward a wide range
balls. For more information, visit could be expelled from the PSA. of players.
www.bnpparibasopen.com. Leading the Blade Team
>at WTT
Tennis’ top names rallied for charity
of players are 13-time Grand
> Tennis Channel has renewed its tele-
cast rights agreement with the ATP
Smash Hits in November at
American University in Washington,
Slam champ Serena Williams
and nine-time Grand Slam
World Tour, which will keep the tour's D.C., raising more than $500,000 for
champion Venus Williams. They
most prominent events on the network the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the
will debut their new Blade Team
through 2015. Paramount among the Washington AIDS Partnership. Team Bil-
BLX racquets at the start of the
19 tournaments included in the deal are lie Jean defeated Team Elton John 19-15
2011 season.
the season-ending Barclays ATP World to tie their overall series at 9-9. In its 18-
Rounding out the Player frame
Tour Finals and ATP World Tour Masters year history, WTT Smash Hits has raised
offerings for 2011 is the Pro Lite Tour Limited BLX
1000 competitions in Miami and Indian more than $10 million.
BLX, part of the Pro Family of Coral Reef BLX
Wells, Calif.
>ipateUSPTA members who want to partic- racquets lead by Juan Martin del Tidal Force BLX
> The tennis apparel company Athletic
DNA will visit national junior tourna-
in the 2011 Head equipment pro-
gram must enroll online and submit
Potro. This new frame, the Pro
Bold BLX
Lite BLX, is geared toward
ments and top junior tennis academies their contracts by Jan. 31. younger players and those
in the U.S. with a new 40-foot motor
home, scheduled to be on the road 26 >nership
Xerox has agreed to a five-year part-
to officially sponsor the US
seeking a lightweight com-
petitive model, says Wilson.
weeks in 2011. “The RV allows us to In the All Around and
Open and Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day start-
connect with more kids and parents one Game Improvement cate-
ing in 2011. Xerox will serve as the
on one and more often,” says Evan gories, Wilson introduces eight
exclusive office equipment and docu-
Zeder, director of sales and marketing. new models including Justin
ment technology and services provider.
Athletic DNA’s line includes perform- Henin’s new Tour Limited BLX.
ance T’s, training T’s, long-sleeve shirts, > The USPTA presented a grant to
QuickStart Tennis of Central Virginia for
Designed in cooperation with
shorts, socks and hats. Visit adna.com Henin, this frame is an extra half-
for information. its Jump Start QuickStart Tennis initia-
inch in length (27.5-in.). The Coral
tive. The grant makes it possible for
>fornia,
Recreational tennis teams from Cali-
Florida, Hawaii, Minnesota, Mis-
QCV to provide QuickStart Tennis equip-
Reef BLX, Tidal Force BLX and
Bold BLX finish out the All Around
ment to P.E. classes for several local ele-
souri, New York and Virginia captured category.
mentary schools benefiting more than
national championship titles at the WTT The Cierzo Two BLX marks
3,000 children. Cierzo Two BLX
Rec League National Finals in early the return of the sledge-hammer
Stratus Three BLX
November. A record 59 teams repre- > Kultur/SRO Sports has released the
2010 US Open Men’s Final: Nadal vs.
frame. And completing the Game Tempest Four BLX
Improvement category are the
senting 17 states, the District of Colum-
bia and Puerto Rico, competed for Djokovic on DVD, for $24.99. Stratus Three BLX and Tempest Four
BLX. Visit Wilson.com.

INDUSTRY NEWS
New Haven Event No Longer Co-Ed

A fter Pilot Pen failed to renew its title sponsorship of the combined men’s
and women’s US Open Series stop in New Haven, Conn., Tournament
Director Anne Worcester announced that the event will now be a women’s-
only tourney and will be called the New Haven Open.
The tournament had been one of only four events sanctioned by both the
ATP and WTA tours, but now it will feature a field of 28 women. Worcester
wasn’t able to find a replacement for the big bucks title sponsor, but she was
able to secure four “cornerstone” sponsors, which combined will offset the
tournament’s expected cost of $1.2 million. The four sponsors are Yale Uni-
versity, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Aetna and American Express.
It’s a “good news solution to ensure that this large-scale, international
sporting event will stay in our region for a minimum of three years,” Worces-
ter said. “While we really would have liked to keep the men’s event, the
financial model for staging a combined tournament simply didn’t work.”
The tournament will be held in August.
Wilson Introduces Four New Strings

W ilson Racquet Sports is introducing four new strings for
2011 designed to fit the needs of players at all levels.
The new Shock Shield string, developed for
players with arm discomfort, has a gel-filled
core that helps reduce shock and vibration.
Red Alert provides increased bite and the
high molecular weight nylon coating pro-
vides durability, says the company.
The newest member of the popular NXT
family, NXT Control combines polyester and
nylon fiber bundles with polyurethane, designed to create con-
trol and power, according to Wilson. And the new SGX 16 is
composed of a high-energy core surrounded by bi-directional X-
bands for a soft and comfortable feel.
New MRTs
Lisa Palcic Sunriver, OR
Sabrina Fefferman Sunriver, OR
Congratulations David Clemans Newberg, OR
To the Following Eric Ohlson White Salmon, WA
For Achieving Spencer Heflin Memphis, TN
MRT Status Dan Gaskell Wichita, KS
David Kurvink Fayetteville, NC
Sean Teeter Fayetteville, NC
Mark Tarentino Fayetteville, NC
Neal Crowell Derby, KS
MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE: Tecnifibre TF 8000 Stringing Machine.
Excellent Condition. $5,000. Robert, 617-548-8558

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1
P E O P L E W AT C H
INDUSTRYNEWS
• Michael Mahoney has been named sen- • Former touring pro Roy Barth, longtime who has been studying to become a nail
ior vice president and general manager of director of tennis at Kiawah Island Golf technician, has expressed interest expand-
Tennis Corporation of American and will Resort in South Carolina, has been reap- ing her business ventures by launching her
oversee tennis operations pointed chairman of the USTA Davis Cup own chain of nail salons.
for nine Midtown Committee for 2011-2012. Barth will co-
Athletic Clubs in the chair the combined Davis/Fed Cup/Olympic • The USTA has hired three new coaches:
U.S. and Canada. Committee with Fed Cup Chairwoman, Jorge Todero as a USTA Lead National
He also retains his Pam Austin and Olympic Chairwoman, Bar- Coach, Frederico Rodriguez as a USTA
role as general man- bara Smith. National Coach and Marc Lucero as a USTA
ager at the company’s Coach. All three will facilitate coaching and
flagship location, Mid- • Taylor Dent, age 29, who reached a training programs while working with play-
town Tennis Club in Chicago. Mahoney career high ranking of No. 21 in the world ers in the USTA Player Development pro-
recently celebrated his 32nd year with the during his 12-year tennis career, will retire gram.
company. from professional tennis.
• Dennis Ralston, who had a foot ampu-
•Esther Vergeer won her 400th consecu- • The USTA and ITA announced that tated earlier this year, gave three clinics
tive wheelchair tennis singles match on Brigham Young University Head Men's Ten- recently to members of the Circle C Tennis
Nov. 20. Vergeer, 29, hasn’t lost a singles nis Coach Brad Pearce has been named the Club in Austin, Texas. The International
match since January 2003, and her current national winner of the USTA/ITA Campus Tennis Hall of Fame has established a fund
400-match winning streak is the most suc- and Community Outreach Award. Also, to help Ralston with expenses, since he
cessful run ever in tennis. The five-time Derrick Racine, the Men's and Women's hasn’t been able to work for nearly a year.
Paralympic champion and five-time US Head Tennis Coach at the University of Tax-deductible donations can be sent to:
Open champion has also won 102 consec- West Florida, is the national winner of the Dennis Ralston Trust Fund, c/o Nancy Car-
utive wheelchair tournaments. USTA/ITA Campus QuickStart Provider of doza, International Tennis Hall of Fame,
the Year Award. 194 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 02840.
• Billie Jean King is the recipient
of the 2010 Fed Cup Award of • Brad Parks, 53, of San Clemente, Calif., • Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi has
Excellence, presented by the and the founder of wheelchair tennis, was been named a goodwill ambassador for
International Tennis Hall of selected as one of six ITF Wheelchair Tennis the U.N. Development Program.
Fame & Museum and the Ambassadors to help promote wheelchair
International Tennis Federa- tennis worldwide. • Martin Damm retired from the pro tour
tion. The award was presented in November. Damm will now coach Ryan
Nov. 7 during the 2010 Fed Cup • Remy Caffardo, a senior at Graceland Harrison.
final in San Diego. University, and Alida Muller-Wehlau, a sen-
ior at Armstrong Atlantic State University, • Pat Rafter was named captain of the
• Former World No. 1 Carlos Moya, age were presented with the 2010 James O' Australian Davis Cup team, only the fifth
34, hampered by a foot injury since last Hara Sargent Sportsmanship Awards pre- captain in 60 years, and following in the
May, has announced his retirement from sented by Rolex Watch USA at the footsteps of Harry Hopman, Neale Fraser,
the pro tour. USTA/ITA National Small College Champi- John Newcombe and John Fitzgerald.
onships. The awards go to players who dis-
• The Peace and Sport Image of the Year play outstanding sportsmanship and • Tennessee’s Rhyne Williams and USC’s
Award will be given to the Indian Rohan exemplify the spirit of college tennis during Maria Sanchez won the 2010 USTA/ITA
Bopanna and Pakistani-Ul-Haq Aisam the course of the USTA/ITA National Small National Indoor Intercollegiate Champi-
Qureshi, two tennis players who managed College Championships onships.
to bring the political authorities in their
respective countries closer through their • Serena Williams has partnered with OPI • Katarina Srebotnik announced in
own history of personal friendship and to sell her own line of nail November that she is retiring from singles
commitment. Bopanna (Hindu) and polish, called the Glam on the WTA Tour, but will play doubles.
Qureshi (Muslim) have played as a doubles Slam Collection, set to
team for three years and are building their debut in January dur- • Henry Baughman of Smithfield, Ky., Ron
careers together, despite historical hostili- ing the Australian Holmberg of New Orleans, and Candy
ties that divide India and Pakistan. Motivat- Open, with plans to Reynolds of Suwanee, Ga., will be inducted
ed by their friendship, they decided to debut two new shades of into the USTA Southern Hall of Fame. The
actively campaign for peace between their nail polish during each sub- 2011 induction ceremony is scheduled for
two nations. sequent Grand Slam in 2011. Williams, Jan. 22 in Atlanta.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Klip America Changes Wilson Develops New Platform Tennis Ball

Name, Signs Partners W ilson has spent hundreds of hours developing a state-of-the-
art ball for platform tennis that features a new long-lasting
E pic Sports International Inc., a global

sports brand management firm,
announced the official renaming of Klip
“flocking” technology, resulting in a significant improvement in
cover durability, says the company. Wilson says the new ball
allows for longer play and more consistency and is appropriate
America Inc., the worldwide licensee for
for all levels of play.
Volkl Tennis and Boris Becker Tennis. In
Wilson is the official ball for 14 APTA clinics taking place at
addition, Epic has announced a new long-
key paddle cities. “These clinics are events to introduce and
term, global logistics deal with Samsung
promote platform tennis,” says Tim McAvoy, APTA president.
C&T America Inc., a global trading and
“I am pleased that Wilson and the APTA have partnered to cre-
investment firm.
ate such a great atmosphere to grow the game of platform
“Our new Samsung partnership pro-
tennis.”
vides us with the expertise and
resources of a proven global business
leader to efficiently service our growing
number of distribution channels world-
wide," says Brian Dillman, vice presi-
dent and general manager of Epic Sports
International.
Epic also signed new global distribu-
tion partnerships across Europe and Asia
for Volkl Tennis products. The new deals
include Mint Apparel in the UK; Limited
Sports in Germany, Switzerland and Aus-
tria; Zero To Zero in The Netherlands;
and Kawasaki in China.
USPTA Starts
China Division
T he USPTA
has announced
a new China Division of
the professional teach-
ing pro organization.
The announcement was made during last
fall’s USPTA World Conference in Califor-
nia, with key staff members from the
China Division on hand.
“We are very excited with the oppor-
tunity to learn and grow with the USPTA
community,” said Yue Wang, president of
USPTA China. “Our goal is to have a sub-
stantial membership within the next
three years.”
“We are thrilled to welcome China to
the USPTA family,” said USPTA President
Tom Daglis. “We are looking forward to
growing the USPTA in China under the
direction of Yue Wang, one of the leaders
in China’s tennis industry.”
David T. Porter, Ed.D., a USPTA Master
Professional and former USPTA presi-
dent, has been instrumental in helping
forge the relationship with China and
starting a USPTA division there.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1
INDUSTRYNEWS
PTR Holds Development

Weekend in Florida
The PTR held a Professional Develop-
ment Weekend in early October at the
Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Fla.
The event featured more than 20 pre-
sentations, and speakers included Pat
Etcheberry, Rodney Harmon, Daniel
Spatz, Doug Cash, Anne Davis, Anne
Pankhurst, Michele Krause, Jorge
Capestany and others.
USTA to Begin National Tennis Center Overhaul

T he USTA has approved a more than $300 million overhaul of the US Open’s
home, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, that will include tearing down
and replacing Louis Armstrong Stadium and building two smaller stadiums. But the
plans do not call for a roof over the 22,500-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium.
So far, only $30 million has been formally budgeted, and construction will
begin immediately on a 3,000-seat mini-stadium to be built adjacent to the hos-
pitality building on the southeast corner of the property. The USTA could not say
if the mini-stadium would be ready for the 2011 Open.
Demolition on Louis Armstrong Stadium and the adjacent Grandstand Court won’t begin for six to eight years, according to
the USTA. Louis Armstrong, the No. 2 court at the NTC, will not have a roof built immediately but will be “roof-ready.” Armstrong
currently holds 10,200 people; the new stadium will seat 12,000 to 14,000. The Grandstand, which currently seats 6,100 peo-
ple, will be replaced by a mini-stadium for at least 7,000 fans.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Tennis Racquet Performance PTR Redesigns Website

Specialty Stores,
January-September, 2010 vs. 2009
Units 2010 561,825
T he PTR has redesigned its website,
ptrtennis.org, for easier use, with
streamlined navigation, “quick jump”
2009 555,148
immediate access to integral areas and
% chg vs. ’09 1%
other enhancements.
Dollars 2010 79,573,000
In addition, Facebook posts appear
2009 77,270,000
on the home page, and users can
% chg vs. ’09 3%
“Like” without having to leave the site.
Price 2010 141.63
Other social media, like Twitter and
2009 139.19
YouTube, can be accessed directly
% chg vs. ’09 2%
from the home page. A Media Gallery
of large format images has been
Top-Selling Racquets added.
The site is integrated with PTR’s
at Specialty Stores database, so members can update
By year-to-date dollars,
their contact information, pay dues or
January-September 2010
(average selling price) make purchases directly from the site.
Best-Sellers Any member or visitor can use Find a
1. Babolat Aero Pro Drive GT (MP) Coach/Pro that searches the database
for PTR Certified members in their
2. Babolat Pure Drive GT (MP)
area or by name.
3. Wilson BLX Six.One 95 16x18 (MS)
4. Babolat Aero Pro Drive+ GT (MP)
5. Prince EXO3 Black (MP)
“Hot New Racquets”
(Introduced in the past 12 months)
1. Babolat Aero Pro Drive GT (MP)
2. Wilson BLX Six.One 95 16x18 (MS)
3. Babolat Aero Pro Drive+ GT (MP)
4. Prince EXO3 Black (MP)
5. Wilson BLX Pro Open (MP)
Top-Selling Tennis Shoes

at Specialty Stores
(average selling price)
1. Prince T22
2. Adidas Barricade V
3. Nike Court Ballistec 2.3
4. Adidas Barricade 6.0
5. Nike Air Breathe Free 2
Top-Selling Tennis Strings

at Specialty Stores
1. Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex
2. Wilson NXT
3. Wilson Sensation
4. Luxilon Alu Power
5. Prince Lightning XX
(Source: TIA/Sports Marketing Surveys)

W I N T E R 2 0 1 1
Moving Into the New Year

The tennis industry continues to
face similar challenges as other industries,
due to the challenging economic environment.
2010 started with a short-term business rebound and
the positive news regarding 2009 total participation
reaching a level not seen in decades and with tennis once
again ranked as the fastest growing traditional sport.
However, after this short-term rebound in the first part of 2010,
economic growth has slowed and consumers are still delaying or avoid-
ing new product purchase considerations. Through the third quarter of
2010, shipments of racquets, balls and strings have all shown declines in
units and dollars vs. 2009.
But our sport is also positioned as one of the few that is growing, and as
reported in the Wall Street Journal, tennis is perceived as cool and hip, with a
growing media attention base. In addition, our recent TIA Court Activity Monitor
survey continues to show increases in new players, leagues and court usage.
A few months ago, the sport¹s governing bodies (the ITF and USTA) passed the
landmark rule change regarding 10-and-under tennis that, going forward, will also direct-
ly support a much stronger participation effort targeted at youth players. With a primary
goal to get 10-and-under new players on the proper pathway to becoming frequent and life-
time players in our sport.
On the following pages, you will find some highlights from the TIA. With the challeng-
ing economic environment, we certainly recognize we need to move faster and more direct-
ly to support and build our industry from an economic standpoint. During 2010 we focused
on more clearly establishing our key platforms that we feel will provide a stronger base of
focus to support our industry as we go forward. These platforms are: Fre-
quent Player Growth, Economic Measurements and Growth areas, and
stronger Communication & Positioning for our sport and industry.
Moving forward, the TIA is dedicated to promoting the growth and eco-
nomic vitality of tennis and helping out all sectors of the industry to the over-
all benefit of our common brand—TENNIS.
Below are just a few of the key efforts:
Technology tools to build businesses and their ability to connect to players
and increase tennis activity.
A focus on services and programs to help retailers grow & profit.
10-and-under tennis initiative at retail with USTA-based promotion.
Enhanced research to further define the marketplace and guide growth.
Ensuring clearer pathways for new players & infrequent players to evolve
into frequent players & consumers.
Mainstream promotion of the health & fitness benefits of tennis.
Delivering free tools and resources through the GrowingTennis System
and at TennisIndustry.org.
Industry- and consumer- wide awareness campaign to combat counterfeit
racquets.
Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 17
JANUARY FEBRUARY
The PlayTennis widget, which allows consumers to The Facility Manager’s Manual, a resource designed to
search for places to play, lessons and programs, retail- help facility managers run and operate their businesses
ers, teaching professionals, & more, is released and more effectively, is updated and released by the TIA.
embedded in over 200 websites and blogs. The TIA introduces a new e-
The TIA fully launches its online career development newsletter format and media
tool and job board, CareersInTennis.com. alerts to keep the industry better
The 2009 USTA/TIA Participa- informed and connected.
tion study shows that “new Cardio Tennis Kids makes its
player” participation rates debut and the Cardio Tennis Kids
were up nearly 20% from 2008 “Playbook” is made available.
to 7.1 million players. The effect of the recession was
seen in wholesale ball and rac-
quet shipments—down 2.3% in
balls and 11.1% in racquet units at year-end.
MAY JUNE
TennisConnect, the TIA’s premier software business The Retail Manager’s Manual, a guide to opening and
tool, launches TennisConnect Components, allowing running a tennis retail shop, is released by the TIA.
businesses online tools that work with any existing The health section of the New York
website. Times runs a story on Cardio Ten-
The TIA and its Board of Direc- nis titled “Recess with a Racket,”
tors set a goal of increasing and Cardio Tennis launches a “Fan
frequent players from 5.4 mil- of the Week” contest on social
lion to 10 million by 2020. media platforms.
TIA announces a new partner- Funding is made available by the
ship with the American Sports Builders Association. USTA to assist facilities in lining
The Wall Street Journal highlights the industry’s success courts for 10-and-under tennis.
in bringing youth into tennis. According to the Court Activity Monitor, 58% of facili-
ties felt there was an increase in new players.
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
TennisIndustry.org is revamped, designed to serve as The annual TIA publication “Tennis Is …” is released
a central portal for the industry and connecting visitors in RSI, outlining industry trends, news and research.
to news, research, programs, resources and each other. A new webinar series platform is
TennisConnect releases a launched to help further educate
new MobileBuilder Compo- tennis industry professionals on new
nent, allowing customers to developments affecting tennis busi-
create mobile pages for their nesses.
tennis business. The TIA develops a new partnership
TIA President Jon Muir is with FedEx to bring discounted
confirmed by the Board of shipping to members through the
Directors for a second two-year term. “PartnerShip” program.
A new Technology Panel is created to help keep the NBC’s hit TV show “The Biggest Loser” features
industry connected and informed on the latest trends Cardio Tennis, led by tennis star Anna Kournikova, to
in technology that can aid tennis businesses. help contestants achieve their fitness goals.
18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
2010 YEAR IN REVIEW
MARCH APRIL
The Tennis Marketplace is released, highlighting The 2010 Cost of Doing Business: Tennis Facilities is
research across all sectors of the tennis industry. published, highlighting an 18% increase in revenue per
Improved communications court and a 65% retention rate of introductory tennis
efforts go into TennisIndustry.org programs.
to keep industry participants Physical Activity Council releases
abreast of news and trends. research indicating tennis is the
TIA is a part of the delegation at fastest growing traditional
the 10th Annual SGMA National sport in the U.S., up 43% since
Health Through Fitness Day on 2000.
Capitol Hill. The GrowingTennis System statis-
TIA holds board meeting during tics show that the system is
the BNP Paribas Showdown and receiving more than 2 million
focuses on key platforms: Economic Growth, Frequent consumer queries every month.
Player Growth and Communications/Positioning.
JULY AUGUST
The TIA establishes new Facility and Retail Panels in The TIA holds is 4th Annual TIA Tennis Forum at the
an effort to stay better connected with the needs, USTA Tennis Teacher’s Conference in NYC.
issues and concerns of tennis Tennis legend Billie Jean King is inducted as the fourth
facilities and retailers. member into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame.
More than 216,000 tennis The International
players are registered on Tennis Federation
PlayTennis.com. and the USTA both
TIA stats show there are 2,753 implement new rule
Tennis Welcome Centers; 1,729 Cardio Tennis sites; changes requiring 10 & Under tennis tournaments to
and 1,638 QuickStart Tennis sites registered in the be played on scalable courts with scalable equipment.
U.S. The TIA’s annual board meeting in NYC outlines
CareersInTennis.com reaches over 700 job postings opportunities to promote growth and partnership
and over 300 registered job-seekers. among tennis businesses in the industry.
NOVEMBER DECEMBER
TIA announces a new program for tennis facilities, the Tennis glamour sensation Anna Kournikova signs on to
Cardio Tennis–Get Fit! Challenge, set to run from Jan- be the spokesperson for Cardio Tennis.
uary through May 2011. The first two webinars in the TIA’s new series focus on
TennisConnect launches a new social media for the tennis industry and
“Leagues and Ladders” compo- tips for retailers regarding racquets
nent to help tennis facilities man- and stringing.
age tournaments and leagues. TIA develops a PTR Edition of
The preliminary annual TIA Eco- TennisConnect to help members
nomic Index study values the ten- grow their business and the game.
nis industry at just over $5.6 The TIA launches a campaign to
billion. make consumers aware of the prolifera-
TIA's Cost of Doing Business Retailer Study is tion of counterfeit racquets and to buy only from
released and shows net profit remained stable at 23% authorized retailers.
for tennis retailers despite the turbulent economy.
Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 19
I
Photo by Bob Kenas/RSI
t’s amid the turmoil and commotion of an event like the utive committee, the 40-year-old Muir will remain as presi-
US Open—with all the meetings, presentations and dent for another two-year term, through Dec. 31, 2012.
overbooked schedules that surround it—that Jon Muir The confidence the TIA board has in Muir’s leadership—
appears to be at his most confident and collected. While particularly while the overall economy has manufacturers,
those around him make last-minute tweaks to slide presen- retailers and others in the industry scrambling—is inspiring.
tations for the TIA Tennis Forum, which he will soon emcee, In reality, though, it shouldn’t be unexpected. Throughout
or worry about special guests arriving on time, Muir calmly his career (Muir is the global general manager for Wilson
looks over his notes, adjusts his tie and exhales slowly, like Racquet Sports), he has shown leadership, a quiet confi-
a tennis player stepping up to the line to power in a serve. dence, respect for everyone, and a clear dedication to the
Muir, the Tennis Industry Association president, once sport and to making it grow.
again hosted the 2010 Forum, introducing industry digni- In his first term as TIA president he’s helped to crystal-
taries, talking about retail and participation research, and lize the direction the organization and the industry needs to
relating the TIA’s goals and priorities. He ends his second take to increase tennis participation and business. His savvy
year as TIA president at the end of 2010, but following rec- and understanding have helped lead to unprecedented
ommendations from the TIA board of directors and its exec- cooperation among the various entities in tennis. As USTA

President and Chairman of the Board Lucy Garvin says, “He’s in “Frequent players are the core economic drivers of tennis,”
this for all the right reasons.” accounting for more than 80 percent of all consumer goods and
It’s not just those “reasons,” but also his vision and talent in services sold, says Muir. His goal is to increase frequent players
helping this sport to grow and in bringing all industry groups (those who play at least 21 times a year) from the current 5.4
together, particularly over the last 12 months, that has made million to 7.5 million in 2015 and 10 million in 2020.
Jon Muir Racquet Sports Industry’s 2010 Person of the Year. Better defining the economic impact of tennis—in essence,
“Jon is intelligent, articulate and has good strategic vision,” defining the “worth” of the tennis industry from all sectors—will
says Dave Haggerty, former CEO of Head/Penn and the TIA help the industry determine “where we’ve been, and how we
president immediately before Muir. “He works hard for his com- can positively affect the future for all stakeholders,” he says.
pany and on behalf of the tennis industry, and it’s great that the “We know we have to communicate clearly what we’re
companies had the confidence in him to appoint him to a sec- doing and stay focused on those things so we’re consistent,”
ond term as TIA president. He builds consensus and Muir notes. “We’re going to
he’s well-respected.” drive more the key stories of
As TIA president,
Within the tennis industry, it seems you can’t find the industry to a broader audi-
Muir emcees the
anyone who can say anything even slightly negative ence, so we can bring more
TIA Tennis Forum.
about Muir. From top executives to teaching pros to attention to tennis in general.”
As Wilson GM, he
retailers, Muir seems to touch everyone in a positive Critical to communicating
meets with lifetime
way. And the word “vision” comes up over and over. better is “doing a better job
Wilson player
“Jon has a genuine interest in promoting tennis; merchandising the sport at all
Roger Federer.
he has a lot of vision for the industry,” says Garvin, levels of the industry,” he
whose term as USTA president ends Jan. 1. She adds. “We have to get retail-
asked Muir to serve as a presidential appointee to ers helping tell the story
the USTA board of directors when she took office in about the importance of ten-
2009, and her successor, Jon Vegosen, has indicated nis, as a lifetime sport and a
he will continue to keep Muir involved with the healthy sport.”
board during his two- Also a key for communi-
year term heading the cating the benefits of tennis is
USTA. a common website for get-
“Jon is very bright, ting people involved, Muir
passionate and has says. That site is playtennis.com, something that
vision,” says Vegosen. Muir and de Boer presented to the USTA board in
“He has excellent fol- 2009. “I’m really excited about this because the
low-up and follow- USTA is taking it seriously and has committed
through, and he’s resources,” he says.
collaborative and inclu- Muir also is advocating “a major youth initia-
sive in his approach to tive that can further support 10-and-under pro-
working with others.” grams, but take this to retail on a broader level.”
As president of the He says it's too early to give specifics, but the ini-
TIA, adds Vegosen, tiative’s goal is to “bridge between retailers pro-
“Jon looks out for the moting our sport and new players/parents
industry first and does- purchasing equipment.”
n’t put Wilson first. Muir started playing tennis at age 9 on the
That exhibits good public courts of Hermosa Beach, Calif. “My uncle
leadership and instills trust. I’m thrilled about his reappoint- Robb put the first racquet in my hand,” he says, “and my moth-
ment as TIA president and I’m really looking forward to work- er was so supportive, working hard as a teacher to pay for my
ing with him.” tennis growing up.”
“I was extremely pleased when the board agreed to have Jon Muir attended USC and was a tennis team walk-on. “The
stay on for a second term,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de team was so good, I was just happy I was able to be a part of
Boer. “He’s a great asset to the TIA, a unified leader who is very it.” In his senior year at USC, while studying economics, he had
zoned-in and has the core values of the TIA at heart. He knows a chance to work at a summer camp at the public Lakewood
that helping the industry grow and strengthen helps everyone in Country Club in Long Beach and soon after leaving school was
our sport.” asked to teach there full-time.
Through the TIA, Muir has developed a vision for the indus- He moved to the Lindborg Racquet Club in Huntington
try that includes three central platforms: Beach, Calif., running the junior tennis program. “I also started
Increasing the number of frequent players in the U.S. getting involved in some of the retail aspects of the club,” Muir
Better defining the economic impact of the tennis industry, so says. “I got to know the Dunlop sales rep, Jeffrey Adams, and
as to identify ways to increase growth. eventually went to lunch with him and the president of Dunlop
Developing communication channels for clear, consistent at the time, Dave Haggerty. Dave hired me as a rep for Hawaii.
messaging about tennis and the reasons to play. Jeffery and I had become great friends and he was very sup-

portive of me getting into the industry. I have a lot of respect tell when he was a rep that he was going to be big and become
for Jeffrey.” In fact, Adams and Muir still work together; Adams president of that company. You’ll never find a better person.”
is Wilson’s national sales manager. “I’ve watched him go from the bottom to the top,” says
Muir was with Dunlop for about two years, then a job with Steve Bellamy, founder of the Tennis Channel and owner of the
K-Swiss opened in Southern California. Shortly after that, in the Palisades Tennis Center near Los Angeles. “He was always just
fall of 1997, he joined Wilson as territory manager in Southern a cut above everyone we have in this industry.
California. Bob Shafer, who currently works for Active.com, “I guarantee there are a lot of pro shops that are either still
was the Wilson sales manager who hired Muir. “I don’t know if around or lasted a lot longer because Jon was their sales rep,”
I’ve ever met anyone brighter than Jon,” Shafer says. “Right off Bellamy adds. “He’s talented, smart, charismatic, prudent, prag-
the bat, I was impressed with him.” matic, leaves nothing to chance—we’re really lucky to have
Shafer says Muir understood what Wilson had to do to build him.”
market share, including looking into the growing internet retail Many in tennis agree with Bellamy’s assessment of Muir and
market. “Jon was one of the pioneers of trying to keep the his impact—and potential future influence—on this industry.
peace between brick-and-mortar and internet retailers,” Shafer “Jon has the ability to pinpoint the real issues, to cut to the
notes. chase,” says Jeff Williams, group publisher of Tennis.com and
“In 2002, I had the opportunity to move to Wilson’s head- Tennis magazine (and co-publisher of RSI). “He really has at
quarters in Chicago as the national manager of e-commerce,” heart how to make it better for everybody.”
Muir says. “I also was the liaison between sales and marketing.
TIPS FOR
It allowed me to get exposure to all different categories that
SUCCESS
Wilson was involved in.”
He quickly rose through the company. After about eight
months, Muir took over promotions for the U.S. in 2003. Then When it comes to finding solu-
in 2004 he was named director of U.S. marketing, and in 2005 tions, there’s nothing wrong in
took over as director of U.S. sales and marketing. Then in 2006, maintaining some flexibility.
he was named worldwide general manager for Wilson Racquet There are many different ways
to find the end result.
“One of the biggest things I’ve
Sports. Now Muir, who is a lifetime USTA member and certified
by both the PTR and USPTA (and an active member of both
learned in the industry is the
teaching pro groups), spends a lot of time traveling for Wilson.
importance of teamwork,” Muir
“Our worldwide revenue, profitability and most importantly
says. “No one can do every-
our focus on building our platforms for future growth are thing alone.”
stronger today then ever,” he says. “We've always been strong “We may not always agree, but
in the Americas markets but have had good growth in Europe in this industry the goals we
and Asia the past few years. I'm deeply entrenched in our go- have far outweigh some of the
to-market planning, and extremely proud of the people and nuanced ways we approach
team we are building internally. things,” Muir notes.
“I expect our core tennis racquets, strings, and ball cate- Grow the whole pie, not just
gories to grow and gain further momentum in 2011, but it’s your slice. “If the pie is bigger,
also an exciting time at Wilson with our fast growth and focus it helps everyone.”
on softgoods: tennis apparel and footwear. Over the next few
years, we expect to continue to accelerate our apparel business “He gets the bigger picture,” adds de Boer. “He knows we
and are working now on some exciting innovations and design need to make this a stronger industry by increasing our fre-
direction in tennis footwear. One of our primary goals is to quent player base. And he also is tuned in to making use of
position Wilson as a much stronger apparel and footwear technology to help tennis businesses and the sport grow.”
brand—to compete with Nike and Adidas globally in tennis.” “One of my big hopes for the TIA is to make sure the indus-
“It’s been rewarding for me working with Jon,” says Cory try, facilities, retailers teaching pros—everyone—sees that
Springer, Wilson’s global business director for tennis racquets. we’re focused and that we ‘get it,’” Muir says, “that we under-
“His approach is direct and honest; he’ll tell you exactly the stand what’s really happening. I think a lot of people don’t real-
way he sees the situation, and that’s reassuring for people. You ly get the impact that we can have.
don’t have to be concerned with behind-the-scenes agendas.” “We need to be aggressive pushing the USTA even more on
Cathy Jacobson, who oversees two tennis centers for the city focusing on frequent player growth,” he adds. “We also want to
of Long Beach and one for Seal Beach in California, has known continue building the tools the TIA can offer to retailers and facil-
Muir since his days as her K-Swiss rep and keeps in touch with ities, and to build more awareness for certified pros. We want to
him regularly. “He has the same qualities now as he did then,” tell the industry, here’s where we are and where we’re going.”
she says. “He’s so articulate, humorous and bright. And his “If Jon weren’t doing what he’s doing now,” says Wilson’s
business sense is impeccable. He’s the greatest guy I know in Springer, “he’d be a movie director. He’s a huge fan and stu-
this industry, and he will make things happen.” dent of films, and a film director needs to have vision, and
“Jon was very close with the people he worked with, more needs to use what’s at his disposal to shape things. That’s Jon.”
so than most reps,” says Al Wilmot of Racquet Swingers in “If you had to pick one person to run the entire tennis indus-
Lomita, Calif., another of Muir’s Wilson accounts. “You could try,” adds Bellamy, “I would pick Jon Muir.”

T
here are a few tennis facil- Topnotch service for members,
ities in the U.S. combined with a welcoming and giv-
that you continuing environment for all tennis fans,
ally hear great things help to make The Polo Club a win-
about. The Polo Club in ner—and RSI’s 2010 Private Facility
Boca Raton is one of of the Year.
them. This Florida facility The tennis center features clinics,
has 29 Har-Tru tennis lessons, game-matching and doubles
courts (11 with lights) and and singles events. Mario Valle has
a dynamic, innovative been the head
TIPS FOR
and social tennis pro- pro and tennis
SUCCESS
gram. director since
Of course, The Polo Club caters 1992. “I have a
to its 3,300 members, but it also reaches beyond it borders. For great team whose strength is being able Exceptional staff will make
instance, since 1986, the club has hosted the USTA’s Girls’ to anticipate different situations then everyone feel special.
National 12-and-Under tournament, and it continues to host handling them perfectly,” he says. Make sure you have great
other events and tourneys, including pro-celebrity charity “As our membership grows and ages, programming that caters to
events by Chris Evert and Andy Roddick and ITF events. Ten- you have to do different, innovative pro- the needs of both social
nis and Spa Director Jean Mills (photo above) also points out grams and formats,” says Mills, who’s and competitive players.
that the club has donated more than $10 million to tennis in been at The Polo Club for 25 years. “The Listen to your members.
Israel, and contributed over $400,000 to breast cancer aware- best part about Polo has been how it’s Your goals should exceed
their expectations.
ness and treatment. changed and grown.” —Cynthia Sherman
T TIPS FOR
om Parry’s career started when he running the extreme-
SUCCESS
couldn’t find anyone in his small ly active stringing
northern Minnesota town to string a team at pro events
Wilson T2000. “There was an older guy near- (and often sharing Educate consumers on
by who used to string,” says Parry, who was stringing info with the strings and grips; they’re
16 at the time. “He gave it a try. I was fasci- USRSA). And as one not getting this information
from other sources.
Look at what your cus-
nated and asked if he could teach me how.” of the world’s best,
During college, Parry strung at a local Parry is RSI’s 2010
tomers want, not what you
club, then started stringing for Babolat at pro Stringer of the Year. want, then try to limit
events. He’s owned a tennis shop, revamped “Tom is one of the things to a few vendors
the service center at the Nick Bollettieri Ten- most consistent instead of throwing darts
nis Academy, worked for Wilson, went on stringers out there,” at every brand out there.
the road with Pete Sampras, and designed says Roger Peters- It’s about consistency.
racquets and took care of tour pros for Volkl. man, senior category “Don’t be creative and say,
His association with the USRSA goes back 30 years. In fact, he manager for Head. “His knowledge of ‘I think I’ll do it this way
helped develop the USRSA’s Master Racquet Technician test. customizing is second to none.” this time.’”
Parry joined Pacific in 2007 as part of the global manage- “He’s one of the most respected
ment team, with diverse responsibilities. His experience at stringers in the world, and he continues to be generous with his
other racquet companies was helpful when Pacific recently time and knowledge,” says David Bone, executive director of
acquired Fischer racquet technology and in launching Pacific’s the USRSA (and co-publisher of RSI). “Tom makes time for any-
own frames. one who shares his hunger for learning and improving their
Parry also is in charge of Pacific’s player services, including skills." —Peter Francesconi

s ome tennis court construc-
tion companies started out
as general contractors or
drifted in from other trades. But
Pro-Sport Construction Inc. of
ing the tough times,” he says.
Now, the team at Pro-Sport
has a combined 75 years of
sports-specific experience, and
Brogan himself still personally
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SUCCESS
Specialize, but don't limit
yourself. Pro-Sport's primary
Devon, Pa., has always been there. oversees every project. Brogan focus is tennis, but the
That’s because, when other 15- serves as the Tennis Division company has also branched
out to other sports facilities.
Keep the customers. Pro-
year-old kids were cutting grass or President of the American Sports
bagging groceries, Mark Brogan Builders Association, is a commit-
Sport prides itself on long-
was learning to build tennis courts. tee member of the USTA Awards
term relationships with its
He worked for a specialty sports program, and has been a Certi- clients, and on working out
contractor, then for a family tennis court business. fied Tennis Court Builder (CTCB) since 1996. And strategies to keep their
Along the way, he picked up knowledge about how his company is RSI’s 2010 Builder/Contractor of facilities looking good.
he wanted to do business. the Year. Get behind new player ini-
As a Super-B champion squash player and a “When you talk to someone in the industry tiatives. “QuickStart Tennis
golfer, he was already aware of the importance of about Mark Brogan, you’ll get a smile," says Fred is going to be huge for our
good sports facilities. It wasn't any surprise when Stringfellow, executive vice president of the ASBA. industry. It might not be an
he founded Pro-Sport Construction in 1995 that “His sense of humor is as much a hallmark as Pro- immediate benefit for
the company built not only all types of tennis court Sport's excellent construction. You’d be hard- builders, but I think it’s
going to have a long-term
surfaces, but sport courts, air structures, putting pressed to find someone who has worked with
effect. People are definitely
greens and more. “We tell people to diversify and Mark who doesn’t genuinely enjoy him.”
going to see the benefits."
expand their businesses so that they'll survive dur- —Mary Helen Sprecher
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n many ways, it’s surprising Rick retail store Tennis-
Walsh wasn’t in the tennis industry Set.com in Lenexa, Kan.
have him. He’s a won- Don’t try to oversell a pro-

earlier in his career. The former “We’re fortunate to
junior standout and small-college tennis
gram. Be aware that deal-
coach—and avid tournament and rec derful rep and is so con-
ers have inventory risk,
player—spent nearly 20 years in the scientious. He’s always
margins and customer
insurance industry before he wised up. there to help us with expectations.
Walsh, of Kansas City, Kan., joined anything we need.” Understand your accounts’
Babolat nearly three years ago as a rep The Babolat brand points of view. That way,
for the Missouri Valley region, plus has been growing you can better develop a
Arkansas. “I have a lot of passion for the recently, and Walsh business relationship.
game,” he says. “I’ve been a player all credits his own success Listen to dealers, and take
my life, so it was a relatively easy tran- to the brand’s growth. the feedback back to your
sition because I was familiar with the “Everyone at Babolat managers.
game, equipment and the territory.” will admit we have
“All of Rick’s dealers really like him, growing pains,” says Walsh, who received
and he goes far and away to service dealers and customers— the company’s sales rep of the year award this past fall. “But
he’s always there for them,” says Mickey Maule, Babolat’s we have a management team that is small enough to adjust
national sales manager. Walsh not only gets involved at the and make quick decisions. And with our success now in sales,
grassroots and provides excellent service, he moves product, we can all continue to get more involved with grassroots
too. That’s why he is RSI’s Sales Rep of the Year. things and build even more brand awareness.”
“I’ve known Rick a long time,” says John Tidrick of the —Peter Francesconi

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few years ago, just before the fully, in fact, that
economy went belly up, Woody NYC Racquet
“I try to be myself,” says

Schneider decided to open up a Sports—along
fourth tennis retail location in New York with the three
Schneider. “If something
City. Everything was in place to sign the other locations—
doesn’t seem fair to me, I
papers, then the economy crashed. are RSI’s 2010 voice my opinion. I think
But Woody decided, rather than let Pro/Specialty the reps respect me for
people go and pull back from the Retailer of the that.”
deal, to “give it a go.” Year. Maintain good relation-
The 2,000-square-foot space, NYC “I still think of ships with companies and
Racquet Sports on 35th Street myself as that 80- sales reps. “I definitely feel
between Broadway and Seventh square-foot guy,” says Schneider, who we’re in this together,”
says Schneider.
ing talents with making expansion possi- Learn from your mistakes.
Avenue, is now the “flagship” store for Schneider and his part- credits Dziena and her retail and market-
ner, Joan Dziena. About 18 years ago, Schneider started Grand
“It’s how businesses
Central Racquet as a small kiosk in a corridor of New York’s ble. The four stores currently have about
grow,” says Dziena.
Grand Central Terminal. Then he expanded to a second store 10 employees. “The employee part of my
in Midtown Manhattan. Six years ago he added the pro shop at business is my favorite thing. I still get
the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. calls from people who worked for me 18 years ago.”
“Growth in the tennis retail market is tough by anyone’s “It really was a building-block process,” adds Dziena. “We
definition,” says Greg Mason, Head/Penn’s vice president of took some risks and had many challenges, and learned from
sales and marketing. “But Woody has been growing his busi- making mistakes. Now, every month has been better than the
ness and expanding, and competing successfully.” So success- last.” —Peter Francesconi
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“Establishing a Suc-
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obin Jones of Cary, N.C., is every- cessful Advocacy Pro-
one’s dream volunteer and col- gram.”
league. Her passion for helping to Working with com- Volunteer for your local
grow the game is rooted deep at the local munities around the CTA—they always can use
level, and it branches out through many areas country, Jones helps help organizing and coordi-
of the USTA and the industry. them renovate facilities nating programs, events
“Robin is like a turbocharger in the devel- and tournaments.

and build or line courts
opment of the USTA’s advocacy program,” for QuickStart Tennis. If you don’t have a CTA, go
says Barry Ford, the USTA’s director of out- to your local Parks and
She’s also been a dri-
Recreation department.
Help schoolchildren in your
reach and advocacy. “If she weren’t involved ving force behind the
in our advocacy efforts, all the things we’ve Military Outreach pro- area to play tennis through
been able to achieve would have taken much gram. "The work I've the USTA’s Adopt-A-School
longer.” For all her efforts in spreading tennis done with USTA Mili- program
across the country, Jones is RSI’s Tennis Advocate of the Year. tary Outreach has been extremely (www.usta.com/schools).
Jones was one of the original members of the Advocacy rewarding,” she says. “Recently the Learn more about the
Task Force developed in 2007. Currently, she’s on the USTA kick-off of the Adopt-A-Unit program USTA’s advocacy effort at
National Advocacy Committee, chair of the USTA Southern has really felt like hard work has paid www.usta.com/thebigserve.
Advocacy Task Force, chair of the USTA North Carolina Advo- off."
cacy Committee, a facilities consultant for the USTA, a consul- Jones didn’t start playing tennis until she was 34. “I had an
tant for the USTA National Military Outreach, and the founding immediate passion and love for the sport, which led me to
president of the Western Wake Tennis Association. She also want to create more opportunities for others to play.”
has been instrumental in creating an advocacy handbook, —Robin Bateman

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Commit to QST. "A good
hey're advocates for getting levels. Beginners
kids into the game. They're start with the QST program requires commit-
passionate about them having format. Both Sta- ment and passion from the
fun. And they just might be Quick- ples and Fried- leaders,” Staples says. “It
Start's biggest fans. man have rapid all has to be there, from
Butch Staples and Leah Friedman improvement the top down."
are the head tennis pro and junior among juniors as Make sure everyone's on
development director, respectively, at a result of their board. If kids are taking
Midtown Tennis Club in Chicago. They ability to take lessons using QuickStart,
teach children tennis starting at age 3, charge of their says Friedman, "you want
to make sure their parents
and their philosophy is simple: Get own games.
practice with them using
them playing. Not just learning strokes and doing drills, but "Butch and Leah put the fun into
the same equipment."
actually playing. And that means doing something counter- learning and playing," says Kirk Ander- Make everything age-
intuitive: taking a step back from the court. son, the USTA's Director of Recreational appropriate. Not just the
"Sometimes pros like to keep feeding the ball so kids can Coaches and Programs. "Retention has size of the court and height
hit it," says Friedman, "but we've learned that if we're been outstanding and it's because kids of the net, but the duration
patient, the kids will start working together, hitting back and enjoy themselves." of events kids participate
forth. It becomes cooperative; they learn more and they have "I love that kids are out there laughing in. "Our competition for-
fun. Lessons should be kid-centered, not coach-centered.” and having fun," says Friedman. "When mats for little kids last
"That's the magic of our programming," says Staples, "the their lesson is over, they're saying, maybe two hours," says
notion of children actually playing tennis at an early age." 'When can I come back?'" Staples. “You want to stay
family-friendly."
Midtown's junior tennis program has 500 players at various —Mary Helen Sprecher
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hen physical education guru Dr. USTA to Pangrazi. “His abil-
Robert Pangrazi of Tempe, Ariz., ity to channel that energy
Rather than lesson-based
was contacted five years ago by into programs has taken
the USTA to revise its school tennis curriculum, school tennis to a higher
instruction in specific skills,
he made it clear that he wouldn’t be focusing level.” the USTA School Tennis
on the athletically gifted players. Instead, his “Dr. Bob isn’t concerned Curriculum is designed to
goal is to encourage students of all levels and with competition or win- be kid-friendly and fun,
abilities to maintain an active lifestyle through ning,” adds Jason Jamison, using modified racquets,
adulthood. the USTA’s national schools foam balls and guidelines
Pangrazi’s eight-lesson curriculum is manager. “He uses physical for creating a play area.
designed for physical education teachers, pro- education to develop char- Provide a structured yet
viding instruction for motivating and managing acter, to make kids better nurturing environment in
groups of elementary and secondary school people.” which kids cooperate,
respect one another and
students with a focus on fun, developmentally “I can’t say enough
treat each other as equals.
Focusing on competing
appropriate activities that build interest, and confidence about the USTA’s courage in going
through instant success. The USTA provides the training, above and beyond in its commitment,” and winning risks alienat-
resources, and kid-friendly equipment. And because Pan- says Pangrazi, a renowned author, ing the majority. Empha-
grazi’s program, now two years old, has benefited millions of speaker and professor emeritus at Ari- size a good first
students, he is RSI’s Grassroots Champion of the Year. zona State University. “They are truly experience, and the rest
“Bob has an energy and passion for life. People want to fol- giving the gift of tennis as a lifetime will take care of itself.
low his lead,” says Greg Mason, Head/Penn Racquet Sports’ sport that can be played enjoyably and
director of sales and marketing, who helped introduce the recreationally to the kids who need it most.” —Cindy Cantrell

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he words “municipal tennis which Novak
facility” generally don't bring to says will be a
mind complexes with 60 lighted record. Equally Reach out to everyone.
courts, a pro shop, clubhouse and a host impressive "Diversify," says Novak.
of other amenities. Unless, of course, numbers come "Look for a broad spectrum
you're talking about the Copeland-Cox out of a city of players and make sure
Tennis Center (also known as the economic you cater to them."
Mobile Tennis Center), the world's impact study: Bring in the tournaments
largest public tennis facility. In fact, Photo credit: Ron Cioffi/USTA Southern "In 2010, our and create an enjoyable
event for players and orga-
says Scott Novak, director of tennis, the tournaments
nizers.
Don't forget the high school
reaction of a first-time visitor is always amusing. were estimated to bring in more than
"We tell people they're playing on Court 60, and they say, $40 million," Novak says. "Next year, we crowd. Even if they're not
'Court 60?'” he laughs. "They're surprised when they find out have six more tournaments, and we're yet playing in leagues, they
how big this is." The 50-year-old facility started with four estimating more that $60 million." have the potential to come
courts, but has grown in size and number of players. "It's close "It is the absolute best place to run a back after college and
to being full every night. In the afternoons, every high school tournament," says Holly Goddard, direc- become part of the adult
in town plays here, and in the mornings, leagues take up at tor of adult tennis at the USTA Southern tennis community.
least two-thirds of the courts." It’s the activity and amazing Section. "Not only do they have 60
facilities that help to make Copeland-Cox T.C. RSI’s Municipal courts, but the staff goes above and beyond to give everyone
Facility of the Year. the best experience. They have it down to a science."
The facility is on track to host 30 tournaments in 2011, —Mary Helen Sprecher
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ennis discovered Harlon Matthews nium Festival Sports wheelchairs are dif-
on Cinco de Mayo 2001. A wheel- Wheelchair Tennis ferent from regular wheel-
chair basketball player at the time, Tournament, which chairs, so people need to
Matthews had no interest in tennis. “They recently was be willing to move outside
of their comfort zone and
told me I’d have to hold the racquet but named USTA
try something they’re not
still keep my chair moving. They told me Southern Section’s
used to.
I’d get blisters,” says Matthews. “I told 2010 Tournament Wheelchair tennis players
them, ‘No thank you.’” of the Year. need to keep their chair
But when Tennis Day arrived in Athens “The one thing moving at all times, simi-
Ga., Matthews gave tennis a try. And ten- that makes Harlon lar to able-bodied players,
nis changed his life. “I never felt that in 34 such a successful who need to keep their
years of my life,” he said. Matthews began person is his pas- feet moving in order to
as a novice player but kept at it. Now, he sion, love for tennis get to the ball.
is the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator and his unbeliev- Get wheelchair athletes
and tennis coach in Henry County, Ga. able competitive and non-athletes out to
tennis events. Seeing what
Matthews didn’t stop there; he became nature despite his
others are doing and how
a member of the PTR and passed the disability,” says
much fun tennis is can
instructor test. “He’s amazing,” says Julie Rick Davison, direc- inspire reluctant people to
Jilly, the PTR’s v.p. of operations. “He moved up from beginner tor of competition for USTA Georgia. give tennis a chance.
player to clinician. He’s very passionate about what tennis can “He’s just one of those individuals who
do for people. Now, he teaches the teachers.” inspires others to just do it and stop making excuses.”
In addition, Matthews is a tournament director for the Gera- —Robin Bateman

L
ocated in St. Louis’s For- with a range of programs for all ages and abilities.
est Park, one of the And for its ability to generate players and fans, and
largest municipal parks keep them engaged, the Dwight Davis Tennis Cen-
in the country, Dwight Davis ter is RSI’s Public Park of the Year.
Tennis Center is a beehive of The DDTC’s board of directors asked St. Louis
activity—from grassroots to the native Dan Apted to be the cen-
pros. ter’s director in 2004. “About
The 19 courts, including a 10,000 people come through
1,700-seat stadium, are home to the center during the summer
TIPS FOR
the St. Louis Aces of the World TeamTennis Pro League, and there’s a
SUCCESS
but also play host to high school and college events, USTA huge com-
district and section events, leagues, major junior tourna- mitment by
A staff of dedicated people

ments and many other events. In 2010, the DDTC hosted the board
the USTA US Open Wheelchair Tournament and the and the cen-
help ensure that events are
National Public Parks Tennis Tournament. And it’s involved ter’s supporters,” says board member Rick
well-run.
with philanthropic programs, including “Just Us,” a founda- Zaegel. “Dan loves tennis and has made A facility has to be wel-
tion that enables inner-city kids to learn tennis. the facility extremely fan-friendly.” coming for everyone, with
Dwight F. Davis, a St. Louis parks commissioner and resi- “The greatest part of the facility is that excellent amenities.
dent—and donor of the famed Davis Cup—spent his life it’s in magnificent Forest Park,” says It helps to have a beautiful
working to make tennis available to all. The DDTC, while it Apted. “Nothing has a setting like Dwight location that draws people
has all the amenities of a private club, is indeed open to all, Davis.” —Cynthia Sherman in.
S TIPS FOR
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haron Greiner, president of which connects
the Southern Crescent Ten- CTAs, districts and
armed forces to Encourage leaders to do

nis Association in Georgia, sections with the
loves surrounding herself with pas-
more. If they aren’t aware of
sionate people. “We are fortunate to bring tennis to mil-
your desired goals, they can’t
have a really good board of directors itary personnel
carry them out.
and league coordinators who are all and their families. Appoint passionate people
committed to growth and open to The association to chair projects and com-
new ideas that USTA is working hard had a ‘packing par- mittees. It only takes one
to implement,” Greiner says. Commitment, dedication and ty’ at a restaurant in Peachtree City, says dedicated, passionate person
growth are a few of the attributes that led us to pick Southern Greiner. “We sent comfort items like candy to accomplish huge tasks.
Crescent as RSI’s CTA of the Year. and razors, while USTA national sent ten- Persuade all CTA members
For instance, to increase senior play SCTA introduced the nis equipment.” to encourage their friends
QuickStart Tennis play format—with foam balls, lower nets “During the past 18 months,” Greiner and family to get involved in
and shorter racquets—to novice seniors. “During an introduc- says, “we’ve gone from running league projects.
tory session,” Greiner says, “two ladies came to ‘just watch.’ programs to expanding our footprint in
But they never sat down. And an 81-year-old woman picked tennis in the surrounding counties.” The SCTA serves Fayette,
up a racquet for the first time after a 30 years.” The program Coweta, Henry, Clayton and Spalding counties.
was such a success, classes were moved to a church gym to “They’ve worked very hard on expanding outside the
accommodate the growing number of participants. Peachtree City area,” says Dave Bain, director of leagues for
Another program SCTA embraces is the Adopt-a-Unit ini- USTA Georgia. “And their participation numbers reflect this.”
tiative implemented by the USTA Advocacy Committee, —Robin Bateman

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O
As a student, to get the most
out of a lesson, communicate
ver the course of his 30-year career, Rod- University of Miami,
what you want to accomplish
ney Harmon has been recog- the USTA’s director
and ask questions.
nized as a standout college of multicultural Write down take-away points
player, touring pro and coach. For his development, direc- at the end of each practice,
willingness to share his expertise while tor of men’s tennis and review these notes prior
remaining committed to lifelong learn- for USTA High Per- to the next session.
ing, he is RSI’s PTR Member of the Year. formance, and the As a teaching pro, be pas-
“From his outstanding college tennis U.S. men’s coach at sionate and remain commit-
career that led to a successful run on the the 2008 Olympics ted to improving as a coach,
ATP Tour to his transformation into one in Beijing. Today, he just as your players strive for
excellence in their games.
Learn from everyone (other
of the top tennis coaches in the world, shares his experi-
Rodney has made a significant contribu- ence through the
coaches, experts, etc.) and
tion to tennis,” says PTR CEO Dan Santo- Tennis Channel, as
everything (professional
rum. director of tennis at development workshops,
A member of the ITA Men’s Collegiate Tennis Deerwood Country television commentary, etc.).
Hall of Fame, Harmon made a mark with his all-court game at Club in Jacksonville, Fla., and as a
the University of Tennessee and Southern Methodist Universi- speaker at PTR events. He is also a longtime supporter of the
ty. He reached the quarterfinals of the US Open men’s singles PTR’s ACE program, which helps bring more diversity to the
in 1982 and turned pro the following year, earning a No. 56 coaching ranks.
world ranking with wins over Guillermo Vilas, Brian Gottfried “It was through the PTR that I learned how to teach the fun-
and Tim Mayotte. damentals to adults and young players,” Harmon says. “I’m a
After his playing days, Harmon was the men’s coach at the very proud member of the PTR.” —Cindy Cantrell
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on Woods has been in the tennis started his career as an
business for 45 years—and a assistant pro in 1965.
To increase your chances
USPTA member for 44 of those He was the director of
years. In that time, he’s held key positions tennis at the Corpus for success, partner with
within the USPTA—including president, Christi Country Club others who are successful.
executive committee member and chair- from 1970 to 2001. It’s important to go to
man of various committees. In 1987, Woods was industry events and con-
But Woods, of Corpus Christi, Texas, also named USPTA Texas ferences to stay current
has been involved beyond the USPTA, serv- Pro of the Year, and in with what’s going on, and
ing on national USTA committees and with 1994 he won the Texas to pick up ideas on mak-
the USTA Texas Section. And he gives Proud Award. This past ing your programs suc-
cessful.
As a teaching pro, playing
back—raising money for the Tennis Success fall, he became a
Program, a nonprofit in Corpus Christi for USPTA Master Pro,
tournaments keeps you fit
youngsters. He also has hosted a Tennis then received one of
and gives you a sense of
Across America event for the last 20 years, the organization’s high- what recreational players
and he’s president of the Corpus Christi Tennis Association. For est honors, the Alex Gordon Award for are thinking.
all this and more, Woods is RSI’s 2010 USPTA Member of the USPTA Professional of the Year.
Year. “Ron has always been too busy serving USPTA and his fel-
“I just love being around tennis people,” says Woods. “I’ve low pros to seek recognition for himself,” says USPTA CEO Tim
met and been around highly successful and motivated individ- Heckler. “It’s extremely fitting that he received the avalanche
uals, and I’ve learned a lot.” Woods started playing tennis of credit he was due at this year’s USPTA awards ceremony.”
when he was 12. He played at the University of Houston, then —Peter Francesconi

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ant to find Bill Wagstaff? He's Karen Greene, the Stop worrying about
the guy running down the hall USTA's director of high win/loss. "Sometimes we
after that kid who didn't make school tennis, says lose sight of the benefits
the school's baseball team. Or basketball Wagstaff has "an because we focus on what
team. Or any team. Wagstaff has news for uncanny understanding we can put in our trophy
that kid: He's wanted on the tennis team. that coaching means case,” says Wagstaff.
Wagstaff's no-cut policy at Mead High not only reaching out to Let players know what's out
School in Spokane, Wash., has been allow- an athlete's kinesthetic there for them. Wagstaff
ing kids to learn the sport and play the talent, but recognizing will tell graduating high-
school seniors about the
game for years. As a former science and understanding the
USTA’s Tennis on Campus
teacher, he sees athletics as another entire student, pushing
program to keep them in
method of education—"to teach kids them to be the best in the game.
lessons they wouldn't learn in the class- the classroom and on Remember that tennis is
room." the court." more than a game with a
His work in coaching Mead's boys' varsity team, and the And to Wagstaff, it's still all about the score. Wagstaff runs intra-
middle school's boys' and girls' teams, has brought him experience. "The least-skilled kid on one mural leagues on his own
recognition, including the USTA's Starfish Award in 2010, pre- of my teams played in eight matches last time to keep kids playing,
sented to selected coaches who run no-cut programs. He also year. I doubt the least-skilled kid on a high hosts barbeques when other
won the 2009 USTA Pacific Northwest Section's Outstanding school varsity football team played 8 min- teams come to play, and
Contribution to Community award, and the 2009 Greater utes. They can go out, play hard and have even plays in tournaments
with kids if they can’t find a
Spokane League Coach of the Year. "Bill’s reach goes beyond fun. I'll make sure they do."
partner their own age.
coaching his teams," says Bill Leong, CEO of the USTA PNW. —Mary Helen Sprecher
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he USTA Southern Section is big— the Year, the second
with 181,000 members in nine time Southern has
It takes great volunteers

states, it is more than 20 percent won our award
of the total USTA membership. And it (2003).
and staff at the section,
does things in a big way, such as South- Leagues of every state and community
ern’s approach to 10-and-under tennis. type are big in South- levels.
“Southern is our leader in under-10 ern, and the Tennis Emphasize a strong com-
competition and has sanctioned far more on Campus program mitment to junior tennis,
10U events than any other section,” says photo credit: Ron Cioffi/USTA Southern has seen a growth along with junior tourna-
Kirk Anderson, USTA director of Recre- spurt. The section also ments and league play. It
ational Coaches and Programs. is home to some of the largest facilities in all will help increase the
number of players.

The section, adds its executive director, John Callen, has the U.S., so national and sectional tourna-
“gotten ahead of the curve” with this age group, moving ments abound. Also in 2010, the section Have an abundance of
adult leagues and tourna-
quickly to push 10U programs and tourneys. Southern also gained a US Open Series pro event, the
ments, to keep players
earmarked funds to help communities line and build shorter Atlanta Tennis Championships.
engaged and excited about
courts. “Hopefully, we’ll explode numbers on age 10 and "Our section, state and community
the game.
under and take what’s good and make it even better,” says volunteers and staff are dedicated and
Callen. passionate,” says Rex Maynard, the section’s president. “I
The 10U effort is just one reason why the section is so suc- couldn't be happier with how Southern has helped grow the
cessful. The nearly 300 volunteers, combined with staff, help game in the U.S. We've done it together, following my slogan,
to run tournaments, leagues, school programs and much ‘Work hard…grow tennis...have fun…finish strong!’”
more. For all of this, Southern is RSI’s 2010 USTA Section of —Cynthia Sherman

FAKED OUT
RACQUETS
Counterfeit racquets are becoming more prevalent, and causing

headaches for manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
T
BY MARY HELEN SPRECHER AND PETER FRANCESCONI
hink of it as the tennis industry's evil twin. With all the posi- just won’t feel right so the player will end up junking it. Then
tive things going on in tennis—programs to encourage play, they’ll have to buy a new, legitimate racquet in the end.”
a boost in 10-and-under tennis and tennis in the schools, Bruce Cook, a former online racquet seller, believes that auc-
new technologies to help players improve—there's also a dark side. tion sites should have specialists vet listings before they are post-
In this case, it's the proliferation of the counterfeit racquet business. ed. "I feel like more has to be done," he says.
Knockoff racquets, built cheaply, painted to look like the origi- According to Mike May, director of communications for the
nals and often sold through online auctions or other sites at signif- Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, counterfeiting racquets
icant discounts, are making their way into the consciousness of goes all the way back to the sport's first big boom. "We have a
retailers and manufacturers, and into the hands of players. photo taken in the 1970s of our president, Howard Bruns,” May
Jolyn de Boer, executive director of the Tennis Industry Associ- says. “He had been shopping in Taiwan, and he found a racquet in
ation, estimates that worldwide, legitimate racquet manufacturers this fly-by-night retail stand. The racquet face had the big W on it,
are losing $30 million a year because of the problem. “But it’s not but when you looked at the logo, it said Wilsom." He laughs. "Wil-
just manufacturers who suffer,” she adds. “Tennis retailers are los- som. We still have that photo hanging in our office as a reminder
ing hundreds or thousands of dollars in sales, and consumers are of what's going on out there."
getting an inferior product that may well turn them off to playing In some instances, it takes a trained eye to see the differences
tennis. In a down economy, consumers often are looking for lower- between a counterfeit racquet and the genuine item. “To an
priced bargains, and they may not be as diligent in researching a unknowing consumer, the cosmetics on a frame may look so good
product or sales outlet.” they can’t tell it apart from the real thing,” says Gordon Boggis of
Because budget racquets have a low profit margin and are read- Prince Sports.
ily available, it's the more expensive high-end racquets that are Consumers should only purchase a racquet from an autho-
commonly copied and sold illegally. Stories abound, and generally rized, reputable tennis retailer. Also, avoid online sites or sellers
it follows this theme: Customers buy equipment online, then dis- based out of China. “If someone is trying to sell you a racquet at
cover they've been duped. an incredibly low price, there’s a good chance it’s a counterfeit
Too Good To Be True

frame,” adds Muir. “It’s an illegal activity and we need the tennis
consumer to be aware of this growing problem. Only buy from
"The vast majority of counterfeit racquets are purchased through reputable dealers and websites.”
Internet auction sites," says Steve Vorhaus of Rocky Mountain Rac- But retailers say that customers often view efforts to promote
quet Specialists in Boulder, Colo. "And typically what happens is brick-and-mortar operations as an attempt to make them pay
people will come in to us with a racquet they've bought that way, more. A dealer with a web presence, or one offering a number of
and they don't like the way it plays or they don't like the string on auctions on a well-known site, can give a would-be buyer a false
it, and they want it restrung, and we have to tell them it's a knock- sense of security.
Building a Better Counterfeit

off. But all they saw when they were buying it was the price. Every-
one loves to brag about getting a deal."
The auction site eBay contains buyer- and seller-written guides According to Paul Davis, owner of Princeton Sports, a retailer with
on how to tell the difference between legitimate racquets and two stores in the Maryland area, counterfeiters' skill is evolving to
knockoffs. YouTube even has instructional clips showing side-by- the point that bad merchandise can be difficult to spot, even by
side comparisons. But, say all the experts, the biggest red flag to a those who work in the industry. "We sent out a demo racquet the
consumer should be the asking price. other day, and when it came back, it wasn't playing well. I sent it
“If the deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is,” says Jon to the manufacturer for a replacement and they called to tell me it
Muir, worldwide general manager of Wilson Racquet Sports and wasn't a real one," says Davis. "Obviously the person we sent it to
president of the TIA. “Consumers may think they’re getting a good had switched it for a counterfeit racquet, but the fact is that I could-
deal on a new or used racquet, but if the racquet they’re purchas- n't tell the difference, and I work with them all the time. That's
ing is counterfeit, chances are they’ll spend more in the long run. If how bad this is."
they’re avid players, the fake frame probably will break soon, or it Many counterfeit sports equipment operations originate over-

seas, where commerce is largely that customers bought
unregulated, and where reprisals online. Counterfeit prod-
from disgruntled customers ucts in all industries are
aren't likely. Differences in cul- estimated to account for
tural attitudes toward counter- up to 7 percent of global
feiting combined with low levels trade, costing legitimate
of intellectual property rights rights-holders around the
enforcement in certain countries world billions of dollars
all contribute to the problem. annually.
China, in particular, is rife with It's not just about the
counterfeiting operations. And money, though. Counter-
while the proliferation of e-com- feit racquets can be dan-
merce didn't give birth to the gerous for consumers to
market for counterfeit goods, it use, say manufacturers,
has made it easier for unscrupu- who spend millions in
lous dealers to broaden their research and development
sales base. to find ways to dampen
“It’s relatively easy to set up vibration that can affect
shop in China and not be bothered by law enforcement,” de Boer the arm and body when the racquet strikes the ball.
says. Some estimates indicate that more than 20 percent of all goods “These knockoff racquets just aren’t going to work the same
on the Chinese market are counterfeit, and the production, distribu- way as the real frames,” notes Eric Babolat of Babolat. “The infe-
tion and sale of fake products is rior product and con-
getting more sophisticated every struction can cause harm
year. to a player, and can defi-
Because counterfeit racquets nitely affect his or her
are made cheaply, sellers can enjoyment of the game.
price them significantly below Also, the fake racquet
retail price, then throw in free won’t have the durability
shipping worldwide. Many con- that legitimate manufac-
sumers find it impossible to turers build into their
resist. products.”
“Customers often call asking The TIA, whose board
us to match a great price they’ve of directors includes rep-
found on the internet, often resentatives of the major
below our cost,” says Brad Blume racquet manufacturers,
of the retailer TennisExpress in has instituted a campaign
Houston. “When we check out to combat the growing
the website, we find the url has counterfeit business. The
only been registered for two TIA has set up a website
weeks. Most authorized dealers where retailers and con-
have been in business for years." sumers can report coun-
Consumer Dangers
terfeit frames and
websites that appear to
Counterfeit merchandise is noth- be selling fake products.
ing new, adds Vorhaus. "Guys in The site also provides tips
trench coats have been selling to help identify bogus
Rolex watches for $20 on street sites and equipment, and
corners in New York for years. has a list of reputable
The problem is that this is a sites and dealers to buy
smaller industry, so it hits us from. (At tennisindus-
harder." try.org, click "Racquet
But tennis racquets are only Alert" at the top of the
part of the problem. According to page.)
May, the SGMA commonly sees “All of us in this
counterfeited apparel such as T-shirts, hats and jerseys sold in con- industry are pulling together to bring awareness and to help shut
nection with major sporting events like college bowl games, the down this kind of illegal activity that hurts everyone—manufac-
Olympics and the Super Bowl. Davis says personnel in his stores turers, retailers, consumers and players,” says de Boer. “We all
have noticed an increase in knockoff ski bindings attached to skis have a stake in cleaning up this kind of abuse.” Q

GUIDE TO STRINGS
Use our charts to find the perfect strings for your customers.
BY DAVID BONE
T he tennis string market in America continues to move in the

same counter-intuitive direction we identified in last year’s
String Selector. Even during a down economy, the string uni-
Our exclusive String Selector visually maps about 800 strings
based on their tension loss and stiffness. This powerful tool can
help you find other strings that play similarly to a client’s favorite
verse is continuing to grow. Last year we reported that there string or even help you find a string that outperforms your
were over 700 strings on the market. This year, there are well client’s current favorite.
over 800 strings on the market to choose from. In last year’s
String Selector, we talked about how it made sense for manufac- Using the String Selector
turers to continue investing in developing new strings because 1. Start by finding the string your client currently uses in the
stringing is usually the most profitable part of any shop and cus- appropriate list (we’ve broken the market down into four cate-
tomers are restringing their existing racquets instead of buying gories: Nylon, Polyester, Natural Gut and Kevlar).
new frames. But, there is another reason the string universe is 2. Note the string’s stiffness and tension loss numbers, go to the
growing so quickly. Technology for making different polyester appropriate map and find the dot located at these coordinates.
strings in new constructions is opening the floodgates for more Q If your client is completely satisfied with their current string
new string in the polyester category (watch one of our upcoming and doesn’t want anything different from their next string,
issues for a story about how strings are made). Again, the biggest dots in the neighborhood (very close to their current string’s
growth this year is in polyester strings. This trend is very similar dot) will likely play similar.
to what happened when manufacturers started developing tech- Q If your client is happy with how long their string plays well, but
nologies to make more complicated nylon strings. So, it’s entire- doesn’t love the feel of their string, try something on the same
ly possible, that there could be as many polyester strings on the vertical level, but farther to the right or left. Strings to the right
market as nylon strings within the next few years. The question should feel stiffer (or more crisp), while strings to the left
that is yet to be answered is whether these new polyester strings should feel softer (or more comfortable)
will eliminate the need for so many nylon strings. We’ll just have Q If your client is happy with how their string feels, but not with
to watch the patterns of demand to see which material will ulti- how long it feels that way, try something in the same column,
mately win out. For the time being, it appears manufacturers are but higher or lower. Strings higher on the chart should soften
going to keep adding new polyester strings without significantly (or loosen) up more quickly, while lower strings should hold
reducing the number of nylon strings available. This all results in their initial feel longer.
the biggest list of strings we’ve ever published. Which makes our 3. Once you’ve found a dot that seems interesting, note the coor-
String Selector more helpful than ever before. dinates 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.
Nylon Polys Natural Gut Kevlar Q Feel consistency over time tends to increase toward
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.
36 RRACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 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)
Ashaway UltraKill 18 Nylon / Zyex 1.14 135 14.71 Ektelon Premier Power w/Softflex 17 Nylon 1.26 178 14.84
Ashaway UltraNick 18 Nylon / Zyex 1.14 135 14.71 Dunlop M Fil TS 18 Nylon 1.21 178 15.63
Head Intellistring 16/17 (Cross) Polyolefin 1.28 136 15.14 Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 17 Nylon 1.23 178 16.08
Head Intellitour 17 (Cross) Polyolefin 1.28 136 15.14 Gamma Asterisk Tour 16 Nylon 1.31 178 19.95
Isospeed Platinum 16 (Cross) Polyolefin 1.27 138 16.62 Pacific Power Twist 16 Nylon 1.35 179 11.78
Ashaway UltraKill 17 Nylon / Zyex 1.24 140 14.26 Gamma Asterisk 16 Nylon 1.29 179 12.15
Ashaway UltraNick 17 Nylon / Zyex 1.24 140 14.26 Tecnifibre 505 HPR 18 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.20 180 9.59
Ashaway Dynamite Soft 18 Nylon / Zyex 1.16 141 13.36 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 Wilson Shock Shield 16 Nylon 1.31 180 13.34
Ashaway Dynamite Soft 17 Nylon / Zyex 1.26 145 13.17 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 PowerKill 17 Zyex / Nylon 1.24 147 13.72 Wilson Hollow Core Pro 17 Nylon 1.24 180 16.95
Gamma Asterisk 17 Nylon 1.26 150 13.98 Prince Premier LT 17 Nylon 1.26 180 16.96
Isospeed Professional 17 Polyolefin 1.25 151 15.35 Tecnifibre X One Biphase 18 (1.18) Nylon / Polyurethane 1.19 181 8.96
Isospeed Professional 17 (Classic) Polyolefin 1.27 152 15.06 Tecnifibre NRG2 18 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.17 181 9.86
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 Pacific PMX 16L Nylon 1.30 181 13.50
Tecnifibre X One Biphase 18 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.20 157 11.47 Tecnifibre 305 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.25 181 15.04
Isospeed Control 16 Polyolefin 1.27 158 15.61 Klip Excellerator 18 Nylon 1.22 181 15.26
Dunlop X Life 1.22 Nylon 1.21 160 17.73 Toalson Synthetic Soft 130 Nylon 1.32 182 12.98
Dunlop Precision 1.18 Nylon 1.17 161 15.17 Head ETS 16 Nylon 1.32 182 13.16
Ashaway SuperNick XL Pro 17 Nylon 1.26 162 14.06 Babolat Xcel Power 16 Nylon 1.32 183 9.64
Babolat Xcel Power 17 Nylon 1.27 164 10.76 Alpha Gut 2000 17 Nylon 1.29 183 11.46
Ashaway SuperNick XL Micro 18 Nylon 1.16 164 12.73 Klip Venom 17 Nylon 1.26 183 12.46
Dunlop Explosive 1.18 Nylon 1.19 164 15.02 Velociti Plus 16 Nylon 1.31 183 12.65
Isospeed Platinum 16 (Main) Polyolefin / Nylon 1.32 165 12.46 Velociti Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.21 183 13.21
Ashaway SuperKill XL 17 Nylon 1.29 165 12.86 Toalson Bio Logic Soft 125 Nylon 1.25 183 14.31
Ashaway PowerKill Pro 16 Zyex / Nylon 1.36 165 13.21 Pacific PMX 16 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.33 184 10.80
Toalson Bio Logic Soft 130 Nylon 1.31 165 20.88 Head RIP Control 16 Nylon / Polyolefin 1.38 184 11.02
Ashaway SuperNick XL 17 Nylon 1.26 166 12.08 Forten Tiegut 16 Nylon 1.32 184 12.08
Head Evolution Pro 16 Nylon 1.31 168 12.10 Dunlop Hexy Fiber 16 Nylon 1.36 184 12.99
Gamma Professional 17 Nylon / Zyex 1.29 168 12.37 Tourna Quasi Gut 17 Nylon 1.29 184 14.40
Dunlop Silk 17 Nylon 1.22 168 15.11 Yonex Tough Brid 125 17 (Cross) Nylon / Vectran 1.35 185 12.02
Babolat Xcel 17 Nylon 1.26 169 10.72 Gearbox Multi Premium 17 Nylon 1.26 185 12.77
Tecnifibre TGV 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.27 169 14.69 Velociti Plus 17 Nylon 1.26 185 13.63
Head ETS 17 Nylon 1.25 170 14.00 Alpha Ultra Spin SC 15L Nylon 1.45 185 14.13
Dunlop Silk 16 Nylon 1.29 170 16.12 Tecnifibre 505 Biphase 18 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.20 185 14.31
Ashaway SuperNick XL Titanium 17 Nylon 1.24 171 12.32 Tourna Quasi Gut 16 Nylon 1.31 185 15.59
Forten Ti Blend 16 (Cross) Nylon 1.32 171 13.56 Golden Set Dura Meld 17 Nylon 1.26 185 16.05
Super String High Speed Viper V4 Nylon 1.24 171 14.37 Volkl Power Fiber II 17 Nylon 1.25 186 12.20
Gamma TNT2 Touch 17 Nylon 1.28 171 16.63 Gamma Revelation 17 Nylon 1.26 186 13.08
Pacific PMX 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.24 172 12.30 Head MegaBlast 17 Nylon 1.26 186 13.96
Gamma Asterisk Spin 16 Nylon 1.29 172 12.73 Ektelon Lightning XX w/ Powerfoil 16 Nylon 1.32 187 11.01
Tecnifibre 305 18 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.15 172 13.96 Alpha Gut 2000 16 Nylon 1.33 187 11.23
Ektelon Premier Power 18 Nylon 1.19 173 17.44 Gamma Gut 2 16 Nylon 1.34 187 12.00
Gamma Professional 16 Nylon / Zyex 1.33 174 13.28 Isospeed Energetic 17 Polyolefin / Nylon 1.19 187 14.64
Prince Premier LT 18 Nylon 1.19 174 17.37 Prince Premier LT 16 Nylon 1.29 187 16.72
Gamma Prodigy 17 Nylon 1.25 175 11.16 Yonex Tour Super 880 Ti Soft 16L Nylon 1.28 188 9.77
Prince Premier w/Softflex 17 Nylon 1.25 175 11.97 Silent Partner Filament Frenzy 16 Nylon 1.31 188 11.55
Alpha Axiom 16 Nylon 1.32 175 12.67 Genesis Xplosion 17 Nylon 1.26 188 12.81
Pacific Power Twist 16L Nylon 1.29 175 13.01 Gamma Live Wire 17 Nylon / Zyex 1.24 188 13.74
Mantis Comfort Synthetic 16 Nylon 1.31 175 14.42 Pacific Space Power TX 17 Nylon 1.25 188 16.54
Tecnifibre TGV 16 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.31 175 14.60 Tecnifibre Multifeel 16 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.30 189 9.81
Isospeed Energetic 16 Polypropylene/Polyester 1.29 175 18.76 Volkl Power Fiber II 18 Nylon 1.19 189 10.39
Babolat Xcel 16 Nylon 1.29 176 9.66 Alpha Element 16 Nylon 1.32 189 10.89
Head Synthetic Gut PPS 18 Nylon 1.16 176 11.93 Pacific Futura TXT 16L Nylon 1.29 189 11.16
Prince Premier w/Softflex 16 Nylon 1.31 176 11.97 Head FiberGel Power 16 Nylon 1.31 189 11.62
Head Intellitour 17 (Main) Nylon / Polyolefin 1.30 177 10.87 Volkl Gripper 16 Nylon 1.30 189 11.98
Gearbox Multi Premium 18 Nylon 1.17 177 12.85 Head MegaBlast 16 Nylon 1.28 189 14.11
Alpha Ultra Spin SC 16 Nylon 1.31 177 16.20 Toalson Neo Natural Mugen 1.25 Nylon 1.27 189 14.48
Fischer Comfort 16 Nylon 1.33 177 17.44 Golden Set Velvet 17 Nylon 1.27 189 15.59
Head RIP Control 17 Nylon / Polyolefin 1.28 178 10.25 Wilson Hollow Core Pro 16 Nylon 1.33 189 15.63
Head Intellistring 16/17 (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 Yonex Tour Super 850 16 Nylon 1.31 190 10.89
Continued
following
Pro Kennex Pure 1 Liquid 17 Nylon 1.26 178 13.96 Isospeed Hybrid Long Life 16 Nylon / Polyester 1.29 190 11.07 page

Nylon, Zyex, & Polyolefin (Sorted by Stiffness) Cont.
Kirschbaum Touch Multifibre 1.25 Nylon 1.25 190 11.20 Ashaway Liberty 15L Nylon 1.41 196 16.25
Head Synthetic Gut PPS 17 Nylon 1.22 190 11.38 Tecnifibre NRG2 16 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.31 197 8.05
Tourna Irradiated 17 Nylon 1.27 190 11.62 Forten Spin Gear Nylon 1.43 197 11.22
Klip Kicker 17 Nylon 1.24 190 11.68 Gamma Revelation 16 Nylon / Zyex 1.32 197 11.88
Gamma Live Wire XP 16 Nylon / Zyex 1.32 190 12.04 Wilson Sensation 17 Nylon 1.25 197 11.91
Babolat Addiction 17 Nylon 1.26 190 12.06 Alpha Hardcourt Synthetic 17 Nylon 1.26 197 13.58
Gosen OG Sheep Micro 18 Nylon 1.19 190 12.28 Kirschbaum Touch MultiFibre 1.35 Nylon 1.34 197 13.87
Golden Set Maximal 17 Nylon 1.27 190 12.52 Toalson Neo Natural Mugen 1.30 Spin Nylon 1.28 197 14.75
Gamma Live Wire 16 Nylon / Zyex 1.31 190 12.87 E-Force Fluid 17 Nylon 1.26 197 15.66
Pro Supex Maxim Touch 1.30 Nylon 1.29 190 13.06 Wilson NXT 16 Nylon 1.30 198 10.69
Gamma TNT2 Touch 16 Nylon 1.30 190 14.86 Yonex Tournament 50 16L Nylon 1.29 198 11.53
Ashaway Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.26 190 14.93 Babolat Addiction 16 Nylon 1.31 198 11.79
Gamma TNT2 Rx 17 Nylon 1.26 191 10.96 Ashaway Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.34 198 12.12
Gamma Live Wire XP 17 Nylon / Zyex 1.25 191 12.35 Pacific Premium Power X 16L Nylon 1.29 198 12.74
Pacific Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.31 191 13.05 Golden Set Optimum 16 Nylon 1.31 198 12.85
Topspin Sence Seven 16 Nylon 1.33 191 13.29 Velociti Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.30 198 12.88
Volkl Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.27 191 13.58 Forten Dynamix 18 Nylon 1.21 198 13.01
Tecnifibre 505 HPR 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.26 191 14.09 Volkl Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.30 198 13.12
Tecnifibre X One Biphase 16 (1.30) Nylon / Polyurethane 1.31 192 10.08 Mutual Power Dura Plus BX 16 Nylon 1.31 198 14.11
Tecnifibre X One Biphase 17 (1.24) Nylon / Polyurethane 1.28 192 10.12 Mutual Power Titanium 900 16 Nylon 1.33 198 14.31
Prince Lightning XX w/ Powerfoil 17 Nylon / Polyester 1.24 192 10.94 Mutual Power Topspin 16 Nylon 1.36 198 14.38
PowerAngle Duo Color TNT 17 Nylon 1.20 192 12.01 Alpha Power Cable 16 Nylon 1.32 198 15.10
Pro Supex Maxim Touch 1.35 Nylon 1.34 192 12.39 Gamma TNT2 Tour 17 Nylon 1.25 198 15.81
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut 1.20 Nylon 1.19 192 12.55 Wilson NXT OS 16L Nylon 1.32 199 10.43
Gamma TNT2 Pro Plus 17L Nylon 1.25 192 12.74 Yonex Tough Brid 130 16 (Cross) Nylon / Vectran 1.40 199 11.90
Kirschbaum Touch MultiFibre 1.30 Nylon 1.31 192 14.07 Gosen OG Sheep Micro 17 Nylon 1.24 199 12.35
Toalson Bio Logic 128 Nylon 1.28 192 14.97 Prince Tournament Nylon 15L Nylon 1.40 199 13.19
Mutual Power Semi Gut 16 Nylon 1.35 192 15.11 Gearbox Mono Premium 17 Nylon 1.26 199 14.64
Gosen Power Master 2 (1.00-1.43) Nylon 1.00-1.43 192 16.63 E-Force Oxygen 17 Nylon 1.25 199 15.35
Alpha Ultra Spin 15L Nylon 1.38 192 16.69 Alpha Synthetic Gut MXT 18 Nylon 1.16 199 16.15
Tecnifibre Multifeel 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.27 193 9.92 Topspin Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.31 199 16.58
Gosen OG Sheep Micro Super 17 Nylon 1.24 193 11.51 Wilson Strike Zone 17 Nylon 1.24 200 11.57
Forten Omni Spin 15L Nylon 1.37 193 12.44 Bow Brand Micro Tournament 17 Nylon 1.24 200 12.50
Wilson NXT 17 Nylon 1.24 193 12.99 Golden Set Torque 15L Nylon 1.36 200 13.30
Golden Set Optimum 17 Nylon 1.26 193 13.42 Kirschbaum Synthetic Gut Premium 1.30 Nylon 1.30 200 13.49
Gosen Composite Master 2 (1.00-145) Nylon 1.00-145 193 13.87 E-Force Oxygen 16 Nylon 1.28 200 13.65
Golden Set Velvet 16 Nylon 1.31 193 15.43 Golden Set Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.26 200 13.95
Klip Venom 16 Nylon 1.32 194 9.96 Pacific Powerline 17 Nylon 1.25 200 14.70
Head FXP 17 Nylon / Polyester 1.25 194 10.59 Gosen Power Master 1 (1.09-1.45) Nylon 1.09-1.45 200 16.39
Prince Lightning XX 16 Nylon 1.29 194 10.76 Bow Brand t2000 15L Nylon 1.37 201 11.38
Volkl Power Fiber II 16 Nylon 1.30 194 11.20 Mutual Power Response 16 Nylon 1.32 201 12.46
Yonex Tournament 80 Spin 15L Nylon / Vectran 1.35 194 11.33 Forten Ti Blend 16 (Main) Nylon 1.34 201 12.57
Silent Partner Ultimatum 18 Nylon 1.19 194 12.04 Silent Partner Ultimatum 17 Nylon 1.28 201 12.66
Forten Sweet 17 Nylon 1.27 194 12.62 Gosen Composite Master 1 (1.10-148) Nylon 1.10-148 201 13.67
Ashaway Liberty 16 Nylon 1.33 194 12.90 Kirschbaum Hybrix Crosses 1.30 Nylon 1.33 201 14.20
Kirschbaum Hybrix Crosses 1.25 Nylon 1.26 194 13.72 Alpha Sensor Fibre 16 Nylon 1.35 202 11.02
Alpha Claycourt Plus 16 Nylon 1.32 194 13.80 Gamma Challenger 17 Nylon 1.27 202 11.33
Tecnifibre Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.27 194 13.96 Klip Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.25 202 12.87
Golden Set Torque 16 Nylon 1.30 194 14.15 Pacific Powerline 16L Nylon 1.32 202 12.90
Wilson Hollow Core 16 Nylon 1.34 194 14.51 Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Titan 17 Nylon 1.25 202 13.05
Pacific Space Power TX 16 Nylon 1.32 194 16.65 Alpha Hardcourt Synthetic 16 Nylon 1.31 202 13.30
Alpha Gut 2000 15L Nylon 1.38 195 11.11 Pacific Premium Power X 16 Nylon 1.33 202 13.67
Tourna SpinPlus 16 Nylon 1.32 195 11.14 Tecnifibre Duramix HD 17 Nylon 1.27 202 15.37
Gearbox Mono Premium 18 Nylon 1.17 195 11.18 Gamma Synthetic Gut w/Wearguard 17 Nylon 1.26 203 9.15
Klip Excellerator 16 Nylon 1.30 195 11.44 Gamma Synthetic Gut w/Wearguard 18 Nylon 1.21 203 9.68
Klip Excellerator 17 Nylon 1.30 195 11.66 Gamma TNT2 Rx 16 Nylon 1.36 203 9.81
Gamma TNT2 Ruff 16 Nylon 1.52 195 11.95 Kirschbaum Touch Classic 1.30 Nylon 1.30 203 10.94
Golden Set Maximal 16 Nylon 1.29 195 12.29 Kirschbaum Touch Classic 1.25 Nylon 1.24 203 11.23
Genesis Xplosion 16 Nylon 1.31 195 12.77 Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 18 Nylon 1.20 203 11.51
Tecnifibre 505 Biphase 17 Nylon / Polyurethane 1.26 195 13.32 Wilson NXT Tour 17 Nylon 1.27 203 12.46
Alpha Comfort Plus 16 Nylon 1.31 195 13.74 Klip Screamer Titanium 16 Nylon / Titanium 1.30 203 12.54
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Spiral Flex 16 Nylon 1.28 195 14.80 Gosen OG Sheep Micro 16 Nylon 1.29 203 12.96
Prince Recoil 16 Nylon 1.30 195 15.95 Toalson Leona 66 15L Nylon 1.40 203 14.18
Mutual Power Power Match (Mains) Nylon 1.33 195 17.50 Gearbox Mono Premium 16 Nylon 1.29 203 14.81
Yonex Tour Super 850 Pro 16 Nylon 1.34 196 11.13 Dunlop S Gut 17 Nylon 1.23 203 16.17
Head Synthetic Gut PPS 16 Nylon 1.31 196 11.69 Tecnifibre Synthetic Gut 15L Nylon 1.36 203 16.74
Alpha Prodigy 16 Nylon 1.32 196 11.95 Alpha Synthetic Gut MXT 16 Nylon 1.31 203 17.05
Gosen AK Control 17 Nylon 1.26 196 11.96 Gamma Synthetic Gut w/Wearguard 16 Nylon 1.31 204 10.03
Pacific Space Power TX 16L Nylon 1.31 196 12.31 Gosen OG Sheep Micro Super 16 Nylon 1.30 204 11.29
Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 16 Nylon 1.28 196 13.98 Gosen AK Control 16 Nylon 1.29 204 11.31
Kirschbaum Synthetic Premium 1.25 Nylon 1.27 196 14.11 Tourna Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.22 204 11.31
Toalson Neo Natural Mugen 1.30 Nylon 1.30 196 14.64 Tourna Irradiated 16 Nylon 1.33 204 11.44

Forten Sweet 15L Nylon 1.36 204 11.55 Alpha Viper MXT 16 Nylon 1.29 212 12.35
Pacific Syntec 16L Nylon 1.32 204 12.37 Carnelian Synthetic Gut 16L Nylon 1.32 212 12.92
Klip Excellerator 15L Nylon 1.34 204 12.68 Golden Set Classic 16 Nylon 1.31 212 13.43
Gosen Nanoblend 16 Nylon 1.24 204 12.97 Pacific Powerline 16 Nylon 1.36 213 11.49
Mantis Power Synthetic 17 Nylon 1.23 204 13.03 RAB Endura Classic 16 (Cross) Nylon 1.32 213 11.62
Silent Partner Head Spin 15L Nylon 1.38 204 13.18 Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 16 Nylon 1.30 213 12.04
Silent Partner Titanium 16 Nylon 1.32 204 13.19 Prince Synthetic Gut Original 17 Nylon 1.24 214 10.59
Gosen OG Sheep Micro Spin 15L Nylon 1.35 205 10.25 Klip Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.33 214 10.98
Wilson Extreme Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.28 205 10.30 Gamma TNT2 18 Nylon 1.18 214 11.05
Forten Dynamix 17 Nylon 1.26 205 11.14 Ektelon Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 16 Nylon 1.31 214 12.24
Ashaway SuperKill 17 Nylon 1.24 205 13.23 Pacific Dura Tech 16L Nylon / Aramid 1.27 214 13.12
Fischer Tournament Pro 16 Nylon 1.36 205 13.54 Kirschbaum Synthetic Gut 1.30 Nylon 1.32 214 13.25
Tecnifibre Duramix HD 16 Nylon 1.31 205 15.50 Klip Synthetic Gut 15L Nylon 1.37 214 13.76
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 Tourna Nylon 16 Nylon 1.32 215 12.33
Alpha Viper MXT 17 Nylon 1.25 206 12.97 Pro Supex FT Ruff 1.30 Nylon 1.27 215 13.49
Wilson Strike Zone 16 Nylon 1.29 206 13.32 Pacific Syntec 16 Nylon 1.37 216 12.15
Klip Scorcher 17 Nylon 1.27 206 13.51 Babolat N.vy 16 Nylon 1.29 216 12.19
Golden Set Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.31 206 13.83 Pacific Dura Tech 16 Nylon / Aramid 1.32 216 12.85
Wilson NXT Control 16 Nylon 1.31 206 15.81 Kirschbaum Synthetic Gut 1.35 Nylon 1.36 216 12.88
Prince Lightning XX 17 Nylon 1.26 207 9.68 Alpha Sphere 16 Nylon 1.31 216 14.88
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut 1.30 Nylon 1.30 207 11.27 Gamma Dura Spin w/ Wearguard 16 Nylon 1.37 217 8.95
Pacific Futura TXT 16 Nylon 1.39 207 11.51 Gosen Nanocubic 16 Nylon 1.32 217 10.81
Silent Partner Original Syn 16 Nylon 1.33 207 13.89 Gamma Challenger 16 Nylon 1.32 217 10.95
E-Force Fluid 16 Nylon 1.29 207 15.43 Prince Synthetic Gut Original 16 Nylon 1.30 217 11.67
Alpha Tenacity 16 Nylon 1.26 207 20.84 Toalson Silencer 17 Nylon 1.26 217 13.96
Dunlop S Gut Ti 17 Nylon 1.23 208 10.76 E-Force Platinum 17 Nylon 1.26 217 14.42
Bow Brand Synthetic Gut XT 16 Nylon 1.33 208 10.85 Gamma Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.30 218 9.86
Forten Dynamix 16 Nylon 1.34 208 10.95 Gamma TNT2 15L Nylon 1.33 218 10.69
Alpha All Player Nylon 15L Nylon 1.37 208 11.38 Gosen OG Sheep Proform Tuff 15L Nylon 1.38 218 11.16
Klip Blast 17 (Cross) Nylon 1.26 208 11.46 Bow Brand Super Pro 15L Nylon 1.43 218 11.42
Klip Scorcher 16 Nylon 1.31 208 12.83 Bow Brand Calibre 15L Nylon 1.36 218 12.28
Toalson Cyber Nylon Tour 135 L.E.O. Nylon 1.37 208 16.54 Wilson NXT Tour 16 Nylon 1.31 219 8.98
Wilson NXT Tour 18 Nylon 1.24 209 9.53 Gamma Marathon DPC 15L Nylon 1.44 219 10.80
Gamma TNT2 17 Nylon 1.27 209 9.85 Head Master 15L Nylon 1.39 219 11.58
Prince Topspin Plus 16 Nylon 1.29 209 10.06 Gosen OG Sheep Rectangle Z 16 Nylon 1.36 219 12.79
Head FXP 16 Nylon / Polyester 1.34 209 10.83 Ashaway SuperKill II 16 Nylon 1.31 219 13.16
Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 15L Nylon 1.35 209 11.13 Golden Set Classic 15L Nylon 1.35 219 13.63
Gamma Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.26 209 11.51 Head Master 16L Nylon 1.31 221 9.57
Wilson Sensation 16 Nylon 1.32 209 11.55 Gamma Synthetic Gut 18 Nylon 1.22 221 10.14
Toalson Synthetic 130 Spin Nylon 1.31 209 11.68 Bow Brand Superspin 1.33 Nylon 1.43 222 11.29
Prince Topspin w/Duraflex 15L Nylon 1.30 209 11.92 Toalson Synthetic Tournament 16 Nylon 1.32 222 11.88
Gosen Tecgut Super Tec AK Pro 17 Nylon 1.24 209 11.97 Toalson TOA Gold 17 Nylon 1.26 222 12.92
Topspin Nylon Pro 15L Nylon 1.41 209 12.35 Toalson Silencer 16 Nylon 1.32 222 14.04
Klip Kicker 16 Nylon 1.32 209 12.55 E-Force Platinum 16 Nylon 1.28 222 14.40
Mutual Power Super Power 16 Nylon 1.33 209 12.94 Gamma Dura Spin 16 Nylon 1.39 223 8.93
Gamma TNT2 Tour 16 Nylon 1.31 209 14.49 Gamma Synthetic Gut 15L Nylon 1.37 224 11.42
Dunlop S Gut 16 Nylon 1.35 209 15.06 Fischer Pro Number One 16 Nylon 1.32 224 12.66
Toalson Cyber Nylon Tour 129 L.E.O. Nylon 1.28 209 16.36 Gosen X 3 15L (Cross) Nylon 1.36 224 13.12
Gamma TNT2 16 Nylon 1.31 210 10.34 Babolat Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.31 224 13.32
Wilson Extreme Synthetic Gut 17 Nylon 1.25 210 10.39 Gamma Advantage 15L Nylon 1.39 227 9.90
Gosen Tecgut Remplir 16 Nylon 1.32 210 11.62 Toalson TOA Gold 16 Nylon 1.30 227 13.16
Pacific DuraTech Flex 16 Nylon 1.29 210 11.91 Toalson Synthetic Tournament 15L Nylon 1.39 228 11.65
Bow Brand Tournament 16L Nylon 1.32 210 11.97 Wilson Red Alert 16 Nylon 1.31 231 11.55
Tecnifibre Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.34 210 12.70
Topspin Fibre Touch 16 Nylon 1.30 210 13.01
Pro Supex FT Ruff 1.25 Nylon 1.23 210 13.74
Alpha Power Cable MXT 15L Nylon 1.37 210 14.91
Wilson NXT Max 16 Nylon 1.34 211 9.71
Gosen Tecgut Super Tec AK Speed 16 Nylon 1.32 211 10.45
Forten Competition Nylon 15L Nylon 1.41 211 10.89
Mutual Power Spin 16 Nylon 1.32 211 11.05
Klip Blast 16 (Cross) Nylon 1.32 211 11.62
Wilson SXG 16 Nylon 1.33 211 11.84
Babolat N.vy 17 Nylon 1.26 211 12.42
Tourna Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.34 211 12.76
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Titan 16 Nylon 1.28 211 12.94
Prince Lighting XX Spin 16 Nylon 1.30 212 10.30
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
www.racquetsportsindustry.com Janaury 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 39

Polyester (Sorted by Stiffness)
Babolat Pro Hurricane 18 Polyester 1.21 187 22.29 Yonex Tough Brid 125 17 (Main) Polyester 1.24 232 20.95
Dunlop Black Widow 17 Polyester 1.25 187 25.25 Poly Star Classic 17 Polyester 1.22 232 22.23
Dunlop Black Widow 16 Polyester 1.30 192 25.03 Pacific Poly Soft Pro 16 Polyester 1.29 232 23.71
Head Sonic Pro 17 Polyester 1.23 199 23.09 Topspin Cyber Blue 1.25 Polyester 1.24 233 15.66
Genesis Heptonic 18 Polyester 1.16 200 22.49 Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.23 Polyester 1.25 233 17.48
Pacific Poly Power 18 Polyester 1.09 201 21.17 Pacific Poly Power Comp 16L Polyester 1.27 233 18.21
Polyfibre Poly Hightec 1.10 Polyester 1.09 206 23.68 Gamma Stinger (Main) Polyester 1.28 233 19.53
Isospeed Pulse 1.20 Polyester 1.23 209 21.78 Ashaway MonoGut 17 Polyester 1.22 233 20.20
Super String Pure Control Orange Polyester 1.25 210 22.25 Pacific Poly Power Pro 16 Polyester 1.30 233 21.19
Polyfibre Poly Hightec 1.15 Polyester 1.16 211 23.49 Tourna Big Hitter Rough 17 Polyester 1.22 233 21.35
Gamma Zo Tour 16 Polyester 1.32 214 20.73 Tourna Premium Poly 17 Polyester 1.27 233 21.80
Head Sonic Pro 16 Polyester 1.31 214 22.18 Isospeed Hybrid Spin 16 Polyester 1.30 233 24.08
Isospeed Pulse 1.30 Polyester 1.30 214 23.74 Isospeed Pyramid Spin 16 Polyester 1.30 233 24.50
Gosen Polylon Comfort 17 Polyester 1.26 215 19.91 Kirschbaum Pro Line No.1 1.15 Polyester 1.16 234 17.09
Gosen Polylon Polyquest 17 Polyester 1.25 215 20.70 Pro Supex Premier Ace 1.25 Polyester 1.24 234 17.57
Pro Supex Poly Power Soft 1.15 Polyester 1.13 216 19.69 Klip K Boom 17 Polyester 1.23 234 17.99
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 130 16 Polyester 1.31 216 20.94 Pro Supex Big Ace 1.25 Polyester 1.25 234 19.16
Tecnifibre X Code 17 Polyester 1.27 217 17.66 Kirschbaum Touch Turbo 1.275 Polyester 1.26 234 21.21
Pacific Poly Power Pro 17 Polyester 1.21 218 21.78 Polyfibre TCS 1.25 Polyester 1.26 234 23.86
Genesis Heptonic 17 Polyester 1.22 218 22.38 Poly Star Energy 17 Polyester 1.22 234 25.45
Kirschbaum Competition 1.20 Polyester 1.19 219 19.09 Tecnifibre Pro Red Code 17 Polyester 1.26 235 16.27
Pro Supex Big Ace Micro 1.15 Polyester 1.20 219 19.34 Pro Supex Poly Control 1.25 Polyester 1.26 235 17.23
Isospeed Pyramid 16 Polyester 1.28 219 24.19 Kirschbaum Competition 1.25 Polyester 1.28 235 19.07
Tecnifibre Black Code 18 Polyester 1.18 220 18.88 Luxilon Alu Power Spin 127 Polyester 1.29 235 19.25
Polyfibre HighTec Premium 1.20 Polyester 1.21 220 23.13 Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.20 Polyester 1.21 235 19.98
Golden Set Poly 18 Polyester 1.15 221 20.66 Gamma Zo Tour Rough 16 Polyester 1.29 235 20.52
Poly Star Strike 16L Polyester 1.25 221 22.93 Gosen Polylon Polyquest 16 Polyester 1.29 235 21.06
Pacific X Force 18 Polyester 1.19 222 17.09 Poly Star Classic 16 Polyester 1.28 235 22.14
Tecnifibre Pro Red Code 18 Polyester 1.19 222 18.89 Kirschbaum Spiky Shark 17 Polyester 1.23 235 23.42
Pacific Poly Power Pro 16L Polyester 1.24 222 21.65 Topspin Cyber Flash 1.20 Polyester 1.20 236 17.47
Gosen Poly Master 2 (1.00-1.43) Polyester 1.00-1.43 222 22.45 Klip Optic Nerve 17 Polyester 1.23 236 17.49
Tourna Big Hitter Blue 18 Polyester 1.21 223 18.32 Kirschbaum Pro Line No.2 1.25 Polyester 1.24 236 19.14
Klip K Boom 18 Polyester 1.19 223 18.88 RAB Endura Classic 16L (Main) Polyester 1.29 236 20.26
Isospeed Hybrid Control 16L Polyester 1.25 223 20.73 Gosen Polylon Polybreak 18 Polyester 1.21 236 21.26
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.2 1.15 Polyester 1.16 224 18.92 Prince Tournament Poly 16 Polyester 1.29 236 24.17
Tecnifibre Black Code 17 Polyester 1.27 225 18.03 Polyfibre Viper 1.25 Polyester 1.24 236 24.66
Topspin Cyber Blue 1.20 Polyester 1.22 225 18.17 Poly Star Energy 16L Polyester 1.27 236 25.23
Pro Supex Big Ace 1.22 Polyester 1.21 225 18.68 Genesis Typhoon 16L Polyester 1.25 237 20.64
Gamma Zo Tour 17 Polyester 1.29 225 18.94 Genesis Hexonic 18L Polyester 1.15 238 17.20
Signum Pro Tornedo 1.17 Polyester 1.16 225 19.85 Gosen Polylon Polybreak 17 Polyester 1.23 238 17.47
Super String Terminato V1 Polyester 1.27 225 24.50 Tourna Big Hitter Blue 16 Polyester 1.29 238 17.88
Babolat Pro Hurricane 17 Polyester 1.25 226 16.83 Pro Supex Big Ace 1.28 Polyester 1.25 238 18.68
Luxilon Alu Power Fluoro 123 Polyester 1.25 226 17.64 Forten Pro Select 17 Polyester 1.20 238 18.92
Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 Polyester 1.23 226 17.97 Volkl Cyclone 16 Polyester 1.32 238 20.07
Polyfibre Poly Hightec 1.20 Polyester 1.18 226 23.44 Alpha Vengence 17 Polyester 1.26 238 22.36
Signum Pro Poly Megaforce 1.19 Polyester 1.19 227 16.67 Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.18 Polyester 1.19 239 15.65
Kirschbaum P2 1.20 Polyester 1.18 227 18.10 Wilson Enduro Pro 17 Polyester 1.25 239 15.77
Pacific Poly Soft 16L Polyester 1.26 227 19.41 Gamma Zo Power 16L Polyester 1.20 239 17.29
Polyfibre TCS Rapid 1.20 Polyester 1.19 227 23.79 Signum Pro Tornedo 1.23 Polyester 1.25 239 19.16
Polyfibre Cobra 1.20 Polyester 1.21 227 24.43 Tourna Premium Poly 16 Polyester 1.29 239 20.25
Tecnifibre X Code 16 Polyester 1.31 228 18.85 Polyfibre HighTec Premium 1.30 Polyester 1.29 239 25.36
Pro Supex Poly Master 1.25 Polyester 1.26 228 20.59 Polyfibre Poly Hightec 1.25 Polyester 1.24 239 27.14
Volkl Cyclone 17 Polyester 1.26 228 21.54 Luxilon Timo 122 Polyester 1.20 240 14.07
Pacific Poly Soft Pro 16L Polyester 1.26 228 23.92 Topspin Cyber Flash 1.25 Polyester 1.23 240 15.54
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.2 1.20 Polyester 1.18 229 18.19 Pro Supex Premier Ace 1.30 Polyester 1.28 240 16.83
Tourna Big Hitter Blue 17 Polyester 1.26 229 18.21 Pro Supex Poly Control 1.30 Polyester 1.28 240 16.94
Silent Partner Roly Poly 17 Polyester 1.27 229 19.62 Pro Supex Blue Gear 1.19 (Platinum Edition)Polyester 1.19 240 17.60
Kirschbaum Touch Turbo 1.25 Polyester 1.25 229 21.41 361 Nation 361 Nation 17 Polyester 1.25 240 17.80
Boris Becker Bomber 17 Polyester 1.24 229 21.59 Luxilon Alu Power Rough 125 Polyester 1.25 240 18.98
Poly Star Strike 16 Polyester 1.29 229 22.82 Golden Set Hex Poly 18 Polyester 1.19 240 19.55
Polyfibre Viper 1.20 Polyester 1.21 229 24.43 Volkl V Pro 16 Polyester 1.29 240 21.02
Polyfibre HighTec Premium 1.25 Polyester 1.24 230 24.01 Luxilon M2 Pro 125 Polyester 1.26 240 21.70
Polyfibre TCS 1.20 Polyester 1.19 230 24.16 Polyfibre TCS Rapid 1.30 Polyester 1.29 240 24.45
Polyfibre Cobra 1.25 Polyester 1.26 230 24.63 Polyfibre Cobra 1.30 Polyester 1.29 240 24.83
Pacific Poly Soft 16 Polyester 1.29 231 19.16 Babolat Pro Hurricane 16 Polyester 1.31 241 13.61
Gosen Poly Master 1 (1.02-1.46) Polyester 1.02-1.46 231 21.98 Gamma Zo Magic 16 Polyester 1.28 241 15.25
Gamma Zo Twist 16 Polyester 1.28 231 22.71 Luxilon Timo 110 Polyester 1.15 241 16.91
Topspin Titan Fibre 15L Polyester 1.39 232 12.65 Tourna Big Hitter Silver 16 Polyester 1.29 241 17.62
Luxilon Ace 112 Polyester 1.16 232 17.05 Signum Pro Hyperion 1.18 Polyester 1.20 241 20.51
Pro Supex Premier Ace 1.20 Polyester 1.22 232 18.05 Prince Tournament Poly 17 Polyester 1.24 241 24.23
Pacific Poly Power 17 Polyester 1.18 232 19.95 Pacific Poly Power 15L Polyester 1.33 241 24.83
Signum Pro Plasma Pure 1.18 Polyester 1.19 232 20.09 Babolat Duralast 17 Polyester 1.26 241 25.07
Pro Supex Blue Gear 1.19 Polyester 1.19 232 20.53 Klip Optic Nerve 16 Polyester 1.28 242 13.58
Volkl V Pro 17 Polyester 1.24 232 20.80 Luxilon Alu Power 125 Polyester 1.23 242 17.13
Gosen Nanocubic 17 Polyester 1.26 242 17.33 Kirschbaum Super Smash Spiky 1.25 Polyester 1.26 256 22.02
Tecnifibre Black Code 16 Polyester 1.31 242 18.08 Kirschbaum Super Smash Spiky 1.225 Polyester 1.23 257 14.58
Ashaway MonoGut 16L Polyester 1.27 242 19.40 Signum Pro Poly Megaforce 1.24 Polyester 1.24 257 14.91
Klip Hardcore 17 Polyester 1.24 243 17.05 Kirschbaum P2 1.25 Polyester 1.25 257 15.48
Luxilon XP 125 Polyester 1.25 243 17.78 RAB Endura Flex 17 Polyester 1.21 257 16.34
Pro Supex Blue Gear 1.25 Polyester 1.24 243 18.55 Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.275 Polyester 1.26 257 19.53
Pro Supex Poly Power Soft 1.30 Polyester 1.32 243 18.76 Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.25 Polyester 1.25 257 19.55
Kirschbaum Touch Turbo 1.30 Polyester 1.30 243 19.58 Signum Pro Poly Speed Excl. 1.35 Polyester 1.39 257 20.00
Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.225 Polyester 1.23 243 19.74 Signum Pro Tornedo 1.29 Polyester 1.30 257 20.09
Topspin Cyber Whirl 1.24 Polyester 1.24 244 19.01 Babolat Ballistic Polymono 16 Polyester 1.30 257 20.31
Signum Pro Poly Speed Excl. 1.25 Polyester 1.27 244 19.56 Tecnifibre Pro Red Code 16 Polyester 1.28 258 14.90
Babolat Ballistic Polymono 17 Polyester 1.25 244 20.89 Signum Pro Poly Megaforce 1.29 Polyester 1.30 258 15.06
Alpha Vengence 16L Polyester 1.29 244 22.05 Topspin Cyber Flash 1.30 Polyester 1.27 258 15.28
Genesis Hexonic 18 Polyester 1.22 245 19.29 Topspin Concept Pure 1.24 Polyester 1.24 258 16.67
Golden Set Hex Poly 17 Polyester 1.24 245 19.36 Klip Hardcore 16 Polyester 1.27 258 19.42
Golden Set Poly 17 Polyester 1.23 245 21.56 Genesis Spin X 16 Polyester 1.31 258 20.73
Signum Pro Plasma Hextreme 1.25 Polyester 1.25 246 16.23 Kirschbaum Super Smash Spiky 1.275 Polyester 1.27 258 20.84
Topspin Cyber Blue 1.30 Polyester 1.31 246 20.38 Kirschbaum Pro Line No.1 1.30 Polyester 1.27 258 22.09
Polyfibre TCS 1.30 Polyester 1.29 246 24.74 Gamma Zo Sweet 17 (Main) Polyester 1.22 259 15.75
361 Nation 361 Nation 16 Polyester 1.32 247 17.68 Ashaway Monofire XL 17 Polyester 1.26 259 17.13
Dunlop Explosive Polyester 17 Polyester 1.26 247 18.00 Mantis Power Polyester 17 Polyester 1.23 259 17.86
Kirschbaum Competition 1.30 Polyester 1.30 247 18.50 Pro Supex Poly Power Soft 1.25 Polyester 1.27 259 18.57
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.2 1.30 Polyester 1.27 247 18.61 Prince Poly EXP 18 Polyester 1.21 259 20.88
Tourna Big Hitter Rough 16 Polyester 1.27 247 19.58 Wilson Enduro Pro 16 Polyester 1.30 260 14.33
Golden Set Snake Bite 17 Polyester 1.24 247 20.90 Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.28 Polyester 1.27 260 15.98
Yonex Tough Brid 130 16 (Main) Polyester 1.30 247 22.42 Babolat Hurricane Feel 17 Polyester 1.26 260 16.40
Polyfibre Viper 1.30 Polyester 1.31 247 25.18 Signum Pro Hyperion 1.30 Polyester 1.31 260 18.61
RAB Monoflex 16 Polyester 1.26 248 17.95 Kirschbaum Hybrix Spin Mains 1.25 Polyester 1.26 260 22.58
Signum Pro Plasma Pure 1.23 Polyester 1.24 248 18.17 Luxilon Timo 117 Polyester 1.20 261 16.29
Golden Set Poly 16L Polyester 1.28 248 20.71 Kirschbaum Super Smash Spiky 1.30 Polyester 1.31 261 18.17
Genesis Hexonic 16L Polyester 1.32 248 20.99 Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 127 Polyester 1.27 261 18.99
Super String Viper V2 Polyester 1.25 248 24.56 Luxilon Adrenaline 1.25 Polyester 1.23 261 19.40
Luxilon Original 130 Polyester 1.28 249 17.11 Genesis Black Magic 16 Polyester 1.28 261 21.35
Signum Pro Hyperion 1.24 Polyester 1.26 249 17.84 Pacific X Force 17 Polyester 1.25 262 13.47
Pro Supex Blue Gear 1.28 Polyester 1.26 249 18.04 Kirschbaum Basic Poly 1.25 Polyester 1.24 262 16.89
Golden Set Hex Poly 16L Polyester 1.27 249 19.38 Yonex Poly Tour 130 16 Polyester 1.32 262 19.65
Gosen Polylon 17 Polyester 1.24 249 19.52 Head UltraTour 16L Polyester 1.27 263 17.97
Gosen Polylon Jack Control 17 Polyester 1.24 249 19.54 Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.35 Polyester 1.37 263 19.36
Prince Tour 17 Polyester 1.25 249 21.37 Super String Super Pro V3 Polyester 1.24 263 19.49
Polyfibre Poly Hightec 1.30 Polyester 1.29 249 23.77 Golden Set Snake Bite 16 Polyester 1.32 263 20.11
Tecnifibre Polyspin 16L Polyester 1.28 249 24.48 Fischer Poly Pro 17 Polyester 1.27 263 21.06
Pro Supex Blue Gear 1.25 (Platinum Edition)Polyester 1.26 250 16.98 Pacific X Force 16L Polyester 1.32 264 14.33
Luxilon Monotec Supersense 125 Polyester 1.26 250 19.21 Topspin Cyber Flash 1.35 Polyester 1.23 264 15.44
Signum Pro Poly Speed Excl. 1.30 Polyester 1.30 250 19.63 Leopard Plus Control 1.25 Polyester 1.26 264 18.04
Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 130 Polyester 1.29 250 22.21 Kirschbaum Hybrix Power Mains 1.25 Polyester 1.25 265 17.06
Alpha Gut 2000 Poly 16 (Main) Polyester 1.31 251 15.52 Pacific Poly Power 16 Polyester 1.29 265 17.16
Kirschbaum P2 1.225 Polyester 1.23 251 15.76 Topspin Cyber Whirl 1.27 Polyester 1.28 265 20.48
Volkl V Pro 18 Polyester 1.20 251 17.13 Gamma Zo Ice Polyester 1.28 266 16.85
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.1 1.20 Polyester 1.19 251 18.96 Luxilon Original Rough 130 Polyester 1.28 266 19.21
Genesis Spin X 17 Polyester 1.25 251 19.56 Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.30 Polyester 1.29 266 19.58
Kirschbaum Helix 16L Polyester 1.26 251 20.66 Kirschbaum Hybrix Power Mains 1.30 Polyester 1.29 266 19.78
Genesis Black Magic 17 Polyester 1.24 252 19.16 Kirschbaum Hybrix Spin Mains 1.30 Polyester 1.30 267 22.23
Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.325 Polyester 1.33 252 20.75 Topspin Cyber Red 1.24 Polyester 1.24 268 15.88
Kirschbaum Pro Line No.1 1.25 Polyester 1.22 253 16.67 Leopard D Stroyer 1.25 Polyester 1.26 268 18.28
Dunlop Explosive Polyester 16 Polyester 1.29 253 16.98 Topspin Cyber Black 1.23 Polyester 1.25 268 18.52
Prince Poly Spin 3D 16L Polyester 1.27 253 23.39 Pacific Poly Force Xtreme 16L Polyester 1.27 268 19.39
Babolat Duralast 16 Polyester 1.31 253 25.33 Kirschbaum Spiky Shark 16 Polyester 1.31 268 20.24
Forten Flexion 16L Polyester 1.24 254 15.53 Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.33 Polyester 1.34 270 14.26
Pro Supex Blue Gear 1.28 (Platinum Edition)Polyester 1.27 254 17.93 Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour 16 Polyester 1.28 270 16.61
Gosen Polylon Jack Control 16 Polyester 1.32 254 18.69 Pacific Poly Force 17 Polyester 1.25 270 17.58
Signum Pro Plasma Pure 1.28 Polyester 1.29 254 19.56 Prince Poly EXP 17 Polyester 1.24 270 21.66
Luxilon Adrenaline Rough 1.25 Polyester 1.29 254 19.83 Babolat Hurricane Feel 16 Polyester 1.32 271 14.62
Gosen Polylon 16 Polyester 1.30 254 21.23 Tourna Premium Poly 18 Polyester 1.21 271 15.39
Gamma Monoblast 16 Polyester 1.28 254 25.56 Mantis Comfort Polyester 16 Polyester 1.30 271 17.58
Kirschbaum P2 1.275 Polyester 1.24 255 16.47 Leopard D Stroyer 1.28 Polyester 1.30 272 18.35
Klip K Boom 16 Polyester 1.31 255 16.96 Leopard Plus Control 1.30 Polyester 1.31 272 19.16
Super String Bionic V9 Polyester 1.23 255 17.09 Kirschbaum P2 1.30 Polyester 1.30 273 15.74
Head UltraTour 17 Polyester 1.22 255 19.29 Topspin Concept Pure 1.29 Polyester 1.27 273 16.28
Yonex Poly Tour 125 16 Polyester 1.24 255 19.78 Babolat RPM Blast 17 Polyester 1.26 273 17.13
Poly Star Energy 16 Polyester 1.31 255 25.95 Toalson Ultimate Polyester 130 Polyester 1.35 273 21.59
Signum Pro Plasma Hextreme 1.30 Polyester 1.29 256 16.63 Toalson Rencon 125 Polyester 1.26 274 13.42
Forten Flexion 16 Polyester 1.28 256 16.76 Luxilon Savage 16 Polyester 1.27 274 18.57
Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour 17 Polyester 1.25 256 17.58 Pacific Poly Force Xtreme 15L Polyester 1.35 274 19.05
Forten Intimidator 16 Polyester 1.30 256 17.91 Mutual Power Power Match (Crosses) Polyester 1.35 274 23.30
Gosen Polylon Comfort 16 Polyester 1.30 256 19.65 Babolat Revenge 17 Polyester 1.26 277 19.32
Luxilon M2 Plus 130 Polyester 1.31 256 19.93 Prince Poly EXP 16 Polyester 1.28 277 21.48
Kirschbaum Super Smash Spiky 1.20 Polyester 1.22 256 19.97 Signum Pro Poly Megaforce 1.34 Polyester 1.34 278 15.69
Continued
following
Prince Tour 16 Polyester 1.28 256 21.57 Ashaway Monofire XL 16 Polyester 1.29 278 16.14 page

Gut (Sorted by Stiffness) Polyester (Sorted by Stiffness) Cont.
Pacific Tough Gut 16L Natural Gut 1.28 83 7.52 Pacific Poly Force 16L Polyester 1.30 279 16.54
Tourna Natural Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.22 84 8.75 Babolat RPM Blast 16 Polyester 1.31 280 17.37
Pacific Tough Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.26 88 6.75 Kirschbaum Long Life 1.38 Polyester 1.40 281 20.71
Pacific Prime Gut 16L (Bull Fiber) Natural Gut 1.28 90 8.62 Toalson Rencon 130 Polyester 1.31 282 13.64
Pacific Classic Gut 16L Natural Gut 1.28 92 6.39 Signum Pro Poly Speed Spin 1.28 Polyester 1.29 283 18.00
Pacific Prime Gut 16L Natural Gut 1.30 92 6.86
Kirschbaum Helix 16 Polyester 1.30 287 16.86
Pacific Tough Gut 17L Natural Gut 1.20 94 9.29
Signum Pro Poly Speed Spin 1.33 Polyester 1.32 289 18.34
Pacific Prime Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.28 97 5.75
Prince Twisted 16L Polyester 1.28 298 18.91
Pacific Tough Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.23 97 9.22
Babolat Revenge 16 Polyester 1.31 302 19.31
Grand Slam Gut Ti. Power 16 (uncoated) Natural Gut 1.30 97 10.92
Head Natural Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.25 99 8.73
Pacific Classic Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.28 100 7.78
Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 15L (coated) Natural Gut 1.36 100 8.58
Wilson Natural 16 Natural Gut 1.31 102 8.43
Babolat VS Team Thermogut 17 Natural Gut 1.26 102 8.45
Prince Natural Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.23 102 8.49
Pacific Prime Gut 16 (Bull Fiber) Natural Gut 1.32 103 8.05
Wilson Natural 17 Natural Gut 1.26 103 8.13
Pacific Tough Gut 15L Natural Gut 1.40 103 8.66
Grand Slam Gut Black Knight Gut 16 (Coated) Natural Gut 1.32 103 11.91
Klip Armour Pro 16 Natural Gut 1.30 105 7.43
Klip Armour Pro 17 Natural Gut 1.28 105 7.70
Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 17 (uncoated) Natural Gut 1.28 105 7.87
Pacific Prime Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.22 105 8.45
Klip Legend 16 Uncoated Natural Gut 1.28 106 8.11
Pacific Classic Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.30 106 11.01
Babolat VS Touch Thermogut 16 Natural Gut 1.30 107 8.31
Pacific Tough Gut Imperial (Blue Spiral) 16Natural Gut 1.30 110 8.23
Bow Brand Championship 16 Natural Gut 1.30 111 7.36
Grand Slam Gut Ti. Power 16 (coated) Natural Gut 1.36 112 9.31
Klip Legend 16 Natural Gut 1.28 113 8.77
Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 16 (coated) Natural Gut 1.41 113 9.28
Klip Legend 17 Natural Gut 1.27 113 9.31
Prince Natural Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.31 114 8.49
Babolat Tonic+ Thermogut Ball Feel Natural Gut 1.35 114 8.84
Bow Brand Championship 15L Natural Gut 1.34 116 8.53
Gamma Natural Gut Tour 16 Natural Gut 1.32 117 8.47
Babolat VS Touch Thermogut 15L Natural Gut 1.35 118 8.68
Volkl V Icon 17 Natural Gut 1.27 119 8.84
Tourna Natural Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.30 119 9.06
Gaucho Gold 16 Natural Gut 1.38 119 9.11
Babolat Tonic+ Thermogut Longevity Natural Gut 1.38 119 9.26
Volkl V Icon 16 Natural Gut 1.31 123 8.10
Gaucho Red 15L Natural Gut 1.42 124 9.55
Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 15L (uncoated) Natural Gut 1.48 129 11.22
Kevlar/Technora/Vectran
Stiff- Tension
Company String Material Gauge ness Loss
(lb/in.) (lbs)
Pacific Powercraft 18 Kevlar / Nylon 1.10 508 14.67

Forten New Age 18 Kevlar / Nylon 1.13 511 18.43
Forten Aramid Composite 18 Kevlar / Nylon 1.11 516 15.04
Forten Ultra Thin Blend 18 Kevlar 1.12 545 15.12
Forten Thin Blend 18/17 (Main) Kevlar 1.15 557 14.33
Wilson Hyperlast Spin 19 (Main) Technora 1.21 562 13.72
Head FXP Blend 17 (Main) Kevlar 1.24 574 15.73
Forten Aramid Gear 16L Kevlar 1.42 610 10.43
Silent Partner Gutsy Aramid 17 Kevlar 1.15 623 11.38
Forten Aramid Gear 15 Kevlar 1.45 627 11.84
Golden Set Dura Match (Main) Kevlar 1.14 634 17.33
Alpha Tourna Blend 18 (Main) Kevlar 1.18 634 21.03
Gamma TNT2 Fusion Plus 19 (Main) Kevlar 1.23 640 17.33
Gamma Infinity 17 (Main) Kevlar 1.24 641 20.57
Ashaway Kevlar 18 Kevlar 1.08 671 27.21
Gamma TNT2 Fusion Plus 16 (Main) Kevlar 1.28 674 16.36
Gosen Arammix Pro 18 Kevlar 1.09 697 17.03
Wilson Hyperlast 15 (Main) Technora 1.41 709 13.15
Prince Problend w/Duraflex 17 (Main) Kevlar 1.24 720 16.39
Gamma Infinity 15L (Main) Kevlar 1.35 729 17.90
Gamma Infinity 16 (Main) Kevlar 1.30 736 17.90
Prince Problend w/Duraflex 16 (Main) Kevlar 1.30 981 15.88

? Ask the Experts
A
Your Equipment Hotline
Q
THE 22/11 TECHNIQUE Digest On-line at usrsa.com.) WE CONTACTED TECNIFIBRE
BACK IN THE DAY 60S AND 70S, Two problems with using the 22/11 USA, and Paul Kid responded:
the accepted stringing method for technique these days are: “Tecnifibre is trying to find the indi-
wood racquets was "22/11," 1) Modern racquets typically don't vidual or individuals who started this dis-
where all mains and the bottom half of have tie-off holes anywhere near 3 and 9 ruptive rumor.
the crosses were strung with a 22-foot o'clock on the hoop, and unlike a wood “Tecnifibre has Marcos Baghdatis,
piece of string, and the top half of the racquet, it is more difficult to make tie-off Janko Tipsarevic, Gisela Dulko, Denis
crosses was finished with an 11-foot holes any old place you want; and Istomin, Devin Britton, Denis Kudla, Mar-
piece. This was especially great for gut 2) This technique gives you two "tie- ton Fucsovics (Wimbledon 2010 Junior
because it put less stress on the frame off strings" in the center of the racquet, Champion), and Timea Babos (Roland
and pulling shorter cross strings did less which is where a lot of players hit the Garros 2010 Junior Doubles Champion
damage to the string. Gut strings were ball. Because of the tension differences on and Wimbledon 2010 Junior Doubles
even packaged in 22- and 11-foot pieces. these two strings compared to other adja- Champion) using Tecnifibre tennis rac-
A
Are you familiar with the 22/11 method, cent strings, you're more likely to get quets. Also, we just introduced a new
and do you think a variation of this pat- uneven response from this area of the model (T-Fight 305 VO2 Max) to the USA.
Q
tern could be viable for racquets today? stringbed. “Tecnifibre is not discontinuing the
TECNIFIBRE FRAMES
manufacturing and selling of Tecnifibre
Q
THE 22/11 METHOD IS NOT used tennis racquets.”
15-GAUGE RPM BLAST

these days. The closest modern I’VE HEARD THAT TECNIFIBRE
variation is the 50/50 pattern, even has discontinued (or is about to
though it doesn't use the same string discontinue) manufacturing and BY ANY CHANCE DO YOU KNOW
lengths. (USRSA members can find an selling tennis frames. Have you heard of anyone who carries Babolat
explanation of the 50/50 pattern in the anything about this? RPM Blast in 15 gauge, preferably

A
in 40-foot packages? I've got a cus- micrometers typically have about a one-inch find any white stencil ink. Any suggestions
A
tomer who has accepted the Babolat range of measurement. If you need more as to what I might use that is readily
RPM Blast 16 gauge at this point, but range of measurement and can put up with available?
prefers to go back to a 15-gauge string. slightly less precision, consider a vernier, dial,
or digital caliper. Expect to pay from $15 to BABOLAT, UNIQUE, AND TECNIFI-
THERE DOESN’T SEEM TO BE $100 for a caliper. Keep in mind that microm- BRE each offer white stencil ink. A
a retail source for this here in eters and calipers come with either SAE or quick on-line search reveals that white sten-
Q
the United States. In fact, the only metric graduations. cil ink is available at Tennis Warehouse, Ten-
WHITE STENCIL INK

sighting of this string we know of is in nis Express, and Holabird Sports.
Rafael Nadal’s racquet, although his —Greg Raven Q
string comes off of a reel. Sorry. I’VE BEEN STRINGING A LOT OF black We welcome your questions. Please send them to Racquet
Q
ADHESIVE-BACKED
Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA, 92084; fax: 760-
string on various racquets, and I cannot
536-1171; email: greg@racquettech.com.
POWER PADS
SOME TIME AGO I PURCHASED
some power pads that came on
A
a strip, with an adhesive back-
ing. Now I can’t find them. Any idea
where I can replenish my stock?
THE ONLY ADHESIVE-BACKED

power pads we know of come
from Kimony in Japan. They are avail-
able in the United States from Grand-
SlamStringers.com.
Q
MICROMETER SOURCE
A
I AM LOOKING TO BUY A
micrometer. Do you know
where I can get one?
MICROMETERS ARE READILY

available from sources all the
way from Harbor Freight Tools to
Grainger. Depending on the make,
model, and quality, expect to pay any-
where from $30 for a set of three to
$100+ for just one. Be aware that

String Playtest
Tecnifibre X-Code 16
Tecnifibre calls X-Code the missing link The string was tested for five weeks
between premium synthetic multifila- by 36 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP
ments and polyester monofilaments. Tec- ratings from 3.0 to 6.0. These are
nifibre accomplishes this using a unique blind tests, with playtesters receiving
technology that integrates polyester and unmarked strings in unmarked pack-
ages. Average number of hours
polyurethane, using multifilament tech-
playtested was 32.
nology, where the filaments are bundles
Out of the package, X-Code
of polyester strands. Each bundle of
feels flexible enough to be nylon
strands is encased in Tecnifibre’s high- rather than a poly-based string,
density polyurethane (PU HD). Multiple with little to no coil memory. On this basis blocked
bundles are used to construct the string alone, it is one of the easiest polys to install. holes, though. Three
itself, held together with PU HD. Finally, The surface does grab a little when pulling playtesters mentioned problems with
X-Code is coated with SPL (Silicium Pyro- the crosses across the mains, despite the kinking, but we didn’t experience this.
gene Lubritec) for easier stringing, better SPL, and you need to pay extra attention No playtester broke his sample dur-
longevity, and enhanced feel. pulling knots to ensure that they are ing stringing, six reported problems with
Tecnifibre recommends X-Code for snugged up tight. We had no problem with coil memory, one reported problems
players looking for the feeling and sound of tying knots, and six reported friction
EASE OF STRINGING
polyester string without the disadvantages burn.
(compared to other strings)
ON THE COURT
linked to vibrations and fatigue. Number of testers who said it was:
X-Code is available in 16 (1.30 mm) much easier 1
and 17 (1.25 mm) in black and silver. It is somewhat easier 6 Consistent with the amazingly low ten-
priced from $15 for sets of 40 feet, $225 about as easy 17 sion loss we measured in our 24-hour
for 660-foot reels. For more information or not quite as easy 10 overnight test, our playtesters rated X-
to order, contact Tecnifibre at 888-TFTen- not nearly as easy 2 Code 15th best of the 148 strings we’ve
nis (888-838-3664), or visit tecnifibre.com. playtested for publication in Tension
OVERALL PLAYABILITY
Be sure to read the conclusion for more Retention. Beyond that, Tecnifibre scored
(compared to string played most often)
information about getting a free set to try Number of testers who said it was: well above average with our playtest
for yourself. much better 1 team in seven other categories: Durabili-
IN THE LAB
somewhat better 10 ty, Resistance to Movement, Control,
about as playable 10 Playability, Comfort, Touch/Feel, and
We tested the 16 gauge X-Code. The coil not quite as playable 15 Power. These scores combined give Tec-
measured 40 feet. The diameter measured not nearly as playable 0 nifibre X-Code an overall score that is
1.30-1.33 mm before stringing, and 1.26- well above average.
OVERALL DURABILITY
1.27 mm after stringing. We recorded a (compared to other strings Four playtesters broke the sample
stringbed stiffness of 74 RDC units immedi- of similar gauge) during playtesting, one each at six hours,
ately after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wil- Number of testers who said it was: eight hours, nine hours, and 13 hours.
CONCLUSION
son Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a much better 3
constant-pull machine. somewhat better 18
about as durable 13
After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed High scores in eight categories indicate
not quite as durable 1
stiffness measured 69 RDC units, repre- that X-Code is a balanced string, mean-
not nearly as durable 1
senting a 7 percent tension loss. Our con- ing that Tecnifibre didn’t sacrifice one
trol string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original RATING AVERAGES characteristic to gain another in making
Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units immedi- From 1 to 5 (best) X-Code. Still, some characteristics, such
ately after stringing and 71 RDC units after Playability 3.6 as Durability, Resistance to Movement,
24 hours, representing a 9 percent tension Durability 3.9
and Control really grabbed our
Power 3.4
loss. In lab testing, Prince Synthetic Gut playtesters. For example, more than half
Control 3.7
Original has a stiffness of 217 and a ten- of our playtesters made it a point to
Comfort 3.5
sion loss of 11.67 pounds, while Tecnifibre mention the great control afforded by X-
Touch/Feel 3.4
X-Code 16 has a stiffness of 228 and a ten- Spin Potential 3.2 Code.
sion loss of 18.85 pounds. X-Code added Holding Tension (15th overall) 3.6 If you think that Tecnifibre X-Code
17 grams to the weight of our unstrung Resistance to Movement 3.7 might be for you, fill out the coupon to
frame. get a free set to try. —Greg Raven Q

TESTERS TALK
FREE PLAYTEST STRING PROGRAM
“ Amazing control from all areas of the
Tecnifibre will send a free set of X-Code to the first 500 USRSA members who cut
court. This string is a confidence booster.
5.0 male all court player using Wilson K Six” out (or copy) this coupon and send it to:
One Team strung at 56 pounds LO (Luxilon USRSA, Attn: Tecnifibre String Offer, 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
Alu Power Fluoro 17) or fax to 760-536-1171, or email the info below to stringsample@racquettech.com
Offer expires 15 January 2011
“ Outstanding control, comfort, and
power. Next to natural gut, this is as good Name:
Offer only available to USRSA members in the US.
as it gets. This ain’t your daddy’s USRSA Member number:

Phone:
”
polyester. 4.5 male serve and volleyer
using Babolat Pure Drive strung at 60 Email:
pounds CP (Wilson NXT 16) If you print your email clearly, we will notify you when your sample will be sent.
“ This string’s remarkable comfort is

“ This string plays better after the first session. feel. Spin potential is slightly lacking. 5.0
”
matched only by its controlled power.
” The response is stiffer than expected given how soft male all court player using Babolat Aero Storm
4.5 male all court player using Babolat
AeroPro Drive strung at 61 pounds CP ”
it handles. 6.0 male all court player using Wil-
son K Tour strung at 57 pounds CP (Wilson NXT 17)
GT strung at 62 pounds LO (Babolat Pro Hurri-
cane Tour 17)
(Gamma Professional 17)
“ “ The mix of control, power, and comfort makes

“ The low power level and stiff response
This poly lacks the typical boardy
feel. The blend of power and control will ”
this a rare polyester. 4.0 male all court player
using Wilson Power Hole strung at 58 pounds CP
make lower tensions a good idea.
”
4.5 male
baseliner with moderate spin using Wilson
put your opponent on his heels.
” 4.5
male all court player using Volkl Power
(Forten Sweet 16) nPro strung at 63 pounds LO (Wilson Sensa-
tion 16)
Bridge 1 strung at 55/53 pounds CP
(Forten Dynamix 17) “ These strings provide a soft stringbed with great For the rest of the tester comments, visit
www.racquetsportsindustry.com.

Your Serve
The 7 Habits of
Successful Teaching Pros
I
BY DR. ROBERT HELLER
n my career as a psychologist, fresh, they attend professional clinics,

sports psychology consultant and workshops and conferences, read profes-
tennis teaching professional, I have sional publications and regularly review
had the opportunity and good fortune several favorite websites.
3. People Skills
to interact with a great many talented op relationships with “senior” instructors
and successful tennis teaching profes- and often help out at events, become
sionals. In numerous discussions, Successful teaching pros are “likeable.” active in the USPTA, PTR, USTA, TIA and
countless observations and some They are positive and encouraging in their other professional organizations and are
research, I have “distilled” what I lessons and clinics and have the ability to genuinely glad to devote their time and
believe are some of the key behaviors make the student feel “special” even when energy.
6. Economics
and attitudes that contributed to their they are part of a group. They show inter-
success and will likely contribute to est in the personal lives of their students
yours if you follow them. without “prying” or being overly intrusive. Successful pros recognize early on the
While it is likely there are other They are good communicators who listen danger in letting their “expenses rise to
“ingredients” that could be added to carefully to the needs of their students and meet there income.” They work with
the “mix for success,” following have excellent verbal skills both from a accountants, financial advisors and related
these seven habits should put you on teaching standpoint and interpersonally. professionals to create a viable financial
the right path toward a long and sat- plan that takes into account growing finan-
isfying career as a tennis teaching ‘Following these seven cial needs like buying cars, houses, caring
professional. for a growing family and retirement.
7. Gratitude
habits should put you on
1. Vision
Developing a clear vision as to what
the right path toward a Teaching pros are appreciative of the
you want to do in the short term (one long and satisfying career opportunity to share their love of tennis
to three years), intermediate term with others and to work in a job that
(three to seven years ) and long term as a tennis teaching allows them to be physical and not stuck
(10 years and beyond) helps guide your in an office. This attitude of gratitude
choices and decisions at critical times
professional.’ translates into even seasoned pros not tak-
4. Self-Care
in your career. It might be a life of ing their job or their students/members for
teaching, becoming a director or own- granted. They continue to give 110 per-
ing your own club. Knowing where you Teaching tennis is very physical and can cent and teach with enthusiasm, energy
want to end up will help you concen- be hard on the body. Successful pros fol- and creativity even after many years in the
trate on the skills and experiences you low healthy practices to stay and remain profession. Q
need to develop and acquire to reach fit and as injury-free as possible. Diet and
those goals. nutrition, stretching, workouts, cross-train- Dr. Robert Heller is a psychologist
2. Lifelong Learning
ing, sun protection and access to health and tennis teaching pro based in
providers prevent health problems and Boca Raton, Fla. He is the author
of the mental conditioning CD-
Competence is not stagnant. Successful manage them quickly and effectively
ROM TENNISMIND and a fre-
teaching pros seek to constantly when they do occur. quent conference presenter and contributor
5. Mentors
improve themselves, understand their to tennis publications. Send comments and
clientele and develop techniques and questions to www.mentalskillstennis.com or
methods that keep their students While tennis teachers often are the inde- e-mail info@robertheller.net.
happy, motivated, coming back for pendent type, successful pros recognize
lessons and clinics, and singing your the value in learning from others who are We welcome your opinions. Please email
praises to others. To stay current and wiser and more experienced. They devel- comments to RSI@racquetTECH.com.

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January 2011

Volume 39 Number 1 $5.00

the people, businesses and

28 Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year 32 PTR Member of the Year

2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

hen my RSI colleagues and I go to indus- Publishers

very much like RSI magazine. Design/Art Director

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

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

New Eco-Friendly Anna Kournikova to Promote Cardio Tennis

“Thousands have already improved their health and

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

USTA Sues Olympus for $11.65 Million PTR Symposium

Set for February

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

PTR Creates 3 Certification Pathways

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9

SHORT SETS Wilson Unveils

>gramTheisUSTA Tennis on Campus pro-

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

New Haven Event No Longer Co-Ed

Wilson Introduces Four New Strings

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Klip America Changes Wilson Develops New Platform Tennis Ball

E pic Sports International Inc., a global

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13

PTR Holds Development

USTA to Begin National Tennis Center Overhaul

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Tennis Racquet Performance PTR Redesigns Website

Top-Selling Tennis Shoes

Top-Selling Tennis Strings

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 15

Moving Into the New Year

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 23

24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 25

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

have him. He’s a won- Don’t try to oversell a pro-

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27

“I try to be myself,” says

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

A staff of dedicated people

armed forces to Encourage leaders to do

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 31

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

It takes great volunteers

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 33

Counterfeit racquets are becoming more prevalent, and causing

Too Good To Be True

Building a Better Counterfeit

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 35

T he tennis string market in America continues to move in the

The Geography of “Feel”

Q Softer strings are to the left, stiffer strings to the

Nylon, Zyex, & Polyolefin (Sorted by Stiffness)

www.racquetsportsindustry.com January 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 37

38 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY January 2011 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

www.racquetsportsindustry.com Janaury 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 39