Just a Scratch!
This racquet came in yesterday, after being used since February, with the cross strings broken. This is not, in itself, unusual with Tecnifibre Biphase. What is unusual is that the customer wanted it strung again!
Saying, “It is just a scratch” I can deal with that! Typically, when you can put an awl through the graphite you consider putting the racquet in the trash! Nope!
This is what happens when the customer rejects the idea of new grommets because “I am getting a new racquet soon”. He loves these racquets but I think he is at the end of the line.
I did both of the racquets for him (the other racquet is not quite as bad) and he was a very happy guy. The understanding is that if the racquet fails he pays me anyway. Fair enough, I think.
It is just a scratch!
Comments (2)
Yes I agree with John here. As long as he understands that if the frame snaps during the stringing process you’re not responsible AND he still has to pay for the string job then go ahead and string it if that’s what he wants.
Look at where that “scratch” is located in the photo My belief is that the major cause of this type of wear is players who drag the racquet on the court surface while pulling the ball to their foot to pick it up. Typically, this type of damage is closer to the 11 & 1 o’clock areas of the racquet face.
Another cause for this is players who are reaching for a wide shot and hitting off of the wrong foot, essentially dragging the racquet across the court while making the shot. If their footwork was better and they were getting close enough to the ball to make a proper shot, they could bend at the knees (like they should), instead of bending over at the waist and reaching down with the racquet. Bending at the waist is a sure way of NOT being able to keep the racquet parallel to the court and before you know it, the bumper guard is damaged. This type of wear is usually more towards the 10 & 2 areas of the racquet face..
Interestingly enough, one way to know if the player is not getting to the ball in time to make a proper shot is that there will be two areas equally worn at the same place on the racquet head BUT on opposite sides. If they’re the type of player who holds the racquet the same all of the time (maybe its because of the logo, the stencil, the type of grip whatever) you’ll see this type of wear spot but on only one side of the bumper.
Many players use their racquet as a “Shovel” too lazy to pick the ball up!
I wont touch racquets like that as they are for sure going to cave in.