Learn The Basics of Racquet Customisation with ATP & WTA Stringer

Learn The Basics of Racquet Customisation With ATP & WTA Stringer
Paul Skipp joins me in today's video to talk about racquet customisation.
Paul is the Head stringer at Wimbledon and has strung at the French Open, Australian Open, Davis Cup and more… and has worked with some of the best players and coaches in the world.
We talk about matching racquets and adjusting the specs amongst other things.
If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below!
Enjoy 😊
Paul's Aussie Open Interview:
• Stringing At Australia...
The basics of stringing:
• Tennis Strings: The Ba...
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[@svlagonda7417]

That's a HUGE boon to have a Grand Slam stringer at your tennis facility. The technical knowledge and consistency of stringing etc, will just be top level.

[@TheTennisMentor]

We are so so fortunate!!

[@carolineh1845]

My son had his racquets strung and customised by Paul when we were at an event at the NTC in London a few years ago. Great service and very pleasant guy.

[@robertclark1635]

Needed this video! After playing with Wilson box frames for about 15 years, I converted to a set of Babolat Pure Strike VS'. I love everything about them, aside from the stability and plow through the ball. So, I definitely needed this video to confirm my thoughts about lead-ing it up and feeling like myself on court again!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for sharing Robert! It’s worth experimenting! I hope you get to where you want with it!!

[@chuckfriebe843]

And you bought that particular frame because why?

[@k1ytennis304]

Id love to hear Paul suggest what specific strings people from different skill levels should try!

[@weyman4317]

Paul is a wonderful knowledge on tennis rackets. I first heard about him many years ago when he worked at Portsmouth Land Registry and an article about his stringing at Wimbledon appeared in the departmental magazine.

[@TheTennisMentor]

What a small world!!

[@paulnewman7467]

Love it Skippy, great insight as always.

[@henrik1743]

Would love to have a guide on how to get weight in the racket, I know that Tsitsipas poured resin in his handle (5 grams), Robin Soderling also was interesting cause he needed custom grip handles because he preffered such a large size.

[@warrentondixon2650]

Very useful video. Thank you.

[@lcervantes8505]

Good show! Weighted up my Prestige. Power. plow-through, and stability improved significantly. Hip hip!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Hooray!! 🙌🙌

[@rmirawan8455]

this is very useful, thank you

[@nathanmiller6051]

Cool! Thanks guys appreciate

[@TheTennisMentor]

No problem!

[@LL-kz1qe]

Awsome stuff thank you

[@yuant1533]

Cool mic handle 😎

[@TheTennisMentor]

Haha… I borrowed the idea from The Slice and Paul helped me build them!

[@Javi_C]

Thank you Ashley, Paul!

[@TheTennisMentor]

You’re welcome Javi!

[@miapapa1955]

Thank You, Great video.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for watching!

[@DB-CA]

Thank you. Great video

[@TheTennisMentor]

🙏🙏

[@TennisTinker]

I customize my rackets, but as i want to be able to sell my rackets i will never use silicone as that's impossible to take out. Better to add some lead tape to the handle under the base grip or find a way to add some lead in the handle without it shifting it moving around as that will add very nasty vibrations.. i know as i do it and learned the hard way. I'm a recreational hobbyist and there are ways to measure swing weight cheaply, but I'm not allowed to post it here. That Yonex machine is looking so good, i wish i had the money to burn for it, but it only makes sense if you do paid customization for other people.

[@TheTennisMentor]

What I also noticed on the Yonex machine is it measures the balance through the width of the frame too so that you can create the perfect balance when applying weight!! Thanks for sharing your comments!

[@vwmusicplaylist1935]

You can make your own balance board at home if you're inclined. I made my own from a piece of plywood, tape measure, a dowell and some screws/nuts from Wickes!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Love it!!

[@vwmusicplaylist1935]

Skippy is the best when it comes to customisation and stringing!

[@TheTennisMentor]

We’re very fortunate to have him at our club!

[@zcbowers94]

Added 3g at 12 on my pure Aeros with a leather grip and it’s absolutely transformed the racket

[@pique_blinders1990]

Sensational content

[@TheTennisMentor]

🙏🙏

[@Crozzer95]

What a great video guys! Having had the pleasure of learning and working with Skipp his knowledge is incredible and great to share!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Matt!

[@PrecisionPointTennis]

Super awesome

[@ypure3859]

GREAT GREAT VID.

[@TheTennisMentor]

🙏🙏

[@annaiina4679]

Well done video, thank you! How does all of this tie into string tension? The heavier the racket the lower string tension like 53lbs and the lighter the racket, tension is higher like 60lbs? Sometimes I struggle with recommending the right string tension based on the racket, weight of racket and player style (if they are aggressive player, defensive player, recreational, etc.)

[@gavlatennis2824]

Great channel! Any chance of a video with Paul recommending say 5 strings that he likes and what they each offer eg. spin, durability, power, softness or whatever? Doesn't have to be what he thinks is best (that's subjective) but intrigued to hear the views of a pro stringer (bit like a Michelin chef saying what they like eating for dinner!) 😃

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for the suggestion… could be interesting!

[@Rigbuss]

Awesome content, as always, guys. I have a potentially tricky question: Considering all the racquet specs and qualities you covered, what might be the most likely contribution of shoulder injuries? Cheers!

[@ommpaloomplak53]

Incorrect technique

[@sidchugh8371]

@The Tennis Mentor Excellent video!! Could pls clarify the benefits/suitability of adding weight to each location in context of playing styles: serve volley, baseliner, all courter. Also what is the benefit of only making a racquet heavier and not adding much swingwight ( i.e.,adding weight to throat) ). Thanks Ashley!

[@winniecarl]

Adding weight at 3 & 9 gives stability and minimizes twisting, and weight at 12 gives more power and helps the racquet tip come around, you should counter, the weight added to the racquet head by adding weight to the handle to maintain balance, as a rule, the heavier you go it is important to maintain a head light balance to maintain maneuverability for volleys and for serving acceleration.

[@vincentwargerjr4786]

Great video! At 14:40 he states that if you want to add weight at the three and nine points, you should add “3 to 4 grams” BUT is that on EACH side OR does he mean 3 to 4 grams divided by two (on each side) - so does he really mean then only 1-2 grams on each side?? or 3 to 4 g each each side? ? Also, if you could do a video in greater detail regarding how to find our individual / actual sweet spot by marking the strings. How do we do that? He went over that very quickly so more details or separate video on that would be great. Thanks!

[@SolowSports]

best mic ever!!

[@TheTennisMentor]

😆thanks!

[@fingersm]

I usually detest "low tension" poly strings but Grapplesnake M8 at 40pds feels excellent

[@TheTennisMentor]

Interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@steinanderson9849]

lbs is pounds

[@vwmusicplaylist1935]

Using tungsten putty is also a good alternative. That stuff is amazing as it's so dense. A tiny amount adds alot of weight.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Interesting, I’ve not heard of it before (I’m sure Paul has… he’ll probably jump in on the comments at some point!)

[@gavlatennis2824]

+1 for tungsten putty. Amazingly versatile stuff and very dense even in small amounts.

[@pique_blinders1990]

I’m looking to add tungsten tape at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions to move up sweet spot, however I don’t want to overdo the power how many grams should I start of at?

[@TennisOnAction]

More professional then others. 👍

[@TheTennisMentor]

🙏🙏thanks buddy!

[@zoheirjavaheri1605]

hi. i just got ky new racket and its 5 gram less than spec. so . what happen if i add wight to 5 .7 ? my swing wight is 323 and i want to go 327.328.... one more question, what balnce is doning on racket? what is the benefits of HL and whats is the CON? what is good blance point?32.5 32 31.5 31they all seen in players spec. do they brig more spin?more control?MORE...?IN MY TRY WHEN I GO 31 HL the racket run fast but have less power.... thanks for your amazing video. goooddddluuuuck to you.tanks

[@EdmonBegoli]

@TheTennisMentor -- I have a question about yours' (and mine) racquet of choice Speed Pro 2022 and what can be done with some string setup to bring up the power/spin level. I would like to raise up the launch angle, spin and power of the racquet without altering other play characteristics that much. For example, I would like to get a little bit of EZONE 100-like free power/spin through strings and tension. Right now I play with MSV Focus Hex Soft 17 (1.20mm) which is already pretty spinny string, at 52/50. Do you have any recommendations in terms of other tension, gauge, or some other string/hybrid choices?

[@andresimoes5627]

NIce! It would be nice to see him adding bathroom silicone in the handle 🥎🥎🥎

[@chuckfriebe843]

There are many videos on youtube that show you how. It is very difficult to remove it once you do it.

[@SE-gm7sr]

What would be the difference between say buying a MP racket then customising it vs a more heavier stock Tour racket? (E.g I am currently using Head Gravity MP with lead taping at 12 o'clock and and 3 and 9 but considering buying a Gravity Pro)

[@mypandabear50344]

the balance using table and pencil… the edge of the table has to be raised to make the racquet parallel to water-level to be precise.

[@kneeslider9342]

I have a very stupid question. What is actually against it, instead of the lead tape, copper, tungsten and so on, simply to use a head protection tape to increase the weight in the racket-head and thus also helps to increase the swing weight? I noticed that about 40cm of head protection tape (35mm wide) already adds 4g of weight. This in turn has changed my swing weight by 12points. The tape is easy to apply and also to remove, multiple layers in the desired places are also no problem. How many people use head protection tape without knowing that they are making a sometimes significant impact on swing weight? If you now add the damper, then we are already at about 14-15 points. What I'm saying is, a lot of people tune their rackets without knowing it. Are there any arguments against it, or does it necessarily have to be lead, copper or tungsten strips? Wouldn't it even be advantageous to distribute the weight more evenly around the head with the help of the head protection tape? Of course, 40-60cm at once only makes sense if you also want to increase the weight at 3 and 9 o'clock (twist-weight / stability), that's clear. I ask for a friend. ;-) thx a lot.

[@caseysmith544]

The wear over time on head protection tape is a reason, as is amount using aer you have matched 2 or more racquets.

[@jjdg2088]

just wanna ask if its a good combo for synthetic gut on the mains crosses multifilament gut ??

[@juanantoniocanohidalgo5070]

Is it possible to make a more maneuverable racket by adding weight on the handle? I need to make my Yonex Ezone 98 305 gr racket a little more maneuverable, your answer can be a great help for me

[@claudiocacopardo4452]

Hello ,if you put weight on the Heart of the racket, do you have to put on both sides? Because on 12:38 you show only one side... Thanks for the answer:)

[@TheTennisMentor]

Let us know… Have you ever customised your racquet??

[@fingersm]

Im always tinkering!!

[@k1ytennis304]

I tried jannik sinner his lead setup on my speed mp but it was too heavy for me

[@raidraid6672]

I have a question about adding weight.Say I want to add 4 gm total at 2 & 10 o'clock, do I have to add 1 gm on each side of 2 &10 o'clock or will it suffice to put 2gm only on one side of 2 &10 placed symmetrically?

[@christopherbanham3386]

I am hitting the ball near the top of the hoop, and the backhand feels a bit strange.I have a pure aero 100, what can i do

[@BorisBecker1872]

If you cannot for whatever reason get all three of the racquet specs to match which is the most important of the three to target?

[@Paco-ht5gu]

So, where do you have to put lead tape if you want to decrease the power of the racket to win control?

[@jamespeter570]

Could you describe how you customise ur rackets?

[@TheTennisMentor]

I use the Head Speed Pro without customisation. I have had mine matched but fortunately they didn’t need much work. I know Paul has customised his Prestige’s… he may comment below!

[@korakotsajjariyarax8609]

Where should I add weight for my racket to counter the heavy ball with less impact to my forearm?

[@chuckfriebe843]

That is a multifaceted question. That's where experimentation come in. Always remember, if you add lead to either use rubber gloves or wash your hands immediately after touching it. Good luck.

[@vitormachado79]

I started going crazy: 6g each side, 9 and 3. Racket too light, 270 grams. Also, 2 overgrips. Feels ok for now, but I should stop concerning about that and focus on my game😂.

[@repriser9876]

I want to reduce my racquet weight. I can think of shaving off handle or paint?!

[@shadowbenj1239]

i just noticed that ur mic is on a tennis handle🤣

[@TheTennisMentor]

Haha, it was a fun idea I copied from the Slice on Instagram!

[@user-xh8sc5xi1b]

It is decent video, but really overstating benefits of customisation for average club player (call it 4 on USA scale), so 95% of the market. Customisation is only relevant to players at about 5 level or above. You need to choose tennis racket you can play well with. It is much more important than any customisation. I loved to test tennis rackets before my knees gave up. I was testing about dozens rackets a year at pro shop level (i say shop, because tour players do not play with rackets they advertise). I could never play with Yonex rackets (i mean hiting out long by 2 metres every time i tested) but otherwise it was fairly close between Head, Dunlop, Wilson, Prince, Tecnifibre etc. Assuming relevant specs like racket stiffness (most important imo if you don't want to get tennis elbow), weight, swingweight and balance are similar. After choosing racket it was down to string type (very important, gut for me but terrible in London weather), gauge (i always liked 18 gauge but bloody expensive for hitting hard in racket above 90 inch head size) and string tension.

[@j.c.7269]

Great video but please don’t resort to these types of thumbnails.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Sorry JC… how would you prefer them to look?

[@j.c.7269]

@@TheTennisMentor Many KZbinrs use exaggerated expressions in their thumbnails like a form of clickbait. Your content is solid! No need to bait 🙏🏻

[@chuckfriebe843]

@@j.c.7269 How about masturBATE? Is that ok?

[@vanvalium]

Nothing about twistweight at all. Different twistweight changes how the racquet plays/feels quite a bit.

[@shipwreck8847]

Ashley, I"m kinda surprised you don't string your own racquets. Also, I love using that Speed Pro Auxetic. Such a great stick.

[@TheTennisMentor]

I guess it is rare for a coach not to string… however, I’ve always avoided it somehow. Ps. I love the speed!!

[@shipwreck8847]

@@TheTennisMentor Yeah, most coaches string since they go through so much of it. All the coaches in my area do so, it also saves money. Consider getting a cheap mounting stand and just attaching an electronic tension head to it and it becomes one of the best investments for your tennis life. Also, can you please play some highly competitive matches at your level and post them? I really like watching good players like yourself compete. Win or lose, doesn't matter I like to see how great players like yourself go through pressure situations. Maybe ITF? League? Ladder? Please post competitive play please?

[@sheboyboy4430]

old school👎❗️

[@vincentwargerjr4786]

Great video! At 14:40 he states that if you want to add weight at the three and nine points, you should add “3 to 4 grams” BUT is that on EACH side OR does he mean 3 to 4 grams divided by two (on each side) - so does he really mean then only 1-2 grams on each side?? or 3 to 4 g each each side? ? Also, if you could do a video in greater detail regarding how to find our individual / actual sweet spot by marking the strings. How do we do that? He went over that very quickly so more details or separate video on that would be great. Thanks!