Frame Matching
& Customization
The only place in Alhambra to offer these services!
Frame Matching
Frame matching, also known as spec matching, is the neurotic tennis player’s dream. All kidding aside, this is the somewhat esoteric section of tennis.
The serious tennis player always comes to court with a backup racquet in case a string breaks. That backup racquet should also be identical to the one you were playing with. Not just in appearance, but in every aspect.
It's almost certain that two of the same racquet will come out of the factory with dissimilar specs. The three main ones are weight, balance point, and swingweight (how heavy a racquet feels when you swing it). I can match each between two or more racquets. The only thing I can’t do is lower the weight the overall weight!
These two Yonex Vcore Pros didn’t start out the same. Here, you can see how after adding lead tape to precise points on the frames, they ended up being practically identical in each category.
A client who sent these messages came to me with two Wilson Pro Staffs, saying one of them felt too light. After checking their specs it turned out they only differed in weight by about 2 grams. However, their balance points were off by 6 mm. While that might seem small, that gave the racquets swingweights of 322 and 335. That is a huge difference that anybody would notice.
Why would you want this? Matched racquets will perform the same as each other. Reliable performance leads to consistent results. Understanding how your racquet performs helps you in becoming a smarter player.
Matching One Pair of Frames:
with lead tape - $25
with non-toxic tungsten tape - $30
A one-time process!
Unlike stringing, you’ll never have to do this again!
Matching Guarantee
Any lost tape will be replaced at no charge.
Frame Customization
Sometimes the racquet you have doesn't give you entirely what you want. Maybe you like the way it feels but you think you’d love it if it were just little heavier. You can do this without having to search for a new racquet entirely.
This is where frame customization comes into play. By placing lead tape in strategic locations, I can make your racquet bring out the best in you.
Here are some things just a few grams of lead can do to make a big difference:
Increase power or “plowthrough” - easier hitting through the ball (first picture)
Increase torsional stability - frame will wobble less on contact and off-center hits (second picture)
Increase overall stability - racquet feels more solid
Labor, Time, and Materials:
$10 - $25
Custom Grip Overwrap
Maintain the original size of your handle even with an overgrip on top.
$15
My Babolat Pure Aero 2023 shows the handle is true to size (4 1/4). However, with an overgrip, it actually goes up two sizes (4 1/2)!
After removing the original grip, I replace it with three overgrips of specific thicknesses. Once this process is complete, the handle size becomes the same as if only the original grip was on it!
Now, instead of paying for a replacement grip, you can opt for the easy to install overgrip.
Bumper and Grommet replacement: $15
If you have the grommets I will fit them to your racquet.
Believe it or not, the device that my racquet is lying on is used to measure a racquet’s balance point. A jewelry scale, a 3D-printed device, and an app to plug in a few numbers, yields a more precise result than the traditional balancing board.
