Tennis racquet care?

Question

Does moisture really affect the strings of a tennis racquet? Heat? [just from being in like really hot weather], Humidity? Frigidity? Etc. This guy told me it does nothing to your racquet..

Does it all do anything to 'hurt' your tennis strings? Or does it all just depend on the kind/type you use?

What about grommets?*

I'm going to use the extremely old 'Donnay Grand Prix Oversize' Racquet that my dad used to use, and I accidentally got the grommet ports/side of the racquet all soaked--in regular liquid soap though--should I just wash the dry-sticky soap off now? [on the side-----this racquet is unstrung as of the moment, but I'm getting it strung later; its grommets still seem to be in good condition though, I'm just worried about the washing with water and the soap, and if they will harm the rest of the racquet's years of playability, lol] Will it affect the whole racquet in any way? :[

Answer 1

if there's no strings on the thing, then don't worry.  Water is only going to hurt the strings and the grip.  And as far as those go, a little sprinkling of water here and there won't hurt, unless they are natural gut strings.  Those are really picky about humidity.

And frames are generally made with graphite or a combination of graphite and other materials.  You don't have to worry about water damage to graphite/carbon.  If it were steel or iron, you'd have to worry about rust, but it won't be an issue.

Just wash the thing, it'll be fine.

Answer 2

yea,

water does wreck the strings...

depends what type of string...but all strings are wrecked when they get SOAKED in water, if it rains try to protect your racket.

i've learnt this from experience.

heat ruins your racket frame. if its really hot it'll make the racket frame deformed. and it might ruin the strings.

water won't wreak the grommets, but if the grommets are worn out you can replace them

:D

Answer 3

It will affect your racket but not so much to be conserned about. Heat affects your racket worse than humidity so don't leave your racket in the car over summer. Don't worry too much over getting the racket wet. The grommets are just plastic and should be fine.Dropping your racket will do a lot more damage than your enviroment (as you already know).

The water may do some damage to your grip making it feel slimy in your hands so you may want to replace it.

Answer 4

After using me rackets for the day:

1- I wash it with clean running water but I make it sure to wipe them very dry with a dry towel before sliding them back to its individual carry bags. I brush the strings in running water with soft bristled brush. I use shampoo when it gets too dirty.

2- I apply baby oils on the frame surfaces from time to time to keep them shiny & keep it smelling good. Polish it with dry & soft cloth.

3- I never place my rackets at the back compartment of the car coz'  I made that mistake once & it warped & cracked when I parked the car under the extreme heat of the sun in an open parking space.

4- Whenever the handle straps are a little worn out, I band it with a new ones immediately. I prefer black rubberized soft wrap around bands, Wilson, Head or Prince brands.

5- Once or twice every year, I have me rackets re-strung with a new arrival models of strings.

6- I have a racket rack to keep them hanging on a wall to organize them in place.

7- When me rackets are so used up, I gave them to neighboring kids & buy me a new upgrade one.

8- I keep two old rackets hanging on the wall for souvenirs though. My very first Prince Graphite Comp 90 & Yonex Rexboron 27, very similar to Fed's current Wilson K-Factor frames.

I also care for me golf clubs & bikes in a similar manner. Me new golf set is a Callaway 2X0.

Love the sports man.

Good times bro