Eric is 48 Today Sale

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC

Eric is 48 today - SO, everything in the store is an ADDITIONAL $15.00 off (except grips that don't even cost that much) Stop in and have a beer with Eric -

QUESTION

We were talking - and wondering....Where are you playing with all this winter rain? We seriously want to know.

Are you playing?

Are you ready for Spring Tennis?

Let us know how you are doing it? Post on Facebook or give us a call - or better - stop in..
Eric

Best Racquet Stringer in Atlanta...

I have to blow Eric's horn - he clearly is the most knowledgeable and best stringer/racquet technician in the area - by far....hands down. He just is! Come in to Hardcore Tennis, bring your equipment, tell him everything you have and what you want regarding your tennis game. He will give you his time and knowledge...He is available Monday - Saturday!

Just another day with Eric and Beth at Hardcore Tennis -

NEED - web guy

We need your help - if you know a great web guy/gal please send them our way. We need someone to update our site.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN~ Stop by for Candy & Cupcakes

Come on in - another reason to celebrate, right? Happy Halloween, from Eric Beth Jason & Kevin

Leif S & Lindsay D on "Luxilon String"

For years I've been trying to get  players to understand that stiff, polyester strings are not for everyone. Read the following (condensed version)  and let me know what you think.

 

An interesting conversation took place last week during the women's year end championships in Istanbul. Leif Shiras who was ranked as high as 31 in the world, and former world #1 Lindsey Davenport, were commentating during the Serena-Azerenka match. It was brought up that Serena who had been using natural gut for years, now uses a blend of natural gut and "Luxillon." (As ususal they have no idea which particular Luxillon string Serena uses.)Tho following has been heavily edited. Lindsey:  The Luxillon gives her a little more control and spin. You lose feel and touch especially at the net but that is a lost art anyway. Leif: I do a lot of the Champions Tour events. Many of the guys are using Luxillon. Lindsey: How are their arms? Leif: Oh their arms are killing them! Leif: So you wouldn't recommend Luxillon strings for recreational players. Lindsey: Not a great idea.

Tennis Should Not be Played in Pain! Eric

Prince Graphite Origional Mid - 4 for sale at much less than market price:

This particular racquet is still one of the best racquets ever made - not for the beginner, but an amazing racquet! Stop by or call - here are some of the details:

The Graphite Original continues its claim as one of the best all-time player's racquets. With over 30 years under its belt, the Graphite Classic's feel and control garnishes a loyal following few racquets have known. The Mid, with its simplicity of design (smaller 93 head, open string pattern, standard length) is worthy of its "ultimate control" status. Timeless frame characteristics such as the 19mm beam, 12 oz. plus weight, head light balance and Cross Bar Stabilizer, make it a continued favorite among advanced 5.0 to Tour level players.

WIMBLEDON

Eric would love to give you his take on players this year at Wimbledon....stop by, have a beer and discuss the 'baseline' game being played...
We have Direct T.V. and 3 televisions now so stop by - bring your stick...

Yonex is doing it right this year! VCore & EZone Racquets at Hardcore Tennis in Atlanta

There is a reason Caroline W is hitting with the new Yonex Racquet...We put these racquets in many hands and all we hear are rave reviews. We agree! The EZone and VCore are solid sticks.

Gamma Zo Tour - details you should know...

www.hardcoretennis.net

There are so many great strings on the market - I will send information on many different strings periodically. We carry a lot of great Gamma Strings at Hardcore Tennis - Here is one of them

GAMMA ZO TOUR: This string is a durable, spin-enhancing, easy on the arm string. GZT is a great choice for string breakers looking for durability and comfort. These two assets usually don't go hand in hand.
COLORS: Orange & Natural 
GAUGES: 1.25 & 1.30
Price Strung: $38.00

Hardcore Tennis Customer Speaking Out...

Eric, The hybrid setup of gut in the mains and barbed wire in the crosses is outstanding! The tension of 56/52 in my Dunlop Maxply McEnroe is giving me more angles and action on the ball, and control and placement when I need it. It still feels like gut but with a firmer spring.

If Soft Tennis Strings Are What You Need...

If you're looking for strings that are very easy on the arm, we have two great ones for you! Well, we have more than two, but these stand alone!

Solinco Tru-Feel is a twisted multifilament string with a spin enhancing texture. Soft and powerful, you non string breakers and tennis elbow sufferers will love Tru-Feel.  It comes in a cool blue and white color. 16 gauge only.

Prince Lightning XX Spin is a soft solid core string. It has a outer wrap that provides more spin to those who actually hit with spin. Also cool looking it comes in black , orange, blue, lavender and purple. It also is available in 16 gauge only.

Because of their incredible softness, you may want to string both strings a little tighter than your normal tension.

Come by and have a racquet strung with Tru-Feel or Prince Lighting sooner than later

Polyester Tennis String - Is it for your game or not?

I think the largest improvement in tennis equipment over the past 10 years is/are strings. Higher level players have always known how important strings and stringing are. And now it looks as though the rest of the tennis playing world is catching on!

Let's start with the string type that has had the most buzz in recent years:

Polyester was once considered just a more forgiving option to kevlar strings. Dead feeling, with a slippery surface, and horrible tension maitanence, polyester strings were pretty much ignored in the US.

But now many polyester strings (co-polys) are softer, spin enhancing, and still very durable. Chronic string breakers who prefer a strings that don't feel like bricks now have many great choices.

Kirschbaum Pro Line II was one of the 1st polyester strings that provided durability, feel, and spin enhancement. " I  forgot that I was using a polyester string" is a typical comment from players using Pro Line II for the first time. A round string with a sticky, spin enhancing coating, Pro Line II is a fantasic option for a string breaker who wants more feel and power. Available in gauges 1.15, 1.20, 1.25 and 1.30.  It comes in red or  black.

Solinco Tour Bite is a  cool, silver colored, four sided string. If you're looking to add more spin to your game Tour Bite is  a must try.  It is available in 1.15, 1.20, 1.25, 1.30  gauge. Tour Bite

Gamma Zo Verve is a very unique looking , two-toned (black and red), 3 sided string.  A little on the firm side, Zo Verve is a great string for hard hitters looking for more control and spin.  It comes in 1.25 and 1.30 gauges.

Topspin Max Rotation is a black, shiny,  seven sided string. Max Rotation is great for players looking to add spin without sacrificing comfort. One of the best kept secrets on the market, Max Rotation has been a HCT fan favorite for  two years. Max Rotation comes in gauges 1.27 and 1.31.

All of these strings are excellent playing, and not so hard on the arm. But they are polyester: Tension loss can be quick and drastic! So while co-polys are excellent for spin enhancement, they do not hold tension well.

Because polyester strings are so durable, most players wait way too long before they restring. We often have customers come in and complain about shoulder, elbow, or wrist pain. This  is usually due to stiff and or dead strings. When you're ready let us pick out a good string for you!

                                                                                                                                                               TENNIS SHOULD NOT BE PLAYED IN PAIN!

Common Elbow Issues from Luxilon...Story

Eric,

Tom teaches my Men's team and I was speaking to him about tendinitis in my elbow and strings and he gave me your card and recommended I contact you.  I called your shop and they said you were out so I figured an e-mail might be easier.  Here is some background on me and my injury.  I started using Luxilon Big Banger Rough strings in 2009 and started having elbow pain last spring.  I thought I had just sprained it but it continued to get worse until I stopped playing and went to the Dr.  The Dr. found that I had tendinitis and minor arthritis so I have gone through Physical Therapy and after not playing for almost 4 months it is better but I still have pain and can't play more than a few times a week.  I am now using some Hurricane Blue strings that a tennis shop recommended as being easier on the elbow but Tom mentioned that it is still bad and I needed to change it up to something easier on the arm.  I would like to find out from you what you recommend so I can drop my rackets off and have you string them up.  I play Men's A5 and Mixed A2 and typically don't break strings but hit the ball fairly hard and play with a Head MicroGEL Radical Mid+.  Let me know if you need any other details.

Thanks for your time,

Jason

ANSWER from Eric,

Hi Jason,

Sorry about your arm.

You are correct in your thinking that your string isn't helping you. It's actually hurting you very much. Pro Hurricane is actually be stiffer than Alu Rough. Unfortunately most stores are just order takers and only sell the most popular (but not necessarily the best for you) strings and racquets. If you are not a big string breaker there is no reason for you to be using a "poly" string anyway.

Natural gut is your best option because you're not a string breaker and it holds tension much longer than ALL other types of string. We sell a huge amount of gut for this reason. You could also go with a good multifilament string but you will string it more often that gut. 

I'll be at the store Saturday after 11:00 and All day Monday.

E

University of South Carolina Men's Tennis Team

The Tennis Season is near - the guys are practicing hard. Support them this season!

Hardcore Tennis Changes...

Yes we are closing the Columbia Store, but I will be stringing many days a week IN COLUMBIA from Jan-April 2012 - so for all you Hardcore Players in Columbia - I will still be available to string your stick. Heading to Chicago for Christmas!

Christmas Tennis Sale on Devine Street

Mark your calendar for Columbia's BEST, FREE holiday shopping event!

"A Devine Night Out" is Columbia's PREMIER holiday event. More than 40 stores on Devine Street in Columbia will welcome guests from 5 to 8 p.m. on December 8^th for an evening of shopping, socializing and festive cheer. The celebrations continue from 8 to 10 p.m. with a fabulous FREE After Party at Henry's (2865 Devine Street), featuring live entertainment and an assortment of complimentary food beverages.

Hardcore Tennis Customer...

Terry Price - hits with Vantage Custom 95" 16 x 19 pattern 27 1/4 long. 11.4 oz, 9 points head-light, and he is kicking some ass with it! (seriously!)

Tennis Elbow - article published by Eric Burke

http://ezinearticles.com/?Tennis-Racquets-for-Arm-Pain-Explained-in-Detail,-Tennis-String-Too!&id=6607483