I’ve been testing the Retenser, a Dutch innovation which allows you to adjust your string tension after stringing.
You add the Retenser while stringing, which is fairly simple and it then allows you to increase or reduce the string tension. There is also a Retenser Pro version with three cylinders and a few more options. I have yet to test that one, but will do so shortly.
Does it work?
I’m always skeptical about these types of innovations, but I try to enter each review with an open mind.
I installed the product on my Tecnifibre T-Rebound IGA 298 and played with it for about an hour. I checked the tension with my ERT 300 tension meter. I then adjusted the cylinders with the key to increase tension, tested it again and the tension had increased by approx 2 kg (4 lbs). The cylinders go on the center mains, so the question is: if you tension the mains, will the whole string bed get affected by this change. Will it be long-lasting or will the tension drop back to where it was quickly?
I’m no scientist, but from play-testing the racquets before and after the adjustment with the retenser, I did notice an increase in control and the tension increase was obvious. But I have heard other stringers claim that it doesn’t work, so I need more testing also with the Retenser Pro to see if I really notice the difference or if there is some kind of placebo effect going on.
Retenser products
They offer the standard version at €39.99 and the Pro at €89.99 from their official website.
This is how it works:
My initial experience with the Retenser was positive, but I need more testing. I also invite you to send your feedback over. Have you tried it and did it work for you?
6 comments
One detail you should include in your review is its weight, and how it affects the static weight and balance of the racket…
You’d expect something like this on the Tell Sell channel. A gadget that obviously can’t deliver what it promises.
Aimed at the gullible.
Tightening or loosening 4 to 6 main strings and then expecting to have more control or power?
This guy Sander van Heijst, the ‘inventor’, obviously doesn’t know what he is talking about.
Maybe he’s a decent marketing guy, selling crap to the gullible, but come on, you can’t expect this sh*t to really work.
Most racquets nowadays have a 2-piece string job anyway, so you’d only be tensioning a couple of main strings. Which would have zero effect on the cross strings, so what good would it do, even if it did work as promised. That is: tensioning the main strings, or actually just 4 to 6 of them.
I hope this guy gets exposed for what he is (that is: a fraud) before too many people buy into this nonsense.
Look at the 2nd racket in this link: Fischer Superform Tuning
http://tennishistory.com.au/2012/02/unusual-vintage-tennis-racquets-3/
This price €89.99 is good enough for a brand new, out-of-date racquet, eg, Wilson Blade 98 V7. I believe it would make a difference just as adding lead or a dampener would make a difference. Yet the cost is just too high to justify for me merely fun testing it.
No need to get personal Jason. Have you tested it? Please share your experience with us. If not, please stay away from claims like fraud.
A friend of mine plays with it and I played with his racket a couple of times. I noticed a difference in string tension and control over the ball. Without noticeable difference in swingweight.
I’m not convinced it works for me because I break strings frequently, so I don’t really feel like I have a problem with losing string tension.
Jason, you’re quite rude! I have the retenser on my racket, and it works for me: after a while the strings loose their thightening, the retenser can fix that. So I’m pleased with it! (and I’m just a recreative player)