General
For whom is the Retenser intended?
The Retenser is suitable for any tennis player who wants to increase his or her performance and playing pleasure and wants to limit injuries.
What does the Retenser do?
The Retenser enables a tennis player to create the string tension that is most ideal at any point in time to increase success and play with fun. This works in two ways:
1. Over time and as a result of increased use of the strings (depending on the type of string present in a racket) the tension of the strings decreases. The Retenser allows a player to increase the tension of the strings back (towards) the original intended tension, just after a racket had been strung initially.
2. In addition, it may be desirable to adjust the tension of the strings, depending on the moment of play:
• On a fast (e.g. artificial grass or hardcourt) surface against a hard hitting player, it may be desirable to play with more control: the Retenser allows a player to increase the string tension, which increases control
• On a slower (e.g. clay) surface, with wet balls or when a player feels less energetic, the Retenser can be used to decrease the tension of the strings. This leads to an increase of the trampoline effect and the ability to with the same stroke place the ball deeper in the court
As a result, the Retenser enables a player to through a small adjustment, create a major change in performance and experience.
1. Over time and as a result of increased use of the strings (depending on the type of string present in a racket) the tension of the strings decreases. The Retenser allows a player to increase the tension of the strings back (towards) the original intended tension, just after a racket had been strung initially.
2. In addition, it may be desirable to adjust the tension of the strings, depending on the moment of play:
• On a fast (e.g. artificial grass or hardcourt) surface against a hard hitting player, it may be desirable to play with more control: the Retenser allows a player to increase the string tension, which increases control
• On a slower (e.g. clay) surface, with wet balls or when a player feels less energetic, the Retenser can be used to decrease the tension of the strings. This leads to an increase of the trampoline effect and the ability to with the same stroke place the ball deeper in the court
As a result, the Retenser enables a player to through a small adjustment, create a major change in performance and experience.
Does the Retenser work with every string?
The Retenser can be used with any type of string.
How does a Retenser contribute to fewer injuries?
When feeling less comfortable on the court and as a result feeling more tense, the natural tendency is to unconsciously start squeezing more in the handle of the racket. The Retenser allows a player to adjust the tension of the strings at any time to create the feeling that is most fitting for that point in time. This allows a player to become more relaxed, as a result of which one plays with less unnecessary tension in the muscles and less injuries occur. During 2021 we will set up and conduct a longitudinal study to clarify the exact extent of injury limitation more precisely.
Why does the Retenser come in two versions: a 2-cylinder version and a 3-cylinder version?
The Retenser is available in 2 variants: a 2-cylinder version and a 3-cylinder version. The 2-cylinder version is intended for rackets with 8 strings (or 4 “loops”) in the yoke, the 3-cylinder version is intended for rackets with 6 strings (or “3 loops”) in the yoke. If you are unsure which Retenser is most suited for your racket, reach out to one of our skilled resellers or watch the instruction video on our website.
What is the advantage of the Retenser Pro?
The cylinders of the Retenser enable a player to change the tension of the stings approximately 2 kilos (up or down). We supply 3 types of cylinders with the Retenser Pro:
• Soft (up to approximately 1 kilo), these are blue cylinders
• Medium (up to approximately 2 kilos), these are white cylinders
• Hard (up to approximately 3 kilos), these are orange cylinders
This allows a player to vary even more precisely in what is desirable.
In addition to the above, we supply an additional adjustment key and handy storage bag for unused cylinders with the Retenser Pro.
• Soft (up to approximately 1 kilo), these are blue cylinders
• Medium (up to approximately 2 kilos), these are white cylinders
• Hard (up to approximately 3 kilos), these are orange cylinders
This allows a player to vary even more precisely in what is desirable.
In addition to the above, we supply an additional adjustment key and handy storage bag for unused cylinders with the Retenser Pro.
How does adding a Retenser impact the weight and balance of my racket?
Every change in the weight of a racket by definition has an impact. That is why the Retenser is designed in such a way that it is able to create / handle a very large amount of force with a very limited weight increase of the racket: The Retenser adds weight on the one hand. On the other hand, the Retenser replaces the grommet strip at the bottom of the yoke (the curve at the bottom of the blade), which also reduces weight in the same place. The net effect is an increase of approximately 5 grams. For reference, the weight of a racket is typically between 250 and 320 grams, as a result the weight gain is typically less than 2%.
Because the Retenser is attached in the yoke (the curve at the bottom of the blade), it is positioned in both a horizontal line (blade to handle) and vertical line (left to right side of the blade) right in the middle of the racket, hence: the balance impact is minimal.
Because the Retenser is attached in the yoke (the curve at the bottom of the blade), it is positioned in both a horizontal line (blade to handle) and vertical line (left to right side of the blade) right in the middle of the racket, hence: the balance impact is minimal.
Why wasn’t a product like the Retenser actually available yet?
We also thought that was a good question and therefore developed it with great enthusiasm.
Where does this idea actually come from?
From the day-to-day experiences of a tennis coach: see also the “the idea” section on our website.
WHAT IS CCT (CONIC CYLINDER TECHNOLOGY)?
The technology that enables the Retenser to handle a huge amount of pressure with a refined adjustment mechanism. This allows the Retenser to be very light, easy to handle and to ‘click’ the mechanism in different positions
Is the Retenser patented?
The Retenser is protected by patents in the European Union, in the U.S. and elsewhere for Elevating Sports BV. This virtual patent marking notice is provided to satisfy the virtual patent marking provisions of various jurisdictions including the virtual patent marking provisions of the America Invents Act and provide notice under 35 U.S.C. §287(a). The following list of products and patents may not be all inclusive.
Products Name:
– Retenser 2 cylinder version
– Retenser 3 cylinder version
– Retenser Pro 2 cylinder version
– Retenser Pro 3 cylinder version
Patents/published applications:
EP 3974037 A1
US 2022/0088444 A1
Products Name:
– Retenser 2 cylinder version
– Retenser 3 cylinder version
– Retenser Pro 2 cylinder version
– Retenser Pro 3 cylinder version
Patents/published applications:
EP 3974037 A1
US 2022/0088444 A1
Where can I buy the Retenser?
We do not supply Retensers directly to consumers, but via specialists: The Retenser is for sale at various stringers, resellers and tennis instructors. We try to display the overview as completely as possible under the tab “Points of sale” on our homepage. Resellers can purchase Retensers in larger numbers through our web shop, which can be found under the “Buy” tab on our homepage.
What is the Red Dot Award and why do I see its logo next to the Retenser?
Every year, the Red Dot Award is awarded to the very best products developed worldwide: They are aesthetically pleasing, functional, smart and innovative. What the award-winning products all have in common is a fantastic design quality. We are extremely proud that our Retenser has won the prestigious Red Dot Design award 2021! The Retenser, including our developed and patented CCT (Conic Cylinder Technology) mechanism, has won in the category “Innovative Product”. More information about Red Dot at www.red-dot.org.
Assembly
Does the Retenser fit on every tennis racket?
The shape of the yoke (the curve at the bottom of the blade) of each racket model is slightly different: one model is a bit flatter, another model is a bit rounder. The Retenser comes with two “base parts”, of which 1 base is slightly flatter and 1 base is slightly rounder. Both “base parts” are made of a slightly more flexible material that molds to the shape of the yoke. This makes the Retenser fit on almost any contemporary racket.
The Retenser is available in 2 variants: a 2-cylinder version and a 3-cylinder version. The 2-cylinder version is designed for rackets with 8 strings (or 4 “loops”) in the yoke, the 3-cylinder version is designed for rackets with 6 strings (or “3 loops”) in the yoke. If you are unsure which Retenser is most suited for your racket, reach out to one of our skilled resellers or watch the instruction video on our website.
The Retenser is available in 2 variants: a 2-cylinder version and a 3-cylinder version. The 2-cylinder version is designed for rackets with 8 strings (or 4 “loops”) in the yoke, the 3-cylinder version is designed for rackets with 6 strings (or “3 loops”) in the yoke. If you are unsure which Retenser is most suited for your racket, reach out to one of our skilled resellers or watch the instruction video on our website.
Where is the Retenser attached?
The Retenser is attached to the yoke (the curve at the bottom of the blade).
Is it possible to install the Retenser yourself?
For those familiar in stringing a tennis racket, the Retenser is easy to string and demands limited additional time. For reference: please find the instructions in the user manual and the instruction video on our website.
In which position do I position the cylinders?
We expect that the most common form of stringing will be to start in the “non-tightened” situation, so that tension can then be added (cylinders on the “-” side of the cylinder holder). It is also possible to position the cylinders in the most tensioned form (so that tension can be reduced) or “in the middle” (so that tension can be added as well as reduced). It is important to choose the same position for all cylinders.
Do all cylinders have to be in the same position?
Yes, this will make sure all strings have the same tension.
Usage
How do I adjust the Retenser?
The Retenser can be adjusted in two directions: more tension (towards the “+”) or less tension (towards the “-“). This adjustment can be made at any time that is desired by means of a separate adjustment key. Place the adjustment key in the hole of each cylinder and turn these one by one to the desired position. When turning to the next position, a “click” can be heard and felt: the Retenser locks itself there.
Note: hold the adjustment key firmly when adjusting, as the force on each individual pair of strings is substantial.
Note: hold the adjustment key firmly when adjusting, as the force on each individual pair of strings is substantial.
Why does the Retenser only impact the vertical strings and not the horizontal strings as well?
The vertical strings have the greatest impact on the game of tennis. We are investigating how a second version of the Retenser could also address the horizontal strings. The challenge here is, among other things, the additional weight gain and balance. See also “How does adding a Retenser impact the weight and balance of my racket?”.
Can the Retenser also address the horizontal strings?
The Retenser is intended to adjust the vertical strings and cannot be positioned on the side of the racket to adjust the horizontal strings.
How often can I use the Retenser?
The Retenser is made of a combination of very strong materials that is able to handle the huge pressures involved. As a result, the Retenser lasts for a very long time and can be re-used with each new stringing.
I have bought a different type of racket, can I use my current Retenser?
This depends on the number of strings in the yoke (the curve at the bottom of the blade). The Retenser is available in 2 variants: a 2-cylinder version and a 3-cylinder version. The 2-cylinder version is intended for rackets with 8 strings (of 4 “loops”) in the yoke, the 3-cylinder version is intended for rackets with 6 strings (or “3 loops”) in the yoke. If the new racket has an identical number of strings in the yoke, the Retenser will also fit in the new racket. If the number of strings is different, then a different version of the Retenser is required.
Note: it may be that the shape of the yoke (the curve at the bottom of the blade) of the new racket is slightly different compare to current racket used: one model is a bit flatter, another model rounder. The Retenser comes with two “base parts”, 1 base slightly flatter and 1 base slightly rounder. Both “base parts” are made of a slightly more flexible material that molds to the shape of the yoke. The Retenser will then fit, but a different base may be required for the new racket. That is why it is wise to hold on to this extra base after purchase.
Note: it may be that the shape of the yoke (the curve at the bottom of the blade) of the new racket is slightly different compare to current racket used: one model is a bit flatter, another model rounder. The Retenser comes with two “base parts”, 1 base slightly flatter and 1 base slightly rounder. Both “base parts” are made of a slightly more flexible material that molds to the shape of the yoke. The Retenser will then fit, but a different base may be required for the new racket. That is why it is wise to hold on to this extra base after purchase.
Can I borrow / use a Retenser from someone else and try it on my racket?
The Retenser is mounted on a racket and the strings are strung through it. This would therefore require that the Retenser is first removed from the other racket and then strung in your racket.
Does the Retenser provide a signal when I have to make an adjustment?
The Retenser can be adjusted in two directions: more tension (towards the “+”) or less tension (towards the “-“). This adjustment can be made at any time that is desired, the Retenser does not provide a signal.
How do I notice that the Retenser is no longer working?
If the Retenser no longer makes a “click” sound during adjustment and no longer clicks into its position.
Can the Retenser fall or jump off my racket if one of the strings snaps?
No: the Retenser is mounted on the racket via several strings and this cannot happen.
Do I also need to install a dampener or is that not necessary?
Playing with or without a dampener is completely dependent on your own personal preference. The Retenser does not provide an additional dampener function.
How does using a Retenser impact the lifespan of a string?
The Retenser has no significant influence on the lifespan of a string.
In case I lose my adjustment key, can I order one additionally?
The Retenser comes with 1 adjustment key and the Retenser Pro with 2 adjustment keys. We do not supply individual components, including keys. The adjustment keys have a cord and can be attached to a bag, shorts, keys etc. to prevent loss.
Can I play matches / tournaments / competitions with the Retenser?
The Retenser is ITF (International Tennis Federation) approved, which means that it can be used in all (professional) matches.
Can a ball jump off my racket incorrectly, because one part of the strings (vertically) is pulled and one part (for example the horizontal ones) is not?
Our tests do not show this effect.
Can a racket deform by using the Retenser?
No, a racket will not deform by using the Retenser.