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Securing Bumperguard Ends

Q: I have an old copy of the Racquet Service Techniques that indicates on some racquets you use the crosses to tie down the end of bumperguards. Threading this “middle cross string” creates significant friction, and I worry about notching the mains. Any suggestions?

A: As it says, this procedure is needed only in those cases where the ends of the bumperguard must be secured against the frame. The trick is to install the crosses so that the loop of string outside the hoop on each side of the racquet holds down the bumperguard ends. The only way to accomplish this is to skip the cross at the ends of the bumperguard (that is, install the next cross in sequence), and then come back to fill in that skipped cross. For the cross that skips a hole, the weave will be the same as the last cross you installed. To reduce the friction on the fill-in cross, weave it before tensioning and clamping the previous cross. This is called weaving one ahead, and it is a good procedure for installing each of the crosses.

From the March 2005 issue
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