Home » RSI magazine » Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

November 2009

Slack String Syndrome

Q: In the May issue of RSI, you mentioned a special stringing pattern used by Michael Chang and popularized by Andre Agassi. What you didn’t mention is the purpose of this stringing technique, which I suppose was done to avoid... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet Selection

Q: I’m having a devil of a time finding a new racquet to replace the old racquets for one of my customers who is looking to update. This customer’s current racquet is old enough that it has a weight and... (Click here to read more...)

Grommetless Gut Breakage

Q: One of my customers just bought, on my recommendation, a new racquet — one which in places has the string rest directly against the frame of the racquet (that is, there is no grommet or other cushioning between the... (Click here to read more...)

August 2009

Tennis Elbow Revisited

Q: I’m looking for articles you’ve published in the past dealing with how stringers can help customers who have tennis elbow.... (Click here to read more...)

Deciphering the Racquet Selection Map

Q: I was looking at the Racquet Selection Map in RSI magazine, and was wondering what certain terms mean. For example, what are the differences between “Quick Power,” and “Stable Power,” and “Quick Control,” and “Stable Control?”... (Click here to read more...)

String Life

Q: In general, how many hours does a string last?... (Click here to read more...)

Pallets

Q: In the May 2009 RSI magazine, talking about the pro racquets, it says: “Some players have custom-molded pallets from racquet customizers …” What’s the difference between the “pallet” and the racquet?... (Click here to read more...)

July 2009

Patent numbers

Q: I have three racquets of the same model (obviously from the same manufacturer), and I just noticed that each of them has a different patent number. I want them all to play the same. Should I sell the ones... (Click here to read more...)

Black strings, silver ink

Q: I just saw one of HEAD’s new racquets with a black string that had the logo stenciled in white. What’s the name of this string, and where do you find white stencil ink?... (Click here to read more...)

Choking up

Q: Due to a hand injury, I choke up on my racquet handle, instead of “choking down” as I used to. I realize the swingweight will be different, and I can calculate this using the Parallel Axis Calculator on-line at... (Click here to read more...)

Modifying built-in dampeners

Q: I just bought a racquet that I like a lot, but I do not like the dampener that came with it. The supplied dampener not only attaches to the strings, but also seems to be an integral part of... (Click here to read more...)

June 2009

How often to change racquets, revisited

Q: I have a customer who just obtained sponsorship from a racquet manufacturer, and as part of his contract, he receives a certain number of frames each year. What’s the best way of “managing” these frames? Should he put them... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet strength

Q: Here in southwest Florida we get lots of seasonal guests (the new, politically-correct terminology for snowbirds) who play recreational tennis for the two to six months they visit. Many string on arrival and leave the racquet in their condo... (Click here to read more...)

May 2009

Head Crossbow and Airflow hybrid

Q: I’m trying to string one of Head’s new Crossbow racquets with a hybrid, but I can’t figure out how to do it. According to your stringing instructions, you do the mains and the two bottom crosses all together. How... (Click here to read more...)

Pro racquets

Q: I’ve heard that the racquet companies make special racquets for the pros … ones that the average player can’t buy. Why don’t they allow others to buy pro racquets, so we can play like the pros?... (Click here to read more...)

April 2009

Increasing tension for the tie-off

Q: What is the USRSA position on increasing the tension of the tie offs? I couldn’t find anything about this in the Stringer’s Digest. Tim Strawn at Grand Slam Stringers told me there are no rules concerning this, as long... (Click here to read more...)

Calibrating the Ektelon H

Q: I’ve “inherited” an old Ektelon H stringing machine, but not the manual. How do you calibrate it?... (Click here to read more...)

Czech Tension machines

Q: Do you know the fate of the stringing machines manufactured in the Czech Republic? (They had big yellow knobs in the side mounts.) A few years ago they were distributed and sold in the U.S. at low prices, but... (Click here to read more...)

Boosting customization

Q: After reading “Racquet Customization” (RSI, November 2007) I purchased several pieces of diagnostic equipment including a Prince PTC in the hopes of doing more customization. While I acknowledge that players are as you say “ambivalent toward the concept of... (Click here to read more...)

March 2009

Getting started with customization

Q: I’m having trouble finding information about how to customize racquets. Is there a book you can recommend, or other materials?... (Click here to read more...)

Where’s my favorite string?

Q: I was surprised to see my favorite string was not included in the 2009 Members’ Choice Awards. I've found them to be just as good as comparable strings, but at much less cost. Everyone I have installed them for... (Click here to read more...)

EZ proportional stringing

Q: Does the USRSA make available the lengths of every main and cross string for those of us who want to do proportional stringing? It would be great to have accurate information so I won’t have to measure each string... (Click here to read more...)

Tension and longevity

Q: How much do lower tensions relate to longevity, given a particular string? I've got a customer for whom I string 3-5 racquets weekly at 63 pounds. If I could get him to change to 58 or so, what would... (Click here to read more...)

Comparing power ratings

Q: Please let me know how those power ratings from Prince compare to the USRSA ratings.... (Click here to read more...)

February 2009

Ektelon O3 White patterns

Q: The 16×17 stringing pattern you have listed for the Ektelon O3 White racquetball racquet is the optional pattern for this frame. The stock stringing pattern (the one that comes pre-strung) is 14×17. You might want to mention this in... (Click here to read more...)

Adding lead tape under the bumperguard

Q: I just received two brand new racquets today. However, after taking grommet strips off to add weight under the bumper guard, I found it impossible to put the grommets back through the racquet holes because some of the grommet... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet shortening

Q: How do you shorten a racquet by ¼ or even ½ inches?... (Click here to read more...)

Guestimating tension range

Q: I have a Snauwaert Graphite Composite and a Wilson Butch Buchholz Signature racquet made for Sears Roebuck & Co. Any idea as to recommended stringing range on these?... (Click here to read more...)

Tying off natural gut

Q: I have had several instances of the main string breaking at the point where the cross string is tied off such as 7H. In two instances it happened in the bag, that is, not during play. I use a... (Click here to read more...)

Hybrid weight differences

Q: I noticed in your playtest report of Pacific Power Hybrid that the total racquet weight was different depending on which string was used in the mains. How is that possible?... (Click here to read more...)

January 2009

Listing grommet kits in the Digest

Q: I just received my new Stringer’s Digest, you know, the one with the huge frame database with stringing instructions. Well, I have a suggestion for a new field. I think it would be most useful if there were a... (Click here to read more...)

O3 options

Q: I have a stringing machine that does not have an easily accessible turntable lock. Does that mean I have to use the boomerang tool? I have also heard that you have to string the racquet five pounds higher, for... (Click here to read more...)

Looking up string stiffness

Q: I read your “Guide To Strings” article on pages 38-39 in your September/October 2008 edition of Racquet Sports Industry magazine. I want to look up the “stiffness/tension loss” specs for the 600 other strings your article refers to. I... (Click here to read more...)

Mains and crosses revisited

Q: I read with interest the Ask The Experts answer that, according to Babolat, the main strings contribute durability and spin, while the cross strings contribute power and comfort. Would it make sense to say that main strings are also... (Click here to read more...)

Differential tensions

Q: Can you explain why some players lower the tension two to three pounds on the crosses and others are doing the same on the mains? Does it have an effect on the sweet spot, and is there any other... (Click here to read more...)

Removing old head tape

Q: I have a frame that has several strips of Babolat head tape on it that I need to remove. Is there an easy way to pop them off? I don’t want to scratch or damage the frame.... (Click here to read more...)

November 2008

Digest legibility

Q: Sometimes I have difficulty reading the Stringer’s Digest, as you can see below. Any suggestions?... (Click here to read more...)

How often to change racquets

Q: Do you have a recommendation as to how often a 4.0-5.0 player who plays three or four time a week should change racquets?... (Click here to read more...)

Constant pull vs. lockout

Q: I am in the market for a stringing machine and am having difficulty making sense of a couple of issues. One of them is constant-pull versus lockout. I have read on the web that lockout machines do not offer... (Click here to read more...)

String Stiffness

Q: Is there a specific string stiffness that is considered as a limit? For example, if the stiffness of the string is above that number it is considered a stiff string, while if the stiffness is below that number, it... (Click here to read more...)

Looking up String Stiffness

Q: I read your “Guide To Strings” article on pages 38-39 in your September/October 2008 edition of Racquet Sports Industry magazine. I want to look up the “stiffness/tension loss” specs for the remainder of the 600 more strings your article... (Click here to read more...)

September 2008

HEAD Crossbow and Airflow CB racquets

Q: Is there a special way of stringing the new HEAD CrossBow and Airflow CB racquets? I tried to string one and the CrossBow came out when I was tensioning the fifth main.... (Click here to read more...)

Becoming a racquet designer

Q: I just graduated with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. I have been playing for more than 10 years and I also represented the university. I am now very keen on finding a job in manufacturing or research and... (Click here to read more...)

Swingweight vs. aerodynamics

Q: I have been using head tape at the throat of the racquet instead of a dampener. The tape is 1½” wide, and I use one piece on each side of the stringbed, pressed together, covering the throat area. My... (Click here to read more...)

August 2008

Changing grip shape

Q: I have a client who likes HEAD racquets but prefers the rounder grip shape of the Wilson racquets. Is there an easy way to change the shape of the Head racquet’s grip?... (Click here to read more...)

One-piece vs. two-piece

Q: The USRSA Stringer’s Digest and the USRSA online tool each say that the Head MicroGel Prestige Pro MP should be strung with two pieces of string. But the mains end at the head, so why can’t this racquet be... (Click here to read more...)

Tension and control

Q: Does a tighter string tension mean less control because it bounces off faster? And does a looser string tension mean more control because it stays on the string longer?... (Click here to read more...)

Better durability

Q: I string my 16×19 racquet with 17-gauge multifilament nylon mains at 52 lbs. and poly crosses at 49 lbs. I get the power I want this way, but I’m having problems with durability on the mains. I am thinking... (Click here to read more...)

July 2008

Racquet spelling

Q: Why do you use the Canadian spelling of “racquet” instead of the American version, which is “racket.” Are you Canadian? Just curious, it caught my eye.... (Click here to read more...)

O3 Speedport Pro White

Q: One of our teaching pros switched to Prince last week and received two O3 Speedport Pro White frames. When I tried to string them (one piece, like you list in the Stringers Digest), I found that the short side... (Click here to read more...)

ATW for the Babolat Pure Drive

Q: I’ve been using Liam Nolan’s Around the World (ATW) stringing technique for just about every frame I string (see “Easy ATW Stringing” in the May 2007 issue of RSI for details), and it works great on just about every... (Click here to read more...)

April 2008

Hybrid theory

Q: Do you think it would improve playability of a hybrid-strung racquet if the mains and crosses were strung in such a way that the dynamic stiffness was more equal? For example, if you have Luxilon Alu Power in the... (Click here to read more...)

Power pads

Q: I am having a hard time finding a tennis supplier that still carries leather power pads (preferably the round ones).... (Click here to read more...)

March 2008

Double-back crosses

Q: I’ve heard other stringers make reference to the “double-back cross” method for stringing the Prince Speedport Red, Blue, and Silver. Can you help me understand what this is?... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet spec differences

Q: I was comparing the specs on two racquets the other day with a customer, and I couldn’t explain why two racquets with otherwise almost identical specs have such a difference in swingweight. The specs are: Racquet A Racquet B... (Click here to read more...)

String recommendations

Q: I’m in the process of revamping my string inventory. What strings do you recommend I carry?... (Click here to read more...)

Constant-pull calibration

Q: I have a digital scale to calibrate my Babolat Star 3. I have Kevlar string between the scale and the tension head. When tension is pulled to 65 lbs., the scale will briefly read 65 and then the number... (Click here to read more...)

One more ‘poly’

Q: What is the difference between polyurethane and polyester strings?... (Click here to read more...)

Fan-pattern racquets

Q: I have an older glide-bar stringing machine and sometimes it’s hard to string the last mains because they fan out too much. Does a floating clamp help with this? How do they work?... (Click here to read more...)

February 2008

Lengthening a racquet

Q: Given the on-line tools available to USRSA members, how can I calculate the new swingweight and balance of a racquet (27.5 inch) being cut down to 27.25 inch?... (Click here to read more...)

January 2008

Missing String Selector listing?

Q: I was trying to use the String Selector to find strings comparable to a string that was discontinued a couple of years ago. However, when I select the manufacturer of the discontinued string, the String Selector shows only current... (Click here to read more...)

Hybrid options

Q: I was just wondering, what are the benefits of putting natural gut in the main strings and Luxilon in the cross strings, as Roger Federer does? I would think there is more durability needed in the main strings, thus... (Click here to read more...)

Restringing frequency

Q: What is the recommended stringing frequency for club players?... (Click here to read more...)

Frame stress and tie-off points

Q: Is there a way that the amount of pressure or stress on the frame can be measured? It seems that the stress must increase at the tie-off points. I am curious how much additional load this places on the... (Click here to read more...)

November 2007

Pre-stretch -- manual vs. machine

Q: After I upgraded from my old lockout machine to my new electronic stringing machine, I started using the built-in machine pre-stretch function (set at 5 percent) because I thought it would help recover some of the clamp drawback, and... (Click here to read more...)

Too many polys

Q: I was reading one of your playtest reports the other day, and it said that the string was a “polyamide.” The playtest made the string sound interesting — especially the comfort rating — but I don’t want to recommend... (Click here to read more...)

Mains and crosses

Q: Has anyone ever determined what the different roles are of the mains and crosses? I want to start playtesting some different combinations of strings and tensions, and it would be nice to know what to look for so I... (Click here to read more...)

September 2007

Releasing the side mounts during stringing

Q: I finished installing the mains in a racquet, had tensioned the second cross (working from the head down) and was trying to insert the string into the grommet hole for the third cross, but the side support at 10... (Click here to read more...)

Poly tension loss

Q: We are getting some complaints from customers who say that a certain poly plays really well, but loses a lot of tension in a short period of time. I strung one for myself and the string really does lose... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing with 17-gauge string

Q: A customer left two racquets to be strung with 17-gauge synthetic gut, but I’ve never used a light-gauge string before. I am worried that the starting knot will come through the grommet as we pull tension. Should I use... (Click here to read more...)

Choosing a tie-off hole

Q: I was stringing a racquet the other day, and just by looking at it I could tell that there were tie-off holes at 6T and 8T. I was going to tie off the mains at 6T, but the Digest... (Click here to read more...)

August 2007

Copy-cat racquet matching

Q: A friend of mine had his cousin visit from out of town, and because my friend doesn’t play tennis, he asked if I would hit with his cousin. His cousin was really good, and I noticed that he had... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet repair

Q: After 12 years and over 10,000 string jobs without running into this situation, I’m starting to see problems on oversized, thin-wall racquets, where the grommet barrels are forcing their way through the carbon fiber at the shoulders of the... (Click here to read more...)

Minimizing wasted string

Q: Is there an efficient and accurate way to measure how much string a given racquet will require so that there is a minimum amount of waste when using string from a reel? I look up the measurements in the... (Click here to read more...)

Changing the flex

Q: You have all these on-line tools and all this information about how to change the weight, balance, and swingweight of a racquet, but nothing about how to change the flex. What can I do to change the flex of... (Click here to read more...)

Releasing clamps

Q: I had a discussion with a couple other techs regarding the best way to lock and release the fixed clamps after tensioning each string. One told me that there is no difference in the order you lock and release... (Click here to read more...)

July 2007

Double-bridge racquet mounting

Q: I have a racquet to string that I’m not sure how to mount. The racquet is a Wilson Hyper Hammer 2.6 Overdrive with Rollers. I have a six-point stringer that would allow me to set the contact point either... (Click here to read more...)

Missing Digest listing?

Q: A stringing customer of mine gave me a racquet to string that he purchased during a recent visit to Japan. It was strung there, but incorrectly. After cutting out the string I referred to my Stringers Digest. Though the... (Click here to read more...)

Chewed-up turntable

Q: Our shop recently purchased a brand new constant-pull stringing machine, one of the better models from a leading manufacturer. It has all the bells and whistles, and an aluminum turntable. After a couple of months of use, the underside... (Click here to read more...)

Boomerang tool

Q: I understand that there is a tool that helps in stringing the Prince O3 racquets. Does it work? If so, where can I find one?... (Click here to read more...)

June 2007

Pre-lacing

Q: I’m having an argument with another stringer who pre-laces his racquets, and insists I should do so as well. He claims I’ll get a faster, more accurate string job. I disagree. What do the experts say?... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing 'one ahead'

Q: Is stringing the crosses one-ahead a mandatory procedure for stringers who string at professional tournaments? If a stringer decides not to string one ahead, what are the potential risks of this practice? What is the USRSA position regarding stringing... (Click here to read more...)

Machine cleaning

Q: In a past issue I read an article regarding how and what type of products to use to clean your stringing machine. I have a lockout machine, if that makes a difference.... (Click here to read more...)

Gut life

Q: What is the life resiliency of a gut string? How often do pros restring their racquets when using gut? How often when using synthetics?... (Click here to read more...)

Moving grommets

Q: While stringing certain racquets, some of the grommets fall out. Would you have any suggestions on how to prevent this?... (Click here to read more...)

Best machine height

Q: After stringing about three racquets, my back starts to bother me. Is there an ergonomically best height to set the table of my machine to avoid (or at least mitigate) this situation?... (Click here to read more...)

May 2007

Racquetball swingweights

Q: In regards to the swingweight numbers that are given each year in RSI magazine for the new racquetball racquets, how do you get those numbers? I know that the Babolat Racquet Diagnostic Center (RDC) can measure tennis racquets, but... (Click here to read more...)

String straightening

Q: I had a another local teaching pro tell one of my customers that moving your strings back into place when they get out of line because of a topspin hit reduces the tension. I disagreed. I say it has... (Click here to read more...)

Moving strings

Q: On the 18th, I strung a customer’s racquet using a new (for him) string. He returned it on the 21st, complaining that the strings were moving and showing wear in one spot. I strung the racquet as specified in... (Click here to read more...)

Floating knots

Q: I have been stringing for 20 years, and our facility strings more than 500 racquets a year. I thought I’d seen it all, but I have come across a very strange problem. One of your certification testers has instructed... (Click here to read more...)

Calibration question

Q: In doing some research about how to calibrate my lock-out machine, I have found that some people do it with the calibrator going directly from the clamps to the string gripper, while others mount a racquet and simulate a... (Click here to read more...)

April 2007

Racquet fatigue

Q: How many times can a racquet be restrung before the frame begins to lose its original stiffness?... (Click here to read more...)

Alternating mains

Q: A friend begins the mains at the center as recommended by USRSA, installing three mains on the right, three more mains on the left, and then three more on the left, before going back to the right side. In... (Click here to read more...)

Tying knots in polyester

Q: Do you happen to have any video of a good stringer tying knots in polyester? I’m trying to get an idea of the amount of forearm strength required.... (Click here to read more...)

Lead tape beneath the bumperguard

Q: I have been reading on some on-line tennis message boards that top players add lead tape under the bumperguard or grommet strip so that it can’t be seen. How is this done?... (Click here to read more...)

March 2007

Equal ‘twang’

Q: After trying different techniques, I don't seem to be able to get the two center mains at the same tension. I clamp the right main and add the starter clamp. I then tension the left main, clamp it, and... (Click here to read more...)

Reducing tension

Q: I recently moved to a new area, with a new stringer, and got my racquet restrung with an aramid hybrid. For some reason, it’s much tighter than I’m used to. Do you have any suggestions how to reduce the... (Click here to read more...)

Bumperguard restoration

Q: We use alcohol to clean racquets before restringing them. The problem with is that the alcohol dries out the bumperguard, which leaves it looking strangely. What do you recommend to restore the original look?... (Click here to read more...)

Völkl DNX 1 mounting

Q: I found the Völkl DNX 1 Power Arm in the online Digest, but there is nothing in there about special mounting. Is there anything particular to this racquet relative to the Power Arm feature that is out of the... (Click here to read more...)

February 2007

Raising the sweet spot

Q: I have noticed that my daughter hits the ball most of the time just above the sweet spot, and I was thinking of putting lead tape at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions of the head. Should I counterweight... (Click here to read more...)

Babolat Clamp Replacement

Q: I've got to get new clamps for my Babolat Star 3 and I'm finding it difficult to justify spending $525 on a pair of replacement clamps. I have read many good things about the clamps on the Silent Partner... (Click here to read more...)

Babolat Star 5 Clamp Base Adjustment

Q: In your review of the Babolat Star 5, you say that locking the clamp bases requires a small rotation of the ergonomic handle. However, on mine, I have to turn the handle nearly 90 degrees. Is there an adjustment... (Click here to read more...)

January 2007

Marketing avenues

Q: I'm wondering how I can promote my stringing business beyond handing out fliers. Clubs have their pros doing stringing at local events so I always feel uncomfortable marketing myself around there. Should I ask the local pro shops if... (Click here to read more...)

Racquets going soft

Q: Do racquets go soft with age, and if so, how do you measure it?... (Click here to read more...)

November 2006

Heat-damaged racquets

Q: I tell my customers not to leave racquets in cars because the heat can harm the strings and eventually warp the frame. Nevertheless, some of my customers do just that. What kind of damage should I be looking for,... (Click here to read more...)

Restringing abused racquets

Q: Some of my clay-court customers have the bad habit of hitting the racquet lightly against the court, not enough to crack the frame, but certainly stressing it over time. How can I protect myself against the possibility of one... (Click here to read more...)

Setting clamping force

Q: Besides being a new USRSA member, I am also a new stringer. I have strung about 10 racquets so far, and I think my string jobs are starting to look pretty good. The problem comes when I try installing... (Click here to read more...)

Cleaning textured clamp faces

Q: I have been cleaning the teeth on my machine's string clamps fairly regularly, using alcohol and a toothbrush, but the last time I did it I looked closely and saw that there was some string residue still embedded in... (Click here to read more...)

September 2006

Troublesome two-piece stringing

Q: I am being asked to perform ever more two-piece string jobs on racquets that specify one-piece stringing only. The problem I often have is finding a large enough grommet hole to tie off the start of the crosses, because... (Click here to read more...)

Prince O3 stringing

Q: I checked the 2006 Stringer's Digest and the website for information on stringing a Prince O3 racquet. I don't understand the statement, "The center six strings must be inserted through the small grommet holes in the plastic throat grommet... (Click here to read more...)

Getting the lead in

Q: According your Racquet Mass Mover on-line calculator, adding weight less than 9 centimeters from the butt moves the center of percussion (COP) toward the tip, which is exactly what I want. Is this really true or is there a... (Click here to read more...)

Sketchy search results

Q: How come the Head Ti.S6 is not included in the Racquet Selector search results, when I ask for all racquets lighter than 270 grams?... (Click here to read more...)

July 2006

Lockout calibration woes

Q: I acquired a lockout-type stringing machine a little more than four years ago. I've been using it to string racquets for my clients who specifically request lockout tensioning, as my main machine is a constant-pull electronic machine. I have... (Click here to read more...)

Calibration procedure

Q: I inherited an old Ektelon stringing machine, but it didn’t come with a manual. Do you have any information on it? It still works, I just don’t know how to ensure the calibration is correct.... (Click here to read more...)

String gauge differences

Q: I am in a debate with the other pro here about the advantages of thinner string. Could you please explain why thinner gauge adds more topspin and power than thicker string?... (Click here to read more...)

String breakage patterns

Q: I read somewhere that if your string breaks in the mains it means one thing, and if it breaks in the crosses it means something else. Can you enlighten me?... (Click here to read more...)

June 2006

Changing Volkl pallets

Q: Is it possible to replace the handle on a Volkl BB 10? I have a customer with a 4-5/8 grip who wants a 4-3/8 grip. I know how to make the grip larger, but do not know how to... (Click here to read more...)

Changing the COP

Q: Is there a method of determining the amount of change of a racquet’s center of percussion (COP) when placing lead tape on the frame? On my Babolat Aerotour OS, the COP is around 53 cm. From looking at my... (Click here to read more...)

Which tension to use?

Q: Here’s a situation I have come across from time to time— a difference in stringing tension between what’s stenciled on the racquet and what the Stringer’s Digest says. I recently strung a Prince Triple Threat RIP with a tension... (Click here to read more...)

May 2006

Matching older frames

Q: A lot of the guys I play with at my local public courts use ancient racquets. They obviously love these racquets, but they wouldn't be opposed to buying new racquets if they could find something that matched — without... (Click here to read more...)

Vibration dampeners

Q: Could you please give me a ruling on placement of anti-vibrators? My understanding is that a player may place an anti-vibrating device under the lowest horizontal, over the highest horizontal, left of the farthest left vertical, and right of... (Click here to read more...)

Gut alternatives

Q: What string other than natural gut or a hybrid with gut would be best for the arm? I've heard that a thin-gauge string is better than a thicker gauge, but wouldn't a thicker gauge absorb more shock at impact... (Click here to read more...)

Using Racquet Selector

Q: I had a customer bring me a Profile-type frame from Germany, and he asked for a similar frame available today. I clicked Wilson for the manufacturer and Profile 2.7 110 for the frame. I picked swingweight as priority one.... (Click here to read more...)

Soft weave

Q: I've been stringing for a lot of years, but never ran across the term "soft weave." I can find references to it but not how you do it.... (Click here to read more...)

April 2006

Tecnifibre mounting

Q: I have a Tecnifibre SP Pro Cord, which is old enough that some of the really large racquets — such as the Wilson Hyper Sledge Hammer 2.0 — are difficult to mount. I know there are adapters, but do... (Click here to read more...)

Frame slippage

Q: Have you ever finished stringing the mains on a frame and noticed that the throat billiard is resting up against one of the first grommets? I use a Babolat Star 3, and I know the frame was perfectly centered... (Click here to read more...)

Getting started with customizing

Q: I recently became a Certified Stringer, and now I'm interested in learning racquet customization, should I get a good scale and balance board, or go all out and get a Babolat RDC?... (Click here to read more...)

March 2006

Momentum vs. acceleration

Q: A lot of tennis experts talk about acceleration on your swing, but I thought the whole point was to have more momentum. Since when did acceleration become more important?... (Click here to read more...)

Understanding the String Selector Map

Q: In the Stiffness column of the String Selector Map, if string A has a stiffness of 237 lbs/in. as compared to string B, which has a stiffness of 226 lbs/in., am I correct in assuming that string A is... (Click here to read more...)

String-bed density

Q: I've noticed that the Wilson nSix-One 95 comes with a choice of string patterns—16x18 and 18x20. Could you tell me the purpose of this and what the difference means with regards to playability, spin, control, and power? Which do... (Click here to read more...)

February 2006

Reducing grip size

Q: Do you have any information on who reduces tennis grips? Is there any do-it-yourself info? I don't even know where to start.... (Click here to read more...)

Defining swingweight

Q: I thought I knew the definition of "swingweight" until I had someone ask me to tell him. Now I'm wondering, what exactly is swingweight?... (Click here to read more...)

Partial string jobs

Q: I need some sort of official ruling as to whether or not leaving a string job half done is acceptable practice. It has been demonstrated to me many times that it is not, however, I need some sort of... (Click here to read more...)

January 2006

Power pads

Q: I have a question about the dampeners that are used at the throat of racquets. Not the regular dampener on the stringbed, but material that is placed between the frame and string at the holes. What is the purpose... (Click here to read more...)

Swingweight

Q: I'm confused about swingweight. Let's say I have two different racquets, one of which weighs 320 grams and has a swingweight of 300, and one that weighs 300 grams and has a swingweight of 320. Which is going to... (Click here to read more...)

360-degree rotation

Q: Why do some stringing machines have the tension head so high that it's in the way, so you can't rotate the racquet 360 degrees?... (Click here to read more...)

November 2005

Double pulling

Q: We string both tennis and racquetball frames in my shop. For tennis frames, we always pull each string individually, and we never have a complaint. For racquetball frames, we sometimes have to double-pull — pull two strings at once... (Click here to read more...)

Squash tension listings

Q: I've been given a Prince TT Warrior Squash frame to string. The frame specifies a tension range between 20 and 35 lbs; the Stringer's Digest has the following entry: "20-28 (S) 28-35 (H)". What do the (S) and (H)... (Click here to read more...)

September 2005

Published racquet measurements

Q: Why do published racquet measurements vary from source to source?... (Click here to read more...)

USRSA racquet measurements

Q: How does USRSA measure racquets?... (Click here to read more...)

Natural gut twist

Q: I read the tip submitted by T. Perry Widener about keeping gut from unraveling, which appeared in the June 2003 issue, but I don’t understand why it makes a difference which way you make the loop when you’re weaving... (Click here to read more...)

August 2005

Racquet matching

Q: I can sort of understand matching two racquets, if one is lighter and has a lower swingweight, but I'm having trouble getting started on matching three racquets where the measurements seem to be all over the place. Any tips?... (Click here to read more...)

Fear of flying

Q: I have often wondered about the effects of flying on a strung racquet. Does it matter to the strings if the racquet is carried on or if the racquet is packed in a suitcase and put in the cargo... (Click here to read more...)

July 2005

String breakage on grommetless racquets

Q: I have been stringing for a 55-year-old male (a good player but no powerhouse) who just purchased two Prince More Control DB 800 MP racquets, which have the Direct Contact String Channels instead of traditional grommets. I’ve been stringing... (Click here to read more...)

'Tour' stringing

Q: I am trying to understand how to string a racquet according to what, in my mind, has been known as a "tour" type of a string job, such that the strings carry a uniform tightness from side to side... (Click here to read more...)

June 2005

Two-piece stringing

Q: Why don't you have one-piece stringing instructions in the Digest for every racquet? Some only show two-piece instructions?... (Click here to read more...)

Tension adjustments

Q: Why are you supposed to adjust tensions when using aramid or polyester strings?... (Click here to read more...)

Interrupted stringing

Q: Sometimes I get interrupted in the middle of string jobs, and I need to be able to stop and do something else. If you've mounted the frame properly in the stringing machine, why is it so important to finish... (Click here to read more...)

May 2005

Racquet matching

Q: I have four frames of the same make and model. One of them is my favorite, so I want to make the others match it, using the online “Racquet Customizer” tool at www.racquetTECH.com. Should I take measurements on strung... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet power

Q: Why is it that in the online tennis racquet specifications at www.racquetTECH.com you don't have a listing for power?... (Click here to read more...)

Broken racquet

Q: I have a situation that has never happened to me in all of my years stringing: A customer’s racquet broke while I was restringing it. The customer has been using it about four years, and it had been strung... (Click here to read more...)

Racquetball string breakage

Q: I have a customer who gave me five racquetball frames to string. Each racquet had either the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th cross string from the top broken. He gave me back one last night that had the 5th main... (Click here to read more...)

April 2005

Racquet Mounting

Q: I have a Gamma Progression ST II stringer, and I have upgraded from the standard Gamma quick-mount system to their top-of-the-line suspension-mount system, where one knob moves two shoulder-support arms at the same time. When I mount a racquet,... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet Specs

Q: Is there a general grip size used for stating specs on new racquets? I'm starting to receive some new frames from Wilson and it appears as though the specs quoted for unstrung racquets were done for a 4-3/8" grip.... (Click here to read more...)

Safe Tension Range

Q: I noticed in your pro equipment logs (http://www.racquettech.com /members/prologs/prologstoc.html) that the string tension indicated for several players is higher than the racquet manufacturer's tension range on their racquets. Are the pros playing with special made versions of these racquets... (Click here to read more...)

March 2005

50-50 Stringing

Q: I am fairly new to stringing and I always string from head to throat on two-piece jobs. My friend who has been stringing for about seven years starts the crosses in the center of the frame (half on each... (Click here to read more...)

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... (Click here to read more...)

February 2005

Long Racquet Source

Q: Do you know any companies that might sell longer tennis racquets — up to 32 inches — even if they're only for recreational play?... (Click here to read more...)

Pro Racquets

Q: You have a section that tells the racquets, strings, and tensions used by some of the top pros. Do you have any information regarding how they set their racquets up? I need to know how much pro racquets weigh... (Click here to read more...)

Matched Racquets

Q: I'm looking to buy four older racquets, but from what I understand, the racquet that interests me changed specifications during its lifespan, so I need to do more than find four of them — I need to find four... (Click here to read more...)

Air Travel for Tennis Balls

Q: An overseas customer of mine wishes to purchase some tennis balls. I am of two minds about selling to him, because sometime back when I tried to purchase the pressurized balls overseas from stores in the U.S., they refused... (Click here to read more...)

January 2005

Stringing the Ektelon DPR

Q: I've read through the stringing instructions for the Ektelon DPR 2500 and DPR 2500 Lite, and I have only one question: How the heck do you string these darn things? With the frame mounted in the stringing machine, you... (Click here to read more...)

Machine Pre-Stretching

Q: Can you give me any information on pre-stretching string? I just got my first electronic stringer, a Prince 3000, and it has a function to pre-stretch string. A few of the people I string for are very powerful players... (Click here to read more...)

Source for Old Racquets

Q: A friend of mine plays with a Wilson Sledge Hammer 2.8 Stretch. He wants to find at least one more of these racquets, but they have been discontinued. Do you have any suggestions on how to find one "out... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing a Wooden Racquet

Q: Does the USRSA have string patterns for some of the classics? I have been contacted by a client who has a wooden racquet and a package of natural gut. Talk about a challenge! I've used gut before (usually as... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing the Ektelon DPR

Q: I've read through the stringing instructions for the Ektelon DPR 2500 and DPR 2500 Lite, and I have only one question: How the heck do you string these darn things? With the frame mounted in the stringing machine, you... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing a Wooden Racquet

Q: Does the USRSA have string patterns for some of the classics? I have been contacted by a client who has a wooden racquet and a package of natural gut. Talk about a challenge! I've used gut before (usually as... (Click here to read more...)

November 2004

Swingweight differences

Q: I have a question about swingweight. I understand that two racquets can have different weights and balances while having the same swing weight. My question is if I have two racquets that are the same model, the same weight,... (Click here to read more...)

Differential string tensions

Q: I have a customer who has requested that I string his racquet with the crosses two pounds lower than the mains. He says that he heard that this “locks in” the mains. I’ve never heard of this, have you?... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet torque

Q: I was reading your 2004 Study Guide page and I noticed you wrote that longer racquets have less torque. However it should read “increased torque” because the moment arm is increased. Simple physics.... (Click here to read more...)

Ektelon Clamp Length

Q: I have a 25-year-old Ektelon H stringing machine. When stringing widebody racquets, the clamps are so short that the only way to get them to reach the stringbed is to push down on the string before clamping. Does anyone... (Click here to read more...)

October 2004

Stringmeter readings

Q: Having read The Physics and Technology of Tennis, I came to appreciate how much the actual tension of a string job can vary from the reference tension. To measure this for myself, I bought a Stringmeter, which I understood... (Click here to read more...)

E-Force Torrent short side

Q: I have two E-Force Torrentracquetball racquets that came in unstrung. There is no identification that says "SS" on the plastic guard on the short side of the frame, as I was led to expect by the stringing instructions in... (Click here to read more...)

Tension loss on Wilson Rollers racquets

Q: I have some technical questions about stringing Wilson racquets with Rollers. The Stringer's Digest, and directions on the throat, state that the tension on the crosses must be less than that of the mains. My concern is whether this... (Click here to read more...)

August 2004

Hard courts vs. soft courts

Q: In the April issue of RSI, Crawford Lindsey provided the article "Follow the Bouncing Ball," which describes the "coefficient of restitution" (COR) for a tennis ball as "0.6 for grass, 0.83 for hard courts, and 0.85 for clay courts."... (Click here to read more...)

Reducing stringing time

Q: I hear about these stringers who can restring a racquet in 15 minutes or less, and I wonder what I'm doing wrong. It takes me at least an hour to restring a racquet, and that's when I'm hurrying. What's... (Click here to read more...)

Babolat Sensor

Q: I'm thinking about buying a new stringing machine, and one of the machines I'm considering is the Babolat Sensor, despite its price. However, I've heard that the Sensor doesn't have speed control, unlike most of the less expensive machines... (Click here to read more...)

July 2004

Babolat Star 2 and Star 3 calibration

Q: I just went to work at a shop that has a Babolat Star 3, but they don’t have a manual for it. According to my calibrator, it is not pulling tension correctly. Can I calibrate this machine myself?... (Click here to read more...)

June 2004

Hard weave

Q: I am a new member trying to learn as I go. I have been asked to string an Ektelon racquet with a "hard weave" technique for the crosses. I have been unable to find a definition or description of... (Click here to read more...)

Swingweight sensitivity

Q: How much difference in swingweight does it take for a 3.5 to 4.0 player to notice?... (Click here to read more...)

Trap doors on butt caps

Q: Is there an easy way to determine if a racquet has a removable "trap door" in the butt cap and if the handle is hollow or foam filled? By easy, I mean without removing the grip and the butt... (Click here to read more...)

Prince AirLaunch

Q: I have Prince AirLaunch B850 MP, but in my Digest it lists only the Airlaunch B875 MP. Do you have the stringing instructions for the AirLaunch B850 MP?... (Click here to read more...)

First moment

Q: On page 53 of Racquet Service Techniques, it states, “first moment (or static moment) is the weight of the racquet multiplied by the distance of the balance point from your hand.” Aren’t you supposed to multiply by the distance... (Click here to read more...)

Tennis ball shelf life

Q: What is the shelf life of a container of tennis balls? One of our school systems has four cases of ball that are more than four years old.... (Click here to read more...)

High-altitude tennis

Q: Does altitude (I'm at 3,000 feet) have any effect on string tensions or does the different high altitude ball compensate for the difference in altitude?... (Click here to read more...)

Digest listings

Q: Maybe it’s just because I deal with a lot of older, eclectic racquets, but it seems to me that a lot of them aren’t in the Stringer’s Digest. I’ve been calling tech support and they often can find the... (Click here to read more...)

May 2004

String movement

Q: Why do some strings move more than others on impact with the ball?... (Click here to read more...)

Discontinued grommet strips

Q: Does anyone publish a list of discontinued or hard-to-find grommet strips, and who sells them? Does the USRSA have a grommet-strip database that shows when grommet strips are going out of stock at various suppliers, so we can buy... (Click here to read more...)

First-time customizer

Q: I've been stringing for decades but I've never tried customizing a racquet, until now. I want my Prince Triple Threat Grande OS to hit more like my old Wilson Sledge Hammer 2.8 Stretch. How much lead tape should I... (Click here to read more...)

Ektelon Attitude tension

Q: I have a racquetball customer who uses the Ektelon More Performance Attitude. According to the USRSA, the tension range in this frame is 26 to 34 pounds. However, he says he heard from someone at Ektelon that this frame... (Click here to read more...)

Fishing line for tennis

Q: I bought a spool of Momoi 150-pound monofilament fishing line in the hopes that it would work as well as the more expensive monofilament tennis string I’ve been using. There are 1,650 yards per spool, and a spool costs... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet power formula

Q: I find it interesting to read and ponder the tension-versus-power debate in your magazine and website. It all seems to make sense regarding energy in versus out, less than one percent velocity change with various string tension, etc. It... (Click here to read more...)

April 2004

Proportional stringing

Q: I string for a talented local junior player, and her father has asked that I string her racquets using the proportional stringing method. I have no idea what he’s talking about. How do you do it?... (Click here to read more...)

Kevlar tension

Q: I have heard varied opinions on the tension that should be used for Kevlar strings. One person says it should be 5 percent lower than normal, another says it should be 10 percent lower than normal, and yet another... (Click here to read more...)

Foreign products

Q: I've looked all over your website and have failed to find any mention of the strings I use locally. These are Epsilon strings, three of which are very popular with my customers here in Australia. They are the Kev-Power,... (Click here to read more...)

March 2004

Starting clamp

Q: When exactly is a starting clamp needed?... (Click here to read more...)

Points vs. centimeters of balance

Q: What the heck is a point? When they say a racquet is “6 points head light,” what does that mean?... (Click here to read more...)

Nate Ferguson's stringing speed

Q: In your piece on Nate Ferguson, he says he could string Pete Sampras’ racquet with gut in twelve minutes when he had to. What special techniques did he use to achieve this level of speed and accuracy?... (Click here to read more...)

February 2004

Tennis elbow

Q: As one who suffers from tennis elbow, I’ve read issue after issue of Tennis magazine looking for articles dedicated to this condition, but found only scant mention of pricey medical procedures and the “Hit or Myth” column by USRSA... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing unusual racquets

Q: I realize that I am not going to be able to string every racquet that my customers bring me in twenty minutes or less, but I feel as though I am spending an inordinate amount of time on racquets... (Click here to read more...)