I have a two point stringing machine and whenever I use it the racket head comes out looking thin and long. I started using 2 lbs more tension on the cross strings and that produced an extremely 'thin' head, so I tried using the same tension for cross and main and still produced a 'thin' head.

I thought if you used the same tension you were supposed to get a 'fat' head i.e. the frame is slightly wider than it should be.

The only explanation I can think of is that the string isn't very good (I'm using Klipper Synthetic Gut - 22 gauge) and the main strings must be 'stretching' slightly when I do the cross strings.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks for your help.

hmmm...

Way back then, if I don't add another 1-2 lb on cross, my racket will look a little bit "fat" than it suppose to be. But seems ur case is exactly the opposite way.

Which string method u using? 2 knots? 4 knots?

The way I do my string (also using 2 point machine), is:

1. when mount the racket, on purposely "stretch" the racket a little bit, to create a little bit extra outward force before string main. (thanks for badrad for this method)

2. string main

3. string cross with 1-2 lb extra

4. try to do the job in 1 shot, say, within 1-2 hrs. Never leave the racket half way done for days.

I use a very standard 4 knot method, starting from the main middle strings and working outwards, alternating sides, one string at a time. And I also push the points out a little before I start to 'stretch' the frame a little to take into account the squeezing effect of the main strings.

But when I do the cross strings, even at the same tension, the frames (I've tried on 3 different rackets, all Yonex) just seem to narrow as I add each string - going from the top of the frame head to the bottom.

It's just weird. My machine is new and just calibrated so I know it's not the tensioning. I can't seem to get anywhere near a 'fat' head.

On my next string job, I may have to use 2lbs tension LESS on the cross strings and see if I get a more natural head shape. I don't know what that will do to performance though. Should be interesting...

With my limited experience, I can only think about 1 issue now:

1. When u tighten the knots, do u feel u kinda losing a lot of tension? For me, I will try to pull the string really tight, before "knot" it. this way, the tension could be maintained to be fairly close to what is suppose to be.

I brought this up, just to see whether the "losen" knot could bother u a little bit or not. For example, say, u want to put 22lb for main, but when u tighten the knots on both sides for main, u might really get 20 or 21 lb. For cross, since the 1st knot was made prior to the stringing, then, only 1 knot counts. Also, with the existed high friction, it's harder to lose too much tension on the last knot for cross. Therefore, ur racket suppose to be 22*24, then, it could actually become 21*24, which possibly result into "thin" head.

Correct me if I am wrong.

I take your point, that may well be the problem. My technique at tying off isn't perfect yet, I probably do lose some tension. Plus, my tension range is in the 22-24 lbs area, so maybe I just need to work on getting the strings more tightly knotted once I've finished the main strings.

I'll give it a go. Thanks

maybe you are stretching the racquet frame too much before you started stringing? when you are mounting the racquet onto the machine, you have to make sure the racquet is on tight but not too tight that it is already warped and becomes too thin. also how many lbs are you stringing? 90lbs? :D

"Klipper Synthetic Gut"? what the heck is that? :)

to see if the string is at fault, next time buy a pack of tried and true string, no need to be too expensive, the Yonex BG65 will be miles ahead in terms of performance and probably only be around US$4-6 depending on where you are.

Originally posted by david14700
I take your point, that may well be the problem. My technique at tying off isn't perfect yet, I probably do lose some tension. Plus, my tension range is in the 22-24 lbs area, so maybe I just need to work on getting the strings more tightly knotted once I've finished the main strings.

I'll give it a go. Thanks

I don't think that loss of tension when tying a knot would be the problem as, at least for a while, the tension will only affect the one string. Could it be that there is movement in your clamps? I use a 6-point machine and I use 2 lbs less on the crosses using the one-string method and don't notice much distortion in the head.

Originally posted by kwun
"Klipper Synthetic Gut"? what the heck is that? :)



http://www.klipperusa.com/products/gripstringdetail.php?catnum=S282

I believe this is the one he was using. Personally, tried this string once. Really hmmmm... just say the quality vs price ratio is really bad. Seems the string is thick and slippery, kinda had a lot of trouble to really string with.

For US$3, if u add another 50 cents, u can get Gosen Roots Ti (B505Ti) from www.hiquasports.com