I recently switched to a 1-piece because of the basest possible reason: I seem to use significantly less string. Now that my jobs come off a reel, this matters! I always follow the Yonex pattern, though; I just go bottom to top and grade the tensions up as I reach the edges (1/2/3 extra for the last strings).
yes u r correct..yonex will void any one piece stringing because it warps the frame..many of the pro's prefer one-piece stringing because it tends to make the head a bit more pointier and enlarges the sweet spot..and obviously..they don't care about one-piece because they are sponsored by yonex..lol
I just got my freshly strung AT900P off my machine: 1 piece, 28/31lbs, following the Yonex pattern. I've compared it to an unstrung Nanospeed 7700 and the head shapes are EXACTLY the same; it appears that the extra 10% on the crosses brings the head back into shape with 1-piece jobs as well. I've also noticed that I can complete jobs around 25% faster with 1 piece jobs, and prep is a bit quicker as well...
Please note that the extra 2 pounds would depend hugely on 2 things:- 1) the machine used (2-point, 4-point, 6-point) 2) what tension you are stringing(the higher you go up, all the more significant extra pounds become!!)
The sweetspot, which is at the upper part of the stringbed, is at its best when the stringbed is tighter at around that area relative to the other parts of the stringbed. A one piece job with its mandatory tie-off at the top will produce a less taut stringbed at the sweetspot vs a 2-pc job that uses a starting knot for the top first cross string. The difference between the two techniques gets bigger over time.
Comparisons I took my 1-piece AT900P for a spin this evening and I am very impressed with the results. I noticed no loss of power or control with respect to the 2-piece method and, if anything, the 1-piece has held its tension better.
Try to pluck the first cross string at the top to see if it is taut. It is indicative of the tautness of the important upper part of the frame, which should always be more taut than the lower part.
Indeed, the top cross is slightly looser than the bottom one, as I had to tie off at the top. However, I always add 1, 2 and 3 lbs to the last 3 crosses respectively, so I can live with this.
So referring to the first question in the post, is there a conclusive answer to what is 'better', 1 or 2 piece stringing? I personally string using 1 piece cos that's what I've been used to but 2 piece seems just as simple (given time, cos I have to adjust to the difference). One possible advantage that a 2 piece string job would have over a 1 piece string job is that if a string breaks, you can remove that string and replace it with a new one without having to re-do the whole racket. Now, before any crucifies me for saying this, I am only assuming....assuming only 1 string breaks (either the mains or cross and not both) assuming you have access to a stringing machine within minutes of the string breaking, assumming you have someone who can string the racket so on.....
This is false economy because when a string snaps your racquet frame is under stress and this stress needs to be neutralized. The best way to neutralize the stress is to cut the string diagonally from the centre towards the 2 corners.
Exactly, that's why there were so many little assumptions. It wasn't meant to be a serious advantage but only a physical assumption rather than a practical one.
string breaks. Lets care for the environment as well? (ahem...). When a 1 piece breaks, you can recycle it an use it for 2 pieces. Those poor kids would be keen to use up your expensive string. Good idea? Is this good enough to convince you to go for a one piece? "Save the (cheerleader) string save the world".
Somehow that sounds kinda good (again, another little assumption, assuming that the string left over hasnt frayed from being used)
yup I am totally agree with you & I will go for 1 piece stringing .... can reused it again, in case my racket stringing still look ok ( string only for personal use of course ) anyway not because of the string people become a good badminton player, but rather your own skill
