Pre-stretching gut, etc.

[Will Wilson]

I've purchased my first set of gut (Klip Legend 17 g.) as well as a half set of Titan 17 g. that I intend on using in the mains as a hybrid with a multi on the crosses.

I string my own rackets and have done many but never gut. My questions are:

Should I pre-stretch the gut (especially cheap gut) and if so, how do I do that? Is there a chance of breaking it when pre-stretching or does that reduce the chance of breaking the gut later?

I also see references in posts saying that stringing gut is no problem "if you are careful". Can someone give me specific examples of things done stringing gut in order to be careful that are not necessary on other strings?

Thanks for the help.

[JT_2eighty]

I would say most of your questions on this can be answered here:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=3875015

see posts 5, 6, 10, & 17 especially.

[Keifers]

I would advise against pre-stretching Legend. It's a pretty firm-playing gut.

(Or you can do just a very light pre-stretch.)