USRSA....Is it worth it?

[Roger Wawrinka]

Hey guys, I was wondering what you thought of the USRSA stringing membership? My stringing clientele has been growing and I have been getting a lot of new racquets lately. I can string 95% of my racquets that come to me correctly still, I look at stringing instructions on new racquets just to be sure. I hear that you get a USRSA stringing book which gives you every single racquet with every single thing you need to know about that racquet, which would save me a lot of time. I hear you also get a lot of perks with the membership too, but I am asking you guys, is it worth it?



Thanks, Roger Wawrinka

[jim e]

Originally Posted by Roger Wawrinka

Hey guys, I was wondering what you thought of the USRSA stringing membership? My stringing clientele has been growing and I have been getting a lot of new racquets lately. I can string 95% of my racquets that come to me correctly still, I look at stringing instructions on new racquets just to be sure. I hear that you get a USRSA stringing book which gives you every single racquet with every single thing you need to know about that racquet, which would save me a lot of time. I hear you also get a lot of perks with the membership too, but I am asking you guys, is it worth it?



Thanks, Roger Wawrinka

Thats in the eyes of the beholder.
For me it is well worth it!!!
Many here do not think so.
You get their digest sent to you updated twice/ year.
You get their comprehensive stringers technique manual that has just about all that is needed to know about stringing and racquet service.
You get some nice string samples when you e-mail them when it is available, and that in itself helps recover a good % of the membership even if you do not like the string, you can offer it to your clients.With me it gives me a chance to try some strings that I typically would not use, so then I can explain to clients how some of these strings actually are.
You get a subscription to RSI magazine.
I like the USRSA racquet labels!!Very inexpensive and look nice to place on racquets.
If you get into a bind, you can pick up the phone and speak to a technician about it and get one on one personel attention.
You also get their online services, along with the online digest, that updates all the string patterns. Once I got a call from a local stringer a few years back as someone gave him the Wilson Sampras racquet that just came out at that time, and the string pattern was not even on the Wilson site, but the USRSA had it online.
When I started stringing back in 1968 the USRSA was not in existance.
With the USRSA, online videos, forums like this nice site, stringers have a great amount of help available that I never had back then.
I really do like the USRSA membership, its worth it to me and it gives credibility to the craft!

[Roger Wawrinka]

Originally Posted by jim e

Thats in the eyes of the beholder.
For me it is well worth it!!!
Many here do not think so.
You get their digest sent to you updated twice/ year.
You get their comprehensive stringers technique manual that has just about all that is needed to know about stringing and racquet service.
You get some nice string samples when you e-mail them when it is available, and that in itself helps recover a good % of the membership even if you do not like the string, you can offer it to your clients.With me it gives me a chance to try some strings that I typically would not use, so then I can explain to clients how some of these strings actually are.
You get a subscription to RSI magazine.
I like the USRSA racquet labels!!Very inexpensive and look nice to place on racquets.
If you get into a bind, you can pick up the phone and speak to a technician about it and get one on one personel attention.
You also get their online services, along with the online digest, that updates all the string patterns. Once I got a call from a local stringer a few years back as someone gave him the Wilson Sampras racquet that just came out at that time, and the string pattern was not even on the Wilson site, but the USRSA had it online.
When I started stringing back in 1968 the USRSA was not in existance.
With the USRSA, online videos, forums like this nice site, stringers have a great amount of help available that I never had back then.
I really do like the USRSA membership, its worth it to me and it gives credibility to the craft!

You've done it again jim e! Thanks

[jim e]

Just to give you an example of strings that were given to members over the last couple years, besides all the other great services.

Below is a list of the free strings that were avail to those members who responded to the offers that only takes an e-mail:

2012
January Coupon for a set of Wilson NXT Control
February Coupon for a set of YTex Quadro Twist
March Nothing
April Coupon for a set of Tecnifibre Ruff Code 16
May Nothing
June Coupon for a set of Ashaway Zyex Monogut
July Coupon for a set of Ytex Protour
2011
January Coupon for a set of Tecnifibre X Code 16
February Nothing
March Coupon for a set of Prince Beast XP 16
April Coupon for a set of Yonex Poly Tour Pro 130
Sample of Wilson Hollow Core Pro 16 with Stringer's Digest
May Sample of Luxilon Savage White sent in RSI Magazine
June Coupon for a set of Wilson Red Alert
July Coupon for a set of Tecnifibre Duramix HD 16
August Coupon for a set of Genesis Black Magic
September/October Coupon for a set of Gamma Zo Verve 17
November/December Coupon for a set of HEAD FXP Tour
2010
January Coupon for a set of Luxilon M2 Plus
February Coupon for a set of HEAD FXP Power/FXP 17
March Nothing
April Nothing
May Coupon for a set of Wilson Hollow Core Pro 17
June Coupon for a set of Gamma TNT2 Touch 16
July Coupon for a set of Solinco Tour Bite or a set of Solinco Revolution
August Coupon for a set of Luxilon Adrenaline 16L
September/October Coupon for a set of Mantis Comfort Synthetic 16
November/December Coupon for a set of Genesis Typhoon 16

[Roger Wawrinka]

Originally Posted by jim e

Just to give you an example of strings that were given to members over the last couple years, besides all the other great services.

Below is a list of the free strings that were avail to those members who responded to the offers that only takes an e-mail:

2012
January Coupon for a set of Wilson NXT Control
February Coupon for a set of YTex Quadro Twist
March Nothing
April Coupon for a set of Tecnifibre Ruff Code 16
May Nothing
June Coupon for a set of Ashaway Zyex Monogut
July Coupon for a set of Ytex Protour
2011
January Coupon for a set of Tecnifibre X Code 16
February Nothing
March Coupon for a set of Prince Beast XP 16
April Coupon for a set of Yonex Poly Tour Pro 130
Sample of Wilson Hollow Core Pro 16 with Stringer's Digest
May Sample of Luxilon Savage White sent in RSI Magazine
June Coupon for a set of Wilson Red Alert
July Coupon for a set of Tecnifibre Duramix HD 16
August Coupon for a set of Genesis Black Magic
September/October Coupon for a set of Gamma Zo Verve 17
November/December Coupon for a set of HEAD FXP Tour
2010
January Coupon for a set of Luxilon M2 Plus
February Coupon for a set of HEAD FXP Power/FXP 17
March Nothing
April Nothing
May Coupon for a set of Wilson Hollow Core Pro 17
June Coupon for a set of Gamma TNT2 Touch 16
July Coupon for a set of Solinco Tour Bite or a set of Solinco Revolution
August Coupon for a set of Luxilon Adrenaline 16L
September/October Coupon for a set of Mantis Comfort Synthetic 16
November/December Coupon for a set of Genesis Typhoon 16

That's a lot of string. Most of them I've never even heard of I think i'll look into this more. Thanks

[ryohazuki222]

From what I've been told (it's just one person's opinion)... unless you want to string professionally, it's really not worth anything to anyone.

After stringing rackets for a handful of years and being around shops for a few more... I'd vouch for that. No one really cares.

That said... I think the RSI magazine is a great read. I think the stringing instruction books are essentially worthless. I think the cost is too high, but the information to study for the test (and mrt test too) is quite good to study regardless. As for the free strings... that's nice and all, but I'd rather experiment with what I want to and use that membership money to buy string. I haven't gotten to use them... but one thing I'm jealous of is the USRSA online calculators for various racket specs and whatnot.

[MAX PLY]

I have been member for many, many years and have really enjoyed it and benefited from it. I would echo jim e's comments generally. I originally joined and became certified because of my then involvement with retail and tournament stringing--I actually do think it makes a difference in the retail stringing world (and I realize that there will always be folks that are content to let any kid with a machine string their racquets cheaply).

I have been out of the retail gig for a long time now and really pretty much only string for myself (and a few friends in a pinch) but I still play a ton (including many tournaments) and go through a great many strings. I remain a member for not only the great stringing manual and pattern book (of course I use the latter infrequently) but also to keep up on the latest tips and industry developments as well as the string and other samples. So, for me at least, I find membership enjoyable.

Ultimately, if you get really serious about stringing or just think you would like the extra resources/opportunities I would recommend it, if you have the cash to spare. Happy to answer any specific questions you may have. Good luck.

[Roger Wawrinka]

Originally Posted by MAX PLY

I have been member for many, many years and have really enjoyed it and benefited from it. I would echo jim e's comments generally. I originally joined and became certified because of my then involvement with retail and tournament stringing--I actually do think it makes a difference in the retail stringing world (and I realize that there will always be folks that are content to let any kid with a machine string their racquets cheaply).

I have been out of the retail gig for a long time now and really pretty much only string for myself (and a few friends in a pinch) but I still play a ton (including many tournaments) and go through a great many strings. I remain a member for not only the great stringing manual and pattern book (of course I use the latter infrequently) but also to keep up on the latest tips and industry developments as well as the string and other samples. So, for me at least, I find membership enjoyable.

Ultimately, if you get really serious about stringing or just think you would like the extra resources/opportunities I would recommend it, if you have the cash to spare. Happy to answer any specific questions you may have. Good luck.

Oh, I am already into stringing, very much. I string about 5-8 racquets depending on the day. I might get more I might get less, but Thank you for the information.



You too jim e

[schap02]

Haven't had much luck with them sending me the strings after sending in the coupons but several of the places I purchase strings from offer quantity discounts for usrsa members so between the free stuff and the discounts it's worth it, I usually save about $100 off eac one of my orders...

[jim e]

Originally Posted by schap02

Haven't had much luck with them sending me the strings after sending in the coupons but several of the places I purchase strings from offer quantity discounts for usrsa members so between the free stuff and the discounts it's worth it, I usually save about $100 off eac one of my orders...

I typically receive each offer they have. It is best to just e-mail them when the offer is avail.All you need to do is give them your name and membership # with e-mail.Strings usually come in about a month or so later.

BTW, I did not know of those other places you mentioned that offered discounts to members, as I go through a lot of string. What places are these??
I know A T S was listed a % discount to members, but thats only a small select items, as I inquired to them and was basically no discounts on string when I asked.
It should not be a conflict of interest to post that here since TW sells USRSA memberships with some of their machines and this is all about the USRSA.
Jim

[PBODY99]

Member for 25 + years. Recoup the cost through industry discounts.

[fortun8son]

I've beeen a member for 3yrs plus access through SA for 3yrs before that.
It's been invaluable.
Promos aside, the tutorials,articles,quality standards, and live tech support have taught me how to be more than " Oh yeah, I can string your racquet."

Try the trial membership so that you can get to the 'members only' pages at racquettech.com and their live tech support, then decide.
Their database on obsolete frames is astounding, but you gotta call.

[stringertom]

I've lapsed on my membership bcoz I'm not currently active stringing but when I relaunch myself into the biz, the first thing I'll do is rejoin. Membership has its perks all previously mentioned but the biggest thing is it keeps you from operating out of a vacuum...monthly bursts of info and tips in RSI, the racquet guide updates, string samples, playtesting...all of it combined keeps you in touch with the industry.

[corbind]

Who knows. But I suspect most of us spend a ton of money on things related to a sport we love. Certainly we "waste" money on other things in life (eating out, concerts, hobbies, etc.) a hundred bucks seems like a reasonable sum to find out. If it does not work out it was money you would have expended somewhere else in your budget and it won't happen again.

[Roger Wawrinka]

Originally Posted by corbind

Who knows. But I suspect most of us spend a ton of money on things related to a sport we love. Certainly we "waste" money on other things in life (eating out, concerts, hobbies, etc.) a hundred bucks seems like a reasonable sum to find out. If it does not work out it was money you would have expended somewhere else in your budget and it won't happen again.

That's very true

[schap02]

Originally Posted by jim e

I typically receive each offer they have. It is best to just e-mail them when the offer is avail.All you need to do is give them your name and membership # with e-mail.Strings usually come in about a month or so later.

BTW, I did not know of those other places you mentioned that offered discounts to members, as I go through a lot of string. What places are these??
I know A T S was listed a % discount to members, but thats only a small select items, as I inquired to them and was basically no discounts on string when I asked.
It should not be a conflict of interest to post that here since TW sells USRSA memberships with some of their machines and this is all about the USRSA.
Jim

tutors9@verizon.net

[Peppershaker]

Not currently a member, when I started stringing wasn't fully aware of the USRSA nor understood any advantage. Also at the time really did not have the money to add this to my hobby, having went over budget for the stringing machine I finally settled on.

Found that between boards such as this one, YouTube and some patience seemed to learn and pickup what I needed as I went along. Pattern book may have been helpful, but I'm to the point now that I can pretty much read a racquets pattern w/o going to a manual. Have also built up my own database relevant to the lengths needed for mains and crosses based on my machine.

However, my clientele has grown along with my interest in this and have wondered if this wouldn't be worthwhile and it's something I can now justify with funds from this. Would be nice if the site would at least allow a one or two day free review of the site. Statement's such as Membership provides access to......w/o showing examples not a very good way for those unaware of the benefits to actually determine anything.

A big part of the benefits seems to be the free strings, can someone answer just how the "Coupon for a set" of strings works if you are purchasing strings over the internet? Can't figure out if you have to go to a store, or if they are actually simply shipped to you.

[Irvin]

Originally Posted by Peppershaker

..Would be nice if the site would at least allow a one or two day free review of the site. Statement's such as Membership provides access to......w/o showing examples not a very good way for those unaware of the benefits to actually determine anything...

They come close you can join for a month for $9 to see if you like it. Then the lowest rate is $60 a year.

http://www.racquettech.com/store/webonly.html

[jim e]

Originally Posted by Peppershaker

Would be nice if the site would at least allow a one or two day free review of the site. .....w/o showing examples not a very good way for those unaware of the benefits to actually determine anything.

Originally Posted by Irvin

They come close you can join for a month for $9 to see if you like it. Then the lowest rate is $60 a year.

http://www.racquettech.com/store/webonly.html

Correct as usual Irvin. I agree with you.
I pay more than $9.00 for my dogs snack of 6 junior bacon cheesburgers when I go to fast food to eat. If $9.00 is not cheap enough, then it is best for you not to join.
Besides all the benefits listed it gives credibility to the craft.

[Irvin]

If you think it is good for you the annual membership online is just $5 a month. There has been a lot of reasons that have been brought up for joining and not one of them fits me. I can string any racket you put in my hand almost all the time without Looking up a pattern. I don't like free string if it is just 1zies and 2zies. I can get all the tips I need elsewhere. But not one person has mentioned the certification process. If I were to join the USRSA it would be my only reason. Not that it would make me a better stringer but only that I would be perceived as a better stringer because of the certification. If you are running a business that should pay for itself easily and it is a tax write off.