get certified!

[COPEY]

Originally Posted by fortun8son

The discussion is indeed about stringing skills, product knowledge, and the need for certification.

I assure you, my post had nothing to do with being confused, and everything to do with sarcasm.

[pvaudio]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

Fast stringing does not always equal a quality job. You are required to string with natural gut, and you don't want to notch it prematurely, during the test. You also have to pre-stretch the gut, install a build up grip, replacment grip, and install a new grommet set, in said time frame.

All in 45 minutes?

[seekay]

Originally Posted by pvaudio

All in 45 minutes?

No, the 45 minute time is just for maximum points on the stringing portion. It's possible to go over that time and still get a passing score.

The grip and grommet sections are separate and each has its own time target. I don't recall the exact numbers, but just like the stringing, neither should present a challenge for someone who's familiar with the techniques.

[ten11]

Just for future reader, here is the time requirement:

• completing the bumper/grommet removal and replacement, 20 min.
• completing the string job, 60 min
• completing the handle sizing/grip replacement, 20 minutes

For complete info:
http://www.racquettech.com/certifica...tudyguide.html

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by ten11

Just for future reader, here is the time requirement:

• completing the bumper/grommet removal and replacement, 20 min.
• completing the string job, 60 min
• completing the handle sizing/grip replacement, 20 minutes

For complete info:
http://www.racquettech.com/certifica...tudyguide.html

for some racquets with grommets that go in easily, i can see doing it in 20 min, but i've replaced grommets that require heating/softening w/ a heat gun before it can be stretched and pulled onto the frame.

[ten11]

Thanks for the input so far. I have few question related to test.
1. Regarding the test racket, do I need to bring in a racket with string on it? (so they can test me on cut out string, remove/replace bumpguard/grommet, increase hand/grip synthtic replacement)
2. String used. In the material, it said 19.6 feet syn gut for main, which force tester to bring in 16x? pattern. I don't think any 3 years old 18x? can use 19.6 as main.
Cross is natural gut and need pre stretching. Anyone can give a good youtube video or description? I read the material and not so sure it is easy to follow.
I assume this will be provided. right?

I read through the whole preparation document yesterday. Great read and fun. It addressed a lot of problems/issues have been discussed in this forum. I really enjoyed the weight/swing weight/balance section and get a good understanding of it.

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by ten11

Thanks for the input so far. I have few question related to test.
1. Regarding the test racket, do I need to bring in a racket with string on it? (so they can test me on cut out string, remove/replace bumpguard/grommet, increase hand/grip synthtic replacement)
2. String used. In the material, it said 19.6 feet syn gut for main, which force tester to bring in 16x? pattern. I don't think any 3 years old 18x? can use 19.6 as main.
Cross is natural gut and need pre stretching. Anyone can give a good youtube video or description? I read the material and not so sure it is easy to follow.
I assume this will be provided. right?

I read through the whole preparation document yesterday. Great read and fun. It addressed a lot of problems/issues have been discussed in this forum. I really enjoyed the weight/swing weight/balance section and get a good understanding of it.

19.5' of syn gut should be long enough for an 18 main pattern. syn gut stretches alot during stringing so 19.5' likely stretches out to be longer than 20' by the time you're done stringing. if it's not quite long enough, you should be able to use a starting clamp+scrap string as a bridge to get it done.

[ten11]

Originally Posted by mad dog1

for some racquets with grommets that go in easily, i can see doing it in 20 min, but i've replaced grommets that require heating/softening w/ a heat gun before it can be stretched and pulled onto the frame.

I have replaced grommet/bump guard for radical mp(prestige cap), pt280, pure/aero drive, TF 320 and mg extreme mp. I had trouble with the cap in the beginning when I try to force it and mushroomed it.(~25-30min.) Last one I did a month ago was easy and perfect.(~10 min.) The key is patience.
TT member has been crying about babolat but I found it is quite easy in both cases(pure/aero drive). Again, patience. (~10 min.)
Head mg extreme mp is the easiest of all. fun to put on.(< 10 min.) TF got a bit trouble but in 15 min.
In all cases, I never used any method to heat/soften the bump guard. YUlite's video explains all and will work.

Originally Posted by mad dog1

19.5' of syn gut should be long enough for an 18 main pattern. syn gut stretches alot during stringing so 19.5' likely stretches out to be longer than 20' by the time you're done stringing. if it's not quite long enough, you should be able to use a starting clamp+scrap string as a bridge to get it done.

I will not try that. I always used 21 feet for 18x20, even for 95 sq in. PSL. IMHO, it is not worth it to challenge myself for one more thing. (What if the syn gut is not that stretchy?!)

[Lakers4Life]

The easiest racket to use in the test is a Prince POG 14x18. The grommets install like nothing, and 14x18, is 2 less mains and 1 cross to worry about.

[Irvin]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

The easiest racket to use in the test is a Prince POG 14x18. The grommets install like nothing, and 14x18, is 2 less mains and 1 cross to worry about.

Doesn't the racket have to be a current racket?

[Lakers4Life]

Originally Posted by Irvin

Doesn't the racket have to be a current racket?

They still make them. I've asked USRSA, and they say it's OK to use a Prince POG. They also recomended a Wilson Kfactor/BLX 6.1. Any racket is fair game as long as you bring grommets. I was wondering about using an O-Port racket.

[fortun8son]

O-Ports do not qualify. I asked.

[bcart1991]

POG Mids and Wilson 6.1s are among the easiest frames I've strung.

I'm considering getting certified in the near future, because I don't have enough on my plate already...

[ten11]

After reading through the requirement, seems the stringing/grommet replacing/grip size enlarge are all set. I know what it is and what need to be done. just need to practice a little bit more.

Regarding written test, is that all covered in the materials? (The pdf and the supplement.) Do I need to memorize all those things? Just want to check how much time I need to prepare for the test.

For those of you have take the test, did you pass in first try? which part give you problem? What to watch for? Thanks a lot.

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by ten11

I have replaced grommet/bump guard for radical mp(prestige cap), pt280, pure/aero drive, TF 320 and mg extreme mp. I had trouble with the cap in the beginning when I try to force it and mushroomed it.(~25-30min.) Last one I did a month ago was easy and perfect.(~10 min.) The key is patience.
TT member has been crying about babolat but I found it is quite easy in both cases(pure/aero drive). Again, patience. (~10 min.)
Head mg extreme mp is the easiest of all. fun to put on.(< 10 min.) TF got a bit trouble but in 15 min.
In all cases, I never used any method to heat/soften the bump guard. YUlite's video explains all and will work.


I will not try that. I always used 21 feet for 18x20, even for 95 sq in. PSL. IMHO, it is not worth it to challenge myself for one more thing. (What if the syn gut is not that stretchy?!)

i don't find CAPs to be hard to install. i haven't had much trouble with babolat grommets either. try replacing the PT280 grommets with YT radical MP grommets. this one took time, elbow grease and the heat gun w/ plenty of curse words in between to get the bumper guard holes lined up w/ the drilled holes in the racquet. i think it was the tongue lashing i gave the bumper guard that was the most effective.

as L4L mentioned, the POG grommets are the easiest to replace. they were made to drop right in. i was even able to do one w/o using an awl.

well if they only allow you 19.5' of syn gut to use, then i guess you'd have to use that length. up to you if you want to string a 14x18 or 16x19 instead of a 18x20. all syn gut i've strung is very elastic. 19.5' of poly for a 18x20 MP stick would be cutting it really tight. might only leave you with a 9" tail or shorter to use to tie off.

[Lakers4Life]

Originally Posted by bcart1991

POG Mids and Wilson 6.1s are among the easiest frames I've strung.

I'm considering getting certified in the near future, because I don't have enough on my plate already...

Lucky you, the GSS String Symposium is close by. You can get certified during the event.

[cluckcluck]

Unfortunately I'd have to drive a couple of hours to San Diego to get certified.

[Wikky]

Originally Posted by ten11

After reading through the requirement, seems the stringing/grommet replacing/grip size enlarge are all set. I know what it is and what need to be done. just need to practice a little bit more.

Regarding written test, is that all covered in the materials? (The pdf and the supplement.) Do I need to memorize all those things? Just want to check how much time I need to prepare for the test.

For those of you have take the test, did you pass in first try? which part give you problem? What to watch for? Thanks a lot.

I didn't look at the PDF that was listed but I did not do any studying for the written test and I felt like it was pretty passable by anyone who's had a decent understanding of stringing and equipment. There were some parts about string properties that were a little tough but you do have some room for error as I think that over an 80% is a pass.

If you have any questions about any information feel free to ask. I need to refresh on some of it myself before I take it in April anyways.

[ten11]

Originally Posted by mad dog1

i don't find CAPs to be hard to install. i haven't had much trouble with babolat grommets either. try replacing the PT280 grommets with YT radical MP grommets. this one took time, elbow grease and the heat gun w/ plenty of curse words in between to get the bumper guard holes lined up w/ the drilled holes in the racquet. i think it was the tongue lashing i gave the bumper guard that was the most effective.

That screwed cap was the first two I did. Since then I learnt to use my patience and took a deep breath if I stuck. used those words in first two jobs and actually those words did not do any magic.
I will keep in mind of putting regular onto PT280. I have bunch(7) of those rackets now and quite happy with the cap, but you never know.
Thanks for the advise.

[bcart1991]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

Lucky you, the GSS String Symposium is close by. You can get certified during the event.

Yeah, that's part of the driving force behind wanting to get certified. If I had to travel, it would be out of the question.