MRT preparation

[kkm]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

...But if you are stuck on bringing a Babolat PD, at least take out the factory grommet and install a new one. So when you pull it out it's much easier than having to deal with flared grommets. Give yourself as much adavantage as the rules allow.

^^^ Solid advice.

Side grommet strips and throat grommets are easy to install. Bumper guards are what can occasionally present a bit of difficulty. Surprisingly the POG bumper guard can be a bit difficult because the last grommet on each end of the bumper guard is a bit challenging to "seat." The bumper guards I had the easiest time ever with were the Wilson BLX Pro Staff 90/95/100L racquets.

[ten11]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

... But if you are stuck on bringing a Babolat PD, at least take out the factory grommet and install a new one. So when you pull it out it's much easier than having to deal with flared grommets. Give yourself as much adavantage as the rules allow.

I actually have one PD replaced with new grommet half year ago and never strung. I can take double advantages to remove the existing new bump guard and put another new one in. Then loosely string it at 20lbs for last two strings so it won't flare the grommets. I will bring in this bump guard which already on racket for half year and use it in test. But I feel it is kind of cheating.
I just need few more practices on this and should able to get this covered. So far I am solid on putting it on, only need to work on remove part a bit more without cutting the flared grommet.

Thanks all for the advise.

[ten11]

Originally Posted by Irvin

If you're stringing two piece I would pre-weave the first three crosses before typing off the mains. Then there is no blocked hole at the top. The mains tie off at 6T and the string on the outside of the frame from 6T to 7T hold the 8T hole from being blocked so there are no blocked holes to speak of.

Thanks for the confirmation. I think I will do the 2 pre-weave. really do not see the advantage for 3.
This will simplify the job a little bit and I only have 2 block holes in throat area. I will use KKM's advise to enlarge it first. This is quite important because it is a new grommet.
Just need to practice a bit more on these good practice. This is the test all about, IMHO. It does help to improve stringing technique.

[Irvin]

LOL Cheaters never win but they are damned hard to beat.

[Lakers4Life]

Originally Posted by ten11

I actually have one PD replaced with new grommet half year ago and never strung. I can take double advantages to remove the existing new bump guard and put another new one in. Then loosely string it at 20lbs for last two strings so it won't flare the grommets. I will bring in this bump guard which already on racket for half year and use it in test. But I feel it is kind of cheating. I just need few more practices on this and should able to get this covered. So far I am solid on putting it on, only need to work on remove part a bit more without cutting the flared grommet.

Thanks all for the advise.

It's not cheating if they allow it, and I've spoken to Jonathan at USRSA about it and he says it's OK. You should also bring an extra grommet set, just in case. It's always good to be prepared.

Flush cutters come in handy to cut off flared grommets than the standard cutters. I usually try to pinch the flared grommets first before cutting them off as a last resort. Most of the time if I'm using a heat gun/blow dryer they come out much easier, without using any tools.

[fortun8son]

Wow, is Jonathan still there? I thought he went to TW when the USRSA moved to Georgia.
That's to whom I was referring in my earlier post.

[Lakers4Life]

I spoke to Jonathan before USRSA moved to Georgia.

[fortun8son]

Well, maybe DD or someone else on the TW staff will tell him we're talking about him and he'll respond.
Unless his ears are already burning.
I had many good conversations with him.
He taught me a lot and inspired me to advance as a tech.

[Irvin]

I did not think DD was on the TW staff.

[ten11]

I am lucky there is a MRT test center in about 10 minutes drive, which is actually the only site in the state. I played there on Saturday night. After the game I asked the receptionist about what stringing machine they have and he told me is a Babolat but not sure what exact model but fairly new. I guess it might be a star 5. what else?

I have another question regarding the tension. The racket I will bring in is babolat pure drive and the recommended tension is 55lbs for the low end. Would it be very challenging to string 55lbs in a constant pull machine for natural gut? Would the machine have the lockout mode on that machine and can I use lockout instead of constant pull?

[Irvin]

The only electronic machine I know that has lockout made is the Wise. You could lower your tension if you wanted to get a softer feel. Nothing says you can't go lower that recommended.

[ten11]

Originally Posted by Irvin

The only electronic machine I know that has lockout made is the Wise. You could lower your tension if you wanted to get a softer feel. Nothing says you can't go lower that recommended.

It is required to string according to the spec printed on racket. I don't think there is an option to string in lower tension.

[Irvin]

Originally Posted by ten11

It is required to string according to the spec printed on racket. I don't think there is an option to string in lower tension.

That's absurd, call the USRSA and check on that.

[Lakers4Life]

Originally Posted by ten11

I am lucky there is a MRT test center in about 10 minutes drive, which is actually the only site in the state. I played there on Saturday night. After the game I asked the receptionist about what stringing machine they have and he told me is a Babolat but not sure what exact model but fairly new. I guess it might be a star 5. what else?

I have another question regarding the tension. The racket I will bring in is babolat pure drive and the recommended tension is 55lbs for the low end. Would it be very challenging to string 55lbs in a constant pull machine for natural gut? Would the machine have the lockout mode on that machine and can I use lockout instead of constant pull?

Assuming it's a Star 5 or Sensor, they are both the same as far as features. There is no Lock Out feature on either machine. There is a Pre-stretch and Knot tension feature on both machines.

I was told you can talk to the MRT who will be proctoring the exam, before hand to know what you need to prepare for the test. I would talk to them directly. It's also good to let them know you will taking the test, so they can prepare as well. They may also give you tips to practice or insight into what they will be looking out for.