Mr. Duece and other smart people of the board, re; stringing my Edge(s)

[Caloi]

Since PM's aren't turned on here I'll make this a public post. I have read your theory of using a new, cut up grommet strip for replacing the non-existent grommet strips of the Graphite Edge. You've mentioned it in many posts also stating the individual grommets you used ripped after a short period of time.

How exactly will I be doing this? Reason I ask is I just placed a payment for my second Edge in the mail today and it clearly stated the grommet strip is in rough shape.

I read that you pulled a main through a racquet before ruining it and I don't want to do this.

The Edge grommet strip is very thin with no bumper guard, as I'm sure you're aware. Am I looking for a new grommet strip with no bumper guard? Or am I buying a new grommet strip/bumper guard that is integrated and cutting it down to both individualize the grommets but also to make it thin enough to fit into the existing groove on the Edge's head?

Also, should I consider the power pads as well? Are these available for sale or can I cut a leather shammy up from the garage?

I really appreciate every one's in put on the classic racquet forum. I am learning quite a lot and LOVE hitting with my current Edge!

[joe sch]

Originally Posted by Caloi

Since PM's aren't turned on here I'll make this a public post. I have read your theory of using a new, cut up grommet strip for replacing the non-existent grommet strips of the Graphite Edge. You've mentioned it in many posts also stating the individual grommets you used ripped after a short period of time.

How exactly will I be doing this? Reason I ask is I just placed a payment for my second Edge in the mail today and it clearly stated the grommet strip is in rough shape.

I read that you pulled a main through a racquet before ruining it and I don't want to do this.

The Edge grommet strip is very thin with no bumper guard, as I'm sure you're aware. Am I looking for a new grommet strip with no bumper guard? Or am I buying a new grommet strip/bumper guard that is integrated and cutting it down to both individualize the grommets but also to make it thin enough to fit into the existing groove on the Edge's head?

Also, should I consider the power pads as well? Are these available for sale or can I cut a leather shammy up from the garage?

I really appreciate every one's in put on the classic racquet forum. I am learning quite a lot and LOVE hitting with my current Edge!

Power pads will help and also tubies will offer additional support and protection. Some of the best string jobs, especially for natural gut on the older frames would use a combination of leather power pads and tubbies to protect the strings at these bend points.

[Caloi]

What about damaged grommet sections, where more than a few are damaged, or maybe they are all damaged. Strips aren't available and Duece mentioned cutting up a new strip from a model with an 18x20 pattern and placing them in the Edge frame. How does this work?

[plasma]

we call that a "Boris Karloff" or "Franken-grommet"

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by Caloi

Since PM's aren't turned on here I'll make this a public post. I have read your theory of using a new, cut up grommet strip for replacing the non-existent grommet strips of the Graphite Edge. You've mentioned it in many posts also stating the individual grommets you used ripped after a short period of time.

^ Yeah - I don't recommend the Fittex grommets at all.

Originally Posted by Caloi

How exactly will I be doing this? Reason I ask is I just placed a payment for my second Edge in the mail today and it clearly stated the grommet strip is in rough shape.

I read that you pulled a main through a racquet before ruining it and I don't want to do this.

^ It was on a Graphite Edge 2 that the string cut through the grommet strip, which I didn't notice. Then when I restrung the racquet, when I pulled the tension, it pulled the string right through the frame where the grommet strip was ripped.
One thing you can learn from this is to always inspect the grommets/grommet strip before stringing/restringing.

That ripped grommet strip actually occurred at the top centre mains. So I now reinforce all my racquets at the top 6 holes. I reinforce it by placing tiny pieces of plastic between the holes. I cut the small pieces of plastic from the thinner cable ties (the ones with 'teeth' that can 'lock').
At the bottom, I put 'power pads', which I cut up from an old leather belt I bought at a second hand store for $3.
I also put the 'power pads' between the last two holes on the outside of the frame (5 and 7 o'clock positions).

Originally Posted by Caloi

The Edge grommet strip is very thin with no bumper guard, as I'm sure you're aware. Am I looking for a new grommet strip with no bumper guard? Or am I buying a new grommet strip/bumper guard that is integrated and cutting it down to both individualize the grommets but also to make it thin enough to fit into the existing groove on the Edge's head?

^ This is where it gets a little tricky.
You'll want to get a strip that will fit into the Edge's 'groove'.
When you cut the grommets, try as best you can to cut them so that there is either no gap between them, or just a small gap. The idea here is that the strings should never touch any part of the frame.
You can also play around with tubing, as Joe mentioned - combining cut grommets with tubing when necessary.

As for the bumper... I guess most bumpers today have integrated grommets. The old Head 630 sq. cm. frames had a separate bumper with holes in it that the grommet strip fit through, kind of 'sandwiching' the bumper between the grommet strip and the frame. That kind of bumper is generally more flexible in terms of being able to do more things with it.
But a regular bumper with integrated grommets will work, too. Just cut it the same way that you cut the grommet strip into individual grommets.
If there are gaps between the bumper pieces, it's no big deal, as the bumper will still perform its function. Gaps on the outside of the bumper (on the actual bumper part) are ok... but gaps where the grommets are should be avoided as much as possible - as I mentioned before, the goal is to make sure that the strings don't touch any part of the frame. So if there are gaps between the grommets, that's where the tubing comes in.

Originally Posted by Caloi

Also, should I consider the power pads as well? Are these available for sale or can I cut a leather shammy up from the garage?

^ I've never seen 'power pads' for sale.
You can cut anything up - it doesn't even have to be leather. It can be plastic, or rubber - as long as the string doesn't rip through it.
For a photo of the size and thickness the 'power pads' should generally be, see here:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=3242982&postcount=11

Originally Posted by Caloi

I really appreciate every one's in put on the classic racquet forum. I am learning quite a lot and LOVE hitting with my current Edge!

^ I'm glad you're enjoying the racquet. It's a good one.
It's always good to see people appreciating real quality instead of being sucked in by fancy marketing, gimmicks, and bright graphics...

[Caloi]

[quote=Deuce;3245802]^ Yeah - I don't recommend the Fittex grommets at all.[\QUOTE]
I've read that in a few different threads. Plus I see they come four per pack and they are $6.00. Are you kidding me?

Originally Posted by Deuce

^ It was on a Graphite Edge 2 that the string cut through the grommet strip, which I didn't notice. Then when I restrung the racquet, when I pulled the tension, it pulled the string right through the frame where the grommet strip was ripped.
One thing you can learn from this is to always inspect the grommets/grommet strip before stringing/restringing.

I want to avoid this from ever happening, hence my questions.

Originally Posted by Deuce

That ripped grommet strip actually occurred at the top centre mains. So I now reinforce all my racquets at the top 6 holes. I reinforce it by placing tiny pieces of plastic between the holes. I cut the small pieces of plastic from the thinner cable ties (the ones with 'teeth' that can 'lock').
At the bottom, I put 'power pads', which I cut up from an old leather belt I bought at a second hand store for $3.
I also put the 'power pads' between the last two holes on the outside of the frame (5 and 7 o'clock positions).

I'll try this when I get the new frame and do my first string job.

Originally Posted by Deuce

This is where it gets a little tricky.
You'll want to get a strip that will fit into the Edge's 'groove'.
When you cut the grommets, try as best you can to cut them so that there is either no gap between them, or just a small gap. The idea here is that the strings should never touch any part of the frame.
You can also play around with tubing, as Joe mentioned - combining cut grommets with tubing when necessary.

Any suggestions as to what current grommet strips are thin enough? Our local tennis hsop will order in grommet strips but they don't stock many. I guess I could bring in the racquet and see if they could tell me. I'd rather order from TW though. Also, would placing a thin strip of head tape under my "new" grommets be of any use? I thought is may offer some protection but it may just be a PITA. :shrug:

Originally Posted by Deuce

As for the bumper... I guess most bumpers today have integrated grommets. The old Head 630 sq. cm. frames had a separate bumper with holes in it that the grommet strip fit through, kind of 'sandwiching' the bumper between the grommet strip and the frame. That kind of bumper is generally more flexible in terms of being able to do more things with it.
But a regular bumper with integrated grommets will work, too. Just cut it the same way that you cut the grommet strip into individual grommets.
If there are gaps between the bumper pieces, it's no big deal, as the bumper will still perform its function. Gaps on the outside of the bumper (on the actual bumper part) are ok... but gaps where the grommets are should be avoided as much as possible - as I mentioned before, the goal is to make sure that the strings don't touch any part of the frame. So if there are gaps between the grommets, that's where the tubing comes in.

I'm not too concerned with a bumber, just that I don't see many racquets out ther ethat DON'T have a bumper, rendering it useless for my Franken-grommet needs.

Originally Posted by Deuce

^ I've never seen 'power pads' for sale.
You can cut anything up - it doesn't even have to be leather. It can be plastic, or rubber - as long as the string doesn't rip through it.
For a photo of the size and thickness the 'power pads' should generally be, see here:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=3242982&postcount=11

Okay, wasn't sure about purchasing them or making them. I'm a tinkerer by nature so I have no problem with finding 'something' to make the power pads. As well, I'm looking forward to customizing a grommet strip to get my new racquets ready for play.

Originally Posted by Deuce

^ I'm glad you're enjoying the racquet. It's a good one.
It's always good to see people appreciating real quality instead of being sucked in by fancy marketing, gimmicks, and bright graphics...

Well, I'm intrigued by the older models, smaller heads and classic feel of these racquets. After hitting with it four times last week I knew I needed another. I mailed out my check yesterday so I should have my twin early next week!

Thanks for your input!

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by Caloi

I've read that in a few different threads. Plus I see they come four per pack and they are $6.00. Are you kidding me?

^ I don't quite understand TW's pricing on the Fittex grommets.
I think I paid about $12 for something like 50 Fittex grommets of different sizes and lengths.
But even at the price I paid, they're not worth it.

Originally Posted by Caloi

Any suggestions as to what current grommet strips are thin enough? Our local tennis hsop will order in grommet strips but they don't stock many. I guess I could bring in the racquet and see if they could tell me. I'd rather order from TW though.

^No... sorry - I don't know what model racquet would have a strip that would fit.
A guy I know who has a tennis shop just gave me a bunch of grommet strips for free a couple of years ago - with no packaging or anything, so I have no idea what I've used.

Originally Posted by Caloi

Also, would placing a thin strip of head tape under my "new" grommets be of any use? I thought is may offer some protection but it may just be a PITA. :shrug:

^ I honestly don't see much point in that. The only real purpose it'll serve is to increase the weight in the head.

Originally Posted by Caloi

I'm not too concerned with a bumber, just that I don't see many racquets out ther ethat DON'T have a bumper, rendering it useless for my Franken-grommet needs.

^ Don't underestimate the practicality of a bumper. Over a few years, a bumper can make the difference between a racquet that's ready for the garbage and one that can still be used for another several years (provided you renew the bumper when necessary).
I've seen people wear through the bumper, and then wear through the frame - to the hollow point.

Originally Posted by Caloi

Well, I'm intrigued by the older models, smaller heads and classic feel of these racquets. After hitting with it four times last week I knew I needed another. I mailed out my check yesterday so I should have my twin early next week!

Thanks for your input!

^ You're welcome.
And if you see a Graphite Edge 2 at a decent price - grab it. It's essentially the same racquet as the Graphite Edge - the feel is identical. The only differences are the density of the string pattern, and the Edge 2 has a bumper.

[plasma]

is the edge 2 a denser pattern? which is more forgiving at high velocities???

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by plasma

is the edge 2 a denser pattern?

^ Yes and no.
The pattern on the Graphite Edge 2 is 16x18 - which you'd think would be a more open pattern... but the spacing of the mains in the centre is actually tighter than on the Graphite Edge, which has 18 mains.
The Edge 2 is therefore more dense in the centre than the Edge, despite the respective string patterns suggesting that the opposite would be true.

Originally Posted by plasma

i which is more forgiving at high velocities???

I can't perceive any difference at all in the way they hit.
I honestly believe that the two racquets are identical, and they only changed the string and drill pattern. If I were a betting man, I'd say that the mold, the materials, and the percentage and placement of the materials within the frame are identical on both models.

[Caloi]

Hey guys/gals, I got my new Edge. I have a very bad feelign about the string job/grommet issue. It was freshly strung before being shipped to me, however I can't see the string in the first main/grommet at 12 'oclock. In other words, it pulled through the grommet.

I'm guessing the right answer is to cut it out and NOT go hit with it as is.

I bought some grommets at a local tennis shop and they were very helpful finding me something that was long enough, thin enough and could possibly work.

I guess I have some work in front of me before I getto play with it.

Am I right here?

[plasma]

up to you, sounds like a tragic love affair with those grommets. I recently got a matte edge with vs gut....love it!!!!

[Caloi]

Originally Posted by plasma

up to you, sounds like a tragic love affair with those grommets. I recently got a matte edge with vs gut....love it!!!!

Like I said, I have a strip ready to be cut up and installed, I should probably just do it instead of risking the string pulling through the frame.

My dad picked up those Wilson Graphite Matrix(s) today. I decided to curb my obsessive behavior and not buy them myself. After I was telling him about them he went to get them. Pretty funny. (He got two for $30) I'm anxious to hit with one just to get a feel for it.

[plasma]

my buddy has an edge 2 with the same grommet impaction. Other than the cosmetic horror frankengrommets are fine to my knowledge. There's some awesome new headtape on the market which is totally sleek and different than the stuff I grew up with, maybe you could hide the frankengrommets under a few strips of this new super elastic cap-like headtape...??? please don't skimp on strings, go for gut! also tw has new leather grips, stencils and tourna grip for pennies if you want to go full retro.

[Caloi]

Originally Posted by plasma

my buddy has an edge 2 with the same grommet impaction. Other than the cosmetic horror frankengrommets are fine to my knowledge. There's some awesome new headtape on the market which is totally sleek and different than the stuff I grew up with, maybe you could hide the frankengrommets under a few strips of this new super elastic cap-like headtape...??? please don't skimp on strings, go for gut! also tw has new leather grips, stencils and tourna grip for pennies if you want to go full retro.

I'm not concerned about cosmetics as long as they don't change balance too much. I love hitting with these and hope to get a long life out of them. I'll post pictures of my grommet experiment when I get it done.



**If anyone has a photo of their grommet experiment I'd love to see it!