Best way for starting the mains

Arzivu · Oct 20, 2018

Hey guys,which of the following would you consider the best method for starting mains?
1)Yusuki method
2)Parnell method(i know that he does not own this technique but i cannot find another term/as it is shown in his 16 min video,it refers to backing up a fixed clamp with a starting clamp inside the frame)
3)Irvin method(placing a starting clamp outside the frame and tensioning the other main-it does not involve pulling two strings silmutaneously).

LOBALOT · Oct 20, 2018

This is a good question and one I have been thinking about too in that I want to attempt to treat these strings (all strings for that mater) equally in approach.

I personally use Yusuki and usually string 2 piece but wonder if this is the best way to start the mains.

jim e · Oct 20, 2018

I use Yusuki , but many ways will work. For the 3 that you mentioned, it's personal preference.

Herb · Oct 20, 2018

I do t think there is a better, just different.

Irvin · Oct 20, 2018

I no longer use a starting clamp outside the frame. I use the starting clamp on the second main inside the frame while tensioning the first. I pull every main once and never get more than one main ahead on either side. Also the two machine clamp are never side by side where they block each other from getting close to the frame.

Ronaldo · Oct 20, 2018

Irvin said:
I no longer use a starting clamp outside the frame. I use the starting clamp on the second main inside the frame while tensioning the first. I pull every main once and never get more than one main ahead on either side. Also the two machine clamp are never side by side where they block each other from getting close to the frame.

Have a video with these changes?

Irvin · Oct 20, 2018

Ronaldo said:
Have a video with these changes?

Here is one similar to the method I use now. Only difference is I got 2 mains ahead of the right.

Arzivu · Oct 21, 2018

Irvin said:
I no longer use a starting clamp outside the frame. I use the starting clamp on the second main inside the frame while tensioning the first. I pull every main once and never get more than one main ahead on either side. Also the two machine clamp are never side by side where they block each other from getting close to the frame.

Is there a reason for using the starting clamp instead of the machine clamp?Or,why don't you back up an anchor fixed clamp with your starting clamp like parnell?

Smittithekitty · Oct 21, 2018

Arzivu said:
Is there a reason for using the starting clamp instead of the machine clamp?Or,why don't you back up an anchor fixed clamp with your starting clamp like parnell?

Seems that the method he uses make sure there is as much clearance for his clamps to get as close to the frame as possible. Using the piggy back method could obstruct the second clamp when the both strings are tension on both sides.
I seen Ron from P1 do a similar technique clamping on the second main but not have the fancy Irvin Block.

I have heard and seen many advanced senior stringers that are very focused on those center mains and the least amount of drawback and max clearance seems to be the main focus with their techniques.

Many ways to get the job done however in situations stringing for a tournament or if there are multiple stringers on site they will tell you how they want you to start your mains, what the pre stretch %, what type of knot to use, etc...
I think that's why it is important to learn the many different ways because you never know when you're going to have to be comfortable doing it.

Irvin · Oct 21, 2018

Arzivu said:
Is there a reason for using the starting clamp instead of the machine clamp?Or,why don't you back up an anchor fixed clamp with your starting clamp like parnell?

If I use a starting clamp (and a cloths ping between the clamp and the frame I never have two machine clamps bumping up against each other. If you stringing an 18 main mid racket with only one string separating the two clamps on one end then you will need to stagger the clamps (so they’re not equidistance from the frame) or have have one or more strings bent out of tensioned alignment.

2nd Serve Ace · Oct 21, 2018

Smittithekitty said:
not have the fancy Irvin Block.
UOTE]

Is that wood piece to prevent crushing the grommet?

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk

Ronaldo · Oct 21, 2018

jim e · Oct 21, 2018

My freezer that I have in my workshop has shelf spacers, made of dense rubber and seems to work nice as string spacer when holding starting clamp on outside of racquet frame.I really did not need them for freezer, although same part # are listed on big auction site as well.They work nice for this purpose in stringing.
https://www.yesparts.com/5303299664-frigidaire-refrigerator-spacer-shelf-not-illustrated.html

Big_Dangerous · Oct 22, 2018

Arzivu said:
Hey guys,which of the following would you consider the best method for starting mains?
1)Yusuki method
2)Parnell method(i know that he does not own this technique but i cannot find another term/as it is shown in his 16 min video,it refers to backing up a fixed clamp with a starting clamp inside the frame)
3)Irvin method(placing a starting clamp outside the frame and tensioning the other main-it does not involve pulling two strings silmutaneously).

Hmm, in all the years I've never thought about what the method I use to start the mains is called. My standard way has just been to start the mains pulling the first 4, then using two clamps to hold it and then I go one by one after that, but making sure I don't get more than 2 ahead on each side. So in a 16 by 19 pattern racket, I'd do the first two mains on each side, then do two more on say the right side, then go 4 on the left, then 4 more on the right to finish and tie the knot. Then the last 2 on the left and finish/tie the knot.

CosmosMpower · Oct 22, 2018

Yusuki method for me

LOBALOT · Oct 22, 2018

I am going to try the Clothes Pin / Starting Clamp inside the Racquet Method.

My stringing machine is in the laundry room after all so it is a natural next step!

I just better make sure I take it from one of my old sweat shirts hanging on the line and not my better half's silk this-or-that!

gazz1 · Nov 1, 2018

Irvin said:
I no longer use a starting clamp outside the frame. I use the starting clamp on the second main inside the frame while tensioning the first. I pull every main once and never get more than one main ahead on either side. Also the two machine clamp are never side by side where they block each other from getting close to the frame.

How would I do this with floating clamps?

Irvin · Nov 2, 2018

gazz1 said:
How would I do this with floating clamps?

Don't, place one flying clamp in the center of the two center mains and tension a second then a third main using your other flying clamp to hold them. Then do the same on the opposite side using the clamp on the center strings.

SavvyStringer · Nov 2, 2018

Arzivu said:
Hey guys,which of the following would you consider the best method for starting mains?
1)Yusuki method
2)Parnell method(i know that he does not own this technique but i cannot find another term/as it is shown in his 16 min video,it refers to backing up a fixed clamp with a starting clamp inside the frame)
3)Irvin method(placing a starting clamp outside the frame and tensioning the other main-it does not involve pulling two strings silmutaneously).

I use what essentially amounts to the parnell method you mentioned above. Sometimes I'll back it with a starting clamp but most of the time I just use the machine clamp. It's all personal preference.

gazz1 · Nov 2, 2018

Irvin said:
Don't, place one flying clamp in the center of the two center mains and tension a second then a third main using your other flying clamp to hold them. Then do the same on the opposite side using the clamp on the center strings.

Thanks Irvin.
I have a starting clamp and 2x floating clamps.
Is there a better method using the starting clamp?

Irvin · Nov 2, 2018

gazz1 said:
Thanks Irvin.
I have a starting clamp and 2x floating clamps.
Is there a better method using the starting clamp?

Not with flying clamps IMO.

Irvin · Nov 3, 2018

Irvin said:
Don't, place one flying clamp in the center of the two center mains and tension a second then a third main using your other flying clamp to hold them. Then do the same on the opposite side using the clamp on the center strings.

Some people may thing that double pulling the center strings will give you a lower tension on those string and they are 100% correct. When I set reference at 60 lbs and pull the second main against a flying clamp on the 2 center mains I will have some tension loss at the first point where the string hits the frame so I might get 59 lbs on the second main. Then the string turns 180* to the first main and there’s more loss so I might get 56 lbs on the center main up to the clamp and half that 28 lbs on each center main below the clamp. But when I pull the other second main I get 59 lbs on the second main, 56 lbs on the other center main and another 28 lbs on each center main below the clamp.

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Measuring tension on main string immediately after tensioning I think is a bad process. String initially will loose tension very fast and the difference between 4 minutes and 5 minutes could make a difference is tension loss and your readings. Get a repeatable process down and perfect it, that the best way to achieve consistency.

Kevo · Nov 3, 2018

I string mostly poly or syn gut, no soft mutis these days. For those types of string I don't find slipping on the first pull to be a problem at all. Can't remember the last time I had a string slip. So I don't bother with a starting clamp or anything special. I just put the machine clamp about one clamps length away from the frame on the main I'm not pulling and pull the other main. Then I string one more main on the same side. Then I go back and pull the originally clamped main and continue on. Simple and effective with no extra clamps required.

If I had to string a really soft multi that was prone to slipping I'd probably use the starting clamp with the Yusuki method. Having the string under tension when clamping helps to prevent the slipping in my experience.

LOBALOT · Nov 18, 2018

Hi:

Are there any videos of starting mains with a Starting Clamp that anyone can direct me to?

Believe it or not I am finding it a little more involved than one would have thought and have gone back to Yusuki due to the frame supports inside the hoop at 6 & 9?

Starting on the second main on one side is bit cumbersome.

Thanks

Irvin · Nov 19, 2018

Arzivu said:
Hey guys,which of the following would you consider the best method for starting mains?
1)Yusuki method
2)Parnell method(i know that he does not own this technique but i cannot find another term/as it is shown in his 16 min video,it refers to backing up a fixed clamp with a starting clamp inside the frame)
3)Irvin method(placing a starting clamp outside the frame and tensioning the other main-it does not involve pulling two strings silmutaneously).

I don't use either method. I place a starting clamp on the scond or third main and tension the string next to it as shown in the picture. I place a clothespin between the starting clamp and frame to protect it. Not my idea this was originally shared by @uk_skippy.

Irvin · Nov 19, 2018

In a different situation where there were no long silicone grommets in the throat I placed the starting clamp on the second main.

Arzivu · Dec 13, 2018

What about using the starting clamp outside the frame(method number 3 as listed above)?.I think it was suggested by the great Gaines Hailix,and Irvin has showed the technique in one of his not so recent videos.

Irvin · Dec 13, 2018

Arzivu said:
What about using the starting clamp outside the frame(method number 3 as listed above)?.I think it was suggested by the great Gaines Hailix,and Irvin has showed the technique in one of his not so recent videos.

I used to do that until I read an article by Lucien Nogues where he said it could damage the string. Never broke a string doing that that I’m aware of but it could happen.

Irvin · Dec 14, 2018

deleted

Arzivu · Dec 14, 2018

Irvin said:
I used to do that until I read an article by Lucien Nogues where he said it could damage the string. Never broke a string doing that that I’m aware of but it could happen.

I suppose the same issue occurs when a stringer starts the crosses pulling against the starting clamp. However, the majority strings the crosses this way...

Irvin · Dec 14, 2018

Arzivu said:
I suppose the same issue occurs when a stringer starts the crosses pulling against the starting clamp. However, the majority strings the crosses this way...

Very true even those on the tour including P1 for example. How else could P1 tie off the top cross on a cross?

Ronaldo · Dec 14, 2018

Starting Knot?

Irvin · Dec 14, 2018

Ronaldo said:
Starting Knot?

That's what i do, but if i were to tie the top cross on a cross I would not use a starting knot.

Ronaldo · Dec 14, 2018

Irvin said:
That's what i do, but if i were to tie the top cross on a cross I would not use a starting knot.

Starting a cross on a cross is due using a NG main? At a loss after stringing crosses 50/50 for yrs

Irvin · Dec 14, 2018

Ronaldo said:
Starting a cross on a cross is due using a NG main? At a loss after stringing crosses 50/50 for yrs

I string gut/poly some and tie ALU Rough crosses on the gut mains with an iKnot.

LOBALOT · Dec 14, 2018

I have been using the starting clamp inside hoop on the second string method. It does produce nice balance to the racquet. However, after a month at it I must say I am still a bit klutzy.

I feed my string through the first 2 center mains and then make sure I have equal length of string on both halves. I then feed a second main on one half and then this is where the wheels go flying off!!!

I hang the clothes pin from the top and then attach the clamp from the bottom on the second main I just fed. It falls to the table due to weight of the clamp. I then grab the loop between the two center mains and pull lifting the clamp off the table along with the clothes pin. With my other hand I then awkwardly grab extra string back from the other half so I have enough string to reach the tension head and apply tension.

I am thinking of hiring a short little guy in a white suit to help me start my racquets!

Irvin · Dec 14, 2018

@LOBALOT you must be using a soft string for the weight of the starting clamp to pull the string around 2 180 degree turns. For sure you are no using a poly string. You are placing the clothespin against the frame and the starting clamp against the clothespin. You don’t want to have any slack in the string either.

Rabbit · Dec 14, 2018

For the longest, I backed up a fixed clamp with a starting clamp. Since I bought the Mighty Sensor, I use the Yusuki method.

LOBALOT · Dec 15, 2018

Rabbit said:
For the longest, I backed up a fixed clamp with a starting clamp. Since I bought the Mighty Sensor, I use the Yusuki method.

Thanks, I have a few starting clamps so I can also lightly clamp on the outside of the racquet across the face from the other starting clamp.

LOBALOT · Dec 15, 2018

Irvin said:
@LOBALOT you must be using a soft string for the weight of the starting clamp to pull the string around 2 180 degree turns. For sure you are no using a poly string. You are placing the clothespin against the frame and the starting clamp against the clothespin. You don’t want to have any slack in the string either.

Thanks Irvin, come to think of it yes, I have been restringing a lot of Multi, Speedports, also even this guy who likes Federer's setup.

Irvin · Dec 15, 2018

LOBALOT said:
Thanks Irvin, come to think of it yes, I have been restringing a lot of Multi, Speedports, also even this guy who likes Federer's setup.

Then your starting clamp will fall. Just be careful when you pull string back up (especially gut) before tensioning first string there are no kinks and all is flush.

LOBALOT · Dec 15, 2018

Irvin said:
Then your starting clamp will fall. Just be careful when you pull string back up (especially gut) before tensioning first string there are no kinks and all is flush.

Thanks will do!!!

Traffic · Dec 18, 2018

Irvin said:
I used to do that until I read an article by Lucien Nogues where he said it could damage the string. Never broke a string doing that that I’m aware of but it could happen.

I think I've been stringing with starting clamp outside the frame per one of your videos. But maybe I'll look into finding a Irvin special starting clothes pin...

LOBALOT · Dec 19, 2018

Traffic said:
I think I've been stringing with starting clamp outside the frame per one of your videos. But maybe I'll look into finding a Irvin special starting clothes pin...

I bought them from the local hardware store and they only came in a bag of 50 of which I have 4 in my tray and the rest in a drawer in my bench.... We can pick an appropriate logo to put on them and can deal them out to new members of this group.

I vote for a racquet strung up with 3 knots with the question "What string pattern is this?"

Ronaldo · Dec 19, 2018

LOBALOT said:
I bought them from the local hardware store and they only came in a bag of 50 of which I have 4 in my tray and the rest in a drawer in my bench.... We can pick an appropriate logo to put on them and can deal them out to new members of this group.

I vote for a racquet strung up with 3 knots with the question "What string pattern is this?"

Maybe this guy can answer this question?

Ronaldo · Dec 19, 2018

LOBALOT said:
I bought them from the local hardware store and they only came in a bag of 50 of which I have 4 in my tray and the rest in a drawer in my bench.... We can pick an appropriate logo to put on them and can deal them out to new members of this group.

I vote for a racquet strung up with 3 knots with the question "What string pattern is this?"

BITD and your bag of clothespins,

Irvin · Dec 20, 2018

LOBALOT said:
I bought them from the local hardware store and they only came in a bag of 50 of which I have 4 in my tray and the rest in a drawer in my bench

I got mine at Walmart in the Crafts and Hobby section one day. They came in a pack of 9 for $0.98 I think. They are made for creating clothespin characters and are fairly string from top to bottom but I have not seen them at Wally World since then. I think I have seen them at Michael's Jo Ann's shop but can't remember which one.

bullet · Mar 18, 2023

Irvin said:
Here is one similar to the method I use now. Only difference is I got 2 mains ahead of the right.

Best way for starting the mains

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