1. Why does Babolat string team use bottom-up technique on crosses? This has been discussed at length on the boards, with arguments made for and against this method. I know ****, P1 and Wilson use an ATW pattern. I am not sure of Pacific. Technifibre also used the bottom-up method. So I'm not asking your personal preference, but more of what would Babolat say to a player who wanted to know why you use that method? Someone higher up obviously made the decision to use that method instead of ATW.
Without going into too much detail due to you mentioning that this point has been discussed many times over, I will reply as follows -
While some racquets have been string bottom up, most have been either ATW or hybrid/2-piece. Where the rqt has been strung bottom up chances are that it was due to it being an on-court rqt, or it needed to be done asap. As it is an accepted practice the Wilson & Babolat's can be strung bottom up there is no problem here. Standard practice given to us was to do ATW where approriate, but circumstances may change that to a particular reason.
2. On the stenciling video, it shows a closeup of your knots(someones knots) and the crosses were tied off at the 2nd to last cross, even though it was rubbing against a main. I was always taught to use a double-back and tie-off 3rd to last cross in that situation as otherwise the main strings path is bent by the tie-off. Can you explain please?
The tie-off you refer to is the correct position for this rqt. Personally on this type of rqt I would trim the grommet so that there's less chance of the knot touching the main, and I feel would be a better alternative to the double back method. The knot you refer to seems ok, but possibily a little close. I can't comment on the why it was finished as it was.
3. I see Babolat uses stringers that also work with other stringing companies. How intensive is the training process to do it 'Babolats way?' I've done a training program with a stringing company that was incredibly intensive to assure that each stringer is inhaling and exhaling in unison. I am curious whether the stringers that work with other companies have a preference or try do it all the way Babolat has it laid out and to what extent stringing patterns are laid out.
In my experience when working with different stringing teams is that you follow what is directed by them, or the head/lead stringer. At this level all stringers should be experienced to be able to do different stringing methods, and apply those as required by each team.
regards
Paul
