Hi, i string my own racquets using a simple gamma drop weight machine. I use a string called Prince Beast its a very hard string, very very hard. I don't have a starting clamp, so i have to use a starting knot, and i just can't seem to find a knot that i can tie, the string is just too stiff. I tie double half hitches for finishing knots, and than use my tensioner to tighten the knot just a bit because its so stiff that its really difficult to hand tighten. Last time i strung my racquet, i just couldn't get a starting knot to tie, so i just used a double half hitch, which i know isn't a starting knot, but it worked. So, any reccomendations for a good starting knot, i really like the string i'm using right now. On a side note, other than ease of use, is there any benefit to using a starting clamp? is it safer for the racquet? thanks
Starting knot for super hard string
- Thread starter powlemon
- Start date
MAX PLY
Hall of Fame
Since it is apparently National Starting Clamp Day, let me recommend that you procure a starting clamp. There are many, many uses/benefits to having one (do a search or twelve). That stated, there are certainly a number of starting knots you can use with respect to your specific inquiry--the DHH sometimes works but not always--Irvin's I-knot works well. The key is not to damage the grommets-lots of knots are viable but the starting clamp is the best option. For your particular situation, the Gamma one should be sufficient (i.e., you do not need to drop the coin needed for a Babolat, for instance).
I do have 3 of them, I have an Alpha, a gamma and a GSS starting clamp, and the Gamma is the only one of the 3 I have that has the glued on plates with the coating ( I heard that the plates cam become unglued although mine has held up fine) , the Alpha is a larger size clamping surface, and my preference of the 3 I have is the GSS clamp, as it holds real well, and only has 2 springs.
ElMagoElGato
Semi-Pro
I use a starting knot on poly and also find it's very difficult to hand tighten. You need to pull the string from both sides of the knot. I clamp the loose end of the string and use the tensioner gently to tighten it.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
I couldn't find the GSS on their store site. You can get a Babolat for not a lot of money if you want one.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
that is too bad. the starting clamp he sold is my absolute favorite of the 4 I have.
MAX PLY
Hall of Fame
^^^Yes I have a GSS one too--definitely the best one out there for the dollar--every bit as good as my [20?] year old Bab (actually going to London later this year and thinking about picking up a new one while there (don't need it though). Honesty, I also have a Gamma which has also been reliable--I have never had the apparently glued on piece falter. Finally, the Kimony one intrigues me--I have never seen one in person and the fact that the Kimony starting clamp costs more than a Klippermate machine astonishes me--would love for someone who has experience with that clamp to weigh in.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Yeah, I picked up my new Babolat from an overseas e-tailer for like $65. The Kimony one has the same sway over me, the $199 (or whatever it costs) just has more sway.
that
New User
I have literally had four gamma clamps fall apart and had to glue them back on.
Mongolmike
Hall of Fame
Have you thought about getting a starting clamp?
(It's starting clamp week I hear)
(It's starting clamp week I hear)
Better yet get 3 of them!
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Shhhhhhh....once he gets one, we got him. He'll be hooked for life!!!! Heck, someone ought to give him one for free just to get him hooked. They should call them crack clamps instead of starting clamps!
Bespectacled
Rookie
Well I bought a starting clamp and it's great for starting crosses but really, why do you need 3? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Mongolmike
Hall of Fame
Well, for one reason there is the umm, the.... umm... well you could always use the extra ones for something.... like when you, ummm, when you do that one thing where you need the 3 starting clamps? And then, because.... umm.... because.... um, because you'll be able to tell people you have 3 starting clamps and be cool like the rest of us?!?
I have one set up with a scrap string in it so when I get a little short on reaching tension head it is all set.
Others I use for normal usage like Yusuki method of starting mains, starting crosses, atw stringing, as it is nice just to have extra, and besides they are cheap enough unless you go for the most expensive ones.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
You don't need 3. You actually do not even need 1 but is is very nice to have. There may be times when you have 1 in use and would like to have another. 3 or 4 may even be helpful once in a while. They're like screwdrivers, do you just have 1 screwdriver?
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
skydog
Professional
I have and use 2 starting clamps on every string job I do. As mentioned above, I use it for starting the mains using the Yusuki method, starting the crosses, knot tightening, and the occasional bridging. It would suck if you started the crosses with one clamp and then needed a bridge when finishing up the bottom cross and only had one. Of course, you could go back to the top and tension the first cross and tie off, but once I start weaving I like to keep the momentum going as I move down the crosses to the bottom.
Yes, a starting clamp is not absolutely necessary, but I enjoy my stinging experience more with them. As a bonus, I have yet crush a grommet or have a starting knot slip into a grommet since purchasing my starting clamps.
Yes, a starting clamp is not absolutely necessary, but I enjoy my stinging experience more with them. As a bonus, I have yet crush a grommet or have a starting knot slip into a grommet since purchasing my starting clamps.
First Serve
Rookie
@Irvin
I tried this i-starting knot today with 16g Luxilon (basically cable wire) and it was extremely difficult to cinch up cleanly. It was a mess. After 5 minutes of frustration instead I ended up using a DHH.
Any tips or comments on how to get it to cinch up easily?
From your video, it seems I do two single half hitches, then tag end back through the two loops. Then just cinch from the one end until pulling tension later.
When using softer multi-filament it has worked before but not with poly Luxilon.
Thanks.
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You need to watch Irvin's new video here:
The first time I tried the knot, I made the mistake of tightening the first half hitch (outside) first. You need to tighten the second half hitch first (inside) by pulling on the first half-hitch (outside) loop. Then you pull tension on the string which tightens the first half hitch (outside) for you. As a final step, I pull down on the knot tail so that it lies against the grommet and points toward the center of the racquet before cutting it.
The result is a very nice looking knot!
Here is the result (white knot) which you can compare directly with the Parnell knot (red knot)
I agree. I think it is the most beatiful knot. I use it only as a starting knot though!
First Serve
Rookie
@eah and @Irvin,
Thank you again gentlemen for sharing your expertise! In your videos you are using (soft) multi-filament. You can see the nice oval loops the multi- makes. Does the i-knot work well with poly like Luxilon ALU? This cable wants to fight back making a nice oval loop. In Yulittle's old videos on knots, he uses a really soft rope and it looks so easy. I have that Luxilon (poly) does not work very well. Any thoughts? (I have yet to try it again after your tips about pulling tight the 2nd half hitch first, eah123 and Irvin, but am just asking?)
Thank you again gentlemen for sharing your expertise! In your videos you are using (soft) multi-filament. You can see the nice oval loops the multi- makes. Does the i-knot work well with poly like Luxilon ALU? This cable wants to fight back making a nice oval loop. In Yulittle's old videos on knots, he uses a really soft rope and it looks so easy. I have that Luxilon (poly) does not work very well. Any thoughts? (I have yet to try it again after your tips about pulling tight the 2nd half hitch first, eah123 and Irvin, but am just asking?)
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First Serve
Rookie
I have had good success with the i-knot using polyester. The white string in my picture is 16 gauge Tier One Ghost Wire which is a round polyester. I usually tighten the inside half-hitch by hand, but it can also be done with pliers.
First Serve
Rookie
Thank you eah123. I string for myself and will your suggestions the next time I tackle a starting knot.
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
Why not just use a starting clamp on the outside of the frame and then tie a normal tie off knot?
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
With ALU OR ALU Rough (125) I use a VS Starting knot. The iKnot works but unless you want a bulkier knot it’s just too bulky. From you signature I see you use ALU 125, in that case I would use the VS Starting knot.
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First Serve
Rookie
I have a couple of starting clamps, but am not experienced enough to know what the Starting Clamp does to start the crosses off and then to use a tie off knot. I am attempting to use the starting knot for additional bulk so it doesnt suck through the grommet and for proper technique.
First Serve
Rookie
Thanks Irvin, I will look through your knot tie videos for the VS starting knot. I forgot the steps for that knot. Yes, it is tough to cinch ALU when using the i-knot.
am1899
Legend
Starting the crosses with a starting clamp is arguably easier (than tying a starting knot). Here’s a video:
Note: while the gentleman in the video pulls tension on the first cross to get started...I find this an unnecessary step. Once the starting clamp is in place, flush up against the frame, I pull tension on the second cross. Then I complete the rest of the crosses. Last step is going back to pull tension on the 1st cross, remove the starting clamp, set one or both machine clamps, then tie off with a finishing knot.
After having my starting clamp slip a number of times on the mains and crosses, I avoid methods of starting with it. Mine is a Gamma. I suspect that the multifilament I use, Pro’s Pro superior gut, is the culprit, because it leaves an oily residue on the clamp that is hard to clean off.
am1899
Legend
Always a good idea to clean the starting clamps regularly. For me they’re easy to clean with the springs removed.
Steve Huff
G.O.A.T.
I didn't have one for 30 years until I read here that I really needed one. So, I bought one and it sits in my tray, gathering dust.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
I use mine a lot but not nearly as much as I used to use it. I pretty much use only for starting mains, tying knots, and bridging. More for tying knots than anything.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
In other words, you use it every time you string. Exactly what I meant when I said I use the crap out of mine: starting mains, tying knots, bridging, and starting crosses as God intended.
Sounds about like me. EVERY TIME, but not that often......
I also only had one beer..
starting mains = starting. Thus the term “starting” clamp?
oh, I also start crosses with it since starting knots are less ideal than the clamp method.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
I used to use a starting clamp a lot more, like for many ATWs and always for starting mains. Now I use a starting clamp to start mains only when the mains start at the head and never outside the frame, and never for starting crosses.
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