Best Racquet for MRT Test?

[themitchmann]

Hey guys...any suggestions? I'm thinking open pattern 16x19 or so (for ease of stringing). The big choice depends on grommet/bumper replacement. I'm thinking that Babolats can be a pain. Maybe a Head Radical Pro? Something decent I can sell off after the test.

I'm a teaching pro that plays with the Prince EXO3 Rebel 95...I'm obviously familiar with the frame, but I know the 18x20 pattern will take a couple extra minutes (plus it requires 20-21ft of string to tie the mains easily), and the grommet replacement will be a little challenging. Thanks in advance!

 

[jim e]

Hey guys...any suggestions? I'm thinking open pattern 16x19 or so (for ease of stringing). The big choice depends on grommet/bumper replacement. I'm thinking that Babolats can be a pain. Maybe a Head Radical Pro? Something decent I can sell off after the test.

I'm a teaching pro that plays with the Prince EXO3 Rebel 95...I'm obviously familiar with the frame, but I know the 18x20 pattern will take a couple extra minutes (plus it requires 20-21ft of string to tie the mains easily), and the grommet replacement will be a little challenging. Thanks in advance!

Head Radicals are real easy to replace grommets, as you do not need to heat them up, just use an awl to guide them in. Only ones I replaced in the radicals are the 18x20 and 18x19. They still string up rather fast for a pattern as such, but if you are worried of time go to a more open pattern.

To make your job easier, I would remove the grommet set ahead of time and replace it, and then string with a cheap string you do not care for. Bring that with you, should be easy to remove strip as grommets would not have a chance to flare out and give you chance to practice, as grommet sets are cheap.

 

[wrxtotoro]

If you really want to use radical, use an older one that do not use the teflon grommet. Newer radicals are not that easy as you have to place the bumper guard on the bottom first and then have the grommet strip through the bumper guard and then the frame...

If you can locate one, the ProStaff Tour 95 is pretty easy in my opinion. 2 awl, a few zip tie and 5-10 min can basically get the job done.

 

[themitchmann]

If the Teflon grommet strip is an issue, maybe a open pattern Wilson or Dunlop would be better?

The criteria states the racquet must be no older than 3 years, so I think the pro staff is out of the question unfortunately.

 

[Irvin]

If you are a teaching pro and stringer surely you know someone with a couple of 6.1 95 rackets (16x18 Ms Skip 7&9 H&T) that could use new grommets, grips, and strings free. I would not replace the grommets before going to the test as the requirements say you must replace grommet with a new one. I would buy two sets of grommets and replace one to make sure there are no issues. Replace the other racket's grommet for the test. Be sure to take you own tools so you are familiar with what you will be working with. They have basic tools but what is basic. Maybe basic does not mean the same everywhere.

Call ahead and find out what type of stringer you will be using and try to gain some experience working with it. Maybe you could string a few rackets for a proshop that has one. You get experience on the new machine and they get free labor. Win win win! You'll get a happy customer with new strings, grommets, and grips, the pro shop gets free labor, and you feel more comfortable going in for your test.

Whatever you decide to do go with a racket that is most familiar to you. For me that would be a 16 main racket where the mains skip 7&9. Seems like I have strung so many of them I could do it blind folded. Pay attention to the little details of the rackets you are going to use. Simple things like tying off knots. Some time that can be a problem. If your tie off is near a main make sure you start so your cross goes over the main to make tying easier. Don't use a double half hitch knot no matter what you do unless you are really good at tying that knot. You may end up with a two half hitch. Yes there is a difference. Maybe you may tie it correctly and the tester thinks it should be tied another way. Here is an example of how not to tie a double half hitch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtbBKxJ2wkA

Irvin

 

[themitchmann]

I do have a player with some 6.1s. Fortunately, he restrings pretty often, so I'm very comfortable with the frame.

I'm taking the test in Oahu, so I'm traveling light, but will bring some of my must have tools. It's crazy that taking the test on vacation (the first one I've had in YEARS) is actually more convenient than taking it at home (no testers within 2 hours of me).

I will be calling to ask about the test machine. I string on an upgraded Ektelon DE and a Prince Neos 1500.

 

[themitchmann]

PS - any good threads on test prep? I recall a guide on here but can't seem to find it. Maybe one of you remember it?

 

[Irvin]

PS - any good threads on test prep? I recall a guide on here but can't seem to find it. Maybe one of you remember it?

Stringer's Digest
http://www.racquettech.com/certification/studyguide.html

Irvin

 

[brownbearfalling]

Just curious Irvin, Which knot would be the safest one to tie?


Themitchmann: Again I would agree with other to say that the best racquet to use would be one that you are most comfortable with. For me, it would be a wilson 95 16x18. I have strung, replaced grommets and regripped the racquet more times than any other model. If you are going to do the test using a wilson 95 here are two things to keep in mind:
1. the ends of the bumper guard tend to flare out. It was the worse when I used blx grommets with psc racquets.
2. When tensioning the last main with a racquet that has new grommets, the grommet tends to get pulled out. So make sure you hold the grommets in while the tensioner is pulling the string. I'm not sure it happens to everyone but it has always happened to me when stringing brand new racquet on a electronic machine that pulls tension fast.

Best of luck themitchmann

 

[themitchmann]

Stringer's Digest
http://www.racquettech.com/certification/studyguide.html

Irvin

Thanks. I'm aware of the USRSA guide. However, I seem to recall a thread on here regarding testing.

BrownBear: I've noticed the same thing regarding the grommets pulling out. Glad I'm not alone.

Again, thanks for all of the helpful input guys! Keep it coming if there are any other helpful things out there. I've been stringing for 16 years now, but I'm always trying to get better!

 

[Irvin]

Just curious Irvin, Which knot would be the safest one to tie?


Themitchmann: Again I would agree with other to say that the best racquet to use would be one that you are most comfortable with. For me, it would be a wilson 95 16x18. I have strung, replaced grommets and regripped the racquet more times than any other model. If you are going to do the test using a wilson 95 here are two things to keep in mind:
1. the ends of the bumper guard tend to flare out. It was the worse when I used blx grommets with psc racquets.
2. When tensioning the last main with a racquet that has new grommets, the grommet tends to get pulled out. So make sure you hold the grommets in while the tensioner is pulling the string. I'm not sure it happens to everyone but it has always happened to me when stringing brand new racquet on a electronic machine that pulls tension fast.

Best of luck themitchmann

If it were me I would tie a Wilson Pro knot. And yes the Wilson are bad about the grommets coming out. A Flare-it tool will stop that but if you have another finger that works too. Using a lockout machine though you will have one hand on the string and the other on the crank. You need a third hand to hold the grommet in.

Irvin

 

[Jerry Seinfeld]

For the CRT credential I would not take issue with the stringer providing his/her choice of racquet. However, if someone is earning an MRT he/she should be able to string any racquet and replace any grommet in the allotted time with ease. To earn the highest credential I would argue a dense pattern racquet with a challenging grommet replacement should be a requirement. I would also add a component to the test where the stringer has to string multiple racquets and produce the same string bed stiffness or DT results in order to earn the MRT credential.

 

[themitchmann]

For the CRT credential I would not take issue with the stringer providing his/her choice of racquet. However, if someone is earning an MRT he/she should be able to string any racquet and replace any grommet in the allotted time with ease. To earn the highest credential I would argue a dense pattern racquet with a challenging grommet replacement should be a requirement. I would also add a component to the test where the stringer has to string multiple racquets and produce the same string bed stiffness or DT results in order to earn the MRT credential.

I can, and have, strung various frames and replaced various grommets. My racquet is one of those difficult racquets (Rebel 95). I also do a lot of customization work (weighting, match, grip mods).

It's more about the time issue. In a shop, you don't have to replace grommets in a 20 minute limit. And in terms of stringing, I just want something I know I can do easily within the time limit.

 

[themitchmann]

But I don't disagree that perhaps the test should be more challenging in some respects.

 

[Irvin]

PS - any good threads on test prep? I recall a guide on here but can't seem to find it. Maybe one of you remember it?

Which one?

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/search.php?searchid=10946916

Irvin

 

[diredesire]

If it were me I would tie a Wilson Pro knot. And yes the Wilson are bad about the grommets coming out. A Flare-it tool will stop that but if you have another finger that works too. Using a lockout machine though you will have one hand on the string and the other on the crank. You need a third hand to hold the grommet in.

Irvin

Left hand feeds string to jaws. Hold the string at an angle (to get the jaws to shut), Pre-load a tiny bit so the string is locked, but not under any real tension, move left hand back to frame/grommet strip while tensioning with right. Should be no problem

Many people seem to have trouble getting linear jaws to shut, but just hold a string against one of the plates at a slight angle and they'll start shutting on their own!

 

[coachrick]

But I don't disagree that perhaps the test should be more challenging in some respects.

Interesting...we were just having a discussion of the handgun qualifying for a Texas CHL. There's plenty of time to acquire the target between shots but some folks get hung up on trying to hit the bull's eye (not necessary for qualification) BECAUSE they have so much time.

I proposed that a more challenging time frame(say, half to 2/3 of the allotted time currently) would present a more rigorous test of marksmanship.

However, I personally don't think too much emphasis should be placed on speed for the MRT certification. A 'reasonable' amount of time would keep the test moving along while still allowing the work to be done properly, albeit slowly perhaps.

I agree with Jerry S. that an ideal test would cover consistency; but, now we're talking about much more time just for the testing portion. I don't really see the need to penalize someone with a 18 x 20 mid with 15ga poly in order for the tester to get a good read on the capabilities of the stringer.

Personally, I wouldn't go for the most obvious most open pattern, but would likely show up with a 16-main Volkl of some sort.

 

[GlenK]

^^I totally agree about the speed thing. I've had a few guys string my racquets in the past that should have been taught to slow down and do it right.

 

[themitchmann]

I think consistency would be a good thing to test.

 

[fortun8son]

I've been studying for the MRT/CRT myself and I thought that the hands-on practical exam is the same for both.

 

[Steve Huff]

Find a MadRaq. Show them what you're made of.

 

[fortun8son]

Using a more difficult racquet may get you extra points but it won't show up on your certificate.
I assume you are already a USRSA member. Call or email tech support and ask for a recommendation.
They want people to pass, not fail.

 

[Steve Huff]

One of the easiest rackets to string is something like a Wilson n3. It's not too hard to put grommets/bumperguard on either. The Prince ThunderRip is easy to string, but not as easy to get the bumperguard on. Some Wilsons are really tough to get bumperguards on though. I think some of the bumperguards made had a grommet that was just a little too big--somewhere around 11 o'clock. Can't remember which racket it was though.

 

[dancraig]

The Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 comes to mind for me.

 

[fortun8son]

I'm pretty sure the racquet has to be less than 3 yrs old.
I'm also thinking that an 8-skip maybe better than a 7,9 Wilson because you have to use natgut crosses(blocked holes).
O-ports are not acceptable, either.
I know there are some MRTs out there on the boards.What did you use?