Is the content on IART worth the $49 a year?
https://gssalliance.com/
https://gssalliance.com/
IART
- Thread starter NDStrings
- Start date
esgee48
G.O.A.T.
Can't really answer the question without you telling us what you are looking for. If you are after stringing instructions, techniques, do's and don't's, then I would think a trial membership with the USRSA is better than one with IART. If you are trying to determine if it is a requirement to become a MRT, only a test is needed and there are seminars for that. I peruse the IART site, primarily to check for grommets on older frames. You do not have to be a member to see that section nor to buy.
I am a member of both IART and USRSA. Both are decent organizations, the IART places a nominal fee to keep bogus posters like the few posters on this site that gives poor information like their techniques of reusing string tying a knot in middle, or only restringing a half racquet, and oddities as such. The IART is run by one of the original members of the Wilson string team, and other world class stringers posting there.If you are a member you can even pick up your phone and call Tim with just about any serious question. They also run a stringers symposium where you can go and string and mingle with some of the world's top slam stringers, and learn more as you go along.
Nothing wrong with getting the most information you can, especially from a reputable organization with reputable stringers. No matter what you have learned along the way stringing, there is always something more you can learn.
Tim Strawn
New User
Correct and for a very good reason. I brought that symposium to life, organized it and ran it for 10 years. That takes a lot of energy and time and I needed a break to recharge my batteries and reassess my situation. When you step up like that you put yourself on the line and you better be ready to take whatever comes your way, both negative and positive. You find that no matter the effort and quality put forth you just can't please everyone.
The IART is not affiliated with the USRSA. The USRSA was always invited to the symposium and welcome to host seminars and test applicants, which they did. My seminar leaders often helped with the testing because many of them were USRSA testers so it was a professional courtesy to offer such an arrangement to them. People who perceive the IART as being in direct competition with the USRSA are misguided and assume things, the majority of which are not even remotely close to being factual.
I'm still working with the IART website and as Jim e said, I'm always available to answer questions. There is no longer a contact number listed because I was receiving spam and marketing calls on a daily basis so unfortunately, I had to remove it. However, I can be easily reached by using the contact form and I typically respond within 24 hours. With nearly 30 years of experience I rarely have a problem answering a question, am more than happy to help and if I don't have the answer I have a multitude of colleagues within the industry I can consult with to find the answer.
So yes kkm, no symposium since 2016 and now you know why. Will there be another one? Impossible to know at this time but if there is, you are more than welcome to attend.
Geoff
Hall of Fame
@Tim Strawn was always very helpful and courteous to me. I have friends that went to the IART symposiums and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately I was never able to make it work for myself but the topics were great and covered a lot of different areas in stringing and customization. Tim did a great job in securing the leading authorities in the tennis world to speak each year.
Hello Tim, I wrote that there has not been a symposium since 2016 (as a fact, not as a criticism) as a reply to this part of Jim E’s post:
“They also run a stringers symposium where you can go and string and mingle with some of the world's top slam stringers, and learn more as you go along.”
Tim Strawn
New User
Tim Strawn
New User
That clamp was the best one I could source. I had several and they all went out to people I knew who worked at major events. I asked them to test them thoroughly knowing they would be used in the most demanding situations. I settled on a starting clamp based on their feedback and on my own personal testing. I was disappointed about having to close that store but suppliers were demanding larger orders and that made it difficult and really left me with no choice. I still have a few things left but unfortunately, no starting clamps. If you're in need of tools you can PM me and I'll tell you what I have available.
Tim and IART are the reason I'm stringing at tournament events to this day.
Speaking of which @Tim Strawn still selling tools? I need to pick some things up before February.
Speaking of which @Tim Strawn still selling tools? I need to pick some things up before February.
Tim Strawn
New User
Want to be clear here....I'm only selling select tools that remain in inventory after the IART store was closed. I'm rarely on here so I don't know the protocol for how to get in touch with you
marco forehand
Semi-Pro
confirmation of that old saying
"You don't know what you've got until it's gone"
"You don't know what you've got until it's gone"
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
@marco forehand - yeah....you can have my GSS starting clamp
When you pry it from my cold, dead hands!
When you pry it from my cold, dead hands!
AM Stringing
New User
The International Alliance of Racquet Technicians (IART) is an excellent resource for all stringers!
If you're learning the ropes and preparing to become certified, you can access all the stringing tips and videos shared by other IART veteran stringers.
Maybe you're a seasoned tournament stringer and operate your own stringing business. In that case, the monthly newsletters are a great way to stay in touch with the latest industry trends and valuable technical information.
As one of IART's Global Ambassadors, I always enjoy reading the articles that my colleagues post! But besides providing an excellent resource for all dedicated racquet stringers, IART has a unique interactive component.
IART's creator, Tim Strawn, has worked relentlessly since 2002, as it has evolved over the years. I look forward to the new website launch coming out soon!
By subscribing to IART, not only are you a member, you're part of a community of passionate stringers who care about the art of racquet service.
If you're learning the ropes and preparing to become certified, you can access all the stringing tips and videos shared by other IART veteran stringers.
Maybe you're a seasoned tournament stringer and operate your own stringing business. In that case, the monthly newsletters are a great way to stay in touch with the latest industry trends and valuable technical information.
As one of IART's Global Ambassadors, I always enjoy reading the articles that my colleagues post! But besides providing an excellent resource for all dedicated racquet stringers, IART has a unique interactive component.
IART's creator, Tim Strawn, has worked relentlessly since 2002, as it has evolved over the years. I look forward to the new website launch coming out soon!
By subscribing to IART, not only are you a member, you're part of a community of passionate stringers who care about the art of racquet service.
What he’s done is cool, but it’s 2021 and there are other ways to stay in touch with the latest industry trends and valuable technical information, without having to pay for it. The USRSA and the ERSA make their magazines available for anyone to read free of charge. There are legendary racquet techs who won’t participate in IART because they don’t want to pay for the privilege of sharing their knowledge with others. They’re generous with their knowledge, but they don’t want to pay a fee to share their knowledge with others.
@AM Stringing Are membership dues waived for IART Global Ambassadors?
Steve Huff
G.O.A.T.
Tim, I'm retired now. Depending on where and when it is, I'd be willing to help you out with it.. stmt@comcast.net
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