Inconsistencies In String Tensions

[Ft.S]

Lately I have had significant variations and inconsistencies between reference tension I ask for and what I get from stringers. For example, In one case I asked for 53#, I got 46-47 (measuring using the frequency amplitude method, all natural gut), another instance I asked for 55# and got 60, and these are through different stringers. The next two instances were similar and all over the place.

This is creating an issue with my game as the racquets are behaving differently, and it takes me time to adjust my strokes. First, is this normal in your experiences? Second, this situation is leading me to think maybe I should string my own. I do not expect that I will hit my reference numbers, but I think at least I'd be more consistent; do you think I am realistic or my expectations are misaligned?

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this, thank you all.

 

[Tennis_dude101]

If your reasonably handy I'd say buy yourself a stringing machine and go for it.
With practice you should be able to string your racquet's consistently at the tension you desire.
In the long run it will save you money as well so it is a win win!

TD

 

[esgee48]

Here's are some theories. Case #1, the stringer did not do a pre-stretch OR clamped too far from the frame OR used a LO stringer and cranked too fast. Case #2, the stringer did pre-stretch AND clamped as close to the frame as possible AND used a CP and waited for the tension to stabilize before clamping.

2 different people with different stringing techniques (habits) will yield far different results. Find a stringer that does consistent work or learn to string your own.

There's another factoid regarding how long the racquet(s) were strung ago. Over a 12-24 hour period, the stringbed will lose tension as the string relax. Then they will start losing tension from ball impacts though at a much sloooower rate.

Was this an econo gut? If so, QC is always an issue and you will get variability around the final tension depending on how elastic the NG was originally. Even with VS (w/ BT7) I have experienced 0.5-1.5# difference when I do 2 frames at the same time and tension. With SG and polys, I can do 2 frames (or 3) and have them ping out the same frequency and tension.

 

[Ft.S]

Thank you for the responses.

The string tension drop about 0.5-1 lb after the first session, but then does not lose much until one of the strings is getting close to breaking. I am using VS Touch, which very high quality, and maintains tension after being strung well, and it is part of my heartburn with the latest mishaps of string jobs as it is not cheap. I am using the black version of VS Touch and It is possible that the dye is making the job more difficult for stringers.

I do need to learn to string on my own, I am coming to that conclusion, not only to hopefully increase consistency, but also learn more about the behavior of various strings. One more expense to swallow in the name of tennis

Thank you again.

 

[MathieuR]

measuring using the frequency amplitude method, all natural gut

As far as I know there is no method to measure the string-tension in a strung racket. What you can measure is the SBS, the string-bed-stiffness (kg/cm), the force needed to press down the stringbed 1 cm, using a disc simulating a tennis-ball's imprint.
The "frequency-measurement" is what it is, a frequency-measurement. Can be used to measure the decline in SBS in time, but does not give you an absolute value ( I doubt there is an "absolute" value of the SBS, as there are many different measuring methods/devices; I myself use a Stringlab2)

For example, In one case I asked for 53#, I got 46-47

Welcome in the wonderful world of stringing-craftsmanship. Every stringer will give a different result when you give him "a" reference tension. You only can complain if same stringer gives different results every time.

One more expense to swallow in the name of tennis

You will love it, you will improve the consistency of your string-bed, and you will save money!

 

[COPEY]

I do need to learn to string on my own...

Trust me, you won't regret it.

One more expense to swallow in the name of tennis

Initially, yes, but as long as you can refrain from becoming a string junkie (like myself and many others), you'll save money, AND the machine will eventually pay for itself many times over. If you're like most, the emotional trauma from the outlay of a sizeable chunk of cash (depending on what machine you purchase) will soon fade once you successfully string a few sticks. On top of that, the comfort of knowing that you can have a fresh set of strings in your racquet on any given day at any time is...almost priceless.

 

[Irvin]

Lately I have had significant variations and inconsistencies between reference tension I ask for and what I get from stringers. For example, In one case I asked for 53#, I got 46-47 (measuring using the frequency amplitude method, all natural gut), another instance I asked for 55# and got 60, and these are through different stringers. The next two instances were similar and all over the place.

This is creating an issue with my game as the racquets are behaving differently, and it takes me time to adjust my strokes. First, is this normal in your experiences? Second, this situation is leading me to think maybe I should string my own. I do not expect that I will hit my reference numbers, but I think at least I'd be more consistent; do you think I am realistic or my expectations are misaligned?

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this, thank you all.

What you're saying is normal and is even experienced by professional players at tournaments from qualifiers to top ranked pro's. Many top professional players now use 1 service to string all their rackets at grand slams and top tournaments. Many pros will have their rackets strung by the same stringer on the same stringing machine. If you want consistency try to get your rackets strung by the same stringer on the same machine at the same tension using the same practices every time. Or do it yourself, it is quicker, cheaper and you will know it is always consistent.

 

[eelhc]

For some non-string breakers, a Natural Gut string job could last several months or more... I have strung VS touch 1~1/2 years ago for some folks who are still playing with it. For these folks... I think it's just best to get their racquets strung at the same place by the same stringer using the same method rather than buying a machine.

For folks who break strings often... Even a fairly expensive Stringing Machine will be a good return on investment.

Then there are guys like me who can't stand to pay someone else for any non-physically strenuous work that they can do for themselves and enjoy learning a new skill. Stringing has become a hobby and I don't think I'm saving any money because any savings in labor went right into experimenting with different strings + setups.

 

[esgee48]

Dagumit! You weren't suppose to mention that there is an affliction called stringaholism.

 

[Ft.S]

I appreciate the encouragements, it is easing me about diving into the world of stringing and that some of my experiences are 'normal'

Partly the reason I have become more sensitive to this issue is because a set of strings is lasting only 4 to 6 hours for me, and having to have a racquet strung each week is amplifying the inconsistency issue between my racquets. It is so darn frustrating to switch racquets in the middle of a match or even from one day to another and having to play differently to compensate for differences. My shot techniques are not fully established yet, which makes my game more sensitive to stringbed stiffness I think and more difficult for me to adjust on the fly.

Now comes the research on machines... oh boy!

Thank you all.

 

[Irvin]

Research on machines is simple. How much can you afford?

 

[Ft.S]

Research on machines is simple. How much can you afford?

I wish I can say money is no object but of course it is. I think this is important and long term investment, so I think I won't mind spending $1K to $1.5K. The more automated the machine is the better for me I assume

 

[jim e]

More features makes it easier, and that makes it more enjoyable, and as result you will do a better job if it is enjoyable.
My most minimum requirements for me would be a sturdy table, a good brake system, 6 point mounting, a linear tension head, and fixed clamps .
Higher end machines do cost, but sometimes, especially if you are not in a hurry, decent used ones do come up time to time on internet.

 

[Irvin]

I wish I can say money is no object but of course it is. I think this is important and long term investment, so I think I won't mind spending $1K to $1.5K. The more automated the machine is the better for me I assume

I agree with what Jim E said. Your could get a new or used machine well within your price range. I would go for a LO machine myself. Some suggestions would be Alpha, Gamma, or Prince machines. If later you decide you want an electronic machine you could add a Wise tension head on any of those machines.

 

[lew750]

I appreciate the encouragements, it is easing me about diving into the world of stringing and that some of my experiences are 'normal'

Partly the reason I have become more sensitive to this issue is because a set of strings is lasting only 4 to 6 hours for me, and having to have a racquet strung each week is amplifying the inconsistency issue between my racquets. It is so darn frustrating to switch racquets in the middle of a match or even from one day to another and having to play differently to compensate for differences. My shot techniques are not fully established yet, which makes my game more sensitive to stringbed stiffness I think and more difficult for me to adjust on the fly.

Now comes the research on machines... oh boy!

Thank you all.

If you have your rackets strung once a week, a stringing machine is a no-brainer.

 

[Ft.S]

If you have your rackets strung once a week, a stringing machine is a no-brainer.

Obviously not every racquet every week, but just about one per week.

 

[eelhc]

Obviously not every racquet every week, but just about one per week.

You get your racquets strung with Natural Gut once/week? Nice...