Modified Yusuki method for starting mains?

[Midas Rex]

I was just watching the official Yonex video on how to string the VCORE Duel G and noticed that the stringer from the Yonex Stringing Team was using a variation of the Yusuki method to start the mains.

I just started stringing my own racquets about 3 months ago, but from what I understand the Yusuki method starts with tensioning LM1 and RM1 together so that each string receives half of the reference tension. In the Yonex video, they recommend starting the mains by tensioning LM1 and LM2 first. Specifically, they:

1. Tension both LM1 and LM2 at the same time (so that each string receives half of the reference tension)
2. Secure LM2 with a fixed clamp and starting clamp
- Apply left fixed clamp to LM2 at the distal end of the racquet just, inside the frame
- Apply starting clamp to LM2 at the proximal end of the racquet, just outside the frame
3. Release LM1 and LM2 from the tension head
4. Pull LM1 to reference tension and clamp off with right fixed clamp
5. Pull RM1 to reference tension and clamp off with right fixed clamp
6. Pull RM2 to reference tension and clamp off with right fixed clamp
7. Pull LM2 to reference tension, remove starting clamp, and clamp off with left fixed clamp
8. Alterenate back and forth between the left and right side until the mains are completed
9. Tie off mains

Does anyone use this variation of the Yusuki method?

Is there any theoretical or practical advantage to starting with LM1 and LM2 as opposed to LM1 and RM1?

 

[dak95_00]

The clamps don't bump into each other and are always flush to the frame? That's my guess. Thanks for sharing. I like this method.

 

[Irvin]

They will still bump each other depending on the distance between the center three strings.

 

[dak95_00]

Is it just me or when I see the Awl in the hole for tie off gives me iffy feeling...

I didn't watch the video until any tie offs but using an awl during a tie off is a very old and classic technique used to maintain tension. Back in the old days before machines when stringers pulled all tension by hand, awls were used in every hole to hold the tension instead of clamps.

That's why the Serrano machine with it's clamps is known as the "no awl machine."

Here's a nice little tennis post on the history of stringing with a cool picture.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/tennis-stringing-lever.81918/

 

[dak95_00]

You can also see that the cam action clamp or pliers are still used by some today.

 

[dak95_00]

They will still bump each other depending on the distance between the center three strings.

....and the size of the clamps.

Would it then be acceptable to go one or more main strings to alleviate that problem? I like to string all of the throat strings on one side and then the other before alternating. It appears with this method my clamps would not bump and they'd always be flush to the frame. A standard head, wooden racquet that's 18x20 or a badminton racquet that's 20x22 could be the exceptions and it might be better to just use an awl to assist in maintaining tension.

 

[Rabbit]

This video came up next, Richard Parnell shows an interesting technique for locking the main string in the grommet prior to tying off.

With regard to the OP, I like that modified starting method. I string for several people who use gut and/or high tensions. I always start their frames with the Yusuki and will try this next time.

 

[jim e]

Probably more of preference.
Since I start installing main strings with LM1 and RM1, I prefer the typical Yusuki method of starting with those same 2 strings.
Since each string is eventually tensioned separately it really should not make much a difference.

 

[Irvin]

....and the size of the clamps.

Would it then be acceptable to go one or more main strings to alleviate that problem? I like to string all of the throat strings on one side and then the other before alternating. It appears with this method my clamps would not bump and they'd always be flush to the frame. A standard head, wooden racquet that's 18x20 or a badminton racquet that's 20x22 could be the exceptions and it might be better to just use an awl to assist in maintaining tension.

You can do it that way if you want I prefer to not go more than 3 mains ahead on either side. If you use both clamps there will be a point where there is one main between the two clamps on one end. You can't get the clamps flush with the frame on the center strings because of the 6&12 supports. On some stringers more than that.

 

[eagle]

This video came up next, Richard Parnell shows an interesting technique for locking the main string in the grommet prior to tying off.

Thanks for posting this video. Good tip on the tie off.

 

[jim e]

This video came up next, Richard Parnell shows an interesting technique for locking the main string in the grommet prior to tying off.

Yes , Thanks for the post!
A great tip for tying off, can't wait to try.
Thank you!

 

[Tee1Up]

Used the tie off in the Parnell video tonight. It really works well and keeps the string snug.

 

[Midas Rex]

Used the tie off in the Parnell video tonight. It really works well and keeps the string snug.

Will try it out next time as well!

 

[MathieuR]

I was happy to see that after ty-off, he transfers tension between the strings by bending them sideways, a method I'm also using (and that was disputed by other posters as being impossible to do this consistent)

 

[oble]

This video came up next, Richard Parnell shows an interesting technique for locking the main string in the grommet prior to tying off.

With regard to the OP, I like that modified starting method. I string for several people who use gut and/or high tensions. I always start their frames with the Yusuki and will try this next time.

Interesting.. The first step looks like a modified Yonex Loop. Probably impossible for flying clamp users like myself though since I wouldn't be able to tension the outside main first then tension the penultimate main, but I'm going to try that additional loop on the anchor string for locking the tie-off string.

 

[Muppet]

I'm still using my starting clamp to rock the tie-off back and forth a couple of times to take up the slack. Does this older method lock the string in place automatically?