Prestretching??

[tennisphotog]

Can someone enlighten me when prestretching strings is a good idea, how it's done, or whether it is necessary at all? Are certain types of strings "stretchier" than others and require this, and if so, what types need it and which do not??? How bout good ole Gosen Syn Gut?? Do I need to do anything more than just string as usual??

 

[Gaines Hillix]

Prestretching helps to remove the coil memory from strings and reduces the tendency to kink. This is why some stringers prestretch natural gut and polys off of the machine. Using an electronic stringing machine's prestretch feature doesn't help with this. It also helps to set the string(align the molecules of the string) and this reduces initial tension loss and also makes the string feel stiffer. This can be done on or off the machine. Off the machine the string is tied around a door knop or other stationary object and then pulled hard on the other end for about 30 secs. or until you feel the string stop stretching so much. You need to use something that will hold the string securely or it will slip and can dump you on your keaster. I use parallel jaw pliers or a starting clamp for this job. I also have a 6" piece of 1"x1" wood that I made with a hole drilled through it that I can wrap the string through. It's also a good idea to stand sideways to it so that if it comes loose or breaks(not likely) it won't snap back and hit you in the face. You can also double the string around something and pull on both ends at once.

 

[darkblue]

it hurts

when the strings snap and hit you on your face. i'm glad i was wearing glasses..

 

[tennisphotog]

Thanks Gaines, but do you recommend prestretching all strings, or just gut and polys??

 

[NoBadMojo]

most strings benefit from some form of prestetching from a performence point of view i think. i think performence should be a more critical consideraton than ease of stringing. also, there are degrees of prestretching and some strngs benefit from a vigorous prestrech (i think your gosen strng is one of them) and others should only be given a gentle prestretch (klip legend gut). this is a value of having a quality stringer (person) as stringing is part art and part science if done well.

 

[Cruzer]

Prestretching is kind of a personal preference matter and is not a requirement. As mentioned above while prestretching can help remove coil memory from the string and reduce the chances of kinking, which is critical with gut strings it does possibly take away some of the characteristics of the string which you may want, i.e. comfort and a softer feeling stringbed. If you are stringing for yourself I suggest comparing prestreched string job with a non-prestreched and see which one you prefer.