Questions about MRT Test

[brownbearfalling]

I am Finally considering taking the test to become certified as an MRT. Before I send $250 into USRSA, I wanted to do a little research. While reading through the supplemental study guide I am confident that I have the skills to pass the test. But I have a few questions that I hope you guys could answer for me. Here they are:

---Removes string and grommets using proper technique without scratching or marring frame.

What is the "proper" technique? I usually just rip the grommets out, starting from bumper guard to side pieces to throat piece. Then if the grommets break because of flared holes (Babolat or Dunlop) I remove those using wire cutters and pliers. Is that "proper"?


--Aligns build-up material within 1/8 inch of very butt end (butt cap is built up).

I was taught to leave more space than this at the end of the butt cap. Since the material shrinks you want to have enough material to cover the end since you are trimming it anyway.


Lastly, I want to ask about the study material the USRSA sends you. How many approximate hours does it take to study and practice everything?

Thanks everyone.

 

[smucker007]

Hey Brownbear,

Removing the string and grommets using proper technique pretty much means don't scratch the frame with your tools..if you use a wire cutter, don't scratch the frame with them. I'd suggest not using a Babolat with flared grommets for the test cuz they can be a pain and you are timed.

Build up material you usually trim it to within 1/8 inch of the butt end of the racquet. So yes, you want to have extra room for the material to shrink and then trim it.

There are 2 study guides you need to study from. 1 is the supplemental study guide you find on the USRSA website, the other is from Chapter 2 of the Stringer's Digest.

It really differs from one person to another and your experience level. If you've been working in a pro shop and stringing for several years and are up on technology, then you shouldn't need too much study time. If you are new to stringing, customization, etc etc..then you will need more time to study. Heard of people studying for only 2 weeks before the test and pass..and others who study for over a month and fail.

You can join USRSA and become a member first and they will send you the Stringer's Digest and download (copy/paste) the supplemental from the website and study and when you are ready, the test is $150.

If you need more information you can feel free to contact me or.. the USRSA contact is: Jonathan Wolfe, Jonathan@racquetTECH.com

Good Luck!

 

[dgdawg]

I am Finally considering taking the test to become certified as an MRT. Before I send $250 into USRSA, I wanted to do a little research. While reading through the supplemental study guide I am confident that I have the skills to pass the test. But I have a few questions that I hope you guys could answer for me. Here they are:

---Removes string and grommets using proper technique without scratching or marring frame.

What is the "proper" technique? I usually just rip the grommets out, starting from bumper guard to side pieces to throat piece. Then if the grommets break because of flared holes (Babolat or Dunlop) I remove those using wire cutters and pliers. Is that "proper"?


--Aligns build-up material within 1/8 inch of very butt end (butt cap is built up).

I was taught to leave more space than this at the end of the butt cap. Since the material shrinks you want to have enough material to cover the end since you are trimming it anyway.


Lastly, I want to ask about the study material the USRSA sends you. How many approximate hours does it take to study and practice everything?

Thanks everyone.

smucker nailed it....I know the guy that tested me. When i took the CS test I was required to replace a grommet, then the grommet strip.
I called dude and he said the same thing: "I don't care how, I just care that you do it w/out damage".
Maybe the study guide is diff now, but I was sure it said run the sleeve long and trim to length.
Personally, I read through chapters 2 & 3 (I think) 2 or 3 times. Most of what was talked about, and what was on the test were things I've been doing already.
I struggled w/ MRT or CS. I was told MRT is more advantageous for pro shop owners, touring tournament stringers, etc....which is why I went CS

 

[GlenK]

Very good info guys. I am planing to take the CS test later in the year and as confused by some of the same statements as brownbear was.

 

[brownbearfalling]

Thanks for the answers Dgdawg and smucker007.

Is there anything else that you were confused about GlenK?

Another question:

So when stringing mains, do you have to alternate tensioning 3 strings every time? Or can you do 3 strings first, on the other side 6 strings, switch back and do 5 strings then do the last 2 remaining strings?

By habit I have always alternating 2 strings on each side when I am stringing carefully. And I do 3 strings on each side when I'm going for speed.

 

[dgdawg]

Thanks for the answers Dgdawg and smucker007.

Is there anything else that you were confused about GlenK?

Another question:

So when stringing mains, do you have to alternate tensioning 3 strings every time? Or can you do 3 strings first, on the other side 6 strings, switch back and do 5 strings then do the last 2 remaining strings?

By habit I have always alternating 2 strings on each side when I am stringing carefully. And I do 3 strings on each side when I'm going for speed.

NP, brownbear....you don't have to alternate. Meaning, you don't have to do a specific # per side before moving the other side.
I do both M's at the throat before spinning the frame around to do both M's at the head. (or vise verse)
That means less movement, translating to less time.

 

[GlenK]

I'm good for now. Sure I'll have more...Thanks.