Racquet head size change after stringing

[Maui19]

I have noticed that my racquet head changes shape slightly after I string it (not uncommon, I know). I know this because when I remove my racquet from my stringer (Stringway ML90), the racquet "pops" off the mounts when I unscrew the clamps. As far as I can tell, the head is slightly shorter and wider after stringing than before.

Since the racquet keeps its shape until after I unmount it, I'm guessing this is due to differences in tension between the mains and crosses. I string a gut/poly hybrid with the mains being 2-3 lbs tighter than the crosses.

I don't think this is hurting the racquet at all, and I like the way it plays. But just for the heck of it I think I will string the mains and crosses at the same tension next time.

Thoughts?

 

[gamerluke]

Higher tension on mains means racquet would end up shorter and wider. Makes sense to me.

 

[sp1derman]

I string 15L Babolat tonic at 65lbs mains and my poly cross around 56-58. Haven't had any breakage, cracking or any ill effects... PS BLX 6.1.95...

 

[struggle]

measure the racket after stringing, then again directly prior to stringing (however long that takes, you decide).

get back to us with the results.

i'm interested also, but not so much as to bother.

 

[gkamieneski]

What racquet is this happening with? I string a lot of Head Radicals and Speeds and they always widen and shorten even with equal tension on mains and crosses.

My practice has been to use 55lbs for crosses and 53lbs for mains when I want a 54lb tensioned racquet. Works for me and keeps the head from compressing.

 

[Maui19]

i'm interested also, but not so much as to bother.

Me too       

 

[Shroud]

FWIW I regularly do 15+lbs difference between the mains and crosses. The racket is shorter but is fine.

Here's a post that goes into some detail:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=7594975&postcount=67

 

[anubis]

I have noticed that my racquet head changes shape slightly after I string it (not uncommon, I know). I know this because when I remove my racquet from my stringer (Stringway ML90), the racquet "pops" off the mounts when I unscrew the clamps. As far as I can tell, the head is slightly shorter and wider after stringing than before.

Since the racquet keeps its shape until after I unmount it, I'm guessing this is due to differences in tension between the mains and crosses. I string a gut/poly hybrid with the mains being 2-3 lbs tighter than the crosses.

I don't think this is hurting the racquet at all, and I like the way it plays. But just for the heck of it I think I will string the mains and crosses at the same tension next time.

Thoughts?

The mark of a good, properly maintained stringing machine is its ability to hold the frame properly during the tensioning process. Whenever you finish a string job, the mark of a good job is being able to slide the freshly strung racquet off the mounts and then right back on again like nothing has changed.

If you cannot put the frame back on the mounts because the frame has deformed too much, then the mounts are contracting inward under the pressure of the mains tension. Or, one of the mounts is sliding inward instead of staying put.

I think your hybrid tension is fine. It's your stringer that is not. I'm not sure what the problem is, whether it is an issue with the machine itself, or its not setup properly, or some part on it is failing. Either way, you should consider having your machine looked at.

Just my opinion. I string about a dozen frames a week, everything from stiff Babaolats to flexy Head Radicals. I do gut/poly, full poly, whatever customers want. When I finish the string job, regardless of the tension, I can always pull the frame off easily and remount it if I wish. My machine isn't anything amazing, in fact its probably 30 years old. But i've put a lot of money into it and keep it in excellent condition.

 

[Maui19]

The mark of a good, properly maintained stringing machine is its ability to hold the frame properly during the tensioning process. Whenever you finish a string job, the mark of a good job is being able to slide the freshly strung racquet off the mounts and then right back on again like nothing has changed.

If you cannot put the frame back on the mounts because the frame has deformed too much, then the mounts are contracting inward under the pressure of the mains tension. Or, one of the mounts is sliding inward instead of staying put.

I think your hybrid tension is fine. It's your stringer that is not. I'm not sure what the problem is, whether it is an issue with the machine itself, or its not setup properly, or some part on it is failing. Either way, you should consider having your machine looked at.

Just my opinion. I string about a dozen frames a week, everything from stiff Babaolats to flexy Head Radicals. I do gut/poly, full poly, whatever customers want. When I finish the string job, regardless of the tension, I can always pull the frame off easily and remount it if I wish. My machine isn't anything amazing, in fact its probably 30 years old. But i've put a lot of money into it and keep it in excellent condition.

I don't think your analysis is correct. I only string one racquet on my stringer. When it us unstrung, it slides on and off the mounts perfectly with no adjustments. When it is strung, it changes shape slightly when it is off the stringer. It doesn't change shape until I pop it off the stringer. It is clearly the string tension that is changing the shape of the racquet.

 

[struggle]

Maui19 is correct.