Starting mains on a lockout

[ChanterRacquet]

Whether you start with a starting clamp inside the frame on the second main or a fixed clamp on a first main, what degree of tension loss do you think occurs when specifically using a lockout with these methods because when you go to finally pull tension on the main that initially had the starting/fixed clamp, once tension is pulled and it locks out, the process of releasing the string from that clamp exposes a previously untensioned length of string (because it was inside the clamp) which would then stretch resulting in an overall tension drop on the full length of string because it is not a constant pull machine? I understand that the Yusuki method would suffer less because at least the string has been tensioned to 50%.

I use a starting clamp outside the frame on the first main and pull direct tension, then clamp the fixed on the same string. I justify this by the above argument since I'm on a lockout. Repulling that first main before removing the starting clamp doesn't often result in much further string stretching. I note this requires a decent starting clamp (e.g. alpha not pros pro) since I have had no trouble since switching to the alpha. I have also never broken a string where the starting clamp was applied, I’m not sure "weakening" the string with the starting clamp and then pulling it around the grommet is anything to worry about.

 

[Cowboy]

I wouldn't think that there would be a sufficient amount of tension loss to justify all the extra work. I get what you are saying, but the length of string in the starting clamp is small.

I'm still relatively new to all this, but I tend to put a starting clamp right behind the first clamp to prevent any slippage in the clamp. Pull the first few mains, then go back and pull the main with the starting clamp before removing it. I suppose you could release the starting clamp as you were pulling tension. That way it wouldn't slip, but wouldn't lockout until all of that tension was pulled.

 

[Irvin]

@ChanterRacquet the tension loss from 1” of clamped string would be minuscule, but if you’re concerned about it the tension spring does apply some pulling force on the string even though it is in lock out mode. If you don’t think that is enough just release the brake and apply tension to lock out again.

 

[WYK]

Whether you start with a starting clamp inside the frame on the second main or a fixed clamp on a first main, what degree of tension loss do you think occurs when specifically using a lockout with these methods because when you go to finally pull tension on the main that initially had the starting/fixed clamp, once tension is pulled and it locks out, the process of releasing the string from that clamp exposes a previously untensioned length of string (because it was inside the clamp) which would then stretch resulting in an overall tension drop on the full length of string because it is not a constant pull machine. I understand that the Yusuki method would suffer less because at least the string has been tensioned to 50%.

I use a starting clamp outside the frame on the first main and pull direct tension, then clamp the fixed on the same string. I justify this by the above argument since I'm on a lockout. Repulling that first main before removing the starting clamp doesn't often result in much further string stretching. I note this requires a decent starting clamp (e.g. alpha not pros pro) since I have had no trouble since switching to the alpha. I have also never broken a string where the starting clamp was applied, I’m not sure "weakening" the string with the starting clamp and then pulling it around the grommet is anything to worry about.

I also use a crank. I start using the Yusuki method. However, when I pull the main that was clamped, I remove the clamp once the string is under some tension(just as I see the clamp start to feel a hint of the tug so as not to damage the string), so the entire string is pulled for tension.

 

[Cowboy]

I also use a crank. I start using the Yusuki method. However, when I pull the main that was clamped, I remove the clamp once the string is under some tension(just as I see the clamp start to feel a hint of the tug so as not to damage the string), so the entire string is pulled for tension.

I suppose you could release the starting clamp as you were pulling tension.

That's exactly what I was (unsuccessfully) trying to describe.

 

[ChanterRacquet]

I wouldn't think that there would be a sufficient amount of tension loss to justify all the extra work.

What extra work? I think it’s actually easier to put the starting clamp outside the frame on a 1st main. Idiot proof really as I haven’t screwed it up yet, and not any different than what many do when starting crosses with a starting clamp (though I use a starting knot when I can’t do 1-piece).

 

[ChanterRacquet]

@ChanterRacquet the tension loss from 1” of clamped string would be minuscule, but if you’re concerned about it the tension spring does apply some pulling force on the string even though it is in lock out mode. If you don’t think that is enough just release the brake and apply tension to lock out again.

I’ll admit I’m surprised that no die hard ecp users have chimed in to suggest that the tension loss would be non-negligible, as much as they rave about needing perfect tension via a cp.

I haven’t heard a convincing argument against the very simple sc on the outside so I’ll keep at it.

Thanks!

 

[Irvin]

I’ll admit I’m surprised that no die hard ecp users have chimed in to suggest that the tension loss would be non-negligible, as much as they rave about needing perfect tension via a cp.

I haven’t heard a convincing argument against the very simple sc on the outside so I’ll keep at it.

Thanks!

The tension on an eCP is never ever perfect. LMAO You’ve been listening to too many marketeers touting their ’superior products.’

 

[WYK]

That's exactly what I was (unsuccessfully) trying to describe.

And another good reason to do this is you are going to have to clamp the string when you are done pulling tension, anyways. Why not just reach down and move it over as it tensions.
Since you are using a crank, timing is a cinch.

 

[WYK]

The tension on an eCP is never ever perfect. LMAO You’ve been listening to too many marketeers touting their ’superior products.’

It's all relative. That's why they send your stick to the same stringer during tournaments. And it's why that stringer uses the same machine all tournament.
It's also why some pros bring their own reels, etc.
It will vary from person to person, machine to machine, and even time to time. What matters is keeping it all relative during your tennis journey.
Perhaps @TW Staff can comment, but I heard recently they still mainly use Prince NEOS machines.
Why mess with perfection? ;')

 

[ChanterRacquet]

The tension on an eCP is never ever perfect. LMAO You’ve been listening to too many marketeers touting their ’superior products.’

Not marketers, forum members. I think maybe all those buying the cheapest drop weight, wondering if they can add a wise, and then complain about not having a table lock.

 

[Cowboy]

What extra work? I think it’s actually easier to put the starting clamp outside the frame on a 1st main. Idiot proof really as I haven’t screwed it up yet, and not any different than what many do when starting crosses with a starting clamp (though I use a starting knot when I can’t do 1-piece).

I re-read your first post. I read it wrong (the first time) and thought you were doing an extra pull on one of the mains while moving the starting clamp around.

Perhaps @TW Staff can comment, but I heard recently they still mainly use Prince NEOS machines.
Why mess with perfection? ;')

Local tennis shop is using a NEOS.

I asked the shop owner about the Ektelon Model H before purchasing one. He said it was a great machine and pointed to his NEOS at the front of the store. Said it is practically the same machine. The one I purchased has a Prince base and came with a spare NEOS clamp.

 

[MathieuR]

the tension spring does apply some pulling force on the string even though it is in lock out mode.

@Irvin , we have had this discussion many times.

No, lock out is lock out. No pulling after lock out.

 

[Irvin]

@Irvin , we have had this discussion many times.

No, lock out is lock out. No pulling after lock out.

I believe you were the one that confirmed the spring did retain some tension even after lockout with your lock out machine. If there is pressure on the spring there is tension applied to the string. But that’s ok, you believe whatever you want.

 

[MathieuR]

I believe you were the one that confirmed the spring did retain some tension even after lockout

Yes, "some tension", but not enough energy to keep the string on ref.tension!

 

[WYK]

I re-read your first post. I read it wrong (the first time) and thought you were doing an extra pull on one of the mains while moving the starting clamp around.



Local tennis shop is using a NEOS.

I asked the shop owner about the Ektelon Model H before purchasing one. He said it was a great machine and pointed to his NEOS at the front of the store. Said it is practically the same machine. The one I purchased has a Prince base and came with a spare NEOS clamp.

The nice thing about having a ProsPro comet is how simple it is. But, really, all these manual machines are dreadfully simple. Still, at least I got locking clamps now.
I managed to make TomCat and Pioneer II locking clamps work on my Comet with just some simple grinding on the mounts.