Symptoms for Strings to Break

[ncchetty]

Could we anticipate/predict that the strings are going to break sometime soon by looking at the condition of the strings?

Like for eg., if the strings are kinda blackened out at some spots, is that a symptom that it is going to break?

I keep breaking strings during a match. Even though I have a similar spare racquet, it is still not the same.

Any ideas?

C

 

[Bryan Aldridge]

Pull one of the cross strings out of position near the middle of the frame, if the main strings are severly notched (past half way).. they could snap anytime. There are other signs as well like fraying.. etc but ill let others elaborate on that.

 

[Jerry Seinfeld]

The best way to predict string breakage is to keep a journal. Same string type strung by same stringer at the same tension should last about the same amount of time. If you are getting 30 - 35 hours of court play out of a set, when you get to 28 hours you will know you are getting close and will soon be playing on borrowed time. Of course there are other things to consider, court surface, level of power faced, how much spin you use etcetera. As a general rule a log will help you understand how much time you are getting per string job and help you better anticipate when it might be time to restring.

 

[ncchetty]

Pull one of the cross strings out of position near the middle of the frame, if the main strings are severly notched (past half way).. they could snap anytime. There are other signs as well like fraying.. etc but ill let others elaborate on that.

Yup...I have seen that and ignored it a couple of times. It just took a couple of topspin shots to do the damage.

 

[LoveThisGame]

When pulling down a cross string to check for notching, don't use your fingernail unless you like fingernail tears. Use a smooth, preferably round object such as a stick pen. Just a sidelong view of the string intersections without moving one of the strings only helps a little.