Tourna stringmeter? Does it work?
- Thread starter Xzebetz
- Start date
Tourna Stringmeter is an essential bit of kit for any stringer and even serious players. It is indeed very precise - But......
It gets really bad press because to answer the second part of your question, no, it is unlikely that if you string at a given tension it will read that tension after you finish stringing. This is what leads some people to think that it is not accurate.
There is a really nice blog here - http://ggtennis.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/stringmeter-an-ode-to-accuracy/ This will explain better than I can.
It gets really bad press because to answer the second part of your question, no, it is unlikely that if you string at a given tension it will read that tension after you finish stringing. This is what leads some people to think that it is not accurate.
There is a really nice blog here - http://ggtennis.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/stringmeter-an-ode-to-accuracy/ This will explain better than I can.
Thanks! Will order it right away then!
Nuke
Hall of Fame
You can still get the StringMeter free if you buy a reel of Tourna string here at Tennis Warehouse.
I have a StringMeter, but I don't think it's quite as accurate as the the author of that link that zzleezz posted above. The meter really measures the resistance to twisting, not absolute tension. Now, strings vary greaty in their stiffness, such that a very stiff kevlar string is going to resist twisting more than a soft multi, even if they are strung at the same tension. So the meter can only be accurate if you are using the same sort of string that it was originally calibrated with at the factory. That's probably some standard syngut like Prince.
But I totaly agree with the people who claim that the meter is useful in determining changes in tension. If I string at, say, 60 pounds of tension, and then immediately measure it with the meter at 50 pounds, I don't freak out that I must be stringing incorrectly. I would expect this same discrepancy every time, assuming I'm sticking with the same racquet and strings. But when that 50 reading drops to 40, I know the string is losing tension. That's useful. but not the same as relying on the meter to tell you the actual tension.
I have a StringMeter, but I don't think it's quite as accurate as the the author of that link that zzleezz posted above. The meter really measures the resistance to twisting, not absolute tension. Now, strings vary greaty in their stiffness, such that a very stiff kevlar string is going to resist twisting more than a soft multi, even if they are strung at the same tension. So the meter can only be accurate if you are using the same sort of string that it was originally calibrated with at the factory. That's probably some standard syngut like Prince.
But I totaly agree with the people who claim that the meter is useful in determining changes in tension. If I string at, say, 60 pounds of tension, and then immediately measure it with the meter at 50 pounds, I don't freak out that I must be stringing incorrectly. I would expect this same discrepancy every time, assuming I'm sticking with the same racquet and strings. But when that 50 reading drops to 40, I know the string is losing tension. That's useful. but not the same as relying on the meter to tell you the actual tension.
GlenK
Professional
Have not had a lot of luck with these devices. Have tried two of them. Find the Racquet Tune app to be much more accurate, with the exception of a couple of strings. I know that it does not do Head RIP control very well.
But my set up is VS Gut/Lux Supersense and it is VERY accurate with that set up.
But my set up is VS Gut/Lux Supersense and it is VERY accurate with that set up.
Donny0627
Professional
if its an ipod touch before the 4th generation, then you nedd an external microphone
GlenK
Professional
^^Yes, you input string and racquet information. In the new version (3.0) there is a very good guide that provides details on set up.
The great part about the new version is you can save racquets and strings so once you get it set up, you simply click on which racquet and string set up you want to measure.
The great part about the new version is you can save racquets and strings so once you get it set up, you simply click on which racquet and string set up you want to measure.
000KFACTOR90000
Professional
Tourna Stringmeter calibration
http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/RSI/rsiapr2011_vp/2011031101/47.html
http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/RSI/rsiapr2011_vp/2011031101/47.html
So I received my stringmeter today. Have tried it, but not on a raquet just strung. I did it on a raquet strong yesterday, but played withit around 1½ hours (received it after my game) and a raquet strong a week ago and played once I believe.
The results was interesting. My first impression is that it is precise. And I found out that I am pretty inconsistent.
The Raquet I strung yesterday I did at 26 kg. Did the test after 1½ hour play and almost all strings was measured at 26 kg. But my last mains for tie off was way off. Less than 16-18 kg. So I need to be better at tie off.
The other raquet I string a week ago was strung at 25 kg. But I measured it at 30 kg! So thats weird.
Looking forward to using it on a freshly strung raquet.
The results was interesting. My first impression is that it is precise. And I found out that I am pretty inconsistent.
The Raquet I strung yesterday I did at 26 kg. Did the test after 1½ hour play and almost all strings was measured at 26 kg. But my last mains for tie off was way off. Less than 16-18 kg. So I need to be better at tie off.
The other raquet I string a week ago was strung at 25 kg. But I measured it at 30 kg! So thats weird.
Looking forward to using it on a freshly strung raquet.
Hope someone can help me out. After I received the stringmeter it has actually confused me more than it helps. As I mentioned before there was a huge difference in the tension it measured. 26 and 30 kg even though I strung the raquets at 25 (30 kg on stringmeter) and 26 kg (26 kg on stringmeter). So last night I restrungs a raquet and did a check. The stringmeter has the feature of measuring tension on one string. So I did that. But at 26 kg it measures at 30 kg. So after my string job it measured 30 kg again. Even though I strung it at 26 kg according to the dropweight.
Am I doing it wrong? When setting the tension I lock the weight at 26 kg with the side closest to the gripper. Is'nt that correct?
Am I doing it wrong? When setting the tension I lock the weight at 26 kg with the side closest to the gripper. Is'nt that correct?
Dont forget that the tension of each string is changed by what goes on around it. For example the 2 centre main strings are put in at 26kg, you then proceed to string the rest of the mains which shortens the head of the racket due to the tension of the strings. Then you also thread 18 - 20 strings on either side of the main string which makes the main string "go the long way round", that adds a fair bit of tension.
As has been said, different conditions will change the reading of the stringmeter so it is best used as a reference rather than an absolute.
With practice I can now string my own rackets to within a couple of pounds of my target tension each time but on other rackets and with other strings its much harder to do this.
Quick question, how long is the string under tension for before you clamp it each time?
As has been said, different conditions will change the reading of the stringmeter so it is best used as a reference rather than an absolute.
With practice I can now string my own rackets to within a couple of pounds of my target tension each time but on other rackets and with other strings its much harder to do this.
Quick question, how long is the string under tension for before you clamp it each time?
No, really dont worry about it. Use the tension that you read right after stringing as a reference to how much tension you lose and use that as a guide to when you restring.
I use a method to string my rackets that makes my tension loss very very low. I can string at 40lbs and the tension reads pretty much that when I am done, however if I string a different racket with different string then the results are very unpredictable.
I asked how long after you pull tension till you clamp as I find that the longer the string is under tension before clamping the less tension you lose. I try to leave mine for 10 - 15 seconds so that the string has time to properly elongate, your 10 seconds is doing this too (different strings need different amounts of time) and that might be why your tension is coming out quite high.
At the end of the day are you happy with the way your string is playing? If yes then for sure dont worry too much about the readings
I use a method to string my rackets that makes my tension loss very very low. I can string at 40lbs and the tension reads pretty much that when I am done, however if I string a different racket with different string then the results are very unpredictable.
I asked how long after you pull tension till you clamp as I find that the longer the string is under tension before clamping the less tension you lose. I try to leave mine for 10 - 15 seconds so that the string has time to properly elongate, your 10 seconds is doing this too (different strings need different amounts of time) and that might be why your tension is coming out quite high.
At the end of the day are you happy with the way your string is playing? If yes then for sure dont worry too much about the readings
stoneage
Rookie
No.
The iPod 2G and 3G has no built in mic so they need an external one.
The iPhone 2G has a bad built in mic and also needs an external one, e.g. the head set.
The rest, i.e. the iPhone 3G, 3Gs and 4, the iPod 4 and the iPads work fine with the the built in microphone.
/Sten
stoneage
Rookie
Maybe I am bit late, but if describe you problems a little more in detail I might be able to help. Don't you get any readings at all or just strange values?
/Sten
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
So if I have two rackets, one strung with natural gut, the other strung with poly, and both have a DT of 31 they will both feel the same?
EDIT: If you string consistently and string two like rackets with the same string and tension shouldn't the DTs be the same?
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MathieuR
Hall of Fame
Hi Irvin,
"So if I have two rackets, one strung with natural gut, the other strung with poly, and both have a DT of 31 they will both feel the same?" I don't think so ( and neither do you ). But personally I was glad to have finally a tool that could give me the DT-result of my stringing.
Cause you have to agree: a 95sq.i frame and a 105 sq.i , both at DT35 will have more bal-impact simularity as if they both had 25kg stringtension (same string of course)
"EDIT: If you string consistently and string two like rackets with the same string and tension shouldn't the DTs be the same?"
Yes; but it is nice to know whát DT
"So if I have two rackets, one strung with natural gut, the other strung with poly, and both have a DT of 31 they will both feel the same?" I don't think so ( and neither do you
). But personally I was glad to have finally a tool that could give me the DT-result of my stringing. Cause you have to agree: a 95sq.i frame and a 105 sq.i , both at DT35 will have more bal-impact simularity as if they both had 25kg stringtension (same string of course)
"EDIT: If you string consistently and string two like rackets with the same string and tension shouldn't the DTs be the same?"
Yes; but it is nice to know whát DT
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Whether you know the DT or not is of no consequence. The first thing you do when you string a racket is to set the tension not the DT. If a customer likes their racket strung at 55 they're not concerned with what DT they end up with. Why spend about $150+ for an ERT or StringLab2 when they have everything they need?
My point is a Stringmeter or RacquetTune will do the same thing for a lot less money.
My point is a Stringmeter or RacquetTune will do the same thing for a lot less money.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
I can say that I've seen more of the ERT's (or something similar) than ever before. During the WTA tournament, several coaches and players were sporting them. One of the players sent two racquets back, without ever hitting with them. One of the other stringers apparently double pulled mains.
I strung one of her frames and sent it back out for her to check. Upon her approval (using the ERT), I strung the other one. I didn't talk to her, I only got a "Perfect" back from her so I don't know how she tested.
I strung one of her frames and sent it back out for her to check. Upon her approval (using the ERT), I strung the other one. I didn't talk to her, I only got a "Perfect" back from her so I don't know how she tested.
MathieuR
Hall of Fame
" . If a customer likes their racket strung at 55 they're not concerned with what DT they end up with."
That's a different approach. I discuss with my clients what DT would "fit". Then I calculate the kg's.
I normally can convince my clients that "DT" is more important then "kilo's". And I discovered that if they want "kilo's", they normally want far too.much.
That's a different approach. I discuss with my clients what DT would "fit". Then I calculate the kg's.
I normally can convince my clients that "DT" is more important then "kilo's". And I discovered that if they want "kilo's", they normally want far too.much.
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MathieuR
Hall of Fame
" My point is a Stringmeter or RacquetTune will do the same thing for a lot less money"
I disagree: a stringmeter is a toy, does not give realistic values. And again, how to translate kg's towards SBS, which is thé value.
RacquetTune is nice (and cheap), especially the IPhone version (the android version is not that elaborate). But, it is not a "real" SBS measurement as done on a RDC.
I disagree: a stringmeter is a toy, does not give realistic values. And again, how to translate kg's towards SBS, which is thé value.
RacquetTune is nice (and cheap), especially the IPhone version (the android version is not that elaborate). But, it is not a "real" SBS measurement as done on a RDC.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
When you're up to your neck in alligators, it's easy to forget that the initial objective was to drain the swamp. The OP's question was, "Does the Stringmeter work," and I believe it does. It gives you a good approximation of string tension. Knowing string tension, head size, and pattern there has to be some method of determining DT or SBS. If there wasn't and a customer wanted a DT of 34 how would you go about providing that DT? If you want to purchase anything from RacquetTune to an RDC to measure DT be my guest. But when you're ready to string a racket you must use tension. That is unless there is some new machine that you set up the head size, pattern and DT you want and the machine calculates the tension for you.
EDIT: Many stringers already have a tension gauge. You could measure the pull required to deflect the string bed 1 cm pretty easy if you want to save money on an ERT, Stringlab2 or an RDC. Hard to beat the price of RacquetTune.
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MathieuR
Hall of Fame
" EDIT: Many stringers already have a tension gauge. You could measure the pull required to deflect the string bed 1 cm pretty easy if you want to save money on an ERT, Stringlab2 or an RDC"
I would like to see your video where you demonstrate this "easy" method
I use the Strinway TensionAdvisor, and with as variables players-charsvteristics/frame-size/string-pattern it advises me a DT, and the L/W-kg's to reach that DT.
I would like to see your video where you demonstrate this "easy" method
I use the Strinway TensionAdvisor, and with as variables players-charsvteristics/frame-size/string-pattern it advises me a DT, and the L/W-kg's to reach that DT.
MathieuR
Hall of Fame
And I never tried, but do you think a stringmeter will measure same kg's for an aramid-string as for a natural-gut if strong with the same kg's?
And before you comment on that: yes, the same kg's give also for that 2 strings a different DT; it is the stringers experience (and his notes!) to correct the kg's the Tension-Advisor gives; and for this it is important to measure the results of your stringjob using a RDC or eg a StringLab2
And before you comment on that: yes, the same kg's give also for that 2 strings a different DT; it is the stringers experience (and his notes!) to correct the kg's the Tension-Advisor gives; and for this it is important to measure the results of your stringjob using a RDC or eg a StringLab2
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
I just tried is using Ashway 16 gauge Kevlar, Gosen OGM 16 gauge, and Red Code 17 gauge on the free string scale. Pulled each at 60 lbs and the String meter read ~59 lbs (just under 60 lbs) for all three strings. But if I strung a racket at 60 with all three strings yes I would expect the DT of all three rackets to be different.
EDIT: The Kevlar may have been a little lower hard to tell, but it was real close.
EDIT: If you want I can get out my calipers and measure the diameter of each string when I check the tension to set the String Meter spot on. But I don't see what they will give us.
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Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Less length? You're making assumptions, the length in a racket would be longer.
EDIT: The OP's question I believe was answered does the Stringmeter work. If there is something else you would like me to do (except string three racket for no sensible reason) let me know.
EDIT: The OP's question I believe was answered does the Stringmeter work. If there is something else you would like me to do (except string three racket for no sensible reason) let me know.
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MathieuR
Hall of Fame
The total length (between head and throat) is ~32cm. But: the L-strings are more or less "fixated" (or at least restricted) by the cross-strings. So I am pretty sure the tordaded length is shorter.
But I agree, it is an assumption. I will do my own measurements (I do have a stringmeter myself).
But I agree, it is an assumption. I will do my own measurements (I do have a stringmeter myself).
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
The measurements I made were on my machine and the distance between the tension head and the clamp was about 7-8" or ~20 cm. if the string is in the racket the length of the string is fixed let's say for arguments sake 32 cm. when you twist the Stringmeter the length of the frame does not change. When I tension the string the distance between the clamp and the tensioner will change. The CP machine' tension head will move closer to the clamp as you twist the Stringmeter.
I guess what I saying is with a CP machine on a free string the Stringmeter measures true tension. In a racket the measurement will be more what I would call dynamic and not the true relaxed tension. So the length of the strings, the elasticity of the strings, the gauge of the strings, and the surface tension of the strings will have a bearing on what is read on the Stringmeter.
I guess what I saying is with a CP machine on a free string the Stringmeter measures true tension. In a racket the measurement will be more what I would call dynamic and not the true relaxed tension. So the length of the strings, the elasticity of the strings, the gauge of the strings, and the surface tension of the strings will have a bearing on what is read on the Stringmeter.
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MathieuR
Hall of Fame
Ok, done some homework. Did string a 16*19 frame, L/W 21.7/19.6kg.
Before I did a measurement on the "free string" (Kirschbaum supersmash 1.30mm). Tensioned the string on my cp Stringway, 39cm between clamb en tensioner. I measured on 3 locations: 21/22/22.5kg. Tension was 21.7 , so, not too bad (taking into consideration that there is no subscale between 20 and 25kg on the stringmeter)
Strung the racket, and did measure on several locations the L-strings. Values: 24-25.5kg.
So, what "value" has this measurement, have these data? What can I learn from them??
Of course I also measured the SBS using a StringLab2; DT was 35.5 kg/cm. That is a value I can use to learn how the tensioning-kilo's + " my specific way of stringing" + type-of-string will give a predictable result for my next string-job. The stringmeter can only help me to show how the tension will go down in time.
And, by the way, why does the stringmeter not function on the cross-strings?
Before I did a measurement on the "free string" (Kirschbaum supersmash 1.30mm). Tensioned the string on my cp Stringway, 39cm between clamb en tensioner. I measured on 3 locations: 21/22/22.5kg. Tension was 21.7 , so, not too bad (taking into consideration that there is no subscale between 20 and 25kg on the stringmeter)
Strung the racket, and did measure on several locations the L-strings. Values: 24-25.5kg.
So, what "value" has this measurement, have these data? What can I learn from them??
Of course I also measured the SBS using a StringLab2; DT was 35.5 kg/cm. That is a value I can use to learn how the tensioning-kilo's + " my specific way of stringing" + type-of-string will give a predictable result for my next string-job. The stringmeter can only help me to show how the tension will go down in time.
And, by the way, why does the stringmeter not function on the cross-strings?
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Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Unique Sports told me that it was not designed for cross strings but it will function on the cross strings.
MathieuR
Hall of Fame
My crosses were strung "around" 19.6kg (top 2 at 15.6, next two 17.6, next 13 at 19.6, last 3 at 17.6). The values from the stringmeter: 13-14kg. Again: what can I learn from this data? I have no clue!
MathieuR
Hall of Fame
There were already other forummers who clearly stated that the Stringmeter is not all "halleluja", but can be used to measure tension-loss. And I think that's the only thing you can do with it.
I am starting a new thread to discuss "how to check the quality of your stringjob"
I am starting a new thread to discuss "how to check the quality of your stringjob"
Chotobaka
Hall of Fame
norcal
Legend
Because use of the Stringmeter increases the risk you may end up on this forum which can lead to racketnerdaloma.
I dont understand why it is written on the back lol
What is in it that causes cancer? Esp needing a warning
am1899
Legend
I wouldn’t doubt that trying to make sense out of this gadget’s “readings” could well cause cancer.
