What's the ave time to string on drop weight?

borisboris

borisboris

Semi-Pro
Just bought the Gamma Progression FC--my old drop weight from the early eighties is done. It takes my about an hour to string w/ a poly.
 
As i'm sure many other will state also, don't worry about how long it takes concentrate on doing it right! Unless you're a tournament stringer where speed and quality matter!

Right, that said I average around 20-25 minutes depending on the racquet and string on my machine so i would think I'd be around 30-35 on a dropweight - haven't used one for years though!

Ash
 
I am pretty much always under 30 minutes with racquets I'm familiar with on my Klippermate. However, I don't use poly often. When I do, that slows me down a bit.
 
I borrowed a friends Alpha Pioneer II and strung on a drop weight for the first this last weekend. It took me 32 minutes. I am very familiar with stringing rackets just not on a drop weight. I am sure I could improve on my time but I don't think I care to.

Irvin
 
I did a few hundred racquets on a drop weight many years ago. I don't think my average time ever got below 30-40 minutes.
 
40 min for me. Towards the end, on the crosses, the poly is like barbed wire and the finger really gets a work out. I have to use a plier to pull each weave. Also, the 40 min. is due to the fact that all my rackets are Price O-Ports or Speed Ports which tends to slow me down some.
 
I've only been stringing for a year, but it typically takes me about 60min for a string job with multi or synthetic gut crosses and 90min for poly or natural gut crosses. It doesn't really matter what's in the mains, unless it's natural gut, in which case I'll be a bit more careful...

I usually have a movie or tv show on, and take my time making sure everything is just right. I'm not exactly sure how I could go much faster and still have a good, consistent stringjob.

Apparently, I have much to learn :)
 
Usually I make 30 min in cruising mode, watching TV and talking with my wife. But I can reduce the time, sometimes I have too many for the next day, I have done one in 20 min (which is the fastes I have ever made), but normally on a rush it will take me 25min.
 
you guys are fast!

I have only strung about 7-8 racquets so far and I can do the mains in 30 mins...probably 20 if I try and rush. But the crosses take me 45-60 mins for a total of 80-90 mins. Every time I string I get faster and my weaving is finally getting there, but I will be very happy once I can break the 1 hour mark :)
 
My last racquet the other day I finally got down to about an hour. I just got my Klippermate in late winter and had never strung before. The first time took well over 2 hours...looking up string patterns, finding out how long to cut the string for mains and crosses, making sure the mounting was right, watching knot videos, double and triple checking everything, etc.

I haven't strung that many times but I've strung 4 different racquets so each time I have to look up stuff again. I'm confident when I start to do the same racquet multiple times my time will drop significantly since I have my string patterns and lengths written down and think I have the knots down now. I can't really see getting down to 30 mins start to finish (that's just for me b/c there will always be a good amount of time between string jobs for me...if it was my job that would be different), but I think 40-45 is doable, and that would be fine with me.
 
@The_Question

I don't know what Hola-Bird is i'm afraid? But yes, if between 8 and 13 difference minutes counts as 'almost' then I average almost as fast as him! Not sure why that's hard to believe?

There are plenty of tour level/tournament stringers who string around the 12-14 minute mark (often doing 20-30 racquets a day) - I think the record is around 7 minutes (at least that I have seen). Once you get the rhythm and the ability to weave quickly and efficiently it isn't that hard to knock minutes off your time and still do a high quality job - plus the machine I have is a tour level machine so it makes the process pretty effortless in terms of mechanics.

Anyway as we all know - time is irrelevent - quality in important.

Ash
 
athiker said:
My last racquet the other day I finally got down to about an hour. I just got my Klippermate in late winter and had never strung before. The first time took well over 2 hours...looking up string patterns, finding out how long to cut the string for mains and crosses, making sure the mounting was right, watching knot videos, double and triple checking everything, etc.
Click to expand...

So how many attempts until you got down to an hour?
 
JackB1 said:
So how many attempts until you got down to an hour?
Click to expand...

It was my 6th string job. Most of the savings were from already having the string pattern and string lengths written down and also not feeling I needed to triple check everything before getting started. I still had to look at the knot videos, but I have them bookmarked and it only took a glance. I used the pro knot this time that Drakulie showed...really liked that one...snugged up nicely. I also had to use a starting knot b/c I don't have a starting clamp (yet).

I was stringing with multifeel again so my flying clamps were already adjusted and set. I have the locking nut tightened down well now, as suggested here, so I don't have to touch it anymore during the stringing...big time saver. Before I would gradually lift the drop weight microscopically watching to see if the string might slip!...I just move along now...never had a slip. I also string the crosses 1 ahead now, thanks to this board, and find it really does make it quicker. I can actually do a half decent weave until the last few crosses.

I also have my mounting routine down now, really just everything seemed to come together. I couldn't even find my stringing instruction booklet, I just started and did it. I easily cut a half an hour from just my last time. It may have also helped that my family and kids were out of town. ;)
 
borisboris said:
Just bought the Gamma Progression FC--my old drop weight from the early eighties is done. It takes my about an hour to string w/ a poly.
Click to expand...

An hour with poly is not that bad.
I think the key you want to concentrate on is consistent rather than time :)

Cheers,
 
Hola Bird is a online tennis store and other sports kinda like TW but not as extensive
 
athiker said:
I was stringing with multifeel again so my flying clamps were already adjusted and set. I have the locking nut tightened down well now, as suggested here, so I don't have to touch it anymore during the stringing...big time saver. Before I would gradually lift the drop weight microscopically watching to see if the string might slip!...I just move along now...never had a slip.
Click to expand...

I'm curious about the bolded part. What machine are you on, and what locking nut are you talking about? You say "as suggested here" so if you have a link to a thread, I'm fine with that... just interested in what you're doing. Thanks!
 
Sure, I'm using a Klippermate and the flying clamps have a bolt that you turn into the handle that adjusts the jaw tension...just like on vise grips. There is also a little nut that you can turn to "lock" that adjustment into place. I had trouble initially with that nut backing off and then the bolt turning so the jaw tension would then change. Someone in the thread link below (a thread I started about my first ever newbie string job experience) suggested the locking bolt simply wasn't snugged down enough. They were right. I used a wrench to really snug it down and have had zero problems since.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=4415277&highlight=nut#post4415277

Here is a pic of the clamp from the Klipper website:

A330.jpg
 
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athiker said:
Sure, I'm using a Klippermate and the flying clamps have a bolt that you turn into the handle that adjusts the jaw tension...just like on vise grips. There is also a little nut that you can turn to "lock" that adjustment into place. I had trouble initially with that nut backing off and then the bolt turning so the jaw tension would then change. Someone in the thread link below (a thread I started about my first ever newbie string job experience) suggested the locking bolt simply wasn't snugged down enough. They were right. I used a wrench to really snug it down and have had zero problems since.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=4415277&highlight=nut#post4415277

Here is a pic of the clamp from the Klipper website:

A330.jpg
Click to expand...

^^^^^^^^^^^^

What kind of clamp is that? The Klippermate comes with 2 cheap plastic flying clamps. They look nothing like what is in the picture.
 
JackB1 said:
^^^^^^^^^^^^

What kind of clamp is that? The Klippermate comes with 2 cheap plastic flying clamps. They look nothing like what is in the picture.
Click to expand...

As far as I know that's the standard Klippermate clamp. Two of them came with my used machine. Looking at the website, it looks like that's what they still come with? Maybe you are thinking of another brand's basic model?

http://www.klipperusa.com/klippermatedetail2.php

http://www.klipperusa.com/images/products_small/M100a1.jpg

M100a1.jpg
 
athiker said:
Sure, I'm using a Klippermate and the flying clamps have a bolt that you turn into the handle that adjusts the jaw tension...just like on vise grips. There is also a little nut that you can turn to "lock" that adjustment into place. I had trouble initially with that nut backing off and then the bolt turning so the jaw tension would then change. Someone in the thread link below (a thread I started about my first ever newbie string job experience) suggested the locking bolt simply wasn't snugged down enough. They were right. I used a wrench to really snug it down and have had zero problems since.
Click to expand...
Okay thanks, I didn't realize the K-mate clamps worked like that.

JackB1 said:
The Klippermate comes with 2 cheap plastic flying clamps. They look nothing like what is in the picture.
Click to expand...
No, the Klippermate has vise-grip-like clamps. The Gamma X-2 has cheap plastic clamps.
 
I've strung about 15 racquets or so and it takes me about 45 min. Sometimes a little longer if I have issues getting the string untangled or getting through a blocked grommet.
 
I just started stringing with a drop weight and it takes me a 1.5 hours to do a poly hybrid on a 18x20 pattern.

I started stringing the crosses one ahead and that helped. Also, i've been using a half set (20ft) for the mains and it just long enough to string my racket but i need to extend the ends of the string in order to reach the ratchet on my stringing machine. I ordered a starting clamp and that should cut down on the time quite a bit.
 
I average about 50 minutes with my Laserfibre Quantum TT. I could go faster, but I usually string while I am watching a movie so I am not in a hurry.
 
This afternoon I got a call from a friend that needed his son's racquet strung for today, so he brought me the racquet, when he left I called him to ask the tension, later I called him to tell him the racquet was done, the time span was 25 min. This was a Prince Scream O3 (the yellow one) with synthetic gut.

This got me thinking so I timed my last 2 string jobs and did them fully focused:

- Prince O3 black, 1 piece, synthetic gut: Total time 22min 30 sec (mains were done in 9 minutes)
- Wilson Hyperhammer 6.2 (95"), 2 pieces, synthetic gut: Total time 20 min 18 sec (mains were done in 7 min).

This is with the racquet mounted and the first piece of string cut, on a Gamma Progression II 602. I even had to correct a miswaved cross on the 03. I always thought that the 1 piece was faster.
 
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Not sure this is the same but this guy is pretty fast!

Code: 
http://www.sptennis.com/videos/Alex120.html

My fastest time with the Klipper was 25 min but I avg 30-35 without stressing speed. I am too picky with the drop and insuring the arm is level. Strung about 200 rackets now.

Saving up to get a Gamma Electronic stringer next but the Klipper is a great little stringer!
 
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What do you include in your stringing time?

cutting the old string out?

setting up the machine for the size of the racquet, after you just strung a different size racquet?

Measuring and cutting string off a reel?

Cutting a 40ft string into two 20 ft lengths?

I always laugh at these stringing time questions, because it's never specified what you include in your stringing time calculation. For example, if my racquet is mounted, the string has been cut out, and the new string is measured and ready to go, I probably average 30 -40 minutes stringing time on my Alpha Pioneer II drop weight stringer. BUTTT, if I add the time is takes to measure string (assuming a don't have a tangle to sort out), pull my stringer out of the closet, reset my machine from a different size racquet, clean the racquet prior to stringing, put vibration damper back on, put stringing label on, and put away machine/tools when done, it probably takes closer to an hour.

So, what do you include in your stringing time calculation?
 
AR15 said:
What do you include in your stringing time?
Click to expand...

I don't use a drop weight, as I have a decent electronic machine, but the time to string is the time spent on the racquet to service it, is it not?
My time would be:
The time to check the integrity of the racquet for fractures/ cracks, and inspect the grommets(very important, as a slight crack unnoticed in the frame can turn into a new racquet for the client, I have spotted this before stringing to avoid issues)
time to cut out the strings properly, and recheck the grommets again.
time to replace any broken/cracked grommet if present.
time to mount the racquet properly on the machine.
time to measure/cut string,
if nat. gut, time to manually prestretch the string.
time to look up pattern if unfamiliar pattern.
time to string the racquet.
time to straighten main strings primarily.
time to write label, and mark down racquet serial # in log book. (Very important,to keep records but thats another topic).
time to place an overgrip if the grip is in poor shape, and I usually don't even charge for that, as well as the time.
All this is time spent on customers racquet as well as time talking to him on his game and string and tension choices before you even start, and it all adds up.
 
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AR15 said:
What do you include in your stringing time?
Click to expand...


Fair question.

This last weekend I worked at a pro shop 3 hours. Completed 11 frames. This included cutting out string, mounting, measuring string, cutting it, stringing frame, stenciling, printing and adding a label to the throat, bagging it, and finally logging it.

The head stringer there, Craig Brotman (Pro Circuit Stringing) who is possibly the fastest person I have seen string, was stringing frames (full poly) in about 10 minutes, and he did a 3 box pattern.

BTW, this was on a Prince 5000. That machine has a sweet mounting system.
 
About an hour for most rackets on my Alpha String Pal. Just got it in January so I am still pretty new. I just need to get my weaving down, I can't do the two fingers like I have seen other stringers do, and I am not consistent enough with the dropping yet (I always tend to get nit picky with myself, but hey, it's my time and my rackets).
 
jim e said:
I don't use a drop weight, as I have a decent electronic machine, but the time to string is the time spent on the racquet to service it, is it not?
My time would be:
The time to check the integrity of the racquet for fractures/ cracks, and inspect the grommets(very important, as a slight crack unnoticed in the frame can turn into a new racquet for the client, I have spotted this before stringing to avoid issues)
time to cut out the strings properly, and recheck the grommets again.
time to replace any broken/cracked grommet if present.
time to mount the racquet properly on the machine.
time to measure/cut string,
if nat. gut, time to manually prestretch the string.
time to look up pattern if unfamiliar pattern.
time to string the racquet.
time to straighten main strings primarily.
time to write label, and mark down racquet serial # in log book. (Very important,to keep records but thats another topic).
time to place an overgrip if the grip is in poor shape, and I usually don't even charge for that, as well as the time.
All this is time spent on customers racquet as well as time talking to him on his game and string and tension choices before you even start, and it all adds up.
Click to expand...

The thread is about time to string on a drop-weight, but you solidified my point. Although I am not a pro stringer, you mention several steps that I forgot, that even home stringers need to include in their stringing time. For example, I have had to look up stringing patterns several times on friend's racquets that I have strung.
 
I'm about 35-45 mins using my Drop weight.
I take photos first of all tie off points & make my notes in a booklet.
Always do 2 piece & after mains I have a break.
Stringing crosses one ahead has been a revelation.
I'd rather do it right than rush it & miss a cross.
RPM blast slows me down a bit due to the hardness of the string.
Also take before & after photos which are rewarding.
 
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I have a super modified Gamma X-2 stringing machine,

Actual stringing time for any racquetball racquet takes 10 minutes, but up to 15 minutes if I am watching a match on TV. :shock:
 
About an hour with gut/poly hybrid on my drop weight, which includes replacing the overripe and getting a racquet tune measurement. A fair amount of that time is letting the strings stretch out on the pull. I've never tried going really fast--it might be interesting to see what kind of SBS I'd come up with. Right now, I get very consistent results so I'm reluctant to screw with it much.
 
good point raised by many
actual stringing time for me is about 35 minutes, but overall time i always give myself 1hour; this is also my advise to others who ask how long it takes and how long they should allow for.. from cutting string to starightening string after racquet is off the mounting posts..
 
I think 45 mins would be my guess for an overall average, with some folks taking an hour and some speedsters 30 mins.
 
45 minutes for me. including cutting strings, mounting, etc. gamma 602 fc.

also what's important is string pattern here: 18x20
 
About an hour and a bit for me, but I usually string while watching tv or watching something on my computer, and I don't have a stand or a table with good height for my tabletop dropweight machine so I actually string sitting on the floor with the machine on the floor, which makes some manoeuvres a little awkward.

I think I can string faster if I don't watch tv at the same time and if I have a proper stand for my machine.
 
Took me about 25-30 minutes on my Stringway ML90 to string a Yonex 95D (16x20 pattern)

Haven't really tried to go super fast, but I am not that fast at weaving poly, so I can probably only go slightly faster. I usually take my time and listen to music while I string.

I only string for myself so don't string that often.
 
~45 minutes on my Klippermate

I don't try to break records when I string and I am usually watching TV when I do.
 
on klippermate, with poly, with racquet patterns I know (eg. head radicals)
* 45 min - watching tv, taking my time
* ~25 min - if i'm trying to get it done say just before i realize I'm supposed to play, and I forget i don't have any racquets
* 18-19 was my fastest, threading 2 or 3 strings before tensioning... not a big deal since i was experimenting with low tension (eg. 30lbs)

I play 3-4x a week ~ 1.5-2hrs each. I break strings weekly, so i'm stringing just about every week, or doing 2 at one time.
 
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nytennisaddict said:
on klippermate, with poly, with racquet patterns I know (eg. head radicals)
* 45 min - watching tv, taking my time
* ~25 min - if i'm trying to get it done say just before i realize I'm supposed to play, and I forget i don't have any racquets
* 18-19 was my fastest, threading 2 or 3 strings before tensioning... not a big deal since i was experimenting with low tension (eg. 30lbs)
Click to expand...

When I had my Klippermate my times were also about 45 minutes typically when taking my time but the fastest I ever did was only just under 30 minutes. I am still not a fast push weaver and confess to using the bead crutch when stringing on my Neos.
 
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