I just recently started stringing and got confused about Wilson recommendations for the tie offs here:
https://www.wilson.com/sites/default/files/Wilson_Blade_v9_98_16x19_StringingInstructions.pdf
Also when doing a 2 piece stringing. It says to tie off crosses at 5h. But again the closest one is 6H. Does this matter at all? What should I follow?
@rcesarpacheco,
Although Wilson oftentimes has errors (or simply incorrect copy/pasted info. from older frames
) on their website,
those instructions (that you linked) actually
are correct.
If/when stringing the
standard 16x19 Blade 98 (
not the 16x19 Blade Pro... which is different), the mains tie off at 6H, the top cross ties off at 5H and the bottom cross ties off at 7T.
However... if you'd like (and if your clamps aren't in your own way), it's also possible to tie off the mains at 7H if you'd prefer.
You'll have a little more trouble getting the tip/end of the string through it (since the 7th/penultimate main already occupying 7H will be running at a diagonal angle ["S" turn, or dogleg] within the
interior of the 7H grommet). The string which runs through 6H will be "hugging" only one wall/side of the grommet (thus, making it
very easy to pass the end of the string through 6H).
This additional 'resistance' (when tying off at 7H) will be even more noticeable (or more of a problem) if/when you happen to be stringing a softer/flimsy string (such as a multifilament) and/or thicker gauge strings.
Each of these two factors will make it trickier to navigate the tip of the string through the 7H grommet (but it can be done... especially with a little planning ahead... see the 2 videos below).
Navigating Tie-Off Holes
2 tips for tricky tie-off locations (planning ahead)
Note:
There are a couple of benefits to tying off at the designated (6H and 5H) tie-off locations.
First, tying a knot at 6H is going to be easier than tying a knot at 7H (especially for neophyte stringers). There is just less room at 7H (
especially if one is working with bulky/chunky string clamps... or clamps that have larger teeth).
Likewise, regarding tying the top cross knot at 5H. There will simply be a bit more room at 5H (particularly whilst you've got a clamp on the top cross) than there would be tying the top cross off at 6H.
Secondly, if the mains are tied off at 6H, the strand running from 9H, up to 6H (on the outside of the frame) will be forced slightly "off center" - thus leaving a slightly more open path for the top cross to enter/exit the 8H grommet (on both sides of the frame).
It says to tie off mains at 6H. Shouldn’t we use the closest one to the last main pulled (in this case 7h?
No, you shouldn't always "use the closest one".
Sometimes you do/should... sometimes you don't/shouldn't. Just depends.
For example: On an AeroPro Drive (or Pure Drive,
before 2015), when stringing 2pc., the 8th/outer mains are to be tied off at 6T.
Now, 6T isn't the
closest grommet (7T would be closer), but you're actually better off using 6T (the correct location), rather than trying to use 7T (merely because it's closer).
The exact same situation is found on the OS POGs,
many Yonex frames (that only skip 8H & 8T), etc. etc.
In
this particular case (as I outlined above), you
could/can tie the 8th/outer main off onto the 7th/penultimate main - if you'd prefer.
FWIW, this
is, in fact, how I elect to handle the (standard) 16x19 Blade 98 frames.
Look up thread by stapletonj titled Enlarging Grommets.
That thread may not be overly helpful for
@rcesarpacheco because
@stapletonj was actually stringing an 18x20 Blade 98 (which has different skips, different tie-offs locations).
I know this because I spoke with him over the phone about it, in order to provide some helpful suggestions/advice.
Cheers, Wes
