Wilson releasing Pro Staff 97S for Dimitrov (specs. included)

[anubis]

I am new to stringing ...obviously. I wasn't sure if people at least shoved the cross string through that starting hole before tensioning the mains to avoid this. I couldn't get a pathfinder in there and shoving the awl in from the top was not working for me...and some of the paint chipped off around the grommet...I am not very happy right now...not sure if stringing is my thing! Very discouraged.

Honestly, this is a bit of an advanced racquet to string. It's tough to learn how to string on something like this. I'm sorry you're having a tough time with it. Perhaps take an easier frame and string it with cheap syn gut a few times to get the technique down. Try stringing with 15g syn guts too in order to simulate blocked holes.

When inserting the awl, I sometimes try to go in from inside the frame, so it pokes out from between the blocking strings. Tilt the awl up to expose the hole and if you cut your cross string at a high enough angle, you should be able to insert it with bent nose pliers.

 

[Fxanimator1]

In a pinch, if you cut the crosses too short, you can use most starting clamps to extend the string in order to pull tension. Once tension is pulled, you can clamp it down. Most stringers who have a good amount of experience should be able to tie off with as little as 5 or 6 inches of string. I've tied off with 4 inches before. It's not fun, but I'd rather make the attempt and fail rather than just cut the string out and start again.

That's a good tip. I actually used 21' main and 19' cross and it work perfectly, but the starting clamp trick would be able to have it 20' x 20' again, which would be much better as far as sets of strings go.
Finished racquet...it took an hour and 30 min. but success at last. I would be able to do the next one faster, now that I know what to look out for, and the "stringing section" guys helped out immensely.

 

[Fxanimator1]

Honestly, this is a bit of an advanced racquet to string. It's tough to learn how to string on something like this. I'm sorry you're having a tough time with it. Perhaps take an easier frame and string it with cheap syn gut a few times to get the technique down.

Funny you should mention this, I actually did do this exactly. I strung one of my ProStaff BLX 95 racquet and it went fine...it took a while but no issues.
You are right, this racquet is a totally different thing to string.
You guys have all been very helpful with tips and things...and really just support of me not giving up.
A big thanks to you all!

 

[Sander001]

I strung this up in the mid 20's and it's very good if you play with spin. Volleys are nice but flatter groundstrokes need a lot of getting accustomed to. By the end of the session I was feeling very confident and hit some very good winners. Next time I'll string a bit tighter though, high 20's/low 30's.

Also, this racquet is still not so comfortable, even with this low tension. When i first tried it, the demo had Hawk Touch and that string is amazeballs for feel and comfort. Wish it wasn't so expensive!

 

[West Coast Ace]

Also, this racquet is still not so comfortable, even with this low tension. When i first tried it, the demo had Hawk Touch and that string is amazeballs for feel and comfort. Wish it wasn't so expensive!

I was a Hawk Touch user (before the 97S came out) - switched to Tour Bite Soft - less expensive and just as much spin. And no arm issues.

 

[Surion]

I got a question and hope for your help.

I wanna try adding some weight to the handle of my 97S, but I haven't ever customized my frames before.

What would be the easiest way to add ~15 g?

Thank you very much.

 

[SpinToWin]

I got a question and hope for your help.

I wanna try adding some weight to the handle of my 97S, but I haven't ever customized my frames before.

What would be the easiest way to add ~15 g?

Thank you very much.

Blue Tack. Poster Tack. Any kind of these Tacky stuff really. Pop open the buttcap and insert, you'll easily achieve your desired weight and it's easy to remove too

 

[Surion]

Blue Tack. Poster Tack. Any kind of these Tacky stuff really. Pop open the buttcap and insert, you'll easily achieve your desired weight and it's easy to remove too

Thank you very much

So I'll just replace some of this white cotton-like stuff then?

Sounds pretty easy!

 

[LiquidWhip]

If you don't want to remove the foam filling (which might be a good idea given that this is your first attempt at modifying), you're better off just putting the tack in the actual trapdoor of the buttcap itself.

That said you'll find it pretty hard to add 15g of tack in the trapdoor so a better option is tungsten putty which is far more dense meaning you'll need less of it to reach your desired weight.

 

[Surion]

If you don't want to remove the foam filling (which might be a good idea given that this is your first attempt at modifying), you're better off just putting the tack in the actual trapdoor of the buttcap itself.

That said you'll find it pretty hard to add 15g of tack in the trapdoor so a better option is tungsten putty which is far more dense meaning you'll need less of it to reach your desired weight.

Thank you very much, but can't I just cut off a few cm of the foam and replace it?

 

[Fxanimator1]

Thank you very much, but can't I just cut off a few cm of the foam and replace it?

Yes.

 

[Surion]

Yes.

Alright, thank you.

 

[Sander001]

Still going very well with the tension in the mid 20's. But you really have to play with confidence, go for your shots and really emphasize spin to keep the ball in. Getting more and more comfortable and I really like it. Next time I will sting a bit higher though, high 20's I think.