How do I string a tennis racquet using two piece stringing?
I did my first stringing yesterday, and I had to use two packages of string because when I finished my mains I had two long excess string left I had to cut off. And I had to use another package for the crosses. Next time should I cut the packaged string in half before I start? Are the total length of the mains and crosses equal?
Comments
Depends.
If you want to use 4 knots (which is what you're doing now) then yes. Cut it in the middle before you start. I don't ever string using 4 knots unless I am using different strings for the mains and the crosses (like pro blend). This is probably the easiest way for a newer stringer to not waste string.
If you want to use 2 knots (which is what i prefer), you don't have to cut the string in half. start them down the center of the mains just like you would with a 4 knot string job, only leave just enough string on one of the sides to finish the mains on half the racket. Leave the rest (the bulk) on the other half. You tie a knot when you finish the short end of the mains then you just go directly from the mains to the crosses with the other end. Then you only have to tie 2 knots.
Nowadays, we have a lot of hybrid stringing, so many players will end up with four knots regardless.
I would *not* expect the total amount of string on the mains and the crosses to be the identical.
Used to cut off just enough to do the mains, tie them off, and then do the crosses. Pulling a full set of string through a racket seems like a bit of a hassle, but, to each his own :-)
STRING THE RACQUET WITHOUT PULLING ANY TENSION>THIS IS GOOD PRACTICE UNTIL YOU ARE MORE SKILLED>READ SPECS ON EACH RACQUET>>>THE RACQUET STRINGERS ASSOC HAS PRO TIPS
give it to a pro