Anybody seen this before?

**AZbadman** · 10-22-2012, 10:03 AM

I just was handed two US coded Arcsaber Z-Slash racquets and this is what caught my eye. String and grommets dropped down into the frame at the top of the head of the racquet. I had to dig them out. I went and bought some epoxy to see if I can strengthen the crack and holes then redrilled the holes. After curring for 24 hours, I'll see how they string up. I know for sure these racquets won't be able to take 26 pounds anymore LOL

**gundamzaku** · 10-22-2012, 11:55 AM

man the rackets are so worn, need new rackets.

**DarthHowie** · 10-22-2012, 02:00 PM

I've noticed this just recently with an Arc Saber Z-Slash that i strung.
Racket is always strung at 27lbs (26 x 28.6) with Ashaway Zymax 65 or 67.

The owner has about 4 Z-Slashes. I tried replacing the grommets and the new grommets still get pulled in. My suggestion is to try to replace the grommets with the U shaped grommets to spread the load.

Another suggestion for future string jobs, is to rotate grommets so that they are equally worn out. If not, outright replace the whole grommet.

I keep broken rackets of my own and customers who plan to thrown them away. I reuse the grommets that are still in good condition.

**DarthHowie** · 10-22-2012, 02:03 PM

One thing to add... all the other arc saber z-slashes did not exhibit this behaviour. Your case seems to be a VERY extreme case. I've strung quite a few arc saber z-slashes over the past couple of years and i've only seen this once between 2 grommets.

I've strung this racket before with a Stringway machine and in the past year with a Gamma 6004 with a Wise 2086 and Chudek supports.

**AZbadman** · 10-22-2012, 02:30 PM

This customer of mine has 8 z-slashes. These were 2 that I strung a while back before he decided to use someone else, now he wants to use me again after realizing the other guy is inadequate....lol

**aqua26** · 10-23-2012, 12:33 AM

Why this happens ?
Is it due to over tension or poor playing (that is scraping on the ground) ?

**Alex82** · 10-23-2012, 02:14 AM

i have seen an oliver racket with a problem like this:

**Ashdelsol7** · 10-23-2012, 02:19 AM

i have had this problem on an arscaber 9......but it was a clone....i have managed to string above 30lbs on other rackets with no problems but on this arc i could not go over 24lbs without it happening

**AZbadman** · 10-23-2012, 07:43 AM

Its a combination of high tension, wear on the racquet and age of racquet, and hard smashing.

**DarthHowie** · 10-23-2012, 08:53 AM

I couldn't agree more.

As a stringer the best you can do if you see a racket like this is to tell them that it is highly likely the racket may not:
1) handle the tension
2) will mostly likely break
3) save some money and buy a new racket

For regular customers/friends the best you can do on an ongoing basis is rotate or replace grommets. This should extend the life of the racket.

Originally Posted by AZbadman

Its a combination of high tension, wear on the racquet and age of racquet, and hard smashing.

**AZbadman** · 10-24-2012, 01:27 PM

here's the finished product....lol. Used epoxy and cured for 24 hours. ..redrilled the holes as it was filled with epoxy and Also used U grommets and restrung at 27 pounds with BG65. Handing it back to the ownder tonight for play. Let's see how it holds up.

Name: IMG_1335.jpg
Views: 427
Size: 51.7 KB

Name: IMG_1335.jpg
Views: 427
Size: 51.7 KB

**bazzaman** · 10-24-2012, 09:44 PM

What type of epoxy did you use? and did you fill the entire hole to strengthen it. The B12 main is cutting into a racquet.

I had a bit of trouble with araldite

**AZbadman** · 10-25-2012, 07:51 AM

I used the one for plastic and fiber glass....has psi strength up to 3200 pounds per square inch. Last noght the owner was quite pleased after trying it. Though tension wasnt as high as before, it was usable.

**dunmaster** · 10-27-2012, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by AZbadman

I used the one for plastic and fiber glass....has psi strength up to 3200 pounds per square inch. Last noght the owner was quite pleased after trying it. Though tension wasnt as high as before, it was usable.

Impressive! still 27 lbs afterwards! where did you get that epoxy resin, and brand, etc. info, please? would like to try some too. thanks.

**dunmaster** · 10-29-2012, 09:30 AM

never mind, i found quite a few different epoxy resin that should work. Will try it on my broken AT800DE and other ones too.

**AZbadman** · 10-29-2012, 09:32 AM

Yeah there's a bunch but get the one that's made for fiberglass and has high strength. the LOCTITE brand is the best.

**dunmaster** · 10-29-2012, 09:41 AM

Right now, I put my hands on JB Weld type, and see how that goes. the other ones I found are for aircraft, etc.. Will try those if JB Weld doesn't work out.