When I tell my stringer to string at 24lbs, do they automatically assume 24lbs cross and 23lbs vertical? Or do I have to state it specifically so it isn't strung 24x24?
To be fair it depends on your stringer If it is a stringer who doesn't have much experience and hasn't actually really read up on the +2lbs on the crosses then they will just string it at 24x24 If you're unsure you should just ask your stringer!
In that case they probably know, but if I ask for 24lbs, would it end up as 24 cross and 22 or 26x24?
it depends on the stringer and the string machine. +1 +2, +10% is not universal. it depends on his method as well as the stringing machine. you need to trust him to do the right thing for his equipment and his flow.
Let's put it this way, if adding 2lbs deforms the racket and make it looked elongated would u still want to add 2lbs on the cross?
Well for some stringers, their machines do not necessitate them to add that extra tension to the cross strings. As kwun mentioned, the most important thing is still if you trust your regular stringer or not - if you do and find no trouble with the work, then it doesn't really matter what exact technique was applied. Unless of course if you can really tell that your racquet is getting damaged every time you send it for restring.
Ask your stringer. When someone comes to me and asks for a tension without specifying then i generally go -1 lbs on the mains and +1 on the crosses. There's no real 'right' way of doing it, so if your stringer can explain his process and why hedoes it then that is usually a sign that he knows what he's doing. If he has never heard of adding tension to the crosses, then maybe he needs to do some reading.
^I do the same thing as you. When someone requests say 25 lbs, I would do 24/26 lbs for them without them asking unless they specify otherwise. Besides that, it really depends on the stringer and their method. Ask if you're unsure what they do so you know as well. It might help you choose your tension better next time you restring.
Definitely you have to ask your stringer. The 1 kg rule is very common. Doing mains = crosses I believe it will stress the frame too much, unless there are very low tensions (8 or 9 kg wouldnt harm, I believe). My procedure is: I use the 10% rule and the required tension is the mean between the mains and the crosses. For example: player asks me to string at 13 kg. I ll do the mains at 12,4 kg and crosses at 13,7 kg.
Just to check - you are referring to using 4-knots aka different piece of string for vertical and horizontal? Wondering why I do not see much discussion on using single string only aka 2-knots to tie up?
I go to two stringers, one does a 4-knot and another does 2 knots. So does the +lbs on cross only work on the 4-knot since 2-knots would allow the tension to spread evenly instead of retaining in separately on the mains and crosses?
The difference in tension on crosses can be applied whether stringing one piece or two pieces. Generally if a player asks me for 24lb then I string mains at 23lbs and crosses 25lbs. At All Englands we followed players instructions . Some asked for a difference in tension others didn't. The most important aspect here is consistency. Paul www.badminton-coach.co.uk
You'll probably get as many answers as there are stringers. Personally, I would do 24/24. Safest way is just to specify - no stringer would take offence, or anything.
So glad to hear that the uber-experienced can have different answers. Makes a hobbyist stringer less worried that he's doing something terribly wrong.
