Starting knot vs Tie-off knot on the top cross

[taneepak]

I have noticed that there is a significant difference between using a starting knot on the first cross string vs a tie-off knot. Using a starting knot gives you more zip and also provides a much higher level of crispness to your shots. Using a tie-off knot, even if tensioned at 10% to 15% higher tension for the last cross string, makes it feel more soggy and renders flicks lacking in speed and bite.
I would like to know your experience.

[Neil Nicholls]

I used to use a tie-off knot at the top, but eventually changed to a starting knot. I have not noticed the sort of difference you are talking about.

Maybe you have some problems with your technique
(or my observation skills leave something to be desired )

[silentheart]

I use starting knot to start cross because if it is easier and less slipage. Is this what you are talking about?

PS. Eepk, how was your silk road trip?

[LazyBuddy]

I have noticed that there is a significant difference between using a starting knot on the first cross string vs a tie-off knot. Using a starting knot gives you more zip and also provides a much higher level of crispness to your shots. Using a tie-off knot, even if tensioned at 10% to 15% higher tension for the last cross string, makes it feel more soggy and renders flicks lacking in speed and bite.
I would like to know your experience.

I have a few questions toward your observation:

1. How many times your shots landed on the top 1-2 crosses? If most of the strokes landed on the sweet spot, then it's far away from the top cross, which has very min. impact.

2. I understand the possible tension lost for the tie-off of the top cross. However, leave the racket for like 1-2 days, the string will pretty much pull all the tension to be even, or near to be even. I really wonder how much difference in feeling it will make.

Overall, I think the tension and clamp of each cross during the cross stringing, is much more important than the tie-off knots, as long as you do it properly, and don't result into huge tension loss.

[cooler]

-there are ways to alleviate the tension loss problem at top tie-off
-the player is mis-hitting shuttles near the top of racket which string breakage is a bigger issue than not feeling as crisp

[Pete LSD]

So, what are the ways?

-there are ways to alleviate the tension loss problem at top tie-off

[DinkAlot]

I would like to know your experience.

Nothing conclusive here but I have to agree somewhat as I (ironically) just started to test this about a week ago. I don't think there's a huge difference but I feel there is a noticeable difference.

More as I know it...

[taneepak]

Maybe it only applies to high tension. My standard tension is 28lbs/30.8lbs, and with this tensions I do notice the difference between the tie-off vs the starting knot. Some of my customers who play with high tensions also brought this to my attention-I didn't tell them I used a tie-off on their most recent racquets instead of a starting knot. They complain about a lack of crispness.

[DinkAlot]

Maybe it only applies to high tension.

Ironic, I was just going to post about this. On further thought and inspection, I believe you have the solution. At lower tensions, 25lbs. or lower, I don't really feel a difference. But at 28lbs. and higher, I do feel there's a crisper feel with the starting knot at the top.

I tried to replicate the starting knot on top feel with the tie-off on top. I went from 29lbs. to 32lbs. on the last 5 crosses, 34lbs. on the tie-off and it didn't have the same effect. In addition, I slightly warped the racket.

[cooler]

So, what are the ways?

dinkalot had posted it before in bf already that is to increase the tensions on the last few weaves

[2007fp]

34 lbs.... what racquet is it?

[DinkAlot]

34 lbs.... what racquet is it?

34lbs. is nothing, imagine PeteLSD's tie-off at 38lbs.

If you're a careful a stringer, most rackets can take 34lbs. I've strung a 5U flexy racket with a very soft frame at 32lbs. and it held up. I've strung plenty of old Cabs with a recommended string tension of no more than 18lbs. at 30lbs. They hold up great.

You just have to know how and be careful.

[Pete LSD]

Actually, I have done 38 lbs for the last cross string (throat) with the LF mounting system (rock solid).

Yes, good ole CAB series are just great for high tension users.

34lbs. is nothing, imagine PeteLSD's tie-off at 38lbs.

If you're a careful a stringer, most rackets can take 34lbs. I've strung a 5U flexy racket with a very soft frame at 32lbs. and it held up. I've strung plenty of old Cabs with a recommended string tension of no more than 18lbs. at 30lbs. They hold up great.

You just have to know how and be careful.

[DinkAlot]

Actually, I have done 38 lbs for the last cross string (throat) with the LF mounting system (rock solid).

Yes, good ole CAB series are just great for high tension users.

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