If there's only one number for string tension, is that tension for main or cross?

[dawei94]

If someone says they're racket is strung at 25lbs, does that mean they strung it at 25x27, 23x25, or 25x25?

[Sgbad]

To me, it will be strung at 25x25 if owners says 25lbs.

[singnflip4life]

IMO, anything below 26 will be strung at ##x##, and anything above 25 will be strung at ##-1 x ##+1 to maintain racket shape.

[MetalOrange]

most tournament stringers would do xx/+2 lbs. unless specifically requested for stability specially in higher tensions but they do it automatically the same anyways throughout if one tension is mentioned. they go with what is the norm as of current.

[LazyBuddy]

Originally Posted by dawei94

If someone says they're racket is strung at 25lbs, does that mean they strung it at 25x27, 23x25, or 25x25?

It varies from person to person, regarding what "25" really means. Usually, I will do 24*26 for anyone simply mentions 25lb of tension. If you want specify tension, better give the stringer your own combo, such as 23*25, 24*25, or 25*27.

Personally, I believe most string machine setup, we should follow the 10% rule for cross.

[Mark A]

To me "X lbs" = 0.9X on the mains and X on the crosses. This actually ends up being

1 lb less for crosses if X < 22
2 lb less for crosses if 22 < X < 27
3 lb less for crosses if X > 27

[singnflip4life]

Mark A, wouldn't that be one/two/three pounds less on the mains???

[MetalOrange]

Originally Posted by LazyBuddy

It varies from person to person, regarding what "25" really means. Usually, I will do 24*26 for anyone simply mentions 25lb of tension. If you want specify tension, better give the stringer your own combo, such as 23*25, 24*25, or 25*27.

Personally, I believe most string machine setup, we should follow the 10% rule for cross.

that is also very true from stringer to stringer, by that i mean some stringer would automatically string it 25x27 when only 26 is mentioned (like you do
). however, the feel is always closer to 25, say, if it is strung at 25x27 rather than true 26 feel imo, although the consensus is that, the crosses will tighten the mains by 1 lb.

cheers,
MetalOrange

[LazyBuddy]

Originally Posted by MetalOrange

that is also very true from stringer to stringer, by that i mean some stringer would automatically string it 25x27 when only 26 is mentioned (like you do
). however, the feel is always closer to 25, say, if it is strung at 25x27 rather than true 26 feel imo, although the consensus is that, the crosses will tighten the mains by 1 lb.

cheers,
MetalOrange

Well, my philosophy is, if you mention 1 number, I will consider it's the average between 2 numbers.

To me, the tension is just a number, the importance is what you feel comfortable. Due to understandings, machine setups, and cablibration, skill, etc, the number 25 in one person's hand, might actually means 27 in another. So, my suggestion is, if you feel comfortable with one stringer's work, stick with the same one. You will get consistent work all the time.

[Kiloo]

After reading this, that and more, I have concluded that when someone wants say 25lbs, U start with 23 on the mains and goto 25 on the crosses. In fact I am waiting to get a string-bed tension tester to confirm all this. Meantime the people I strung seem satisfied with this arrangement.

One thing I found logical is that when u weave the crosses, they extend the mains all the time, increasing the tension of the mains by stretching the mains, up/down each string cross AND when u pull the racket frame across, u are exerting a force on the frame extending the mains, again increasing the tension. (by how much is the question).

[Mark A]

Originally Posted by Mark A

To me "X lbs" = 0.9X on the mains and X on the crosses. This actually ends up being

1 lb less for crosses if X < 22
2 lb less for crosses if 22 < X < 27
3 lb less for crosses if X > 27

Whoopsy! Well spotted - plz sub "mains" for "crosses".

[BJOOI]

I just asked the yonex professional stringer from the just concluded World Junior championship in Malaysia and was informed that he strung main and cross with the same tension. Ie:30lbs means both sides also strung at 30lbs.

[illusionistpro]

Im with lazy buddy on this one, if some one asks for 25 i give them 24x26. I also tell them, im doing 24x26 so they know.

Originally Posted by MetalOrange

most tournament stringers would do xx/+2 lbs. unless specifically requested for stability specially in higher tensions but they do it automatically the same anyways throughout if one tension is mentioned. they go with what is the norm as of current.

I havent come across any tournament stringers that do this...I think you may be mistaking their electronic system with a crank system. An electronic will feel about 2 lbs tighter, but most pro's know what machines their stringers are working with. I remember I saw a stringing chart for several pros and many of them had specific tensions for crank vs elec.

A good rule of thumb is know what you want done on your own racket so that if you have to go to another stringer than your regular home stringer you can get the same relative work done. If im asked for 25 and i say ok "ill do 24x26" and they respond or even precede me saying they want 25 all around, thats fine too, im just here to please

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Kiloo

After reading this, that and more, I have concluded that when someone wants say 25lbs, U start with 23 on the mains and goto 25 on the crosses. In fact I am waiting to get a string-bed tension tester to confirm all this. Meantime the people I strung seem satisfied with this arrangement.

One thing I found logical is that when u weave the crosses, they extend the mains all the time, increasing the tension of the mains by stretching the mains, up/down each string cross AND when u pull the racket frame across, u are exerting a force on the frame extending the mains, again increasing the tension. (by how much is the question).

I assume you mean 24 x 26 because 23 x 25 would be effectively around 24lbs instead.

[Matt]

As per interpretation from the stringer to get what you want, I would be in best interest to be explicit.

Lets say I want 26 lbs, I can say the any of the following for the result I want.

26 lbs (for my stringer, this implies 25 x 27 assuming racket can do 2 lb differential, otherwise its 1 lb or all around).
26 lb all around (24 x 24)
25 x 27 (2 lb differential)
25.5 x 26.5 (1 lb differential)

[Matt]

Originally Posted by illusionistpro

...
I havent come across any tournament stringers that do this...I think you may be mistaking their electronic system with a crank system. An electronic will feel about 2 lbs tighter, but most pro's know what machines their stringers are working with. I remember I saw a stringing chart for several pros and many of them had specific tensions for crank vs elec...

Interesting. I would say it would have to depend because the stringer and the equipment at the shop I go to used to have a Prince Neo 1000 before they sold it.

The tension between their crank and their Yonex electronic machine almost literally identical if not the same. The reason for this is because their crank is well calibrated that customers could not tell the difference at the same tensions done on both machines (same stringer).

[illusionistpro]

Originally Posted by Matt

Interesting. I would say it would have to depend because the stringer and the equipment at the shop I go to used to have a Prince Neo 1000 before they sold it.

The tension between their crank and their Yonex electronic machine almost literally identical if not the same. The reason for this is because their crank is well calibrated that customers could not tell the difference at the same tensions done on both machines (same stringer).

That is a great point a good stringer with a crank can string a racket better than a bad stringer on an electric constant pull. The prince neos is probably the best crank I have seen. Ive had a racket strung on one once and it was great. I dont think it has to do with the crank being calibrated so much the stringer moving the clamps quickly, efficiently and properly. All im trying to emphasize is trying to minimize the differences in the way a racket is strung or at least being able to recognize the differences so you can adjust your request appropriately. If I see a head stringer at the pro shop doing the rackets and I know he will do mine, I mite just need 24lbs. But if its another employee doing it, I might adjust and ask for 25lbs to account for loss of tension between lock out and clamping. this is the biggest factor between ecp and crank and its is very significant.

I know if I get my racket strung at different gyms I know to ask for 24 or 25 lbs, but if i string it at home, I need to do 21x23 ecp. Also knowing the difference in the string you use versus other ones due to gauge, but thats a different can of worms.