GGT Extra

Many of our blog followers are likely aware that Tennis Warehouse has picked up L-TEC Premium strings to make available to internet customers.  The purpose of today’s blog entry is to give those who are purchasing L-TEC strings online the means to string them so that they can achieve the best possible results.  Toward this end we are proud to present the JET Method of stringing for constant pull stringing machines using fixed clamps.

OVERVIEW : 

The JET Method of stringing combined with L-TEC Premium strings provide players with an equipment advantage delivering the best possible on-court results.
There are 3 major components of the method that should be implemented in unison to achieve optimal results.

1.  Analyzing and calculating the player’s ideal string bed tension.
2.  Choosing the best L-TEC string(s) to improve the player’s game.
3.  Applying the exact set tensions and the JET Method of stringing to achieve the precise overall string-bed tension required by the player.

There is a very precise methodology and tools that allow the stringer to string at lower tensions. The stringing technique/method preserves the elasticity of the string and ultimately allows the string bed to hold the desirable playing properties for an extended period of time.

REFERENCE TENSION :

Twenty-four hours after stringing a racquet the overall stringbed tension will measure at least 4 – 6 pounds lower than the tension that was originally set on the machine. (Often more)  After 1 hour of play there will be a further loss of tension of at least 2 pounds.

The JET Method of stringing progressively increases the overall string-bed tension to at least 3 pounds higher (for a 16*19 string pattern) than the SET Tension on the machine and up to 5 pounds higher (for a 18*20 string-pattern).

Therefore, to obtain a similar overall string-bed tension when using the JET Method, the Reference SET tension should be reduced from 7 to 10 pounds depending on the machine and the string-pattern. The Reference SET Tension on the machine is much lower, but the feeling of stiffness in the string-bed will be quite comparable. The vastly improved comfort, power, control and spin, as well as the capacity to hold tension and maintain an initial playability for much longer than usual stringing methods are the most evident advantages of the JET Method of stringing.

RACQUET PREPARATION :

If necessary, carefully use an awl to enlarge the grommet holes on #6 main (16 main pattern) or #7 main (18 main pattern) for tie-off. (This will be either top or bottom depending on where main strings end.)

Enlarge the grommet hole on the third cross from bottom of the frame for tie-off. (Depending on pattern, this can sometimes vary. The objective is to tie-off as close to the 2nd to last cross as possible).

 MAIN STRINGS :

1. String first four center mains on each side at reference tension.
2. Next 2 (on 16 mains) or 3 (on 18 mains) reduce tension by 4 pounds.
3. On a 16 main pattern after pulling main #6 skip over to #8. Increase tension 4 pounds (to reference tension) before tensioning.  (#8 will be pulled at reference tension).  On an 18 main pattern after pulling #7 skip over to #9. Increase tension 4 pounds before tensioning.
4. Fill-in main #7 (on a 16 main or #8 on an 18 main) which will be the last main. Adjust tension by adding an additional 4 pounds (reference plus 4.)
5. Tie off on main #6 (16 main) or #7 (18 main).

CROSS STRINGS :

1. IMPORTANT:  Each cross string must be held under tension at least 20 seconds before clamping off.  We recommend weaving the next cross while the previous one remains under tension.
2. Start first three cross strings and tension at same tension as final mains. (+4 over reference tension)
3. After installing 3rd cross string, reduce tension 6 pounds and install the rest of the cross strings   (This will be reference – 2)
4. After stringing 3rd last cross, loop over and weave final cross. Increase tension +6 pounds.
5. For last cross string fill in second from bottom.  Tie off on 3rd from bottom.

 Always give professional finish by straightening strings using The String Thing!

Some points to keep in mind :

1.    This presentation of the JET Method is intended for stringers using an electronic constant pull stringing machine with fixed clamps.
2.    In the quest for stringing perfection, this is not the ideal stringing machine. However, by using the JET Method conscientiously the results can be remarkably good.
3.    If you have the choice of pulling speeds, always select the slowest.
4.    Wait 5 seconds before clamping off each main and a minimum of 20 seconds before clamping each of the crosses. (weave in the following cross while the previous cross is being tensioned, this can save a lot of time).
5.    To become a competent stringer capable of giving top quality string-jobs when applying the JET Method requires many hours to learn and to practice this craft. It is necessary to control the results obtained string by string with a Stringmeter to understand where you are losing tension and where you need to improve your techniques to overcome these weaknesses in your way of working.
6.    To aim for the end results on the court for your player requires strong motivation and real passion for your profession. Without this your will to improve as a stringer and the capacity to put into question your habits in the way you have been stringing for years, you will not be able to acquire the efficiency in this craft necessary to obtain JET Method Certification. You may well improve your results for your players and that would be a very good start, it may even encourage you to continue to learn to become a much better stringer, even a craftsman. Now it’s up to you!

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR JET METHOD :

Stringway ML 100 or ML 120: Constant pull drop weight machine. Best for extended pulls on cross strings which allows crosses to be installed at lower tensions resulting in maximum preservation of elasticity and harmonizing of string-bed.

Stringway Flying-clamps: 2 x Triple-clamps and 1 x Double-clamp.
Eliminates the effects of the drawback (often a problem with fixed clamps), it also reduces the risk of string slippage (a cause of loss of tension and damage to strings).

 String-A-Lyzer: This tool is still in the manufacturing process and will be essential for mastering the process and measuring results.  Available in March 2012.

 Stringway Cross Stringing Tools: These tools allow cross strings to be installed with a minimum of friction and twisting.  Especially important with profiled strings.