RW5800 + Poly / Syn Gut @ 48 / 40-43-40

My last experiment proved that the different tension in cross strings would not normalise, even with almost 20 lbs difference. (link) 

In fact, my problem was the difference in tension held too well. I had anticipated some movement, so I strung the area with skipped crosses much tighter. But it stayed that way and hits near those areas felt harsh, naturally!

To reduce the variables, I did the mains at 48 lbs again. A full proportional stringing would mean the tightest cross strings be strung around the mid-30s. Psychologically, I cannot accept nor fathom how that would play. So I decided to take one step at a time. A small step...

The top and bottom 5 crosses are pulled at 40 lbs. The middle 8 crosses are pulled at 43 lbs. If there is any merit in proportional stringing, this setup would definitely show some. There is some chatter online about how Davydenko varied tensions in his cross strings. Google it if you are curious.

I marked the position of the cross strings like what I did previously. But with black cross strings, I cannot see the markings!!! I think I'll buy a silver-coloured felt tip marker next time!

Here's another pic where I re-marked the red line with a gold-coloured felt tip marker.

Playtest:
- Dead-on sweetspot hits were controllable, nice and soft
- Slightly off sweetspot hits still felt harsh
- Spin is very good and enhanced directional control
- The black fusion strings really "grabbed" the ball very well and a lot of ball fur was stuck on the strings after only a few minutes of topspin shots
- Since this frame is only about 90-92 sq in, the harsh feeling could be due to the very small sweetspot
- I did not like this setup. In fact, I have not liked any strings combo in this racket so far. So I think it could be due to the racket instead...
- The gold-coloured line on the cross strings remained intact after playing so there should not be any evening out of the varied cross tensions

Strings:

Pro Supex Black Fusion 1.19mm mains @ 48 lbs

Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Titan 1.25mm cross @ 40-43-40 lbs

Stringing Machines

My experience with crank and electronic machines are shallow. I have owned neither. And I was using them to help the owner string rackets in return for his tutelage. 

Day in day out, I was repeating the same thing on different rackets with different strings at different tensions. I did not get to try anything special or any out-of-the-world stringing methods.

So why did I settle on the Klippermate, which is merely a low-tech and manual dropweight?

I have been blessed with good hands that allowed me to pick up quite a few crafts. In my late teens, I was already taught how to strip down a vehicle engine completely for overhaul and then reinstall it. 

While I was staying at a rented house, I developed "green fingers" and learnt to trim bushes, prune plants and cook my favourite foods. 

Every now and then, I help my friends fix their bicycles, changing freewheels and aligning crank bearings. And re-wiring some electronic circuits was as familiar to me as spine-aligning a golf shaft.

I must thank the master mechanic that exposed me to such "hand" craft. His favourite question was "If your car breaks down in the desert, and you have no access to parts or tools other than what's available in the trunk, what are you going to do?"

What he was insinuating, was that our knowledge and our hands far exceed what tools can do for us. He taught me to think out of the box.

So, the reason for the simple dropweight is, I believe that the stringer matters more than the stringing machine. Plus, that thing is built like a tank. There are very few parts that can break down easily. Even regular calibration is not needed! Unless gravity changes of course!

Another lesser known reason is no over-tensioning. Almost all crank machines over-tensions the string before dropping off back below the poundage intended. 

In other words, to string a racket at 60 lbs on a crank usually means "cranking" the string at about 65 lbs and after the crank "locks" in place, the tension drops to about 55 lbs or less.

Some electronic stringing machines suffer this problem too. Especially when impatient stringers set the pull speed to fastest. It over-tensions about 5-10% but will settle back to the intended tension since it is a "constant-pull". A good and consistent electronic tensioner does not come cheap. And neither are all expensive electronic models accurate.

Ultimately, it is up to the stringer or player to determine if the string is damaged by this "over-stretch". Is playability or durability compromised?

A few of my playing partners and myself can definitely feel the difference.

Mystery Shopping...

While out shopping with my family a few weeks ago, I chanced upon a sports shop specialising in tennis equipment. I saw someone stringing rackets there too. So I stepped in to check out the latest gear.

Without asking what I was looking for, my level of play, or for whom am I intending to make a purchase, he pointed towards the BLX Pro Staff Six.One 90 (link) and recommended me to buy it.

"It's Roger Federer's racket!" 
"It's on sale now. Only S$XXX and with your string of choice!" 
"You should get it."

I have not even uttered a word! Clad in a round-neck T-shirt, bermudas and beach sandals, I certainly do not even look like a tennis player at all. Let alone trying to handle a 90 square inch tennis racket!

My first impression of this man and his shop is sealed.

I smiled, took up the racket for a closer look and asked what strings would he recommend with this racket. He replied nonchalantly that it's my choice. He cannot decide for me. So I asked how long he has been stringing. "Over twenty years" he replied. And he could recommend a racket within seconds but not strings?

Trying to hide my disgust by smiling more cheerfully, I asked what strings and tension is most commonly requested for the BLX Pro Staff Six.One 90 racket. "All sorts. Some asked for synthetic gut at 40+ lbs. Several full poly at about 65 lbs. All depends."

He caught me staring at some wood rackets in the shop and started telling me how similar the BLX Pro Staff and wood rackets would play.

"You like wood rackets?"
"Then you'll definitely like the BLX Pro Staff! They play exactly the same. You have to do all the work. Both rackets have NO flex. They are absolutely completely stiff. Full swing does it!"
"How? You want to buy?"

I thanked him for his advice and left.

I can understand they are running a business. There is a need to make profits. But isn't it detrimental to their reputation to push ill-fitted and inappropriate equipment? How many re-visit a shop that sold them a lemon? And full poly strings in a 90 square inch racket at 65 lbs?

Whatever you are shopping for, please be diligent and do your research before committing. Caveat Emptor! 

Another Oldie.... Wilson XT-80...

After being tucked away in some hidden corners for decades, one by one, these old rackets are being rediscovered. It's like a treasure hunt, except I know exactly what "treasure" it is but not where it is "hidden".

The Wilson XT-80 is "the other racket" given to me by my friend together with the Slazenger Woody. (link) That scrawny me then could not handle nor appreciate this racket's amazing plowthrough. 

Now that I take it out for another spin, it plays very very well indeed. And I am still using the original set of strings that racket was sold with probably three decades ago or more!!!

Spin is good. Directional control is excellent. With its weight, for as long as I can still swing that racket, the power is amazing! I wonder what strings and setup should I use to maximise the potential of this stick! But I would still prefer to know a bit more about the specs before re-stringing it.

However I searched online, I cannot find anything. I'm starting to wonder if this stick is legit or a dud. If anyone reading this has any information on the racket, please send me an email or post a comment. Thanks!