Tennis Racquet Stringing Machines Parts And Uses
Tennis racquet stringing machines are a must-have if you are a serious player. The performance of a Tennis racquet depends on its stringing, head frame size, weight, balance, handle, and the player’s ability to optimally use all these characteristics.
Stringing, in particular, is very important because it is something that is selected and needs to be maintained. And this is why you need the machine to control the tennis racquet string tension.
A player can decide whether they want “open string pattern”, which contributes to spinning and power or “closed string pattern”, or 18×20 stringing, which has a lasting quality along with better control.
The ball from the closed string variety would not deflect much but this type of stringing becomes essential for those players who are basically inclined to hit hard.
As beginners progress in their game, they become familiar with the types of racquets and stringing needed for their game.
Tennis racquets do not come cheap, getting them strung regularly becomes a necessity because the tension is lost with each game played.
Now, it is possible to own a stringing machine. The costs of such machines are no longer prohibitive. The other reason for owning these machines is the flexibility of timing that its ownership offers.
People do not have to travel to shops or clubs for getting the stringing done. They can get the job done to their liking even as the game is in progress.
Essential Parts of A Tennis Racquet Stringing Machine
Basically, these racquet stringing machines have the following
Tensioner
This part ensures that the string tension is accurate throughout the head of the racquet.
Clamping system
An adjustable clamping system is needed to ensure alignment of strings so that neither the racquet nor the strings are damaged.
Racquet support system
To avoid damage, these racquet stringing machines include such support systems that prevent excessive stress on the racquet.
Types Of Stringing Machines
In general, these machines relate to tensions. Therefore, they are classified into three types based on the mechanism they have for ensuring that string tension.
Drop Weight Tennis Racquet Stringing Machines
As the name suggests, some weight is used for perfecting the string’s tension apart from a rod. The weight is movable.
The thumb rule for it is when the weight is moved outwards string tension increases. Once the desired level of tension is achieved in one string, the next string is taken up for getting the desired level of tension.
The disadvantage of this type of stringing machine is that it takes a long time to finish the job, and yet, the results are not consistent or accurate. This type of machine is also rather affordable.
ManualTennis Racquet Stringing Machines
In this type of racquet stringing machine, a spring is used to get the desired level of string tension. Therefore, this type of machine is also known as a spring head.
Crank and lockout are the other names by which these types of machines are known as. A locking arrangement exists in this apart from a crank.
The pre-loaded spring manages to get the desired tension level, which is locked by the locking arrangement. This is followed by clamping, and the machine begins with providing tension in the next string.
Electric Tennis Racquet Stringing Machines
Like most electronic machines, these electronic tennis racquet stringing machines are also easy to use, i.e., there are buttons for achieving the desired level of tension.
These stringing machines are further divided into
Constant pull
This machine is perhaps the best one as of now because it verifies the tension on strings and monitors it for the entire period that stringing is in progress.
It can, therefore, alter the tensions if there is any change in the tension of the completed strings.
Lockout
This is merely an electronic version of the manual stringing machine. There is a pre-loaded reference, and the electronic motor does the required cranking.
Though an efficient type of stringing machine, it does have its disadvantages, the major one being that it stops measuring tension after some time.
Therefore, tension needs to be reviewed after each new string that is equipped with required tension. Check more on Tennis racquet tensions here.
Features
Features differ from one machine to another. Most features might be desirable, but a tennis racquet stringing machine with all imaginable features is a myth. It is then left to decide which of the available features can be afforded, and which are not necessary.
Here is a list of some of the features that can be found in different stringing machines.
Sturdy machines and portable machines
Some people would prefer sturdy machines which can be standalone units capable of heavy-duty. In contrast, portable machines allow users to string their racquets anywhere.
Obviously, a sturdy machine would also string faster but it can be rather expensive too.
The choice is between 2, 4, and 6 point systems. That many points hold the racquet in place. Lower numbers mean faster stringing, but the quality would not be very high. More points mean slower stringing, but tension would be more accurate.
There is also the danger of lower point systems damaging the frame of the racquet, or distorting it.
Clamps and types
These stringing machines use clamps for holding firmly the strings with the desired level of tension so that they don’t slip back and sag.
Choice includes
Floating clamps
Characteristic of this variety of clamps is that these are not linked to the stringing machine and the machines with this type of clamping hold back the tension on one string with the help of another string.
These are usually found in basic stringing machines and would not cost too much.
Fixed clamps
These clamps would be attached to the stringing machine. These glide beneath the racquet on a bar system for ensuring the consistency of the string’s tension. Such clamps may be swiveling type or non-swiveling type.
Swiveling clamps types are capable of 360 degrees movement on the bar system, whereas the non-swiveling variety can only be repositioned after completing the tension job on the mains and beginning the tension job on crosses.
Popular Brands of Tennis Racquet Stringing Machines
Popular brands include Gamma and Klippermate. Gamma has all varieties, i.e., drop weight, manual, and electronic (constant pull). Likewise, it offers different models based on mounting systems, and clamps.
Tennis Racquet Stringing Machines Prices
As of date, these Tennis racquet stringing machines are available in the range of $200 to $3000 based on the level of sophistication. The costs being high it is always better to confirm the types of warranties that are on offer, if at all.
Even so, there may be shipping costs and turnaround times which may not be appealing in these warranties. Usually, warranty offering replacement parts or repairs for a specified number of years is common on these tennis racquet stringing machines.
Where To Buy
I think Amazon is the best place to buy as they have a large selection making it easier to find exactly what you`re looking for and you`ll soon have the best tennis racquet strings.
Conclusion
As mentioned before one of the biggest advantages of owning a tennis racquet stringing machine is that it is possible to get the desired level of tension on the racquet’s strings at any hour of the day and as fast as possible.
Many of these stringing machines can also be used for other racquets such as badminton racquets and squash racquets.
If you are using the machine for the first time, it`s advisable to read tennis racquet stringing tension guidebook which comes with the machines,
Depending upon the model being purchased, it may be possible to use them commercially by undertaking jobs of tennis racquet stringing.
Effectively, these machines remain useful, even after the tennis player stops playing tennis.
Hope this post helped you understand more about tennis racquet stringing machines, if you have any questions, please leave me a message below. If you know anyone who could benefit from this post, please go ahead and share it with them.