Why Are My Strings Loose Around the Edges of my Racquet?
by Joseph Delgado 11/3/09.I focus a lot on doing a quality string job for my customers, but on those rare occasions I do get a complaint. Sometimes it can be my fault and I take care of the problem. But people spreading BS that's a lot harder to control.
Two people I know that are friends with each other told me about a "serious" problem with my stringing. When it first came up my first reaction was problem? What problem? I even thought it was a joke, but now that it has gotten back to me through my network of customers and friends. I realize it's anything but funny.
Anyway the "problem" is supposedly that the strings along the edge of the racquet are not installed properly. Well I can pretty much guarantee that all my strings are pulled as per the manufacturer's instructions. I do not double pull to save time or use any other shortcuts, but I didn't have an immediate answer...but after some careful thought now I do.
Imagine you have a rug or any other woven object like a basket. Now, if you take one of the edges and pull the thread, strip, or whatever off. It'll come off pretty easily because it is the start of the weave and not supported by other parts. If you tried to that in the middle of the basket or rug it would be pretty hard. Same thing for racquets strings they are supported the most in the center where you hit the ball.
So a couple of my reasons why the strings move around the edge of a racquet:
- They start the weave (under, over, etc.)
- The strings are new so they glide over each other.
- They are not surrounded and supported by other strings.
As you work your way to the center of the racquet the strings become increasingly harder to move. If the strings are used and don't snap back then it might be a good time to restring when there's not enough resistance, but every customer is different and so is the tension they are comfortable with.
Hope I've put this complaint to bed and lastly if you know someone who is trying to hit a racquetball with the strings around the edge of their racquet instead of the sweet spot please send them my way for some basic lessons.
Thanks,
--Joe Delgado
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