FAQ
Who are you?
I work for the Auburn-Washburn school district in the Human Resources office, after nearly a quarter-century as a classroom teacher and tennis coach. My daughter is a Topeka High Trojan and was a state qualifier her sophomore season. I'm on the board of Topeka Tennis Association, and am an active USTA player (currently rated 4.0).
What kind of machine do you use?
I taught myself on a drop-weight machine, but now have a 2022 Gamma X-ELS. It has a 6-point mounting system and a constant pull tensioner.
How did you learn to string?
Self-taught all the way. Videos, trial and error, questioning other experienced stringers, etc.
Why should I use you as a stringer?
I'm a tiny operation. I have 24/7 secure no-contact drop-off/pickup options available. Your racket isn't going to get lost. I'm not going to force you to use anyone's brand of string. I've strung hundreds of rackets and that number continues to increase by the month. I live less than 10 minutes from almost anywhere in town anyone plays tennis. Essentially, I know Topeka is a relatively small community and I owe you a professional experience.
How do I get a racket to you?
Contact me, and we can discuss a variety of options, but using my 24/7 drop box is by far the most common method.
What if I'm not satisfied?
Let me try and make it right. Bring it back to me, and let's try a new string, or the same string at a new tension. We can almost surely figure something out, and if not, I'll refund your hard-earned money.
How long does it take you to string a racket?
If all goes smoothly, about 30 minutes. If grommets aren't cooperating, or if the string is particularly firm, perhaps closer to 40-45 minutes.
Does string even matter?
An axiom I endorse states: "Your racket is your car, but your string is your engine". Yes, string matters, and it's fun to tinker with.
How often should I restring my racket?
The old rule of thumb is as follows: however many times you play in a week should be the number of times you restring per year. I find this problematic though. It doesn't take into account styles or intensity of play, type of string, durability of string, and so on. Poly strings will show notching even if they haven't broken. Multifilament strings will begin to fray. So while it depends on your individual situation, I suggest that if you play at all regularly, a new string bed every 3-4 months seems very reasonable. Remember, just like a car loses value the moment you drive it off the lot, even a properly strung racket begins to lose tension the moment you start to hit with it.
Do you use 1-piece or 2-piece stringing?
2-piece is my default, but I'm comfortable with either method, as well as the Sergetti method if that's what you prefer.
What kind of string do you use yourself?
Yonex PolyTour Pro (18 gauge) strung at 40 lbs. I formerly used multifilament (Dunlop Iconic All 17) to combat tennis elbow, but found stringing a co-poly with a thin gauge loosely is working much better for me.
What is the "gauge" of string?
The smaller the number, the thicker/more durable the string. The higher the number results in increased playability and feel. Standard gauge is 16, but I don't recommend that unless you are a serial string breaker. I recommend starting lower and moving up incrementally as needed.
How does tension affect the string job?
The common refrain is that higher numbers correlate to better control and decreased power. Word of warning: I'm not a fan of the common refrain. I'm a big believer in a newer line of thinking that thinner gauge with soft poly strings strung very loosely add to the accuracy, comfort, and overall performance of the player.
What if I don't know what kind of string should I use?
I can give recommendations based on information you give me if that's what you desire. Many factors will come into play, such as how often you break strings, what style of play you have, how healthy your arm feels when you hit, and more. I keep in stock various types of synthetic gut, multifilament, and poly. See the table below for some additional information:
