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Racket string and tension?
October 22, 2011
12:06 pm
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Yves
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No, the pros do indeed string to way more than 30 lbs, Peter Gade and Taufik Hidayat play with around 35 lbs iirc.

<3 Badminton!

October 22, 2011
2:26 pm
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Paul Stewart
Cheshire, UK
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Ewan
 
Let’s keep string tension in perspective because it’s so easy to get carried away with figures.
 
First off, pro’s have a lot higher tension. They can do this because they do not need a large sweet spot on the string bed from which to hit. They are playing in near perfect conditions for most of the time. They are also sponsored, so if they break a frame they get a replacement FOC and quickly too.
 
For us mere mortals these high tensions will not help us improve. For most there could be a loss of power, an increase in mis-hits and possible injury to elbows or shoulders.
 
Whilst a racquet can be strung beyond the manufacturers recommended tension, it’s important to remember that this will invalidate your warranty. So, be warned as the manufacturer will not replace FOC due to exceeding the recommended tension, no matter what professional players have in their racquets.
 
Bear in mind that playing with plastic shuttles generally requires a slacker tension to allow the strings to do more work in repelling the shuttle. That’s not required with a feather because we stroke a feather and thump a plastic shuttle.
 
I agree with Peter. Leave a stringing machine alone for a while and enjoy playing and learning the game. Once you are more experienced then perhaps do as Simon did and make enquiries about stringing machines. You could check out UKRSA (UK Racquet Stringers Association). They run courses however, whilst they are good, there is limited expertise in badminton stringing and the badminton market. However, you will learn to string properly and that could save a lot of heartache. Also, they have a range of second hand machines.
 
There is a difference between Central Sports and Direct Sports. you may not see it from a website, but behind the business there is a world of difference and I know which business I’d prefer to put my money. I don’t get paid for saying that, I just know it to be true.
 
Paul

October 22, 2011
3:25 pm
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Ewan D
Dundee
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Again, thanks for the sound advice, Paul. That's much appreciated. It will be easy for me to make the necessary changes regarding retailer. It's great to get some inside info regarding that. As for the stringing machine, I'm not seriously considering it at this time anyway. However, I may look out for the course to maybe do some time in the future; purely out of curiosity and learn a bit of know-how if not to perfect the technique. I'll let you know how I get on with Direct Sports and the new racquet (strung at 22). Although it will probably be around Christmas time as the kids will never forgive Santa if he fails to deliver due to lack of funds.

Cheers.

"Self-improvement is the name of the game, and your primary objective is to strengthen yourself, not to destroy an opponent."

October 23, 2011
12:11 am
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Simon
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You can get a machine for around £150 if you don't want anything fancy.

I got one cuz I wanted to try different strings and tensions (I think it might be me that Peter is referring to) and didn't want to pay £15 a time for someone else to do it.

The main thing for me is that I know exactly how I like it now so even if the machine isn't spot on with the calibration it's always the same when I restring my racquets.

October 23, 2011
1:51 pm
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Paul Stewart
Cheshire, UK
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Thanks Simon
 
I’m so pleased you have found your optimum tension and choice of string. It works out a lot cheaper and then you can make a bit of money to cover the cost of the machine.
 
If you’re going to make a little business of stringing, it’s worth remembering to test as many strings you can. This gives you valuable experience in terms of advising players about tension and string choice. Whilst most of the time you’ll probably advise players to use the big three strings, you also have to discuss other strings and their merits too.
 
How’s your coaching coming along with your girls?
 
 Paul

October 24, 2011
1:26 pm
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Peter Warman
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I have to agree with Simon, at the end of the day, you know you are getting the same tension that you liked the previous time, regardless of whether it's supposed to be 24lbs but machine does it at 23lbs (if you see what I am saying).

 

Do you string many rackets in a month Simon, or do you mainly string what you need? Have you improved your stringing time?

Badminton Gives Me A Purpose In Life – To Serve Others
I'd Rather Be Playing Badminton…………..

October 26, 2011
8:11 pm
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Simon
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I changed jobs recently and things have been hectic so I don't take my girls very often but they are definately getting better.

They have the basics now so it's just developing technique and strength really.

I go to a coaching session on mondays now so the guy there helps me out with some ideas, he's also really helped with my game so I'll see just how much when I start our season on Friday

I'm not interested in stringing to make money so I just do friends as and when they need it, the better players know exactly what they want and the others just want something that will last.

I have converted an England veteran to different strings and he loves the way they hold tension better so I think I must be doing something right

October 26, 2011
11:54 pm
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Paul Stewart
Cheshire, UK
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Simon
 
It just goes to show that many experienced players, no matter what their standard, can still learn something in this great game. Well done for trying.
 
Paul

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