The Essex Racket Stringing Process
We strive to restring every racket in the same way by following a series of principles and best practice processes. Consistency is key for us to ensure that you get the most out of your racket, enabling you to grow and improve as a player.
1. String and tension consultation
We understand that deciding on the string and tension which is most suited to your game can be a challenging task. Let us know what you want from your game and we can help you decide. Whether it is power, spin, control, or arm friendliness which you are after, we can assist in selecting a string and tension to help you reach your next objective or season goal.
2. Best in class Wilson Baiardo stringing machine
Every racket which we restring is done so using the state-of-the-art Wilson Baiardo stringing machine. This is the same stringing machine which is used on the professional tour and is the machine of choice for the Australian Open, French Open and US Open Grand Slam tournaments. The machine also features a Wilson Tournament Stringing mode to replicate the settings of the Wilson stringing team, enabling us to restring every racket to a professional standard. This in turn enables you to get the most out of your racket and your game.
3. Tying the perfect Parnell knot
The type of knot tied at the end of the main strings and cross strings is crucial to ensure consistency and more importantly tension retention. To achieve this every knot which we tie is done so using a Parnell knot. Invented by somewhat of a legend in the stringing field, Richard Parnell created this unique knot to identify if a customer’s racket was previously restrung by himself or another stringer. We love this story and the tension retention this knot provides.
4. Two-piece stringing method
We use a two-piece stringing method on every racket which we restring. What we mean by this is that we use one piece of string for the main strings and a separate piece of string for the cross strings. Firstly, this enables us to string hybrid string set ups where different string types are used for the main strings and the cross strings. Secondly, the two-piece stringing method has been proven to generate better tension retention, which will improve the performance of your racket for longer.
5. Overpull last main and cross strings
When pulling tension on the final main and cross strings we increase the tension by 20%. For example, if we were stringing a tennis racket at 55lbs we would pull the last strings for both the mains and crosses at 66lbs. The reason for this is to compensate for any loss of tension caused by tying off the main or cross strings. This technique is also used by Wilson’s professional stringing team.
6. The finishing touches
Before dismounting the racket from the stringing machine we ensure all strings are perfectly straight and aligned before snipping any excess string from the tied knots. We proceed this with adding any extras to the racket such as stencil logos, overgrips or replacement grips. We will then add a subtle sticker to the throat of your racket stating the string, tension, and date. Finally, we keep a record of your preferred string and tension for the next time which you need your racket restringing.
If you need assistance deciding on a string and tension which would be well-suited to your style of play, please do not hesitate and get in touch with us today. We have an extensive range of strings on offer, as well as sample sets to accommodate all players.