RACQUET STRINGING - WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW {1999}
By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo
Why does it cost $20.00 to have my racquet strung by a Certified Racquet Technician (CRT), at the tennis shop, when I can get it done by my friend's son with the same string for only $12.00? This sounds like a reasonable question, and it's one that comes up time and time again.
The fact is, there is no easy answer. In some cases the answer may be, "There is no difference". There are, however a number of things that you should consider before you answer this question for yourself.
You may want to consider racquet repairs in terms that most people are familiar with: auto repairs. Think of the frame as the body, the handle system as the transmission and the strings as the engine. Why do you choose a certain repair shop? If you have some type of exotic car (racquet), like a Ferrari (Blackburne) you may have little choice. Most repair shops won't have the ability to provide you with the proper service. But let's say you have a Ford (Wilson) or a Chevy (Prince). Almost anyone should be able to take care of it. So what do you use to make the decision? Obviously, price is the most important thing, right? Let's say you shopped for price over the telephone, and went to the place with the lowest quote. When you got there, the "mechanic" had enough room for one car and all you saw in the shop was 3 wrenches. Would you be willing to leave your car there for a day or so for him to repair your engine? Probably not--you would seek out a shop having the technicians, parts and tools to do the job correctly and efficiently. It's the same way with tennis equipment. Even though your racquet cost about 1% of what you paid for your car, it doesn't mean you don't have to be wary.
A well-equipped tennis shop will have a professional stringing machine, proper tools and measuring equipment that can easily run into thousands of dollars. The knowledge to use all of this cannot necessarily be quantified in dollars and cents, but is vital to getting quality racquet service. If there is a problem with your frame (broken grommets, worn bumper guard, crack, etc.) you really need someone who has the parts and the knowledge to make the repair properly. When it comes to strings, you should seek out someone with a reasonable inventory and enough product knowledge to advise you on not only the proper type of string for your frame, but also what will be the best string for your style of play.
Would you take your car to someone who didn't have the technical manuals to service it? That would be a mistake in my opinion. The same goes for your racquet. There are literally thousands of models of tennis frames in use today and more coming out each month. Most frames have unique (non-universal) stringing patterns and some frames require special techniques and/or auxiliary equipment to avoid damaging the racquet. This technical information comes with a price tag. Either the technician has to spend hours compiling facts from manufacturers, or (as in the case of a CRT) belong to a trade organization committed to gathering and providing this knowledge to its subscribers. CRTs are also required to demonstrate their competence. They do this initially by showing their ability to perform the techniques required to maintain tennis equipment properly in a rigorous written and hands-on exam, and annually by passing a test designed to assure they are keeping up with current products and changes in techniques.
If you do seek out a qualified technician, remember to choose someone who is willing to take the time to help you with your needs, rather than someone who is just interested in selling racquets. You deserve to get full value for the money you spend on racquet service: the right strings installed in the right way at the right tension in the right pattern to assure that you continue to enjoy the great sport of tennis.
One final word--remember that most racquet manufacturers will not honor the warranty if the frame has been damaged by improper stringing.
Copyright 1999 (Previously published in FLORIDA TENNIS - Feb., 1999
---Vince Chiarelli, CRT
Owner, String Along With Vince
January 7, 1999
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Editor's note pertaining to all articles presented.
All articles are presented as they were written and published. Some information contained in these articles may have changed over the years. Please be cognizant of this as you read. Additionally, since these articles go back as far as 1994, some of the technology may have changed, and new methods and advancements may have come about. Please contact us if you have any questions.
