I AM LOOKING FOR A DEVICE THAT WILL CHECK TENSION ON A STRING BED AFTER STRINGING. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO CHECK MY STRINGING MACHINE FOR ACCURACY. CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A STRING TENSION TESTER?

STUMP

" . . . DEVICE THAT WILL CHECK TENSION ON A STRING BED . . . " That device would be called your ears. Sensitive and always with you. If you want to put a number to the frequency the stringbed emits when struck with your palm, then get the freqmess program from the website stringforum dot net. Look under downloads. To check the accuracy of your machine buy a digital fish scale or luggage scale. Calibrate the scale with known weights before using it to check your machine. Good luck.

Stump

I AM LOOKING FOR A DEVICE THAT WILL CHECK TENSION ON A STRING BED AFTER STRINGING. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO CHECK MY STRINGING MACHINE FOR ACCURACY. CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A STRING TENSION TESTER?

STUMP

There are two devices available that are supposed to do what you're asking.

There's the Gamma String Tension Tester, and the Gamma String Tension Calibrator.

HOWEVER, you should know that the feedback on both is...dubious at best. Most people get different tensions every time they use either device. Best use I've heard of for either is to test for string tension loss by taking an initial reading and then a follow-up at a later date to see how much tension loss has occurred.

I got a Stringmeter a long time ago ... it measures one string at a time ... and can be adapted for 15-17 gauge string I believe. I used it occasionally, it seems to be ok.

http://stringmeter.uniquesports.us/

Thanks for the info. guys. I had found the gamma devices on-line but neither sounded very consistent as was mentioned. I'll check into the stringmeter also. The digital fish scale idea sounds pretty good too.

Checking string tension is a lot tougher than it seems. Take the E Force racquets for instance. They pull from one side of the frame for the inner main strings then alternate on the outside mains. When you use a Stringmeter the pulled side is usually tighter by 15% or more than the side that didn't get a direct pull. Even though every client with E Force said they don't necessarily feel a lack of tension in the string bed when they hit a ball it has to have some sort of effect. Plus not every string reacts to being pulled the same way. A mono string stretches more than a lot of the other strings and gets smaller and more lively , but doesn't last as a result. But the tension sores way above the intended tension, but loses a lot the first two days and then settles down. No one gives a stringer a book with the strings' characteristics so you have to learn these things as time goes on.
As an example I give my strings a good twang once it stops pulling, which may or may not make the automatic puller pull just slightly and restop again at the desired tension number. So from that I know the string is stuck going around the pin, or post or whatever and has some slack until it is shook loose. I believe that is why a lot of strings are recommended to double pull before locking down.
You be the judge. tom =^..^=

Agreed by all. I would invest a lot of money in a machine that would validate what we all want (and think it should be so simple to produce). However, I've tried all the above-mentioned devices and I haven't been happy with any of them. I'm a detail-oriented CPA, so I want to know that a 33lb pull is 33lbs. I haven't found something that I would bet the farm on to try and reach those certainties.

Instead, I think you have to find the balancing point on your machine (middle of the road is X, tight is X+, and loose is X-). I've strung my racquet at 34lbs. for a long time and had Lawler string them at 34lbs. at a tourney and they felt a lot tighter.

Right now I don't think there is a simple answer. It is so frustrating, but for now find where your machine lies and you have to work off of that.

Stump

I AM LOOKING FOR A DEVICE THAT WILL CHECK TENSION ON A STRING BED AFTER STRINGING. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO CHECK MY STRINGING MACHINE FOR ACCURACY. CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A STRING TENSION TESTER?

STUMP

There are so many variables when it comes to checking your strings in the racquet it is really hard to get an accurate reading.

Your best bet is to make sure you have a tension calibrator and check your machine from time to time.

Depending on racquets as well and how you pull the string can factor on the tension.

I would be glad to discuss with you anytime if you would like some more things to think about when stringing.

Manny
800 875 3701

I appreciate everybody's input. I did get a stringmeter and found it to be fairly close to what my machine says the strings should be tensioned at, but not consistently accurate. Manny, I'll give you a call sometime and pick your brain.

Stump