Is a 15-minute quality string job possible?
I recently read a post where the author was quite disenchanted with “pro” stringers because they felt that the quality of the string job was sacrificed in the name of speed. Therefore their advice was to buy an inexpensive stringing machine and do your own string jobs. It’s quite possible there are stringers out there who fall into this category and if that’s the case, I suspect that it wouldn’t take long to weed them out. However, just because these people may exist, I think it’s unfair to simply discount the idea that because one can string fast that the finished product is inferior. I would take issue with the author of the post that this is reason enough for everyone to simply buy their own machine and string for themselves. Hopefully the following information will be helpful.
First and foremost, speed is rarely, if at all, a factor for a club, shop, or home stringer. This is important to remember because this piece of information seems to always be lost when this subject is addressed. Most of the stringers mentioned above will not be stringing in situations that demand speed as a prerequisite. With this in mind, let’s first look at some information that might be helpful when choosing someone to string your racquet.
Integrity is the true benchmark of a good stringer, just as it is in all things when dealing with people. There are several issues addressed when a racquet is serviced and if you can’t trust the stringer to give it to you straight, how comfortable are you going to be turning over your favorite racquet to them for service? Assessing this particular aspect of their character will take some patience on your behalf so give them the benefit of the doubt in the beginning and see what they can do. This is the only way you’ll find out it they’re the right person for the job. Look for pricing discrepancies, quality of work, and the questions they ask, especially if this is the first time you’ve worked with them. Do they go the extra mile to see that you’re satisfied with their services? Do they guarantee their work? If you’re attentive, it won’t take long to spot a true craftsman and this is the person you’re looking for!
The commitment a stringer has to their craft is paramount to the end result that most of us expect and others will demand. This will be obvious through a simple conversation with a competent stringer because it will stick out like a sore thumb. I’m not talking about the stringing geek who drives you crazy with details that impress only those folks with no knowledge of stringing whatsoever. A competent stringer is direct and to the point and their answers come from experience. They won’t be easily backed into a corner because their knowledge of their craft will provide the confidence required to handle any situation. In short, they are committed to the absolute highest standard when it comes to racquet service and nothing short of that standard is acceptable to them. They view anything less as a direct reflection on their personal ability to deliver a professional string job.
The loyalty they have to their client base will be obvious the longer you work with that person. If your string breaks prematurely they will replace it within reason and do everything possible to make sure you’re satisfied. The reasons are many, but consider this. A good reliable stringer takes pride in his/her work. They’re smart enough to realize that one unhappy customer will relate their experience to 20 people, while good consistent service will usually get far less publicity. This is basic human nature. We tend to moan and groan to everyone when we’re mad, but tend to take the good things in life for granted and say little to anyone else about it. It’s one of those weird things where people view themselves as more of an authority when they’re ripping you to shreds, but if they think they’ve found a good thing, they want to keep it to themselves; therefore you get less free exposure from that person for a job well done. Go figure!
The speed at which your string job is completed is of no importance with the exception of two situations. If you’re paying a premium for “one-hour” service then the stringer obviously must have the ability to turn it around within that time frame. The other situation relates to tour stringers as mentioned above. In particular, Grand Slam events and other tournaments where the work load in the first few days can be absolutely astounding. The same applies for other tournaments as well but the pace tends to ease up sooner. It’s not uncommon for a team at a Slam to be doing over 200 racquets a day in the early going, which means most team members are doing a minimum of 25-30 racquets per day if not more. In some cases these tournaments run a night crew as well to do the remaining racquets left from the day crew. Speed is often equated with ability, when in fact speed is far down the list on a competent stringers resume. However, if you place yourself in the line of fire by taking on the responsibilities of high level tournament stringing such as a Grand Slam, it’s highly recommended that you have a third or fourth gear to shift to when the situation calls for it.
Since the title of this piece deals with speed let’s try to address it. The question is “Can a stringer do a quality string job in 15 minutes or less?” The answer is yes and I’ve seen it done in less time by the most proficient stringer. This includes straightening the strings right down to the last tie-off knot. Tournament stringers have far less wasted motion, their movement around the stringer is like a well oiled, finely tuned machine. They’re always thinking ahead when they string and once they get warmed up it’s a thing of beauty to watch. There are secrets that never leave the tournament stringing room and some of them pertain directly to speed. When your opportunity comes and you find yourself in the stringing room of a Grand Slam event you have to be alert and pay attention for many reasons, most of all to learn from others you’re working with. If you ever have the opportunity to watch a true professional in the frenzied environment of a top level tournament your mind will forever be changed when it comes to the question about how fast and how proficient the work is being done. My guess is that the next thing you will be doing, if you’re a stringer, is practicing a lot and asking yourself “I saw it with my own eyes but I still don’t know how in the world he/she did that?” Good luck!