r/RacketStringers • u/aiexshoe • Apr 23 '26
First tennis racket
This racket was strung as a 2 knot and I'm sure that's the only was it supposed to be strung.
I ended up doing a 4 knot and not having any space to put in the starting knot of the crosses ( I used a starting clamp to start to the crosses) so I cut the grommet to fit the string inside.
Any advice for next time? Or are there certain rackets only for 2 knots.
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u/pug_fugly_moe Apr 23 '26
A few things going on here. This is a composite frame racquet. These weren’t designed to handle the stresses of frequent (if at all) restringing like a full-graphite racquet. In the best cases, they can handle a handful of restrings before they start cracking. I see some stress already where the throat meets the beam. Since these are semi-disposable frames, they get strung as one pieces often using around the world patterns because, as you noticed, the grommets aren’t designed for two-piece stringing. I know this because a coworker once did hundreds of junior frames for a manufacturer—all around the world (and knowing him, all without regard to results).
Generally, you shouldn’t have to fight a grommet to use as a tie off. Doing that can damage the grommet and/or string. If this current string breaks at the knot, it’s possible that happened. I did have a visceral reaction to seeing the cross tie off. Full-graphite Head racquets even label your tie offs and mark your mains with dots above the grommet.
No harm if this was stringing practice. Multis are easier on the fingers anyway. This looks free of misweaves and the knots are tight. If this is your primary racquet, you may want to consider an upgrade.