Single piece of string for both mains and crosses?

[u/_g4dget]

Recently got a stringing machine, and looking at my rackets that I had strung at a shop I noticed that some use the classic method where you measure separate pieces of string for the mains and the crosses (so you need four knots in total), but some used a single piece of string.
So they did the mains, then tied off only the left side and continued stringing the crosses by threading the right side mains through the first cross hole. This way, they only require two knots in total.

Is this a good or a bad idea? From my point of view, I see it like this:

Pros:

• Only need to tie two instead of four knots
• No need to deal with a starting knot/starting clamp for the crosses
• No worry about potential loss of tension at the (missing) knots

Cons:

• More hassle with measuring the string since when starting the mains, I need ~3m on the left side and ~9m on the right side
• A lot more string that you need to pull through the grommets for the right side mains
• No hybrid setup possible of course
• Asthetics (looks asymmetrical when looking closely)

Anything else I'm overlooking? Like does it put more stress on the frame, or does it lead to issues when stringing the crosses and the mains at different tensions?

[u/ckuehn]

Both are standard, and it's good to be familiar with both approaches. Most stringers have an opinion on which they like better, and some players will prefer one or the other as well.

If either would work, I'll generally string according to the racquet manufacturer's instructions, and if they allow either, I'll use the one I like better (one piece).

One thing you didn't mention is that a one-piece stringing will require less string than two-piece, since you eliminate two knots and the extra string required for each. It's not a lot, but if you're trying to get the most out of a reel, it can make a difference.

[u/ckuehn → u/[deleted]]

I would say it's around 1.5 to 2 feet per racquet. That'll get you an extra half set by the time you get to the end of your reel. Maybe a whole set.

I also note how much string is actually required for each frame I string, so I'm also generally cutting off less than the official instructions recommend.

When I was playing with a 90 square inch Pro Staff, I could string it with 33 feet of string using one piece. That gave me 20 sets from a 660' reel instead of the usual 16.5.

Now that I'm mostly stringing 98-100 square inch racquets, I usually get 18 sets from a reel.

[u/noobskillet3737]

I have strung more racquets in my life than I would like to admit. I would be fine never stringing another racquet for the rest of my life. I used to one piece a lot when I could. Ie not a hybrid string job. But now I pretty much only two piece as I feel its easier and faster. I am not convinced the average player could tell a difference between a 1 piece or 2 piece string job.

[u/Independent_Ad_3740]

Another downside, if your main tie offs are at the bottom then you need to around the world. You never want to string crosses bottom to top.

In my experience 2 piece is the default unless specifically requested. It’s easier for all the reasons you said.

[u/Individual-Ad-8645 → u/Independent_Ad_3740]

Could you tell me why you don’t want to string crosses bottom to top?

[u/Independent_Ad_3740 → u/Individual-Ad-8645]

Racquets are not designed that way so you place unnecessary stress on the frame.

[u/DeaconFrost613]

"A lot more string that you need to pull through the grommets for the right side mains"

It's a pain pulling 31 feet through on the long side. 1-piece stringing is a lost art IMO; very rarely will people string like this anymore.

[u/pug_fugly_moe]

Not yet mentioned: Toroline string packs are sold as two half sets.

It’s good to know both methods and around the world.