How to String a tennis Racquet Updated (Gamma X-2)

How to String a Tennis Racket for beginners using the Gamma X-2 Stringing machine.
The stringer I use: amzn.to/3xmmUsI
This machine is what's called a drop weight mechanism. This is the updated tutorial which goes into a lot more depth. This video will be a lot more helpful than the previous one. Please use it as a resource until you get comfortable with stringing your racquet on your own.
Like and subscribe if you want or if the video was helpful. Thank you.

[@AlanGrandman]

Thank you for all the positive feedback on this tutorial years later. This channel will soon focus on fitness/mental discipline content. If you're into that sort of thing, or if this video was a great help and you just want to support, consider subscribing. Thanks :)

[@rishijai]

Here is a trick I did - to know when the dropweight is parallel. Place a Spirit Level on the Drop Weight arm until the bubble is level. Use a marker and make a line on top of the rachet gripper, - spanning the silver side to the black side. Voila, the drop weight is parallel when the two lines "line up".

[@albochile784]

Could you explain in more detail that of the line? since I have this same machine

[@rishijai]

@@albochile784 Here is a photo of the setup. drive.google.com/file/d/1AVEks9ANcuMH4qgkfsAEd7v08NY5hBZu/view?usp=sharing

[@KSardor1]

So many videos on youtube showing how to restring the racquet, but yours is the best of them all, very thorough and detailed explanation. Thank you very much for a great work!

[@AlanGrandman]

Thanks man!

[@twinwankel]

I think how you start the mains by double pulling on each side will contribute to lower tension on the center mains. The only way to prevent this is to measure the tension loss and then correct it by adding the loss to the tension at the center. So I know that by using a stating clamp, I lose about 3 lbs at the two center mains using a stringometer. I just undo the mains and increase the center tension by 3 lbs. After the completing the stringing, I remeasure the tension across all mains they are now uniform. It is important to keep the tension as uniform as possible. Of course, one could argue that by using vibration dampeners will also cause tension loss at that center mains. This is true, however, if one doesn't try to make the tension uniform, the loss from the dampeners will be much worse. One other thing, my Gamma's drop weight machine is off by +1.5 lbs. So if I'm doing a string job for X weight, I will set the machine to X-1.5 lbs. You can check your machine using a digital luggage weight scale.

[@vpatel1631]

I was confused as to how the remaining string after you put the first clamp would be tensioned, I guess it just doesn’t get tensioned

[@envise]

Hi, thanks for putting together such a nice video! I break strings a lot for a recreational players (couple of times a month) but did not having confidence to get into stringing. Watching your video provided me the necessary confidence to buy a Gamma Progression 200. I watched the video again once end to end and went back a bunch of times while on the first racquet and manage to finish within 2 hrs. Thanks!

[@AlanGrandman]

Hey Joseph. Glad to hear!

[@gnohn9366]

I don't think you are supposed to bounce the weight up and down like that. Just let gravity do the work and lower the weight gently, then adjust as needed. Otherwise very informative.

[@lydavy]

So is this confirmed?

[@tennispunk2]

Yes that is correct. You should not allow the weight to bounce like that.

[@bsrichman]

Letting the dropweight bounce can lead to snapped strings, even potentially damage to the frame. Also inconsistent pre-stretching across the string bed.

[@ludwigslughole9403]

That's exactly what you're meant to do. I started on one of these type machines and was taught by a very experienced pro stringer. I strung on it for many years. In this video he correctly demonstrated that you arrive at the correct tension by gently bouncing the weight to get to the point where the arm is parallel to the ground.

[@Ncode92]

Perfect instructions! Just did my first racquet today following you along step by step.

[@jacklo325]

Ah, the good old faithful x-2, had one of those back in the day. It's simple and never fail, quality built!

[@AlanGrandman]

Best there is for the money

[@rishijai]

Thanks for the informative video. I dusted out my X2 and strung my first racquet in 10 years. It took me 2h:45m but the job is perfect. I can get it down to 1h.

[@AlanGrandman]

It's always an awesome feeling to finish stringing a racquet!

[@michael1electricianquiroz338]

Great video- I’m shopping for a stringer now .. very clear and concise instructions- and looks rewarding after it’s all done.

[@robocheme880]

Thanks, Alan, excellent video. Easily the best video for those who are starting out on inexpensive machines. My first attempt ended when I broke a string when the drop weight bounced. The second attempt went flawlessly. My only comment is that you didn't cover how to get the cross strings through the grommets that were covered by the mains. I'm not sure this is correct or not, but I used an awl to move the mains enough to get the cross string through.

[@AlanGrandman]

You got it. That's the best way!

[@mypandabear50344]

One of the best explanation. Thanks man.

[@AlanGrandman]

Np man. Glad to help!

[@dabbingpenguin4956]

I almost fell asleep so relaxing great video

[@ausahd]

Excellent video Alan! probably the best video on gamma stringing machine. First I tried to string racquet just with wilson instructions but it was not sufficiently documented for first timers. Your video answered all the questions. Only thing would I have been useful for beginners is instructions on how to use awl. I struggled a lot on the last gommet to get the string through as it was blocked by mains string. I did not realize that you could use awl for such a situation until I was done. Oh well. next time. But thanks a lot for the video!

[@bigalexg]

Thanks Alan. Good job. Thinking of getting this machine but I was afraid it would be too involved. I can see now it is quite doable. If you ever redo the video it might be a nice intro to explain the reasons why you might want to string your own - is is just convenience, do you save a lot of money in the long term etc etc.

[@srvp2003]

Excellent video and very well instructed. Thanks a lot!

[@AlanGrandman]

Thanks for watching!

[@saml2592]

Very clear, fully understand now! Thanks!

[@roryoconnor4989]

Good to see you’re picking up some useful skills while in the witness protection program 😂 honestly, great tutorial. Thank you

[@Kai-gj3ji]

This has me rolling 😂😂

[@boson7354]

🤣 🤣 🤣

[@nugget6292]

Great instructional vid man! If I had an extra starting clamp (in addition to the 2 flying clamps) can I go ahead and tension the first main? Instead of pulling tension on essentially the 3rd main?

[@AlanGrandman]

I believe that should work if the starting clamp is attached to the machine. If not I am unsure. I personally don't use starting clamps.

[@byrne8509]

Thanks, this is a great tutorial and really helped me :) Many beginner tutorials like this aren't comprehensive enough, and assume too much of someone just starting out, this one didn't have that problem. IMO this is the best beginner drop weight stringing tutorial out there.

[@AlanGrandman]

Glad to hear it!

[@utkashdubey8458]

Thank you for these instructions, I've strung 5 rackets on my machine and I frequently go back to this video

[@AlanGrandman]

Great to hear!

[@goggleboy2464]

Tension is not accurate or consistent. 2 point mounting will brake your frame. . All misconceptions about drop weight stringers. The only thing you gain with other tensioning systems is speed. Oh fixed clamps slip just as much as floating clamps

[@briancampbell2735]

What happens if you go to drop the weight and it is already too much tension?

[@Bond.James.Sean.]

Hey man! Great video! I only have 1 question: Are there any defferences if I put the string more than one time arround the round-head? Because sometimes the string slides a bit if I only do it one time. Thanks!

[@Stellarffxi]

Don't see why it would make any difference personally

[@SivaFolsom]

Thanks Alan! You video helped me to successfully restring my racquetball racket!

[@fredericclerico1421]

Thank you very much. The explanations are very clear! Great job!

[@stefanbololoi7110]

Excellent tutorial! After watching your video I’m confident I can do it…

[@Cynnik911]

I got this same exact stringer and use this vid for reference often. Thanks man!

[@kimhk1789]

Hey I am a beginner stringer and I learned from you video. Thanks for the awesome video! I strung three multi by following the steps you took and there were no problems, however I was string 4g soft the other night and the weight wouldn’t go down it seemed like the string was not elastic at all so I had to force the weight down and it led to a bad pop.. I don’t understand how it happens..do you have some idea about it?

[@AlanGrandman]

Hi. For some reason didn't see your comment earlier. Might be too late for a response but I'm not sure why that particular string has the issue. The tension on the machine might be set as too high but am not certain.

[@shervin327]

Great instructions, only issue i encounter was about the length of the string. 17 times racquet head is not enough for 100in2 head size. 19 times is the right length!

[@augustobarros5517]

Very good video, I would like to have a string machine, but in Brazil it is difficult to have one. Thanks you

[@Deescizzle]

Awesome video! Even 4 years later! I was able to string my first racquet today! Thank you!!!

[@AlanGrandman]

Thanks. Hard to believe this was 4 years ago haha.

[@peppio]

i would buy it..do you think is good for a recreational player like me?

[@pdpotomac]

Having strung well over 100 racquets with this model stringing machine I commend you for putting up the how to video, BUT the viewer needs to know several very important details have been left out. Watch the other videos on this stringer available before you start and read the manual that comes with the stringer. Practice with a cheap string starting out. Knots, string length, one piece vs two piece all do matter as well as tie off points. Find the manufacturers stringing pattern instructions for your racquet. Details matter across all the racquet brands.

[@paullee1521]

Your weight went dropped every time you pulled tension. What do you do when the weight does not drop or drops little, so it doesn't get close to parallel. It happened to me today as I strung so I made some adjustments to the area where I was clamping and at some points just moved on without it being parallel. I'm pretty sure my tension is all mixed up on this round but I'm still going to play with it and see if it's playable. For future use, what do you do? I read somewhere that you start the weight not 90% but closer to parallel so it doesn't have to drop as much, or even start below parallel and crank it up as necessary. What does it mean when this happens and what would you do?

[@5l7morsa86]

how long does it take you????

[@AlanGrandman]

Around 30 min

[@eliasfriedman]

Another tip, instead of trying to jam the clamp up from underneath on the first/second cross, clamp from the top down so the mounting platform isn’t in the way 👍

[@BiynahDayok-b5c]

Thanks please what do you do if your drop weight remains highly above parallel after dropping

[@nugget6292]

Is there a technique to tension the first 2 mains with a drop weight as opposed to your method of pulling tension on the 3rd and 4th mains. Wouldn't the tension of the 1st and 2nd main be inaccurate?

[@humanentity2214]

Nice video. How much was the stringer and what's the model name?

[@AlanGrandman]

Put the link in the description

[@khodsi]

So helpful buddy, thanks!😍👍

[@DB-CA]

Best tutorial on drop weight. Thanks

[@AlanGrandman]

Thanks for watching

[@handymanird1632]

thank you Alan. Your video very good. Will string a racket soon following your video

[@johncorley6451]

What a cutie 😘

[@JP_Covers]

Thanks to this video I was able to string my first racket today with ease. Thank you so much for the great step by step video!

[@bengray5013]

Thanks for this tutorial Alan, I’ve got a gamma stringer arriving soon so this is really helpful 👍🏻

[@keyurpatel1860]

Thank you! Was helpful as a refresher for me getting back into stringing.

[@Reakerboy]

Try putting a little bit of slack on the string before you put it in the clutch, you'll be able to build tension better and get a more accurate overall result. Good vid though, very helpful for people using this type of drop weight. 👍🏻

[@otm777]

True. And this is more of a concern with poly strings which stretch less than multifilament.

[@nib7085]

Thanks Alan, just got my new gamma X 2 needed to see how to start the main strings. Have to put it together out of the box and see how it goes..

[@tennispunk2]

There is a much better way to start. Starting like in the video will not give you the desired tension for the center mains. The dynamic tension will be lower than the reference tension.

[@rishijai]

@@tennispunk2 I actually string 2 mains at once with the X2. I can't tell the difference. I string 2 crosses then 1 cross to change the pulling direction. I don't string one at a time.

[@Sokeresa]

@@tennispunk2 is there a video on how to start mains differently with flying clamps

[@timbihl2753]

FYI, that knot is called a double half hitch.

[@LubaLuba1]

Which one is better or worse between these two: gamma x-stringer x2 tennis stringing vs gamma proression 2 200 tennis stringing?

[@AlanGrandman]

I've only ever used the X2, but from what I heard, it's slightly superior.

[@LubaLuba1]

@@AlanGrandman I see and whats the total weight of this machine?

[@AlanGrandman]

@@LubaLuba1 30 lbs. I put a link to it in the description. Should have all the details. It's quite heavy to move around a lot(but you can if you need to) so best to find one good spot for it.

[@alessandrotringali813]

Many thanks.. very clear!! Two points holding is ok or it can damage the frame? I would like ti buy your same machine.. and string only for my self.. what do you suggest to me? Thanks Alessandro

[@AlanGrandman]

Two-point works well. My frames have never been damaged from it.

[@brapp5973]

Hi Alan, this is a good video. But my one point of confusion is that you don’t really explain which strings you are clamping together and why you move the clamps to a particular location. I think you are clamping the one you just tensioned with the one next to it, right? And then I see you move the clamp, but you don’t say why you are moving it from one end of the racquet to the other. Can you explain in one sentence, WHICH STRINGS you are clamping together and how you decide WHICH END of the racquet you move the clamp to? I’m a beginner! Thanks!

[@otm777]

He's clamping the string that he just pulled tension on and the one next to it which was tensioned prior. After pulling tension you must move the "flying clamp" to the end where you pulled tension to "hold" the tension; otherwise, if you just remove/release the string from the circle ratchet you'd lose the tension and defeat the purpose for pulling. Placing the clamps closet to the end where you're pulling tension maintains the tension from that point backwards. Then you just pull, clamp, and repeat.

[@hych8429]

What is the distance for winder support standing from the corner? You seemed to be putting about 3 inches from the start

[@ayanpatel7916]

Awesome video bro it was so helpful

[@DB-CA]

Thanks. I learned from your video

[@rcheoun]

Great video! is there a reason you go through two lines before pulling the first weight on crosses?

[@cj_ssfsm]

Your great but the drop weight machine sucks.

[@detectoruser]

We all have to start off somewhere and this video is evidence of that. There is much going wrong with the machine selection, racket mounting, tensioning, knots, tools and so on that means you would benefit from a professional stringing course. I say that as you are obviously very keen on what you are doing and now just need to be taught properly. I mean no disrespect in saying all that, you can only do what you know, what you have been taught. Good luck on your stringing journey, Liam Technical Director UK Racket stringers Association www.ukrsa.com

[@AlanGrandman]

@@detectoruser Absolutely right. I did train under an MRT so I am familiar with the various methods of stringing on electric stringers. This video was created with the intention of helping out those who might not have the means to afford those high-end machines but still want to be able to string rackets for themselves.

[@SammyEddie]

Thumper baby Bambi I spoke with a stringer at a pro tournament once. He said the gravity stringers are MUCH more accurate than the $10k stringer he uses. He said gravity will NEVER change and my stringer will be just as accurate in 20 years as it is when new. The electric ones use springs, which wear out, etc. he said only reason they use electric is for SPEED. He told me don’t waste my money on an expensive stringer, that weighted is the most accurate. Period. It’s just slower. (He was restringing Jack Socks racquets when I was listening to him).

[@tennispunk2]

Alan I believe that the MRT missed a lot while training you. As Liam said, you need a lot of training and myself and Liam have offered. We are both world class professional stringers that have many years of experience. You may want to take advantage of the offer. My first suggestion is to get better tools. An MRT would have told you that, as having good tools are very essential to get a better Profesional result. Try this knot procedure.......... goo.gl/eUmwY1 m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1827493740596060&id=100000063547364 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnKbhoZ3mbqNqqc

[@everythingiphone5053]

Can you give me the link to your racquet stringing machine

[@lss922]

Thanks so much for tutorial, very clear instructions. Is it normal if the strings "sound" when picked different while doing the mains and after knotting them up?

[@AlanGrandman]

Yes when just the mains are on they sound almost like an instrument

[@avanith3579]

Is this stringer basically the same as the klippermate?

[@ninjanickgaming3548]

What about the two center mains that the drop weight isn't used on??

[@lazybug222]

Just wondering some time when I pull the string the weight is not dropping as expeced and it's kinda stuck in the middle. I am hestistad to put any force to move the weight afriaid of the the strings might pop. Do you any idea for what's the reason of this happening?

[@AlanGrandman]

this was asked in another comment I usually push it up and let it drop a little more

[@anthonyaje]

Has anyone string badminton racket with this machine?

[@helencusack2066]

That's very good tutorial! I feel I can start to string racquet now. :) Thanks!

[@AlanGrandman]

Thanks for watching!

[@rydermiller4263]

Whats the point of the little 2 blue things you putting on the strings?

[@SahemahSahemah-r9w]

does this give accurate tension like the expensive machines ?

[@yungsuit]

Man I have been stringing for nearly two decades but only used a drop weight for the last three years after a friend gifted one to me. I didn't realize how many quirks there were to it

[@AlanGrandman]

Yeah, it's a lot easier to go from drop weight to electric then the other way around.

[@Chris-iw4up]

one thing makes me wonder. I will buy a racket and there is 23/25 kg on it that you can stretch. But how much is the actual stretch?

[@AlanGrandman]

That's the recommended tension for the frame. So when you buy your string it's a good reference to see what number to stick close to.

[@StuPendousMi]

Do you find that the tension comes out accurate?

[@jaykay-qd1my]

Awesome job young man. take care.

[@imateapot51]

I feel bad for you guys with drop weights. I would be half way done with the crosses by the time you did a few mains. I use a Prince Neos crank pull and also a Babolat 5 Star electric constant pull. One thing I did not realize about using drop weights is that you have to keep adjusting the drop weight while you are tensioning the string. I always say consistency is the key to a good string job. How long a string is tensioned, how long to move and set the clamp how long to release the tension. Doing all that at the same amount of time every time is key. If you spend 10 seconds with a string in the tensioner and then on the next 30 adjusting the weight I worry how good a job will result. It would be like if I had a string in the tensioner and then went to answer a phone and got distracted.

[@otm777]

Very true, but it boils down to cost (and probably stringing volume). As you prob know, a drop weight machine is considerably less than a crank pull or electric pull. But if the volume and/or stringing frequency warrants the more advanced machine, then I'd say it prob makes more sense to opt for the more expensive option if one's budget can support it. Besides getting the job done quicker, it's likely to be more consistent.

[@yavuzc]

Very nicely done, thank you

[@SussyJoeMama]

Can you string badminton rackets with it?

[@matteovantini4171]

This guy is so fantastic, you are so good, thanks for lesen me how to restring, thank you mate

[@ReggaeSkiGolfDad420]

Are you a fugitive dude?

[@justHereToKillTime]

Just got a Gamma progression 200 and strung 2 racquets. Saw several videos on KZbin but found yours to be the most helpful.thanks for the detailed explanations.

[@daveypowda]

Thank you so much for this video! I was just gifted one of these and the manual was confusing, but your video was very clear and straightforward. I now have my first racket successfully strung!

[@AlanGrandman]

Glad it helped!

[@rakesh0085]

The center 2 mains were never given tension. Started from 2nd hole from either side. This will lead to incorrect tension at the center 2 mains,

[@robertpapp96]

You can't do it with this machine. This is the right way won't be problem. Also I did around a 200 racquet with same machine nobody said it was any problem. ;)

[@steveb2854]

He states exactly why you can't tension the center two mains on this machine. Do people even listen anymore?

[@miketang7533]

Thank you. Great stringing tutoring. 👍🙏

[@DeenAllah-b6m]

Thank you very much for uploading this!! I followed your instructions and I got it right from the first time… god bless you 👏🏼

[@AlanGrandman]

Awesome. Thank you!

[@Cesarini77]

Awesome video! Simple and covering the info we should know when stringing a racket. Have you tried the 6 point mounting system machine? If so, what are the advantages/disadvanteges between the two models.

[@AlanGrandman]

Yes, I have. The 6 point mounting system keeps the tensions on the racquet way more evenly distributed so its better for the frame. Most 6 points are electric so you would be able to get the string job done a lot faster. With an electric machine, I am able to complete the job in about 20-25 minutes but with this stringer, it takes me about 40-45 minutes.

[@tennispunk2]

A 6-point mounting system has nothing to do with getting better tension distribution. It is just for better support to hold the frame to keep it from distorting.

[@jordann5606]

@@tennispunk2 yes, as Alan says, the racket (not string) is more evenly distributed and 6-pt support is better for the frame (shouldn't make a difference for the strings).

[@Peaceful13]

I lost the knobs that you put over the clamps. do you know where i can buy them and what are they called

[@joshfung2131]

Super HElpful!

[@sohjjcvhjjhg5451]

why don't you put weight on the first rope ?

[@nicksends102]

Hi Alan, I’ve been copying your technique for the crosses and I clamp two strings as you did in the video. When I finish the racquet it seems to be loose and the crosses move around even when strung at 52 pounds

[@AlanGrandman]

Yea, there is really not much you can do with those edge strings. It's the big disadvantage of flying clamps in addition to speed.

[@lydavy]

@@AlanGrandman would increasing the tension by 10% just for those strings compensate?

[@AlanGrandman]

@@lydavy I personally don't lift the tension, but I know people who do. It's especially necessary with an electric stringer. So I would say try both and see what works best.

[@vidpromjm]

@@lydavy I usually give the tie off mains a bit more otherwise they can end up too loose. Another thing you can try is jamming an awl in the grommett hole to hold tension before tying off. Just be careful not to "nick" the strings. A lot of people seem to be anti-awl but it was suggested to me by a guy who strung for the Australian Davis Cup team back when they were winning!

[@mattstorie276]

Great vid man, your a life saver. 👍

[@mihob]

great video

[@America2gether]

The BEST!!!!

[@razolmahari]

Hey great video. Clear instructions. Well done man. One question: with a hybrid which one goes as mains and which as crosses? I'm using ashaway crossfire 17g poly and aramid on a 2006 babolat aero pure drive plus. Thanks.

[@AlanGrandman]

Appreciate you. It's whatever you prefer. If you want more spin go with the poly in the mains. If you want better feel go with the aramid in the mains.

[@jayp123]

Are you a fugitive? 😂

[@anurajms]

thank you

[@RondelayAOK]

I've got a Klippermate and glad of it: my flying clamps totally rock compared to Gamma. I'd advise buying different flying clamps, works easier this way.

[@sshaw4429]

Invest I better microphone.....because this was great, sound was bad.

[@sharonmartin6039]

5:20

[@ajcph]

I’m trying to compare this to the Klippermate and decide which to purchase. I know Klippermate is made in USA with a lifetime warrants and Gamaa made in Taiwan with a 5 year warranty. Any advice?

[@orinsmountainstories5578]

Hi! I have the same machine and I am currently working on my 2nd racket- the tensioner was horizontal as instructed and then made a loud ‘ping’ noise and the string came undone. Next, the strings were losing tension and the clamps were moving up and down the racket which never happened before. What does this mean? Is the machine broken in some way? Stressing over this a lot. Thanks

[@khannadeem12345]

My strings keep sliding off the blue thing, please help. Is it a problem with the circle thing that holds the strings

[@AlanGrandman]

Did you do exactly as shown at 8:10-8:22?

[@khannadeem12345]

Yes exactly same, still the strings keep slipping

[@AlanGrandman]

when the drop weight goes down they slip? hmmmm. Could be an issue with your machine. The string should have tension by the time you twist. Shouldn't be loose. That could be the issue.

[@soundarisureshanand9546]

My far the best video I have seen on how to string your racquet. Very clear, well explained and video/Audio is very clear. Great job!!! I need to know how to string from the top. Is it any different?

[@AlanGrandman]

Thank you! Appreciate the kind words. What do you mean by stringing from the top? Do you mean clamping on top rather then having the clamps be floating?

[@ssportslivetvstreaming]

is that a pro stock 6.1 ?

[@AlanGrandman]

The racket? It's a pro staff