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

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@Ncode92]

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

[@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!

[@DB-CA]

Best tutorial on drop weight. Thanks

[@AlanGrandman]

Thanks for watching

[@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!

[@dabbingpenguin4956]

I almost fell asleep so relaxing great video

[@michael1electricianquiroz338]

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

[@hsh2292]

this is the best one for teaching how to string

[@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!

[@stefanbololoi7110]

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

[@keyurpatel1860]

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

[@mypandabear50344]

One of the best explanation. Thanks man.

[@AlanGrandman]

Np man. Glad to help!

[@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.

[@paulbuettner5195]

Very well done! I'm an old guy who just got an X-2. The instructions provided with the machine are complex and confusing at best. You provide all the essential details but simplify the process so well. It's given me the confidence to start on my backup racquet for practice. I will be revisiting your excellent video often, I am sure, to refresh my memory of the various steps and techniques. Thank you!

[@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]

🤣 🤣 🤣

[@scottrichards3172]

Thank you very much for the step-by-step instructions. Really appreciate you taking the time to walk me through this process thoroughly. I will be doing my first racket today and I am sure because of your video and instructions I will be successful.

[@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!

[@SivaFolsom]

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

[@Cynnik911]

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

[@matteovantini4171]

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

[@helencusack2066]

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

[@AlanGrandman]

Thanks for watching!

[@zerodegrekelvin2]

Thanks for sharing this how-to! I might invest in a stringer considering I break the strings so often.

[@sunubishwokarma1002]

Thank you so much great demo; I learned to restring now.

[@ethanthomas7433]

Goat! couldn’t understand it until this video

[@handymanird1632]

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

[@srvp2003]

Excellent video and very well instructed. Thanks a lot!

[@AlanGrandman]

Thanks for watching!

[@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

[@saml2592]

Very clear, fully understand now! Thanks!

[@bengray5013]

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

[@fredericclerico1421]

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

[@miketang7533]

Thank you. Great stringing tutoring. 👍🙏

[@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.

[@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!

[@augustobarros5517]

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

[@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!

[@khodsi]

So helpful buddy, thanks!😍👍

[@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.

[@ayanpatel7916]

Awesome video bro it was so helpful

[@jaykay-qd1my]

Awesome job young man. take care.

[@nadaypuesnada]

Thanks a million for posting this video! It has helped me more than any other videos I've found.

[@AlanGrandman]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@tennispunk2]

Alan is trying his best but he is far from being a professional at this time. This is not a good way to string. A lot of his procedures are very harmful to the frame.

[@mattstorie276]

Great vid man, your a life saver. 👍

[@adamjcuz]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video - clear, well explained and helpful.

[@AlanGrandman]

No problem. Appreciate the feedback.

[@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 👍

[@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

[@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.

[@yavuzc]

Very nicely done, thank you

[@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?

[@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.

[@mihob]

great video

[@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.

[@BiynahDayok-b5c]

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

[@rcheoun]

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

[@justpar2012]

Good demo.

[@America2gether]

The BEST!!!!

[@rishijai]

The advantage of getting the X series gamma stringers is that it never rusts because it's made from aluminum alloy. The Progression series rusts over the years as its made of steel.

[@jonl8164]

Nice video! Was very helpful

[@AlanGrandman]

Glad to hear!

[@avanith3579]

Is this stringer basically the same as the klippermate?

[@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.

[@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.

[@jiyuanwang5244]

Thank you so much

[@AlanGrandman]

You're most welcome

[@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).

[@MavenFPV]

Omg, thank you!!! I was looking for this video!

[@AlanGrandman]

Thanks!

[@ninjanickgaming3548]

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

[@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?

[@SahemahSahemah-r9w]

does this give accurate tension like the expensive machines ?

[@peppio]

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

[@Jacky.Jacksonn]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@briancampbell2735]

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

[@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.

[@Peaceful13]

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

[@muchacho87]

Thank you for this video. I have one question. At 20:40 you don't give full tension on first Cross string. You only give the half tension on the first two Cross strings by pulling the second. Is thera a possibility to pull each one seperate?

[@AlanGrandman]

Yes there is that possibility, however, since I am using flying clamps which I assume you have on your machine as well, it is the only way. For those first two crosses, you must tension both in one go. If you look at electric stringers, they have single stationary clamps which allow you to tension one at a time. Of course this gives you more precision, however, those type of clamps are a lot more pricey. With this machine (gamma x-2) you must pull those first two initial crosses together by tensioning just the second cross exactly as seen in the video. Hopefully this helps.

[@judedixontennis8535]

And I also add more tension I string at 55 Ibs and even when I string a 63 still doesn't work

[@HerbBaird]

You can purchase a starting clamp. Use the starting clamp instead of a starting knot. Do everything as shown in the video, but with the clamp you can then go back and pull full tension on the first cross and tie it off with a finishing knot.

[@hoganaddict]

Herb Baird ..just make sure you leave enough string behind the starting clamp to reach the tensioner.

[@HerbBaird]

I would hope people would measure the string to the tensioner prior to clamping, but I guess you never know.

[@joshfung2131]

Super HElpful!

[@hych8429]

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

[@neurodavidus]

Thanks for this great video. I am a beginner and have a similar counterweight machine. I feel that a lot of tension is lost when doing the not. I find it hard to maintain some tensions between the clamp and the knot? Am I doing this something wrong? Is there a trick to reduce the loss of tension? Would the 2 knots technique help in this regard? thanks again for this video and looking forward to hearing from any advice.

[@yousefa1604]

Insightful

[@AlanGrandman]

ty

[@humanentity2214]

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

[@AlanGrandman]

Put the link in the description

[@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?

[@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!

[@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.

[@stephenkeppie1308]

Great video I seem to loose tension in the 2 middle strings and once I tie off the mains it is really noticeable. I have 2 Gamma floating Clamps which I have sep quite tight. Any possible tips? Also if I had a Gamma starting clamp might it give a better end result? I pull at 57lbs and end up with 47lbs once complete according to tennis tension app..... Sorry for all the questions!

[@AlanGrandman]

Hello and thank you! I am unsure of individual string tensions since I don't have an app to measure them, however, after a day of hitting on the court, the string bed tends to level out, and the tensions become even across the frame. This is just something I have observed. Flying clamps will always be disadvantageous in comparison to mounted clamps.

[@stephenkeppie1308]

@@AlanGrandman fantastic information thanks!

[@rishijai]

My X2 is 13 years old and still works perfectly.

[@AlanGrandman]

It's a sturdy piece of equipment!

[@rishijai]

@@AlanGrandman The drop-weight model lasts forever.

[@StuPendousMi]

Do you find that the tension comes out accurate?

[@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?

[@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.

[@SussyJoeMama]

Can you string badminton rackets with it?

[@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.

[@TheFlyingChicken69]

Great video! Is the two point mounting system fine? I've read online that it can cause the frame to twist, so was wondering if it is worth paying extra for the 6 point system?

[@AlanGrandman]

Thanks! Up to you. I found my racquets are still perfect after using the two. The 6 might have a couple benefits though.

[@TheFlyingChicken69]

@@AlanGrandman great, thanks for replying! I ended up choosing the two point machine, looking forward to getting started!

[@chamforever]

@@TheFlyingChicken69 It really depends on the racquet. I strung my friends Wilson Blade 98 and it warped the frame. Made it like .30 inches shorter and a little more wide as well. I use the head radical graphene xt and it doesn't warp the frames.

[@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.

[@anurajms]

thank you