Steve's Stringing Services

Contact Steve on:
0208 640 9516/07976 573584
steve.cox12@btopenworld.com

About Me

I'm Steve, a qualified PTR Coach, and I've been playing tennis at local clubs for 6 years and can string rackets for tennis players of all playing standards

Services

I can offer you a friendly and highly individual stringing service together with sound practical advice on the best string types and tensions to complement your style of play. I can also offer a 're-grip' service if required, prices are:

  * Wilson over grip (White) £2.00

  * Covex replacement grip (Black or Blue) £3.50* * REDUCED FROM £5

Equipment

I use a quality 'Bow Brand' constant-pull stringing machine which provides firm and safe mounting of rackets, and high levels of accuracy in string tension settings
Prices: I offer highly competitive/reasonable prices compared to most sports shops etc - with a re-string costing from £15.00. Below is a guideline of prices.

 * Wilson Ultra Synthetic Gut / Wilson Extreme Synthetic Gut £15.00

 * Spin x Extra / Perfect Spin £16.00

 * Babalot Pro Tour £20.00

 * Hybrid £22.00 (Hurricane Pro & your choice from the above, except Babalot Pro Tour) 

 * Bluegear Hexagonal (NEW FOR 2007) £25.00

Time

I guarantee to re-string your racket within 2 working days, but can generally also offer an express next day service if required, at an added cost of £2 per racket.

Here are a few tips on caring for your racket and strings to keep you performing at the top of your game.

Restring your racket as many times per year as you play per week (with a minimum of 2 times per year). This will ensure a minimum standard of string performance. Typically, nylon strings "bag out" and lose most of their life after 30-40 playing hours (if they don't break first). This is a gradual process, so many players don't notice until they have their racket restrung.
Keep your racket away from heat. This means don't store your racket in the car trunk during summer. When flying during summer months, carry your rackets on board instead of checking them with other luggage. Tension loss and loss of string life are dramatically accelerated at temperatures above 100 degrees (F).

If you carry more than one racket on court, keep your spare racket(s) out of the sun. UV rays deteriorate string performance so keep them covered or (better yet) in the shade. Also, be sure to rotate your rackets regularly for even wear and tear of frame and strings.
Replace your grip. Many players overlook the importance of their racket's grip. If your grip is worn, there is a much greater chance of the racket twisting in your hand which can contribute to arm problems. Have your grip checked each time you have your racket restrung.

-Tips supplied and endorsed by the USRSA-

Generally, if you string at the lower end of your racket's recommended tension range, the same stroke will make the ball fly farther. The United States Racquet Stringers Association recently published a study that concluded that the reason lower tensions hit farther is the result of the ball remaining on the strings longer as the racket is swung upward

What's the best string tension for more control?

At any given swing speed, higher string tensions improve control

What's the best string tension for more spin?

You'll find two views on this question. One camp believes lower tensions produce more spin because the ball remains on the strings longer, but lab results indicate that increasing string tension by 50% (quite a lot) increases spin by approximately 5% (not much). The most common explanation is that this slight increase occurs because the ball compresses more on the string bed, with each string biting farther into the ball.

What's the best string tension to protect my arm?

Lower string tensions prolong the contact between ball and strings, spreading the impact shock over a longer period of time and thus reducing stress on your arm

What type of tennis string lasts longest?

Kevlar is the most durable string material, often lasting many times longer than the average nylon or synthetic gut