Save money, save time and save grief with your own tennis stringing machine – by Greg Christopherson

One of my better decisions regarding tennis was the purchase of  a tennis stringing machine.

I think I am very similar to many other tennis players.  You know—played a little years ago, then got sidetracked by a variety of other activities (work, family, other sports, etc.), then came back to tennis—with a ROAR—and now play 3 to 5 times a week.  When you play frequently the benefits of your own machine can shine brightly.  When I first purchased a stringing machine my main motivator was “saving money” by doing my own stringing.  But I soon discovered much more than savings—here are a few examples…

1)  Try the “latest / greatest” stuff: 
I am always intrigued by the new products offered each season.  A tennis stringing machine is a device that allows me more freedom to sample all the new stuff in a very affordable manner.  It’s FUN to play-test new strings which are promoted as providing more spin, or more power, or more control, etc.  Tennis stringing machines allow you to affordably mix it up a little—and maybe, just maybe, take you to a new level of performance.  (And you may have never tried those new strings if you did not have a stringing machine!).

2) Convenience:

Ever wanted to get new strings installed prior to an important match—then have to work late & can’t get to the tennis shop before they close?  And then you break a string during warm-up and have to play with your back-up racquet which is covered with cobwebs??  I have!  Well—that should never happen again if you have a machine at home.  String anytime, 24/7, in the comfort of your own home.  What could be better than that?

3)  Attention to Detail:

When it comes to your tennis racquet, YOU are the world’s best stringer!  A stringing machine allows you to be the technician responsible for the maintenance of your racquet.  You will inspect your racquet at each stringing for any kind of damage--broken grommets, worn-out bumper guards, etc.  No one will care as much as you and you will take pride in a job well-done!

4)  Pays for itself:

Tennis stringing machines cost from as little as $ 150 and up to over $ 5,000.  The majority of home stringers pay in the $ 400 - $ 900 range.  If you and members in your family play a lot of tennis, it won’t take long to cover the cost of your investment.

Tennis racquet stringing is not for everybody.  There are a few things to consider before taking the plunge and buying your own machine.  The most important is that you have to learn how to string!  And to become adept it will take a while.  You need to enjoy working with your hands and standing for extended periods of time.  And you must have a firm resolve when all your tennis buddies start asking you to do them a “favor”—because those “favors” can quickly get out of control.  

Finally—are you OK with this odd-looking and heavy device sitting in your house or garage?  But if the whole idea sounds exciting you may be just the right candidate for a tennis stringing machine.
 

Greg Christopherson lives in Oceanside, Calif. He is a local stringer and an avid tennis player. He writes for Do It Tennis in his spare time.