Laserfibre MS200 ECO:  Tensioning a String

Why ECO?/prePurchase | Delivery | Assembly | Mounts | Setting Desired Tension
Applying Tension to the String | Miscellaneous Pictures | Initial Impression

Applying tension to the string is relatively simple and easy.  The manual was no help at all.  Jaycee, a professional stringer at stringforum.net, was kind enough to give me a quick lesson on how to do it.

I've posted a step-by-step pictorial of how to apply tension to the string.

Quick Notes:

The following is not an attempt to give a tutorial on how to completely string a racquet but simply to show how to apply tension on the string using this stringer.  Please go to stringforum.net to read up on the stringing procedure.  You can also go to sptennis.com and watch videos of stringing a racquet on a machine with flying clamps and also on a machine with fixed clamps.

The Laserfibre manual describes two ways of tensioning the strings:  single and double string.

• Single string means simply to run the string from front to back of the tensioning jaw. 
• Double string (or loop) means running the string from one side of the jaw, around the back, and to the other side. 

Both methods work fine.  The method I chose and is described below is the Double String.  Why?  Looping the string provides a stronger grip on the string since it is clasped on both sides of the jaw.  With an enormous amount of tension applied to the string when pulled, having as much grip on the string is always a good thing.  I however will use the Single string method on the next stringing session and will post pictures as well.

Check out the pictorials.

• Single String Method

• Double String (Loop) Method

  • Comments from Randy Law:  "I tried to loop the string around the tension clamp as shown on your photos, and it actually works very well.  It holds the string a bit better, and will prevent a groove from developing on the vertical shaft.  I've had to disassemble my machine twice and sand down the nick on the shaft.  Looping the string should solve the problem."
    
    Tip from Randy on Blocked Holes:  "Another tip for a new stringer is to loop a short piece of string when skipping a hole.  This will help you when a hole is blocked by a tensioned string.  Mainly a problem with Head Radical Rackets (all versions) as the holes are very small, and the frame is very thin.  This is almost never an issue with Wilson or Prince Rackets, as there is usually plenty of room to work with."

Regardless of the string method you choose, the final outcome should be of a securely gripped and correctly tensioned string as shown below.  

Got Tips or Suggestions?

If you have any suggestions or tips for other tennis enthusiasts, please let me know and I'll post it here for you.