Racquet Repair [Stringing Problems & Solutions]

Have you heard the saying,
"There's no such thing as a problem - only a solution waiting to happen?"
If you haven't, I believe my wife Heather coined that phrase, and I thought it perfectly describes my "problem-solving" journey as I restring these two old Prince racquets.
I'll share my "Grommet Protectant Tip" that I created during this journey, but I'm still waiting to see what happens over time.
RELATED VIDEOS MENTIONED
"Tubing Installation - Tips & Techniques" • Racquet Stringing [Tub...
"Replacing Grommets & Bumpers" • Racquet Repair [Replac...
* * * * *
I'm proud to announce that I recently joined the Tennis Warehouse Affiliate Team!
If you purchase products from Tennis Warehouse, please use my affiliate link. I will receive a commission, which will help support me and my TH-cam channel!
Feel free to share this link with your tennis friends, too!
www.tennis-war...
* * * * *
STRINGING COURSE AVAILABLE AT IART!!!
* Basic Stringing 101 - 10 Module Course
* Perfect if you're starting or want to ensure you're stringing the right way.
* Learn from an expert panel of Global Ambassadors.
* Build a solid foundation of stringing skills.
* As a Premium Member ($49/year), the course is free, and you have access to all other content.
* IART has been teaching the craft of racquet stringing for over 20 years.
We hope you check it out and enjoy the course as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
Go HERE - gssalliance.co...
* * * * *
If you're interested in purchasing one of these products, I will receive a small commission by using my affiliate link, which will help support this channel.
* ERT300 String Tension Device, please use my affiliate link to get 10% off the regular price.
Go to ert300.com/
Code: AMSTRINGING
* TopspinPro - contact me directly at [e-mail]. I'll be happy to send you a discount link for 10% off the regular price.
Watch the video here - • Tennis Training Aid [T...
* Functional Tennis Saber racquet, please use this affiliate link.
www.functional...
Watch the video here - • Tennis Training Aid [S...
* Katana Sports Copper Customization Tape
Use this affiliate link katana-sportz.com?sca_ref=2850557.wja2ZNWwDp
Enter AlbertM_1 in the affiliate coupon for 10% off the regular price.
* * * * *
Check out the International Alliance of Racquet Technicians, their community of passionate racquet stringers, and what they have to offer!
gssalliance.com/
For information about becoming a Master Racquet Technician or Certified Stringer, go to the United States Racquet Stringers Association - racquettech.com/
For more information about private stringing lessons, either in-person or by FaceTime, go to my website - amstringing.co....
REFERENCES
AM Stringing - amstringing.com/
Email - [e-mail]
#amstringing #tennis #tennisstringing #tennisstringer #tennisstrings #stringing #stringer #tennisplayer #tennisracket #tennisracquet #tenniscourt #tenniscoach #tennispro #tennisfan #tennislover #tennisvideo #tennisaddict #prince #princetennis #hawaiitennis

[@dbk7238]

aloha albert. in the past, grommets were made of a harder plastic that wasnt very durable. they were brittle, cracked and broke to rattle on the string. over the years grommets have improved and more pliable perhaps have higher rubber content. im not sure about using a protectant on the grommets but if it drys might be okay. armor all would not be good. during stringing it can transfer on the strings and then on the clamps to encourage slippage.
when you held the racquet up, the head bumper guard looked familiar. my cousins last racquets were the cts blast. i dont know what model you got there but my guess its in the old cts (constant taper system) series

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Coach Dudley,
Yes, I don’t why these particular grommets were so brittle. I’ve had some older ones hold up better than these.
Good point about the clamp slippage. I guess in this case over spraying the grommets is not recommended or applying with a rag would be safer.
The racquet is the Thunder 820 🤙

[@spyghetti]

Great content and thanks for sharing the process... I bought some new bumper guards for an older Yonex ezone xi, you know how the corners go especially on the box corners of Yonex racquets but the new bumper guard was like your Prince one, it was pretty stiff, wasn't quite that brittle but it shredded up quickly after replacing.. I definitely will try to condition the plastic just to see if it can stay more malleable, heat gun definitely would've helped on a Yonex bumper guard. One of the underrated maintenance items people have to consider for their racquets.

[@AMstringing]

Aloha,
Thanks for watching.
I ran into a problem with Yonex racquet but can’t recall the model. It had rubber grommet barrels at the 3:00/9:00 head locations that were breaking off so I decided to cut them off flush to the inside of the frame.
And yes, a heat gun (even a blow dryer) does help when installing grommets/bumper. 🤙

[@javierjimenez786]

Thanks for the useful tips Albert! I can't tell that Prince racket model, but those bumper styles for sure seem dated to me 😅.
Question: What gauge is the tubing used for stringing? And just out of curiosity, do you have any string waste management tips/hacks you use? (video idea perhaps?)
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the community Albert!

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Javier,
Another viewer identified the racquet. It’s a Thunder 820.
I believe my nylon tubing is 16 gauge. The Teflon tubing is also the same but has a tighter fit and is less thick.
Sorry, I don’t have any waste management tips but it would be something to think about. 🤔
Thanks for your support! 🤙

[@bradcranford157]

Hello Albert. What is your source for the individual grommets?

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Brad,
I haven’t ordered in a while, but New Tech Tennis in Texas was the last source I used. newtechtennis.com/rab-fittex-grommets-rabfg-tennis-accessories-racquet.html
If they don’t have any in stock, then you could try W&D Strings in the UK. 🤙

[@jaysee1667]

Those are the old Prince Thunder 750 longbody or the 820 if those are the oversizes

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Jay,
You are spot on! 👍
I’m happy to hear someone remembers this racquet! 🤙