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Overview: 

Twice as Much String,Twice the Life
The Blackburne Double Strung Racquet^TM requires twice as much string as conventional racquets.  The racquet requires a little less than twice the amount of time to string as a single string bed racquet.  You can expect nearly twice the cost of stringing a conventional single string bed racquet but the stringing lasts more than twice as long.  Amateurs who play a touch game may never need a re-stringing!

Less Stress, Less Stringing
The good news is that each string bed is subject to about half as much contact as a single string bed racquet.  In addition, because of inherent stability of the Blackburne’s unique three dimensional construction, both string beds are subject to far less torque/stress (stretching, twisting etc.).

Players are finding that the life of a Blackburne Double Strung Racquet^TM String job lasts about twice as long as a single strung racquet.

On an annualized basis, the Blackburne Double Strung Racquet^TM costs about the same price as a conventional single strung racquet.

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Re-Stringing Instructions for the Blackburne DS 97 or 107:
The Blackburne Racquet incorporates a unique double-strung design, approved by the ITF for play in all tournaments.  Each side is strung separately using normal stringing techniques.  It is recommended that the Blackburne be strung by a Certified Racquet Technician.

Mounting
It is very important that the Blackburne be securely mounted on the stringing machine so that the frame does not slip or move during stringing.  Be sure to adjust the mounts (forward or backward ) to snugly fit the length of the racquet head.  Because of the unique double-strung design, the string loading on the frame is greater than that of a conventional racquet and any slippage or movement of the frame on the mounts during the stringing may damage the frame.  It is also important that the frame not be removed from the stringing machine until both sets are completely strung and knotted off.   On machines that feature center post  mounting systems such as the Babolat Star II, Star 3 and 4 and the Alpha BLU-DC, Ultra Edge and clones, the Blackburne is mounted in the same way as any other racquet.

On machines that employ head and throat retainers, such as the Ektelon, Gamma and Prince machines, it is possible that the standard retainer may block the grommets; particularly on older models.  On some machines, such as the Ektelon Model II and Neos, it is possible to remove the retainers and use the mounting pins as mounting posts.  To prevent damage to the frame, it is very important to pad the frame with tape or grip material.

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Stringing Method
The preferred method of stringing is to use free-floating or flying clamps, which most stringers have.  With this method, the lower string bed is strung first using the standard fixed machine clamps.  Then the upper string bed is strung using flying clamps.  The main strings should be tensioned alternatively starting at the center and the cross strings started at the tip.  If flying clamps are not available, on most machines the Blackburne can be strung by stringing the upper  set first and then, leaving the racquet in the machine, the lower set is strung.

However, on a few machines the clamps may not be enough to reach the top string bed.

Unless you have very thin fingers, weaving the crosses of the second (upper) side at the same speed as the first side can be challenging since it is not easy to get your fingers under the strung mains.  The first ten to twelve crosses are easy, since there is plenty of room to part the mains slightly sideways during the weaving. 

For weaving the last four to six crosses, there are two methods that speed up weaving the second side:

1.  Bend the string slightly about an inch from the end.   Use the convex shape of the interior of the frame, to allow the string to re-emerge above the plane of the strings, by sliding the string under the main close to the frame and partially towards the frame.  The string pops up for you to pull through and thread under the next main.

2.  Select an ordinary teaspoon (it doesn’t have to be from grandma’s best sterling silver set. - a plastic spoon from the local coffee shop will do nicely).  Slide it under the main and then slip the cross under the next -but one main.  This makes for very simple and rapid threading of the last few crosses and ensures no weaving errors.

Tension 
It is suggested that the DS 107 be strung at a machine setting of between 52 and 59 lbs.  Higher tension gives more control; lower tension more power.  Stringing above 59 lbs. is not recommended and may void the limited warranty.  Because the use of floating clamps may cause slight tension loss during stringing, it is suggested that string machine tension levels for the second side be set a pound or two higher to compensate for this.

String Length
One piece stringing is recommended.  Total length for each string is 38 feet with 10 feet 6 inches for the short side.

Pattern  

The string pattern of the DS 107 is 16 Mains and 20 Crosses.  Start mains at the head (top).  The mains skip (both sides) the 8th hole from the top and the 7th hole from the throat.  There are no shared holes except the tie-off hole.  Start the crosses at the 8th hole  from the top.  The last cross string is at the 7th hole from the throat.  Tie off the main string at the 6th hole from the top and the cross string at the 8th hole from the throat.  These holes have been specially  designed with apertures and grommets to accommodate two strings.

Tie-Off  

When tying off, make sure to pull the knot tail toward the inside of the frame to avoid the tail protruding above the plane of the strings.  Care should be taken when cutting the tie-off tails, which will be between the two sets of strings.

Vibration Damper 

A quality string damper, such as the “caterpillar” design supplied with  the Blackburne Racquet, must be fitted on both string beds, below the bottom cross string.

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Finding a  Local Stringer:

Please note that our stringing instructions will assist a professional stringer in re-stringing the Blackburne Double Strung Racquet.^TM

We strongly recommend that the customer utilize the services of a CRT Certified Racquet Technician.  The USRSA  (United States Racquet Stringers Association) has offered to provide the names of CRT or members of their professional association in your area. 

To contact the USRSA :
Tel:  (619) 481-3545 or fax :  (619) 481-0624
Email:  USRSA @ AOL.com
Contact people:  Dot Hogen or Jon Stahley

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National Stringing Service:

www.racquetmaxx.com
toll free number: 1-800-824-4989

Pricing: the cost of two sets of selected strings plus $10 labor and shipping.

One day turnaround and racquetmaxx.com will ship anywhere in the U.S.

Remember that the Blackburne Double Strung^TM stringing lasts twice as long as other, conventional racquet stringings!

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