In a recent blog entry we addressed the JET Method of stringing. We explained that there are 3 major components of the method that must be implemented in unison to achieve optimal results.
- Â Selection of L-TEC Premium string or hybrid to match playing style.
- Â Identifying and stringing to a specific overall string bed tension.
- A precise methodology for installing the strings.
The JET method of installation is the most recent version of what is know on some internet message boards as the “JayCee Method.” This is the method of installation has been developed by John Elliot who is also the designer of L-TEC Premium strings. Through the years John Elliot has continued to refine his stringing practice. He teaches this method at his office in Paris, France and has discussed it previously on internet message boards. He has freely demonstrated and explained the method at the GSS Symposiums. As the method has evolved and John has curtailed his involvement in message board discussions, the boards have grown cluttered with well-intentioned posters attempting to share with others the steps involved with JayCee’s Method. The intent is all very good, but many of the refined steps have been intermingled with with older processes and unfortunately confusion has emerged. This post will attempt to provide some clarity in regard to the JayCee Method of stringing.
First, it needs to be understood that the JayCee Method and the JET methodology are both designed to be used by stringers who are using Stringway equipment. (Specifically the most recent JET Method makes use of Stringway machines, Stringway flying clamps, and Stringway Cross Stringing Tools.) Since the majority of stringers are not using this exact equipment, there are some aspects that may need to be altered for constant pull electronic machines. This blog entry provides the full details of the JayCee Method for those who are curious and want to try it for themselves. The JayCee Method is extremely effective when installing L-TEC Premium strings which are specifically designed to excel at lower tensions strung with either the JayCee Method or the further refined JET Method. (Note: The full JET Method, as detailed in the opening paragraph, will be made available to L-TEC distributors in early 2012.)
RACQUET PREPARATION:
Open up holes on #6 main (16 main pattern) or #7 main (18 main pattern) for tie-off. (This will be either top or bottom depending on where main strings end.)
Open up hole on third cross from bottom of frame for tie-off. (Depending on pattern, this can sometimes vary. The objective is to tie-off as close to the 2nd to last cross as possible.)
MAIN STRINGS: (16 main detailed)
1. String first three mains on each side at reference tension. (R1 – R3 & L1 – L3)|
2. Next 3 mains reduce tension by 4 pounds. (R4 – R6 & L4 – L6)
3. On a 16 main pattern after clamping off main #6 skip over to #8. Do NOT pull tension. Fill in #7. Increase tension to reference plus 4 pounds. You will then pull tension on #7 which will tension both #7 and #8 simultaneously. (Yes, this is a double pull.) While under tension strum #6, #7, #8 with your finger. The tonal response should get higher with each string as you progress to the frame. You will likely find #8 is a lower tone than #7. Push down firmly in the middle of #7 to raise the tension on #8. Clamp off.
4. Tie off on hole you opened…#6 on racquet with 16 mains.
5. Tune strings. Again #6, 7 & 8 should grow progressively higher in tone when strummed. It is probable that #7 will be too low. Fortunately you placed some reserve tension on string #8. You can now press down on the center of string #8 to manually shift some of that tension to string #7. Your tonal response should now be perfect. Also you will find when complete that all your mains will measure the same tension according to a String Meter.
CROSS STRINGS:
1. Â Start first two cross strings and tension at same tension as final mains. (+4 pounds over reference tension)
2. After installing the 2nd cross string, reduce tension 4 pounds and install the next several cross strings. Keep this tension through the 3rd cross from the bottom of the frame.  (This will be the original reference tension)
3. After tensioning and clamping off the 3rd last cross, loop over and weave bottom cross.
4. For final cross string fill in second from bottom. Increase tension to +8 over reference. Pull tension, (this is another double pull), and clamp. Tie off on 3rd from bottom.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- ALWAYS PULL ON SLOWEST PULL SPEED!!!
- Do Not Prestretch Polys with electronic machine settings!!!
- The JayCee Method is NOT the same as a full JET installation, but it does contain many of the elements and will provide EXCELLENT results.
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Tension Illustration (16 x 19 pattern)
Reference Tension= 44 lbs.
Mains:
L1 – L3 & R1 – R3 = 44 lbs.
L4 – L6 & R4 – R6 = 40 lbs.
L8 – L7 & R8 – R7 = 48 lbs. (Note order of stringing)
Crosses:
1 & 2 = 48 lbs.
3 – 17 = 44 lbs.
19 – 18 = 52lbs. (Note order of stringing)
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Dense pattern example (18 x 20)
(Select tension 2 lbs less than same size frame with a less dense pattern)
1. String first 4 mains on each side of center at reference tension. (R1 > R4 & L1 > L4)|
2. Next 3 mains reduce tension by 4 pounds = 38lbs. (R5 > R7 & L5 > L7)
3. Last 2 mains increase tension by 8 pounds
L9 > L8 & R9 > R8 = 46 lbs. (note in the order of stringing)
Tension Illustration (18 x 20 pattern)
Mains:
L1 – L4 & R1 – R4 = 42 lbs.
L5 – L7 & R5 – R7 = 38 lbs.
L9 > L8 & R9 > R8 = 46 lbs (note the order of stringing)
– Tie-offs mains on L7 & R7.
Crosses:
1 & 2 = 46 lbs.
3 – 18 = 42 lbs.
20 – 19 = 50lbs. (note in the order of stringing)
Mark on said:
Hi, I read in a previous blog about John using a Prince Neos with accuracy very close to a constant pull machine. What I was wondering is if John increases the tension by the recommended 5lbs (USRSA recommendation) to compensate for the difference in tension between a cp machine and a lock out.
GGTennis on said:
Mark,
I honestly do not recall what tensions were used. I do not think there was an adjustment of 5 pounds, but there may have been a slight adjustment. I will try to remember to ask John next time I speak with him to see if he recalls. Great question.
Lee on said:
Thank you for consolidating these clear instructions on the JayCee method! While I can understand the rationale behind most of the technique, I’m at a loss on the 4th-6th mains are strung below reference tension. Is it because of the curvature of the racquet (then how would Yonex frames be affected?) or to compensate for the increase in tension on the outer mains? None of the above?
GGTennis on said:
One of the objectives is to string the frame so that the mains will all give identical tension readings when the stringing is complete. By making this adjustment, this objective is reached. In terms of Yonex frames we reduce the number of strings from 3 to 2 where the drop of 4 pounds is implemented.
Lee on said:
I strung up a frame using this method (at 29 lbs!) and am excited to hit with it this weekend. Also, can you explain the rationale behind double pulling the last two mains, and the bottom two crosses?
GGTennis on said:
The double pulls are largely a product of using flying clamps.
bruce on said:
which strings and how do you like the tension?
Hank on said:
If you were serious about educating the public you would describe it on youtube.
GGTennis on said:
The process usually generates quite a few questions. We are currently offering live stringing demonstrations online via our Google+ hangout. This allows participants to watch the method, hear the description and ask questions. In our opinion these are a better educational tool than posting a video because they are interactive. Tuesdays at 1:00 is a standard time we are trying to keep as well as some other ad hoc sessions throughout the week.
Gecko in MD on said:
You talk about using constant pull/electronic machines but would this also work with a simple drop weight stringer?? I assume that you’d also want to pull very slowly and leave the weight arm in place a period of time before clamping. Am I right with my assumptions?
Thanks in advance
GGTennis on said:
It will work on a drop weight stringer. Strongly suggest the use of Stringway flying clamps on these machines. You will not need to pull any slower than normal.
Gecko in MD on said:
Thanks for the info John. Not really familiar with Stringway clamps…what sets them apart from other flying clamps? Set looks like it might cost me over $100 so am curious.
GGTennis on said:
They are constructed to last. They wear much better than other clamps and with use will be less likely to slip.
BirdMan on said:
When using a drop weight, you allow the string to set at parallel for about 10 seconds, then the weight drops slightly below parallel. Do you ratchet the arm up a click or two? Or just simply clamp and release tension?
GGTennis on said:
Yes, reset the arm to parallel before clamping off.
Peter Krueger on said:
I play with a PRINCE EXO3 black (with big holes), can I string with your system?
Peter on said:
Can one use this method with all kinds of string or is it just for L-TEC strings?
GGTennis on said:
Peter – Unfortunately the JET Method can not be used in full form with Prince Port-style frames.
Peter on said:
why not with Prince port style?
can I use it with all other kind of rackets, and with all types of strings?
GGTennis on said:
The Prince port-style frames do not allow for alternate tie-off locations which are required for the sequence of the mains. With most other frames it can be used without the same type of alterations. In terms of strings, it works best with our L-TEC strings, the strings designed to be used with the method. You will also get satisfying results with other polys, but not to the same level you will find with L-TEC.
Peter on said:
What is the advantage when stringing the mains, going from 6 to 8, from 8 back to 7? At the conventional stringing one goes from 6 to 7, to 8.
GGTennis on said:
Using the JET Method the tie-off location for the mains is always on main #6. (Prince port racquets are the exception and this method needs to be revised for these crazy frames!) The distance of string running between the final pull and the knot is reduced and this leads to less loss of tension. The JET Method is all about preserving elasticity and maintaining a consistent tension with as little loss as possible. This step greatly aids in reducing tension loss on tie offs. In fact,a veteran JET Method stringer can achieve the exact same tension on ALL main strings as measured by a stringmeter. This includes the tie-off points.
Peter on said:
How about the DONNAY rackets? The cross string will be finished at a cross string hole, so there is a short way and very low tension loss.
GGTennis on said:
Peter,
I am sorry, I do not understand the question. Please elaborate for me.
Adam on said:
How would this stringing method change with the new Wilson Steam 99s racquets? These racquets have the normal 16 mains, but only 15 crosses?
GGTennis on said:
Excellent question. We will have to consult with John Elliot. I suspect some testing will be in order.
Peter on said:
Hello,
I purchased 2 hybrids, one is 3S with WOW, the other is 3S with GUT OS. In case I do the tension on the mains with 22 kp, what should be the tension on the crosses with the multis?
Also: should I pre-stretch the multis?
regards,
Peter
GGTennis on said:
If you are using the JET Method of installation the crosses should be 1kp less. If using a standard stringing method, the crosses should be 2 kp more. The goal is to get the crosses to be installed at about 20 – 25% less than the mains. No need to prestretch the WOW or Gut. Enjoy!
Paul on said:
What is the rationale for the increased tension on the first two crosses? Are those double pulled as the final mains are?
MathieuR on said:
With regard the ratio of Length/Width-kilo’s: isn’t the goal to avoid deformation of the frame. So, if the frame has same dimensions after stringing, you did fine. If eg length increased and width decreased: too much kilo’s in the W-strings.
And as I understand: the goal for the JC-method is to get uniform string-tension. But isn’t it more important to get uniform stringbed-tension, DT as much as possible same value on the whole stringbed? This would mean léss tension on the shorter L-strings on the sides!
GGTennis on said:
Uniform string tension will result in consistent DT tension as well. The goal is to get the differential between the mains and crosses in the 20 – 25% range vs 30% or greater.
MathieuR on said:
With the StringLab2 (Stringway) you can easily measure the DT on all places in the stringbed. “Normal stringing” results in much higher values in the top and bottom of the stringbed, and far-left and right (eg: in the middle 34, on the indicated positions 40).
Did you ever measure the DT’s on these positions in the stringbed, using JC or JET method?
GGTennis on said:
We only measure DT in center of stringbed. The results in other areas are not something we have ever explored.
MathieuR on said:
As the main-strings far-left and right are múch shrter as in the center, the force needed to move these say 1cm out of position is much higher ( when all main-strings would have same string-tension).
So, when I string, I do nót change the kilo’s, and I do nót compensate for knott-loss. The result is, that the last mainstrings, left and right, have clearly a lower stringtension. I then transfer tension from their neighbours, such that these last strings again have the highest pitch. (and, the pitch goes up from center outwards).
When doing this, the DT far-left/right is less deviating from the center DT.
MathieuR on said:
The JET-method has been applied already for years and is “proven technology”, to say that the results are reproduceble reliable ánd appreciated.
But here my question: the method is clear, but can you explain the “goal” of the method. What physical measurable values are different compared with when you use “ordinary” stringing-technique
GGTennis on said:
The outcomes are easily measured. You are seeking a differential in tension between the mains and crosses of approx 20 – 25%. Using regular methods this differential will be 30 – 35%. Also all main strings will be a uniform tension. With other methods the middle/outer mains are higher than central mains and outer mains are less than center strings. When JET is properly mastered and applied, all mains strings measure same tension.
MathieuR on said:
“When JET is properly mastered and applied, all mains strings measure same tension”
You mean tension in kg’s? But how can you controll this after stringing?
Or do you mean uniform DT over the whole stringbed? But then you should measure this to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method
GGTennis on said:
DT is not how we prefer to measure and it is generally not uniform. DT in our opinion is imprecise and not as useful as other ways of measuring outcomes. We do not make use of DT in measuring outcomes of JET method, however, once JET method is measured and coming out perfect using other devices, you can always take the DT and then try and reproduce it. Just be sure to use the center of the stringbed or the same spot when measuring each time.
Tension of course can be measured in kgs or pounds. Using a Stringmeter you can measure the tension of each individual main string. All strings will measure the same kg all the way across stringbed when JET method is used to perfection. Also there is a device called a “Tension Analyzer” and that device measures string bed tension. The string bed tension reading on the Tension Analyzer will be the exact same as reference tension when implementing JET perfectly.
YSS on said:
hi, i want to string Kevlar (mains) with nylon(crosses), What method, do you suggest especially for the Kevlar ? can i use jet or…..