Strings - My preference is to use gut-like multifilament's, but I also provide rayon mono-filaments for string breakers and inexpensive quality strings if you really don't care. When you start playing hard and playing often you will care.
Grommet Strips - I rarely have them in stock. It would be nice if you brought your own. But since nobody does that, yes, I can order them for you. It only takes a couple days but adds to the cost. I have a small stock of grommet strips for older racquets but can't keep up with all the new frames the industry keeps inventing.
Grips - smooth, tacky, no ridges. Thin for feel, soft for comfort. I have a small supply of leather grips but find that they are mostly used to replace leather on racquets that came that way. Treating leather to get the right feel is a lost art and I admit I still haven't been able to make leather feel as good as the latest synthetic grips. Even Pete Sampras, probably the last person to use leather grips on the famous Wilson ProStaff 85, had a white overgrip between him and the leather.
Over-Grips - Cheap. Replace them often. They can also be used to fine-tune grip size
Dampers - yes, I have them. I think their time has passed. I've noticed that they are not the rage they used to be and many racquets now integrate the damper into the grommet strips. The one good thing about dampers is the added weight can make the racquet easier on your arm.
Lead Tape - I really can't resist adding weight to the ultra-lites. The added heft allows you to feel the swing and it smooths the impact. Ultra-lite racquets are now linked to elbow and wrist problems. If you have a swing, get a racquet with some weight behind it. If you swat then please see me for lessons.
Weight & Balance - I can match all your racquets for weight and balance. I can even match different racquets to make their swing weights the same. Note that I will have to match to the heavier racquet since there is no way to remove weight from modern frames. The pros even have their grips shaped and matched by an elite class of racquet technicians who know how to remanufacture the handle. I don't offer this service because of the amount of labor that has to be invested, but I know how.
Charges
I charge $15 labor plus material cost. I install everything against the one service fee, and I don't pad the prices of strings, grips and strips beyond my cost. My prices are competitive, my services are not. You won't find a Master Racquet Technician working at a sporting goods store and probably not even in a Pro Shop. If you are on the Tehachapi High School tennis teams I am offering my stringing service free during your season. Let me know you are a high school player and I will get your racquet back the next day, no charge for labor, you either buy or supply the strings. If you MUST HAVE something I don't have in stock then expect to pay extra for shipping.
Labor - $15, added to price of items installed
Strings - $4-15, gut is $25+
Grips - $4-6
Overgrips - $1-2
Grommet Strips - $5-6
Weight/Balance - $10
Hybrid string sets have become popular recently. I've been doing them for over 5 years. If you have a full swing and are a frequent string breaker then you need hybrid strings. The most popular combination is Luxilon Big Banger mains with Wilson NXT in the crosses.
I can match racquet sets, change weight & balance, change grip sizing, cut off length, replace grips and grommets, do any technical string patterns such as box stringing, around-the-world, progressive tensions. I also string and service racquetball racquets.
David 661.821-8983, david@racqueteering.com