How to String an Ektelon O3 Red

The Ektelon O3 Red is a high-tech racket used to play racquetball. Playing with this racket is easy, but stringing the racket is challenging. In order to string the Ektelon O3 Red correctly, the proper equipment, tools and stringing pattern are necessary. For a professional string job, the stringer must have the necessary technical skills and be a very detail-oriented person.

Things You'll Need

  • Stringing machine with clamps
  • String
  • Clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mount the racket securely using the frame clamps of the stringing machine. The side marked "short side" should be on the left. This will be indicated on the frame of the racket, as will the tie-off hole locations. Set the machine to the desired tension. The recommended tension range for this racket is 26 to 34 pounds.

    • 2

      Feed 10 feet of string from the first hole just to the left of center at the racket's head down to the first pin left of center at the throat. Use a left clamp and clamp this string close to the top of the head to hold it in place. Thread the string around the pin and continue back up to the second hole left of center.

    • 3

      Take the other end of the string and feed it from the hole just to the right of center at the head down to the first pin right of center at the throat. Continue to thread this end around the pin and back up to the second hole right of center. Pull tension on this string and clamp this string close to the head with a right clamp.

    • 4

      Pull tension on the second string left of center and clamp this string. Take the end of this string and feed it down through the third hole left of center down to the next pin left of center at the throat. Continue around this pin and back up to the fourth hole. Pull tension on this string and clamp. Repeat this process on the right half of the racket head with the corresponding holes and pin.

    • 5

      Skip the fifth hole left of center. Feed the end of the left string down through the sixth hole to the next pin. Continue around the pin up to the eight hole left of center, skipping hole seven. Pull tension on this string and clamp. Repeat this process on the right half of the racket head with the corresponding holes and pin.

    • 6

      Take the left end of string, skip holes nine and 10 left of center, and feed in through the 11th hole at the head down to the next pin left of center at the throat. Continue around the pin up to the 15th hole left of center. Pull tension on this string and clamp the string. Securely tie this string off at the 11th hole. Clip any excess string. Repeat this process on the right half, but do not tie the right side string off. Simply feed the string up to the 15th hole and clamp it to hold it in place.

    • 7

      Start the crosses by taking the right end of string and feed it through the fifth hole right of center at the head of the racket. Weave the string under and over the main, or long, strings across to the corresponding fifth hole. Pull tension on this string and clamp. Continue installing all cross strings alternating the weave with each row. There are 19 cross strings. Tie the last cross string at the second grommet hole at the throat. This is not a pin, but a small hole in the plastic strip in the frame. Finish by clipping any excess string.