I recently bought a stringing machine for personal use. Formerly, I used to restring my racket only when its strings were broken. Since the machine was available at home, I have been able to get the strings adjusted depending on the purpose. I restring the racket before a match so I can feel refreshed and play in good condition. Or I adjust the tension of strings to try out various combinations.

At first, I simply thought I would be able to save money by using my stringing machine instead of asking a shop for restringing. But I gradually came to realize that I have more benefits from using my own stringing machine than I previously thought. In fact, it gave me leeway in controlling something that I had left to other people or chance. For me, that turned out to be an enormous benefit as my attitude toward playing tennis has significantly changed.

In addition, my stringing machine is based on a counterweight system. So, I need to strike an appropriate balance while working on restringing. When I successfully string a racket through trial-and-error processes, I can feel a sense of satisfaction. Going through such processes is certainly a hassle compared to using the latest auto-tension stringing machine. Nevertheless, I find this analog process rather interesting.

Thinking like that, I’ve come to realize that the stringing machine brings me the same kind of experience as motorcycles and bicycles do though it doesn’t move itself. I am the kind of person who finds attraction in machines like this.

Hiroshi Ohta