Old fashion "load spreader(s)"

You don't see these old fashion "load spreader(s)" utilise much nowadays as racquet technology has advance dramatically since the late 1970's.

"Old fashion" load-spreader at top of frame

"Old fashion" load-spreaders at bottom of frame

In the past, these load spreaders were essential to ensure the strings did not eat into the frame over time, when higher (at the time) tensions were utilised.

As per the pix(s), I am currently using them on my 2nd hand antique Yonex Carbonex 15 (with T-joint) from 1982. The specification on the racquet is maximum 18lbs but my racquet has been strung at 22lbs. Another friend with the same antique has his units strung at the same tension as well.

The load spreaders near the T-joint on 1-side (applied to both side for balancing) of the racquet conceal an area repaired using epoxy resin. This was because when I bought the racquet, a pair of grommets in that area had sunk halfway into the frame  (due to a crack between the pair of grommets). Superglue was then applied on top of the repair before it was repainted with a dash of black paint.

Balance impacted?

Everyone who wanted to try the antique from 1982 usually feedback the Carbonex 15 is a well balanced racquet!!!

Fragile?

Don't believe the chaps on the other side of the court agrees as I was using the racquet to smash them repeatly during a few games!

The load spreaders at the top of the frame were added as a precaution as this was a well known "cut thru" area for the T-joint Carbonex 15 - even when strung at low tensions.

TIP - Check racquet tension specifications before tensioning

Common sense right?

I normally hear of such unfortunate stories from newbie or inexperience stringers. The damage normally occurs at about 2/10 o'clock ... near the cross towards the top of the racquet frame eg breaks just when you are nearly done!!!

Hence please always verify the racquet's supported tension range before proceeding.

The main reason is because the tension calibrated on some stringing machines are raw values eg pulling a tension calibrator directly.

However on other machines, the tension could have been set higher than what has been marked to produce the desired tension within the racquet frame - refer to the Japanese author webpage.  Hence it is best to have a tension calibrator or digital fisherman's weighting scale handy to verify the tension produce by your machine for a given setting (after purchase).

In addition, the difference for a given tension within the racquet frame vs outside the racket frame has been demonstrated by a Japanese author on his webpage. Even though the Japanese author demonstrates with a tennis racquet, the difference applies to badminton racquets as well. Hence if the desired tension was close to the maximum and you had to add extra tension to compensate for your stringing machine - you risk damaging the racquet!

In all my years of stringing, I have not damage (... touch wood!!!) any racquet yet.