Trying to Like Poly - Advice?

[vin]

I'm a spin player and tear through string pretty quick. My current string of choice is Wilson Synthetic Gut Extreme 16g and I get about 6 - 10 hours out of it. Now that I have a ball machine on the way, I'm sure it will be even less. I want more durability!

Being concerned about the health risks with Poly and actually preferring a little pop from the string, I chose Kirschbaum TT and strung it with my normal string in the crosses. It was actually comfortable enough, but I'm not really liking it because there was a noticable drop off in power, I missed the feel of the ball pocketing in the strings, I think the extra 4g of weight the strings added throws off my timing, and the damn things still move (I was excited about the prospect of strings that don't move).

I assume there's some of you out there who have had similar results and I'd love to hear some feedback. Is Poly just not for me, or is it sort of an acquired taste?

I've also tried ALU Power in the past and it gave me a hint of arm soreness so I don't mess with it anymore.

I also have some Signum Pro Poly Plasma that I may try as well as other "soft" Polys, but to be honest, I'm not too impressed so far.

[woody6.1]

try a poly/gut hybrid pro hurricane in the mains and a good quality gut in the crosses. so far only the crosses have been breaking first.

[Ripper]

vin, check out Prince's new string Lightning Power with powerfoil (not the same as Lightning XX). It has a fusion of nylon and poly in a solid core construction. It's supposed to play like a premium syn gut, but with more durability and power. TW doesn't have it, so I ordered it somewhere else. I'll be posting my impressions here soon. Btw, I sent en e-mail to TW, asking them when they were going to have this string and they never replied. Have you noticed that, when you ask them about certain products they don't carry, sometimes, they don't reply? Wierd.

[vin]

Thanks Ripper, that string sounds like just what I'm looking for! I'll be looking out for your review.

[FH2FH]

I haven't used a thin poly yet (17/18g), but I would think it would play better. The trade off of course is that it would break sooner. This all really depends how much you value durability. The soreness you experienced is a warning sign for you. Have you tried 15g strings?

Since you have used SPPP, I thought I would mention that the 10% reduction in tension is reasonable. I didn't do that (though I'm happy w/ what I've got) because I assumed the tension would drop just like other polys I've used. It hasn't after about 15 hours. I'm currently using the 16g string.

[vin]

I have SPPP but I haven't actually tried it yet. The TT is supposed to feel softer and have more pop, so I'm not expecting much. I thought of trying the TT in 17g (I'm currently using 16), but is there really that much difference?

I strung the TT at 50 lbs, so I don't think I strung it too tight.

Yes, I've tried 15g, but not in my current racket. I've tried Prince Tournament Nylon and felt like it pocketed the ball too much and didn't snap back in proportion. I have some other 15g strings that I'll try and I'll give the Prince Tournament Nylon again. I've tried my current string in 15g also, but to be honest, I forget what I thought of it. I guess not much. :roll: Do you have any recommendation for 15g strings?

[SteveI]

I'm a spin player and tear through string pretty quick. My current string of choice is Wilson Synthetic Gut Extreme 16g and I get about 6 - 10 hours out of it. Now that I have a ball machine on the way, I'm sure it will be even less. I want more durability!

Being concerned about the health risks with Poly and actually preferring a little pop from the string, I chose Kirschbaum TT and strung it with my normal string in the crosses. It was actually comfortable enough, but I'm not really liking it because there was a noticable drop off in power, I missed the feel of the ball pocketing in the strings, I think the extra 4g of weight the strings added throws off my timing, and the damn things still move (I was excited about the prospect of strings that don't move).

I assume there's some of you out there who have had similar results and I'd love to hear some feedback. Is Poly just not for me, or is it sort of an acquired taste?

I've also tried ALU Power in the past and it gave me a hint of arm soreness so I don't mess with it anymore.

I also have some Signum Pro Poly Plasma that I may try as well as other "soft" Polys, but to be honest, I'm not too impressed so far.

Vin,

Try the Gosen Polylon SP 17... very nice string and quite arm friendly. Do a search.

Regards,
Steve

[Valjean]

I have tried Lightning Power out and can second the recommendation above--if poly is tolerable to you, though.

For a step back to a somewhat less durable but still control-oriented string, and one that is not a poly, you might consider Tecnifibre's TrC... Here's a link to a USRSA review: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/TRC16/TRC16Review.html

[vkartikv]

vin, if you are looking for advice on a poly, it starts and ends with the same thing - find yourself something soft. I tried the PPP 18g for over a year and thanks to it and my stiff prostaff racquet, I started developing some arm trouble earlier this year. I have since switched to pacific polys and topspin poly polar - 17g on both and they offer a more soft, comfortable feel without much detectable loss of tension. Give them a try.

[Ripper]

I have tried Lightning Power out...

Can you give me your opinion regarding comfort, power and spin, please?

[Valjean]

The Powerfoil wrap gives Lightning Power more power than you're used to with poly; in fact, it has only slightly less punch than the Lightning XX.

It was stiff enough to engender good control, including through spin.

Comfort was certainly not what a multi would give, but if I had to compare it to anything else, it would be Gosen synthetic. With the boost the Powerfoil gives, though, it was easier to put up with that stiff feel.

[FH2FH]

I have SPPP but I haven't actually tried it yet. ....Do you have any recommendation for 15g strings?

Since you haven't strung the SPPP yet, be sure to string it 10% lower like they recommend. That was 17g right? The 16g is pretty stiff, but that's what I'm used to. Tension loss is minimal.

As far as 15g, I've only played with it a handful of times, unaware of the brands. I've read here that should be the order before going to a more durable material. I went straight to kevlar when I began to break strings and now I'm experimenting with polys. I may go back to synthetic gut and try some 15g string, but haven't got around to it. The 16g doesn't last very long for me.

[Midlife crisis]

Since you haven't strung the SPPP yet, be sure to string it 10% lower like they recommend. That was 17g right? The 16g is pretty stiff, but that's what I'm used to. Tension loss is minimal.

I'm currently on my third or fourth full SPPP job, all 1.28 gauge, and I string it a couple of pounds higher than the tension I used with a synthetic like PSGD or a multi like NXT-OS. The more I play with it, the more I think that the tension loss is probably no less than with something like PSGD, but that the very high ramp up of stiffness with tension masks this. It also seems that the more I've played with it and the better my tennis skills have gotten, I seem to notice that SPPP is very tension-dependent on how it plays, which is in contradiction with the high ramp-up of stiffness. I can't explain why it feels that way, but it's most likely that its something else that I haven't figured out yet.

It's still my favorite string and I see no compelling reason to change.

[Kevo]

I ended up settling on Topspin Cyberflash. Very comfortable and more than enough power. I string it at about the same tension I use for multis and syn guts. It seems to hold tension well, is quite durable, and I have better control with it than with any other poly I've tried so far. It does go dead after enough playing time, but I'm sure that varies based on usage. It's fairly cheap, so it's not that expensive to restring every couple of weeks.

[FH2FH]

...notice that SPPP is very tension-dependent on how it plays, which is in contradiction with the high ramp-up of stiffness.

I noticed kevlar was this way too. It seems like there needs to be a minimal tension to compliment the inherent string stiffness. Going too low it won't play well, but going too high it quickly becomes stiff.

I want to try Topspin Cyberflash as my next poly. SPPP does what I want, but I'd like more comfort.

[Midlife crisis]

I noticed kevlar was this way too. It seems like there needs to be a minimal tension to compliment the inherent string stiffness. Going too low it won't play well, but going too high it quickly becomes stiff.

I want to try Topspin Cyberflash as my next poly. SPPP does what I want, but I'd like more comfort.

That's interesting, because when I last used kevlar (in the form of Aramid Gear), it didn't seem to matter much how tight the kevlar was as long as it was below about 60 lbs or so (in an OS racquet), but the tension of the crosses did seem to matter in making the stringbed consistent for soft and hard, and flat and spinny shots. I didn't want a large tension differential to put stress on my frame, so I strung them up fairly close in tension. I really did want to try the kevlar at about 45 and the crosses at about 65, but I never got the nerve since my frame is out of production and its getting hard to find more (though I've since found a very suitable replacement).

This is one of those times when I feel like I need to just think about it and figure out what aspect of string performance is affecting my perceptions, or maybe just choose to believe my perceptions are inaccurate and should be ignored. The primary reason it kind of grates on me is that it makes me feel like the string tension I use with SPPP needs to be within a fairly close range or it'll play inconsistently and I don't want to have to worry about that at all. My opponents give me more than enough to think about already.

[FH2FH]

...when I last used kevlar (in the form of Aramid Gear), it didn't seem to matter much how tight the kevlar was as long as it was below about 60 lbs or so (in an OS racquet), but the tension of the crosses did seem to matter in making the stringbed consistent for soft and hard, and flat and spinny shots.

...The primary reason it kind of grates on me is that it makes me feel like the string tension I use with SPPP needs to be within a fairly close range or it'll play inconsistently and I don't want to have to worry about that at all. My opponents give me more than enough to think about already.

I can relate to having enough to think about, lol.

Aramid Gear was unique to me because it seemed to be more elastic, or maybe just more deformable? This could be because it has a thicker outer coating (the gears) and moved around more in the grommets, but it didn't play as "low tension" sensitive as the Thin Blend did. I also used Pro Blend but only on one stringjob. It seemed to be the stiffest, but it was also the lowest tension and thickest gauge kevlar hybrid I used. The T/B and thinner gauges in general now feel a bit "wiry" and uncomfortable to me. I guess it's because they cannot stretch much more since they're usually strung tighter than lower gauges to maintain control.

I think you're on to something with balancing the main/cross tension. Hybriding stiffer strings in general with a more playable string requires some trial and error. Thinking about the physical dimensions of the racquet, the longer strings are suppose to stretch more and provide the power. However, when a stiff string is in the main, the cross can do less work. Lowering the tension of the main (as many do) will compensate for this, but there is a certain magic balance.

Overall point is as the main string becomes less playable (stiff), the tension becomes more critical. I've noticed, the cross is more of a factor when it's the more playable string and it's strung above the tension of a stiff main. If you look at say Federer's setup, the gut is doing the power work of the longer strings and the poly is taming the gut as many here have said. That is how to string predictably. Reversing the order, stiffer/durable main with a playable cross is the cost effective solution which requires more trial and error.

[Midlife crisis]

I can relate to having enough to think about, lol.

Aramid Gear was unique to me because it seemed to be more elastic, or maybe just more deformable? This could be because it has a thicker outer coating (the gears) and moved around more in the grommets, but it didn't play as "low tension" sensitive as the Thin Blend did. I also used Pro Blend but only on one stringjob. It seemed to be the stiffest, but it was also the lowest tension and thickest gauge kevlar hybrid I used. The T/B and thinner gauges in general now feel a bit "wiry" and uncomfortable to me. I guess it's because they cannot stretch much more since they're usually strung tighter than lower gauges to maintain control.

I remember when I had it on my racquet that I wondered what the effect of the "gear" was on the crosses, and I found that I could deform the gear with my thumbnail, albeit with a good hard press. The spaces in between the gear would give the coating some room to easily expand into, and that probably resulted in the string seeming to play a bit softer than its construction would indicate. Since that compressibility is always there, it probably added a little bit of consistency in response and so resulted in it feeling not as low tension sensitive for you, and not as tension sensitive overall for me.

I think you're on to something with balancing the main/cross tension. Hybriding stiffer strings in general with a more playable string requires some trial and error. Thinking about the physical dimensions of the racquet, the longer strings are suppose to stretch more and provide the power. However, when a stiff string is in the main, the cross can do less work. Lowering the tension of the main (as many do) will compensate for this, but there is a certain magic balance.

I guess I'm too brutish in my playing style to discern the subtleties of some of the hybrids, and I think too that I can find SOME string out there that can be used in a full stringjob but still match the feel of a hybrid. For instance, kevlar/syn gut = poly for me. I'd also rather not worry about the tension loss moving the stringbed response out of that magic balance, but unfortunately it does sometimes, whether a hybrid or not.

Overall point is as the main string becomes less playable (stiff), the tension becomes more critical. I've noticed, the cross is more of a factor when it's the more playable string and it's strung above the tension of a stiff main. If you look at say Federer's setup, the gut is doing the power work of the longer strings and the poly is taming the gut as many here have said. That is how to string predictably. Reversing the order, stiffer/durable main with a playable cross is the cost effective solution which requires more trial and error.

I think there's also a component about what its total elasticity is as well as how stiff it is, but I guess the stiffness/tension curve of a string would reflect that.

[FH2FH]

I'm surprised there isn't more info here in a sticky since strings play such an important role in performance of a racquet. It's very subjective though, so maybe that's why. It's amazing that a $30 string job can completely change one's opinion of a racquet. If it only lasts 2 days though it's very disheartening for all but the rich folks. : (

To the O/P, if you find the perfect string please let us know!! I suspect it won't be poly, and I'm certain it won't be kevlar since you value your health. Good luck! : )

One thing I'm trying is kevlar in a more flexible frame, RDX 500 MP. I know the power will be lower, but the swing speed should be a little higher since I'll drop a few grams. Couldn't get it around before like I can my 300G. I've used it in stiff frames without my arm falling off, so I want to see what it's like in a flexible frame. I'm going away from kevlar in my relatively light, stiff 300G, which is what I have the SPPP in. Still wanna try the gut/poly hybrid too. Maybe I will someday...

[pchoi04]

Vin... what racquet are you using?

[vin]

Vin... what racquet are you using?

I'm using the Yonex RDS 003.

[jackson vile]

Put Kevlar in the crosses and gut in the mains, that will last you a while.


Also consider string savers as those will help a lot.

And you could always switch to a realy racket like the Prestige, my strings last a lot longer with this type of stringing

[monologuist]

SPPP 17 or 18 mains/natural gut crosses or
Babolat Pro Hurricane 18 mains/natural gut crosses

using gut crosses will improve the "pocketing" and touch as well as power and comfort....much better than using a synthetic cross or all poly.

if durability is a concern, use a thicker gut, like 16 or 15L, and go with a tougher coated gut, maybe Tonic or Klip Armor Pro.

the SPPP and Pro Hurricane 18 both play soft for polys like the Touch Turbo but much better control.

[Wondertoy]

vin, I'm telling you that Polystar Energy is one of te softest polys made and has the most pop of any poly. Most of the guys on this board have not tried it but I have been playing with it for 6 months. I converted 3 guys on my high school team from ALU, Hurricane and NXT and they all love it. The USC tennis team uses it. The harsness of ALU builds over time. A tournament friend of mine has been playing with ALU for the last year. This weekend he pulled out of a USTA Sectional ranking toiurnament due to shoulder soreness. I have been telling him this would eventually happen.

[vin]

Wondertoy, where can you buy the Polystar Energy? Does a hybrid add 4g to the racket weight like most other polys?

[wxr]

I think something like polystar energy would be an better option over Sppp to try for you.
A full poly setup at some lower tension still doesnt move or move a lot. so you could gain some power by stringing lower.

if al this doesn't do it for you, I would try a hybrid with, pro hurricane mains @ 3 or 4 lbs less tension then your, gut crosses @ normal tension.
benefits:
This setup doesn't fray or fray a lot either.
Durability and control because of the poly mains.
Natural Gut makes up the power loss, cause of poly mains.
Comfortable
Spinpotential is very very good.

best hybrid possible!!

[jackofromalsager]

have you tried poly with a shock absorber that gives a lil more pop and then it doesnt hurt ur arm and u can get bb becus they last ages

[Saito]

vin,

If you are looking for a soft poly, try Wilson Enduro Gold 16g. Good pop, and really soft.

[Wondertoy]

Wondertoy, where can you buy the Polystar Energy? Does a hybrid add 4g to the racket weight like most other polys?

Just Google or Froogle it, there's a seller in the USA I am not sure about the weight but it feels lighter than ALU, I don't think there is any metal in it, so it's softer.

[A Defenseless Creature]

Just Google or Froogle it, there's a seller in the USA I am not sure about the weight but it feels lighter than ALU, I don't think there is any metal in it, so it's softer.
Yah. The seller is your father. We all know the agenda. Old news.

The "Critter" is back. Have you missed me Paul...or should I say "son of Paul?"

[vhx123]

i usually break the wilson extreme synthetic gut 16g strings with my ncode in about 3-4 hours of play. i recommend a pro hurricane mains / wilson extreme syn gut in the crosses. i string my mains at 57 while the crosses at 59. this combo feels great and lasts so long

i really loved hows the wilson extremes played but never wanted to change. now that strings have been breaking so fast i didn't really have a choice. i've finaaly found a hybrid that i like

[Wondertoy]

Who are you are what do you want from my life? Have you tried this string...then why are you commenting? Call me Ismael, if you would like...