Broke Xcel too fast and is hurting a bit with RPM Blast...what to get?

mpe71

New User
Your racquet selection is another matter as well that needs to be looked at in relation to your questions. It is one of the stiffest frames on the market, has a lot of vibration, which leads to arm discomfort/pain. It also, being so stiff, and with a relative open string pattern, is going to break strings quicker than a more flexible frame with a more closed pattern.

I´ve decided to try out a new racquet. I´m picking up a used Head Youtek IG Speed 300 tomorrow. It has more or less the same specs as my Pure Drive, except for a much less stiff frame. I´m gonna string it up with the RPM just to see if there is a noticeable difference for me in just switching racquet.
 

Jerry Seinfeld

Professional
In reading this thread I am struck by some misperceptions that may be confusing to the OP. Before addressing these it is important to realize that there is a difference in performance between strings using 100% polyester and some of the newer strings which are blended poly or poly-based. I intend to focus my comments on the blended polys because these are more modern and more suited a wider variety of player.

Myth #1 - RPM last will lose 10# in 15 minutes. I am in full agreement that RPM Blast is not one of the better performing blended polys on the market, however, when installed at lower tensions, and without overstretching, it will definitely NOT lose 10# in 15 minutes. However, if it is installed like a synthetic, (without a full appreciation/understanding of how poly-based strings react to tensions greater than the low 50's and fast pulling speeds), then the results reported are not surprising. It is extremely important for there to be an effort to preserve the elasticity when installing these strings. Unfortunately this is a message that is slow to gain traction with many stringers.

Myth #2 - Stringing at lower tensions without overstretching makes no impact on the performance of the string. Absolutely false. Polys have very limited elasticity and this elasticity must be preserved during the stringing process. When it is preserved blended polys will hold tension remarkably well and provide solid performance for an extended period of time. (Actual life will depend on the string as well as how precisely it was installed.)

Myth #3 - You can not play with polys for more than 20 hours/1 - 2 weeks is the maximum life for poly. In terms of pure poly, this may very well be accurate, but in terms of the more modern poly based offerings, it is not. Poly based strings can give very good performance, (and not promote arm pain), for more than 20 hours when installed at lower tensions with the elasticity preserved.

I have a bias against the stiff Babolat frames and believe those with some additional flex are better candidates for low tension stringing with a full poly-based string setup. For 100 sqin frames with open patterns I find that tensions in the low to mid 40's tend to be a good starting point. For denser patterns the upper 30's is a good starting point.

I believe the OP will be able to get exactly what he is seeking with a more flexible frame using a good poly based string installed in the suggested tension ranges above. He will easily be able to get 20+ hours of play and should not experience any arm discomfort and the poly based strings will help him find easier access to spin. The same results *may* even be found with his Babolat frame using lower tensions.

To the OP: Good luck with the Head frame and resist the urge to string polys in the same tension range as synthetics. They are simply not designed for those tensions.
 

sm01

Rookie
In reading this thread I am struck by some misperceptions that may be confusing to the OP. Before addressing these it is important to realize that there is a difference in performance between strings using 100% polyester and some of the newer strings which are blended poly or poly-based. I intend to focus my comments on the blended polys because these are more modern and more suited a wider variety of player.

Myth #1 - RPM last will lose 10# in 15 minutes. I am in full agreement that RPM Blast is not one of the better performing blended polys on the market, however, when installed at lower tensions, and without overstretching, it will definitely NOT lose 10# in 15 minutes. However, if it is installed like a synthetic, (without a full appreciation/understanding of how poly-based strings react to tensions greater than the low 50's and fast pulling speeds), then the results reported are not surprising. It is extremely important for there to be an effort to preserve the elasticity when installing these strings. Unfortunately this is a message that is slow to gain traction with many stringers.

Myth #2 - Stringing at lower tensions without overstretching makes no impact on the performance of the string. Absolutely false. Polys have very limited elasticity and this elasticity must be preserved during the stringing process. When it is preserved blended polys will hold tension remarkably well and provide solid performance for an extended period of time. (Actual life will depend on the string as well as how precisely it was installed.)

Myth #3 - You can not play with polys for more than 20 hours/1 - 2 weeks is the maximum life for poly. In terms of pure poly, this may very well be accurate, but in terms of the more modern poly based offerings, it is not. Poly based strings can give very good performance, (and not promote arm pain), for more than 20 hours when installed at lower tensions with the elasticity preserved.

I have a bias against the stiff Babolat frames and believe those with some additional flex are better candidates for low tension stringing with a full poly-based string setup. For 100 sqin frames with open patterns I find that tensions in the low to mid 40's tend to be a good starting point. For denser patterns the upper 30's is a good starting point.

I believe the OP will be able to get exactly what he is seeking with a more flexible frame using a good poly based string installed in the suggested tension ranges above. He will easily be able to get 20+ hours of play and should not experience any arm discomfort and the poly based strings will help him find easier access to spin. The same results *may* even be found with his Babolat frame using lower tensions.

To the OP: Good luck with the Head frame and resist the urge to string polys in the same tension range as synthetics. They are simply not designed for those tensions.

Hello Jerry,

So is RPM Blast 18 in the family of these newer poly based strings? As you can see from my dialogue with PP, I am concerned that I am doing myself long term harm by using it for 40-50 hours strung in the mid 40# range, yet I don't presently feel any adverse consequences.

I played last night with a string set strung in December (freshly lubed last nite with hand creme), and it was Nirvana like buttery plush with good spin, control, and power--seemingly perfection. There are about 25 hours of play on those strings. If I hadn't come across this forum topic I'd have no reason for concern.

Now I am confused on top of my concern.

Any advice?
 

sm01

Rookie
If RPM Blast is not one of the better blended polys, any recommendations for something better than RPM 18 gauge?
 

Bhairava

Rookie
I really suggest you to try dunlop black widow 17g. It is the softest poly I have ever tried, and it gives you plenty of spin like RPM Blast. I have used Blast for months and I thought I would never find something to replace them, in term of spin. Black Widow gives the same amount of spin but with a really good soft impact :)
Someone said that with Black Widow you "do not feel the ball". true, this is part of a soft poly, but it is more of a cosmetical effect: the control of this string is pretty the same of RPM Blast, at least for me.
So, same spin, more comfort, same control, same durability(10 hours for me on both, then they go dead).Plus cheaper :)
But I reccomend to string Black Widow at least 4lbs more of RPM Blast, if not 6lbs. It loses in the first minutes a lot of tension, plus it's softness need to be tamed with an higher tension. I use 24kg main/23kg cross with Black Widow, something like 53lbs/51lbs.
P.S. do not be afraid of 17g gauge, Black Widow keep it's softness even on thick gauges.
 
My kids have experimented with multis, hybrids and full polys until I am almost bankrupt. So my 13yr old who is 5ft 6 and 120lbs now plays with Blast 18 mains at 50# crossed with Gosen Micro Sheep 18 at 54# and loves it. My 16yr old who is 5ft 10 and 140lbs plays with Blast 18 mains at 48# crossed with MSV co-focus 17 at 50# and loves it. Both use Babolat APD which is a stiff frame. They are competitive players and would be about 4.0 level.

The key thing is to get a thin gauge Blast (18g) and string upper 40s. Then cross it with a soft poly or a multi or a syn gut. They tried full bed blast and it died, lost its liveliness and control after 10hrs of play.

Hope this helps and good luck. I know the frustration (and expense!) of experimenting with the millions of combinations out there. Worst thing is to cut out a string set after only 2 hours of play. Luckily I have my own stringing machine so that helps.
 

mpe71

New User
UPDATE!!!
I have now played with the Head Youtek IG Speed 300 since late March. It was strung with some sort of black poly (I couldn´t read the name) at a higher tension then I was used to, which made the racquet feel quite dead/numb with no power at all compared to the Pure Drive I had before. After having it restrung with RPM Blast 17 in the mains and Babolat Syngut in the crosses at 55lbs things felt a lot better.

My elbow problems are completely gone!!! This is great, though the Head frame is quite a different animal compared to the Pure Drive. It is less powered and has a smaller sweet spot! Being less powered is not that much of a problem as I´m still developing my skills and technique, and I kind of like the fact that I now am starting to develop a much better variation in pace in a controlled maner. Though, I can´t help missing the pop and power the Pure Drive gave me with heavy top spin baseline forehands a bit!
The sweet spot is a different thing...it took me quite a while to adjust to this...and I´m still feeling that I´m missing out a bit in power when I´m being pressured and forced to shoots I´m not totally happy with! This was not case with the Pure Drive to the same extent!

Summing up, I must say I´m happy with my new frame, though I can´t say I haven´t found my perfect combination with the strings yet. The RPM/Syngut combination feels quite alright, though the syngut breaks a little bit too fast for me being happy...and I might want a little bit more pop and power, without losing top spin!
When I will have restrung next week I´m thinking of trying something different. My options right now are:

- Having it strung with the RPM/Syngut again, but at 52/53 instead of 55.
- Trying a full Pro Hurricane (not Tour!) at 52/53!
- Trying nat gut!

What do you guys thing?
 

sm01

Rookie
UPDATE!!!
I have now played with the Head Youtek IG Speed 300 since late March. It was strung with some sort of black poly (I couldn´t read the name) at a higher tension then I was used to, which made the racquet feel quite dead/numb with no power at all compared to the Pure Drive I had before. After having it restrung with RPM Blast 17 in the mains and Babolat Syngut in the crosses at 55lbs things felt a lot better.

My elbow problems are completely gone!!! This is great, though the Head frame is quite a different animal compared to the Pure Drive. It is less powered and has a smaller sweet spot! Being less powered is not that much of a problem as I´m still developing my skills and technique, and I kind of like the fact that I now am starting to develop a much better variation in pace in a controlled maner. Though, I can´t help missing the pop and power the Pure Drive gave me with heavy top spin baseline forehands a bit!
The sweet spot is a different thing...it took me quite a while to adjust to this...and I´m still feeling that I´m missing out a bit in power when I´m being pressured and forced to shoots I´m not totally happy with! This was not case with the Pure Drive to the same extent!

Summing up, I must say I´m happy with my new frame, though I can´t say I haven´t found my perfect combination with the strings yet. The RPM/Syngut combination feels quite alright, though the syngut breaks a little bit too fast for me being happy...and I might want a little bit more pop and power, without losing top spin!
When I will have restrung next week I´m thinking of trying something different. My options right now are:

- Having it strung with the RPM/Syngut again, but at 52/53 instead of 55.
- Trying a full Pro Hurricane (not Tour!) at 52/53!
- Trying nat gut!

What do you guys thing?
I would go with the RPM/Syngut but at tensions more like 48/52. I just think that RPM blossoms when strung under 50 #. Its a whole new experience--much larger sweet spot at lower tensions.
 

mpe71

New User
Should I then string the RPM and the Syngut at different tensions? The RPM lower than the Syngut? How much lower?
 
Top