Low, low tensions. 30lbs feels great. 20lbs pretty good, too

v-verb

Hall of Fame
do all you low tensioners play massive topspin games? Any serve and volley, chip and charge, feel oriented players trying these tensions? I still have yet to try low tensions. Would love to experiment in my mids.

One thing to consider is that is low tension is very easy on the arm. Give it a try the next time you string.
 

yourmailman

Rookie
When everyone is talking about stringing down into the low to mid 30's, what kind of stringer are you all using. Electronic constant pull, crank or drop weight? This makes a huge difference is actual low tension.

I have been stringing a Yonex V-Core 95D with Solinco Revolution 1.25 at 38 pounds on a Wilson Baiardo stringer. Feels tighter than some racquets that are claimed to be 55+ lbs.

Do you think the 95D will play even better at 30-32 lbs? Is it better to use Revolution 1.25 or 1.20 gauge for low tension stringing for control?

I use a crank system for mine. Gamma 5300.

My racquet of choice is the Biomimetic 100 at 90 sq inches. I have done several now for people, one 95, one 100, and one 107. They all liked the extreme low tension, although they all needed a few games to get used to it.
 

yourmailman

Rookie
do all you low tensioners play massive topspin games? Any serve and volley, chip and charge, feel oriented players trying these tensions? I still have yet to try low tensions. Would love to experiment in my mids.

I am not a massive topspinner, but the low tension adds a lot of whatever spin you put on it. I love to serve and volley, and in my opinion, these tensions work great.

I also have to agree that it is WAY easier on your arm.
 

yourmailman

Rookie
Would you consider full poly in the 40s more arm friendly than a poly/multi in the mid 50s?

I would think so. I had a poly/co-poly at 53/51 and also a poly/syn-gut at 52/50. When I went into the lower 40's, it seemed a bit easier on my arm. The real difference came when I started going below 40, and at 30, I don't feel any effect on the arm like I did in the 50's and 60's.

Hope that helps.
 

Francis27

Semi-Pro
Would stringing rpm team co-poly 45-50lbs on a PD2012 be too powerful? I just want to have more comfort because the Pure drive is rather stiff.
 

v-verb

Hall of Fame
I have a Pure Drive with RPM Team 17 initially at 53lbs - probably 48 now. It's still pretty stiff stringwise.

Go for the gusto and string it at 30 or 35. It will be MUCH more comfortable.
 

Francis27

Semi-Pro
I have a Pure Drive with RPM Team 17 initially at 53lbs - probably 48 now. It's still pretty stiff stringwise.

Go for the gusto and string it at 30 or 35. It will be MUCH more comfortable.

I was actually going to string either at 53 or 48, just worried the Pure drive will be even more powerful
 

Fuji

Legend
I was actually going to string either at 53 or 48, just worried the Pure drive will be even more powerful

I personally don't like string in the low 40's (which is where RPM should drop to after initial tension loss) as it still feels stiff, but doesn't give a lot extra spin or comfort. In the 30's is where I feel the comfort jumps up considerably.

-Fuji
 

yourmailman

Rookie
I was actually going to string either at 53 or 48, just worried the Pure drive will be even more powerful

I did my mixed doubles partner's PD107 at 38 with 18 gauge syn-gut. It settled in at 35 and she loves it.

Also did my girlfriend's PD at 30 with Technifibre Red Code 18. She loves it too.

You have to adjust your game a little, but the positives seem to outweigh the negatives IMHO, and everybody else that I have talked into trying it.

I say go for it - try 35 or 30.
 

fedhead83829

New User
just tried mine out last night and it was good. Strung it up with full bed of dunlop explosive 16L at 35lbs. Felt great. in the past i would string it with the explosive at 56-58lbs and would have some elbow pains while playing and after. No pains after when i tried it at 45lbs and none so far at 35lbs. I have to play again tonight so it will be interesting how well it plays and if theres any pains.
 

yourmailman

Rookie
Got my Klip 18 gauge natural guts yesterday and strung up one of my Bio 100s at 30# this afternoon. Can't wait to try it out tomorrow in my singles match.

On a related note, I bought a postage scale to weigh my racquets, and bought some Babolat lead tape, which is heavier than what I normally use. I applied the weights while I was out of town and weighed them when I got back. They now come in at 374g (13.2 oz), which is almost a half ounce more than what I had before (12.85). The heavier stick with the extreme low tension seems to work well for me.

This got me curious. What racquet weight are some of you other low tensioners using?
 
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v-verb

Hall of Fame
My Donnay is 357g with rubber band and overgrip.

Your 374g racquet is pretty hefty....

I was thinking of getting the Klip 18g gut as well. Please let us know how it works - very curious!!!
 

TroutSc

Semi-Pro
just tried mine out last night and it was good. Strung it up with full bed of dunlop explosive 16L at 35lbs. Felt great. in the past i would string it with the explosive at 56-58lbs and would have some elbow pains while playing and after. No pains after when i tried it at 45lbs and none so far at 35lbs. I have to play again tonight so it will be interesting how well it plays and if theres any pains.

Outside of comfort, can you elaborate on other characteristics of how it played?
Curious how you changed up or if you just played your normal game.

Just wondering as I'm about to grab a pair of speed 300s and am thinking doing one at traditional hybrid and one at a low tension full poly to try it out.
 

fedhead83829

New User
Got my Klip 18 gauge natural guts yesterday and strung up one of my Bio 100s at 30# this afternoon. Can't wait to try it out tomorrow in my singles match.

On a related note, I bought a postage scale to weigh my racquets, and bought some Babolat lead tape, which is heavier than what I normally use. I applied the weights while I was out of town and weighed them when I got back. They now come in at 374g (13.2 oz), which is almost a half ounce more than what I had before (12.85). The heavier stick with the extreme low tension seems to work well for me.

This got me curious. What racquet weight are some of you other low tensioners using?

Last season i was using my dunlop 200 4d aerogels strung at 42-45 with the explosive poly in the mains and explosive syn in the crosses. I have been tinkering with a couple of dunlop bio 300 tours that i weighted to the same weight as my 200s.. i strung one w the old setup (like i mentioned before) at 48 and the other i strung up at 35lbs with a full bed of explosive poly.

i played the past two nights (and it has been cold both nights). 1st night was good.. it felt nice and easy and last night it seemed a little more bouncy? i played against guys that hit it better and harder on the first night and last night there was a talent & pace drop off. Not sure if the strings changed or if it was the different players.. but i am going to continue to tweak it to figure out..
 
Centerforward ... I am about a 3.5 and I would say that my style of play is half pusher, half banger (hope that makes sense to you).

Was just curious, thanks.

By the way this is for all of you herer inquiring about the low tensions. In my humble opinion and vast experience of testing with myself and other players at all levels. There is a tension range in MOST if not ALL the poly setups I have tried that are not in this LOW range that performs this way. My testing has showed me that when you start getting close to 38-40lbs you start losing these characteristics of the low tension, so to really get this experience I would start at 35 and go down from there. 40-45 lb range yiends too much power with not enough spin to control shots, you need to get into that 35 and below range to really see what we are talking about. There is alot of questions here referring to 42,45, etc etc ... this is not the low tension experience trust me. If you have two racquets I would reccomend stringing one at say 35 and one at 30 and play with those. I also liked a racquet at 25 but I what I did not like was that it seemed like dwell time was so much that oponent could seem to read direction of shot much easier. Furthermore the ball did not penetrate as well although the spin was amazing. Heed my advise since I spent ALOTTT of time and MONEY on strings to come to that conclusion. Hope this helps since I see alot of questions that are all over the place with the tension ranges.
 

fedhead83829

New User
Outside of comfort, can you elaborate on other characteristics of how it played?
Curious how you changed up or if you just played your normal game.

Just wondering as I'm about to grab a pair of speed 300s and am thinking doing one at traditional hybrid and one at a low tension full poly to try it out.

I didnt really change anything up. I played against some guys that hit it pretty hard so i didnt really go after anything. But it seems on the flat shots(flat serve, volleys, overheads) it does shoot off the strings or trampoline. But on the spin shots(top spin, slice) it didnt seem to be a whole lot of difference, maybe had the tendency to fly a little if mis timed. now.. Last night against guys that didnt hit it near as hard, it was alittle harder to control(although i am still not completely use to the tension yet). also, the strings seemed to be alittle more bouncy? They didnt have any pace for me to use, so i had to go after shots alittle more and it def was harder to control. It was super cold so it was hard to get warmed up and move well so footwork could be an issue there as well. but it def wasnt the same against the softer pace.. I will continue to tweak and figure it out..
 
I didnt really change anything up. I played against some guys that hit it pretty hard so i didnt really go after anything. But it seems on the flat shots(flat serve, volleys, overheads) it does shoot off the strings or trampoline. But on the spin shots(top spin, slice) it didnt seem to be a whole lot of difference, maybe had the tendency to fly a little if mis timed. now.. Last night against guys that didnt hit it near as hard, it was alittle harder to control(although i am still not completely use to the tension yet). also, the strings seemed to be alittle more bouncy? They didnt have any pace for me to use, so i had to go after shots alittle more and it def was harder to control. It was super cold so it was hard to get warmed up and move well so footwork could be an issue there as well. but it def wasnt the same against the softer pace.. I will continue to tweak and figure it out..

REad above my post, 42 LBS is NOTTTT the low tension experience. String at 32-35 and play that, the spin and control will get better, yes I said BETTER control lower tension.....
 

v-verb

Hall of Fame
Was just curious, thanks.

By the way this is for all of you herer inquiring about the low tensions. In my humble opinion and vast experience of testing with myself and other players at all levels. There is a tension range in MOST if not ALL the poly setups I have tried that are not in this LOW range that performs this way. My testing has showed me that when you start getting close to 38-40lbs you start losing these characteristics of the low tension, so to really get this experience I would start at 35 and go down from there. 40-45 lb range yiends too much power with not enough spin to control shots, you need to get into that 35 and below range to really see what we are talking about. There is alot of questions here referring to 42,45, etc etc ... this is not the low tension experience trust me. If you have two racquets I would reccomend stringing one at say 35 and one at 30 and play with those. I also liked a racquet at 25 but I what I did not like was that it seemed like dwell time was so much that oponent could seem to read direction of shot much easier. Furthermore the ball did not penetrate as well although the spin was amazing. Heed my advise since I spent ALOTTT of time and MONEY on strings to come to that conclusion. Hope this helps since I see alot of questions that are all over the place with the tension ranges.

Excellent post - thanks Centerforward71!

FWIW I had my Donnay X-Platinum 94 18 x 20 strung at 35 lbs and it still feels pretty stiff. With a 18 x 20 bed I would say 25-30 tops.

Which brings me to the point that "low tension" could vary when discussing open or tight string beds. With tight string beds needing lower tension than open beds.

Thoughts?
 
Excellent post - thanks Centerforward71!

FWIW I had my Donnay X-Platinum 94 18 x 20 strung at 35 lbs and it still feels pretty stiff. With a 18 x 20 bed I would say 25-30 tops.

Which brings me to the point that "low tension" could vary when discussing open or tight string beds. With tight string beds needing lower tension than open beds.

Thoughts?

Thanks !! I see alot of people here tring what they think is low tension and really never getting to that sweet spot point and giving up. Look i play both hi and low, not that its for everyone but it definitely offers a completely differnet experience and for some one to never go back to the old from, and thats for various of my 4.5 and above level players..

YES AND YES on the stringbed patterns. I am testing a STEAM 99S in its normal ranges right now but will mess around with the low tensions, although it is possible that I may need to vary my theory and dwell a little higher. I have actually played it to about 45 and starts to lose the control there a bit for me. The one thing is that the string movement is significant on this racquest even with a fresh poly at that tension telling me that the string is not returning to position as the racquet is designed to do. I fear that it will get worse at the lower tensioons but Ill let you all know
 
YES AND YES on the stringbed patterns. I am testing a STEAM 99S in its normal ranges right now but will mess around with the low tensions, although it is possible that I may need to vary my theory and dwell a little higher. I have actually played it to about 45 and starts to lose the control there a bit for me. The one thing is that the string movement is significant on this racquest even with a fresh poly at that tension telling me that the string is not returning to position as the racquet is designed to do. I fear that it will get worse at the lower tensioons but Ill let you all know

Please do report back as I am wondering the same thing.

The higher tensions, I would think, would case the strings to snap back into the "normal" position more easily vs. a lower tension.

But, might the higher tensions even further accelerate the string wear (notching) that this racquet already exhibits? Once the strings notch badly, this racquet does not play anywhere near the same for me. The drastic spin production drops off (which is the whole point of this frame).
 
Please do report back as I am wondering the same thing.

The higher tensions, I would think, would case the strings to snap back into the "normal" position more easily vs. a lower tension.

But, might the higher tensions even further accelerate the string wear (notching) that this racquet already exhibits? Once the strings notch badly, this racquet does not play anywhere near the same for me. The drastic spin production drops off (which is the whole point of this frame).

Cannot AGREE more with you here. I am expreiencing MORE than normal tension loss with polys that I know not to lose tension that quickly. Then string movement starts and spin and control SUFFER significantly. So far this is my only issue with this new racquet. I may have to go tighter, it does recomend 54-64 and I have not gone past 57. Ill let you know when I can test the low tensions but NOT SURE its gonna be the same with this open patter but I could be TOTALLY wrong as I was before tring low tensions....
 

dave t

Semi-Pro
I'd like to try this tension range - hoping to get some advice.

Racquet: Fischer pro #1. Various versions but all 16x20/320g unstrung.
Currently using gut/poly at 52/48 or somewhere close (cp).
I have used full poly in the past around 45-48 - never higher or lower than that.

I don't have tennis-related elbow/shoulder issues but I like my setup comfy and don't want to cause any damage at this point.

I was thinking of starting at around 36 lbs. sound ok?
Originally was going to do 42 or something but earlier posts suggested diving right in. I would go lower but I don't want the initial tension drop to leave me too low. Also, do you guys like shaped or smooth polys for the low tension setups?

Thanks - looking forward to giving this a shot.
 
Cannot AGREE more with you here. I am expreiencing MORE than normal tension loss with polys that I know not to lose tension that quickly. Then string movement starts and spin and control SUFFER significantly. So far this is my only issue with this new racquet. I may have to go tighter, it does recomend 54-64 and I have not gone past 57. Ill let you know when I can test the low tensions but NOT SURE its gonna be the same with this open patter but I could be TOTALLY wrong as I was before tring low tensions....

Center-

I am trying out the top of the range (64 lb) tonight (hopefully) and will see how it plays. But, it will likely take a number of hours of play to tell if higher is better (i.e. until I start to see string movement and severe notching).

After trying the top of the range, if string life still reeks Ill probably go way down (upper 40's?) just to see if that helps.

If it doesnt, Ill give up and just go with a cheaper poly and restring often. Hello Klipper USA and Golden Set! I guess we are going to be good friends.....
 

Fuji

Legend
Center-

I am trying out the top of the range (64 lb) tonight (hopefully) and will see how it plays. But, it will likely take a number of hours of play to tell if higher is better (i.e. until I start to see string movement and severe notching).

After trying the top of the range, if string life still reeks Ill probably go way down (upper 40's?) just to see if that helps.

If it doesnt, Ill give up and just go with a cheaper poly and restring often. Hello Klipper USA and Golden Set! I guess we are going to be good friends.....

Just know that poly above 60lbs is really tough on the arms. I've seen a couple guys I know get pretty serious wrist and elbow injuries from stringing poly at 60+lbs over the period of a few months. Not trying to scare you or anything, just giving you a heads up! :)

-Fuji
 

yourmailman

Rookie
I had one of my previous racquets strung at 70# with Prince Beast poly. It was really tough on my arm. I cut it out after two matches.

The mid to high 40s didn't really do a whole lot for me. However, I did see a significant difference when I started getting below 40#. When I got down to 30#, I saw a dramatic difference in performance.

Gotta run as I am off to try my natural gut setup in my league tonight.

Will report back later.
 
Just know that poly above 60lbs is really tough on the arms. I've seen a couple guys I know get pretty serious wrist and elbow injuries from stringing poly at 60+lbs over the period of a few months. Not trying to scare you or anything, just giving you a heads up! :)

-Fuji

Yes.....I dont take your advice lightly. No doubt I dont particularly like poly strung tightly. It seems that on these racquets, the higher tensions arent "acting" as high as they would otherwise (if that makes any sense).

Ill just try it this time as an experiment and see what happens. If the strings decline in ~5 hours like they did before, then Ill know that the higher tension isnt really worth it.

As an aside.......I know a guy (pretty darn good player too), that strings his racquets at 74 with KEVLAR! I couldnt believe it. He said hes done it for years....no arm problems. As far as tennis goes.....I think he must be one of those infamous "1%'ers"....LOL. Or perhaps even a "0.1%'er"!
 
I'd like to try this tension range - hoping to get some advice.

Racquet: Fischer pro #1. Various versions but all 16x20/320g unstrung.
Currently using gut/poly at 52/48 or somewhere close (cp).
I have used full poly in the past around 45-48 - never higher or lower than that.

I don't have tennis-related elbow/shoulder issues but I like my setup comfy and don't want to cause any damage at this point.

I was thinking of starting at around 36 lbs. sound ok?
Originally was going to do 42 or something but earlier posts suggested diving right in. I would go lower but I don't want the initial tension drop to leave me too low. Also, do you guys like shaped or smooth polys for the low tension setups?

Thanks - looking forward to giving this a shot.

36 is good start. Don't be afraid to try starting at 32-30 or so
 
Center-

I am trying out the top of the range (64 lb) tonight (hopefully) and will see how it plays. But, it will likely take a number of hours of play to tell if higher is better (i.e. until I start to see string movement and severe notching).

After trying the top of the range, if string life still reeks Ill probably go way down (upper 40's?) just to see if that helps.

If it doesnt, Ill give up and just go with a cheaper poly and restring often. Hello Klipper USA and Golden Set! I guess we are going to be good friends.....

Ditto. Gonna try 62 or so. Then 42 maybe lower depends on how I feel
 

yourmailman

Rookie
Played my match tonight with my natural gut strings. They are definitely a little livelier than the other combos. Overall, I liked it pretty well. I lost, but was very competitive. Lots less string movement than the syn-gut (as I expected), but I was surprised at how much less.

This will be my weapon of choice in doubles tomorrow night. I may go with it in my tournament this weekend if it grows on me a little more.
 

yourmailman

Rookie
Okay, I love the natural gut at 30#. I was kind of hoping I wouldn't since it is so much more expensive.

Last night was my first time playing with it and I wasn't quite dialed in with it yet. Tonight was amazing. I was able to rip several down the middle so hard that the other team could only watch. And my returns were going right back to the server with lots of topspin. It caused them some problems.

It took a few games to get my lob dialed in, but once I did, they were landing within a foot of the baseline to right on it. The shots I hit with backspin were very nice as well.

My serve seems to have lost a little of the pop I was getting with the syn-gut, but my placement is much better. It could be that I was being a little extra cautious. The nice thing was I had zero double faults.

The string movement is still very minimal compared to the syn-gut, which is nice. That is my only real complaint about the syn-gut setup.

Tomorrow evening is the first round of the tournament and I am actually excited to try the natural gut there.

Extreme low tension rules!
 

v-verb

Hall of Fame
Great report! Apologies if I missed it but what type of gut, gauge and tension are you using? Aha 30 lbs but the rest?

Edit - ok I read the previous page - Klip 18 ga. I have to try that once I can string better
 
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yourmailman

Rookie
Great report! Apologies if I missed it but what type of gut, gauge and tension are you using? Aha 30 lbs but the rest?

Edit - ok I read the previous page - Klip 18 ga. I have to try that once I can string better

V-Verb,

This was my first time stringing with natural gut. To me, it wasn't any more difficult than any of the other strings. I pulled each length twice, as I have heard that's a good practice with gut. Only added about 10 minutes to my stringing time.

I have found that I like 18 gauge, and that is almost exclusively what I stock. The Klip was the only natural gut I saw.
 

scotus

G.O.A.T.
Do string tensions as low as 30 still work with fast strokes and long swings?

It's a matter of preference, but yes, it works for fast & long swings. Even some ATP pros use tensions this low.

I am loving the ultra-low tension for the winter. I doubt I could stay in this range come spring, though.
 

yourmailman

Rookie
Do string tensions as low as 30 still work with fast strokes and long swings?

I would have to say yes. My strokes are fairly fast. I have found that I have shortened my swing a little since I don't need as much energy to get the ball to go where I want it to.

I would say try it out. If you don't like it (and not everybody will), go back to the tension you are comfortable with. I tried it, and I happen to love it. Since I switched to the extremely low tension, I frequently hear how much my game has improved in a short time. Plus there are the people who don't say anything, but are now losing to me instead of beating me.

Is it strictly the low tension? Probably not all by itself. As I said earlier, it has changed my style of play a bit. I don't get nearly as tired because I expend less energy to get the same results I was getting at the higher tensions. And maybe part of it is mental. I believe I can make better shots now, and have the confidence to try. I also feel I have just a bit more time when I get to a ball because I don't have to wind up as much. I can still send the ball back at a pretty good clip, even if all I do is make contact (the pocketing is great).

So try it, you may like it. And don't just go down into the mid 40's. Go at least 35# or below. Judge your play and experiment until you find what is best for you. But by all means try it. You could be pleasantly surprised!

8)
 

evanjj

Rookie
yourmailman, you are a star.

I have Babolat Gut in the mains and Luxilon Rough in the crosses. I had them strung at 49/47 during the winter (in Australia) and in December I went lower to 48/45 for the summer, but am finding in the hot weather the balls are flying longer over the baseline.
You think I should go with my current string setup to the low 30s?? Will I keep a ball in?
Love to hear your opinion :)

PS...I should say, I was thinking of going tighter to keep the ball in, maybe 55/52...until I read your posts!
 
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yourmailman

Rookie
yourmailman, you are a star.

I have Babolat Gut in the mains and Luxilon Rough in the crosses. I had them strung at 49/47 during the winter (in Australia) and in December I went lower to 48/45 for the summer, but am finding in the hot weather the balls are flying longer over the baseline.
You think I should go with my current string setup to the low 30s?? Will I keep a ball in?
Love to hear your opinion :)

I would have to say yes. When I was in the low 50s and mid to high 40s, I had trouble with the ball sailing on me. When I dropped down to the low 30s, I found that the small amount of topspin I hit with became enhanced and caused the ball to dip into the court.

Remember, any spin you put on the ball at higher tensions will be magnified at the extreme low tensions. My topspin is now what I would consider considerable, and my backspin is phenomenal. I have had several backspin drop-shots with so much spin, they came back over the net before my opponent could get to them.

Just remember to give yourself some time to adjust. Everyone I have strung at 36 or below had a brief period of adjustment. But once they got the feel of it, they like it a lot. After a few games, even my girlfriend was popping some serious speed and topspin on her ground strokes.

Good luck, and let us know what you think.
 

evanjj

Rookie
Ok..I will do it. Love to experiment! Will restring in a week or 2 and let you know :)
32/30??



I would have to say yes. When I was in the low 50s and mid to high 40s, I had trouble with the ball sailing on me. When I dropped down to the low 30s, I found that the small amount of topspin I hit with became enhanced and caused the ball to dip into the court.

Remember, any spin you put on the ball at higher tensions will be magnified at the extreme low tensions. My topspin is now what I would consider considerable, and my backspin is phenomenal. I have had several backspin drop-shots with so much spin, they came back over the net before my opponent could get to them.

Just remember to give yourself some time to adjust. Everyone I have strung at 36 or below had a brief period of adjustment. But once they got the feel of it, they like it a lot. After a few games, even my girlfriend was popping some serious speed and topspin on her ground strokes.

Good luck, and let us know what you think.
 

yourmailman

Rookie
Yes. Normally do the gut a few pounds more. But will that even matter at those extreme low tensions?

Actually, you might try 31/30 since the percentage will be a little different at the low tension. I think 32/20 would be a good place to start though.
 

Hi I'm Ray

Professional
I personally don't like string in the low 40's (which is where RPM should drop to after initial tension loss) as it still feels stiff, but doesn't give a lot extra spin or comfort. In the 30's is where I feel the comfort jumps up considerably.

-Fuji

As someone who normally plays poly/syn gut hybrids in the low 50's, I agree that full poly in the 40's can still somewhat harsh. Even polys in the mid 30's are harsher than syn gut or multis at 60lbs, imo.
 
Actually, you might try 31/30 since the percentage will be a little different at the low tension. I think 32/20 would be a good place to start though.

Evanjii and mailman. 31/30 or 31/32 will yield no difference over 31/31 or 3//32 etc etc. that is more mental floss than anything. Anything less than 5% difference IMHO and experience will yield nothing other than a +\- overall string bed stiffness average. So why bother with the silly variables. Do 32/32 perhaps to start
 
Ditto. Gonna try 62 or so. Then 42 maybe lower depends on how I feel

I tried 64 lb in the 99S last night and did notice it was notably "harsher" than at 59 lb.

However, I also switched strings from Lux 4g 16 to Golden Set Snakebite 17. (For such experimentation, I dont want to waste 17 bucks a string set........)

I can say for me, that the sweetspot definitely got smaller, the racquet was less forgiving, mishits were most definitely felt, and it was definitely lower on power with the tension change. But, when the ball was struck cleanly, it really rocked.

So, I will try this a few more times and see if the strings remain playable longer by starting at the higher tension and go from there. I can probably live with the first couple of hours it playing on the harsh side if it gives alot more quality playing time on the backend of the string's life.
 

Fuji

Legend
As someone who normally plays poly/syn gut hybrids in the low 50's, I agree that full poly in the 40's can still somewhat harsh. Even polys in the mid 30's are harsher than syn gut or multis at 60lbs, imo.

That could very well be the case. I don't like stringing tight to start with, but I feel as though 30lbs feels the same as syngut (gosen og) at around 58lbs. The only difference is the launch angle of course, and the spin generated.

-Fuji
 
I tried 64 lb in the 99S last night and did notice it was notably "harsher" than at 59 lb.

However, I also switched strings from Lux 4g 16 to Golden Set Snakebite 17. (For such experimentation, I dont want to waste 17 bucks a string set........)

I can say for me, that the sweetspot definitely got smaller, the racquet was less forgiving, mishits were most definitely felt, and it was definitely lower on power with the tension change. But, when the ball was struck cleanly, it really rocked.

So, I will try this a few more times and see if the strings remain playable longer by starting at the higher tension and go from there. I can probably live with the first couple of hours it playing on the harsh side if it gives alot more quality playing time on the backend of the string's life.

BTJ so far you and I are drawing the EXACT same conclusions.

Here is what I am finding so far after about 5 strings setups.

1. Tension drop is faster initially than other racquets even with good tension mtce polys

2. I am finding that there is a VERY narrow sweet range for this racquet between losing control and being to harsh. So far for me it's that 50-53 range, playing tension not stringing tension. So if you don't mind stringing often then no issue here.

3. The racquet feels greatly balanced for me and solid yet not too broomstick like although its stiff. Although I like stiff racquets so that's personal.

4. I hit with above average spin and honestly don't see the major spin difference. Others may experience more if the are not already producing spin but that factor is null for me so far

5. I'm a decent net player and cannot seem to find my range on volleys yet. I feel the racquet moves well to where I command it but range is off. This may have to do with next factor

6. Ball trajectory is definitely a little higher than normal may be affecting the above issue ?

7. Funny thou deffensive return of serve has been good for me but I believe function of strings here not racquet

After initially falling in love with this stick I am holding a bit of reservation mostly because of the inconsistent play over the hours of a string job. I will sacrifice some performance for consistency because I don't want a racquet feel I have to be chasing the way it performs over a 4-6 hour string job life. I'm gonna do some more testing with other strings and materials and see. I have not tried gut or multi but I am starting to think that a gut or multi in the mid 60s might do well here. Lets see....
 
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