Which Tension for my New Racquets?

[TripleB]

Believe it or not I've finally decided on the strings to put in the two RDX-500 Midplus racquets that I'm going to purchase either tomorrow (Tuesday) or Wednesday.

In one I'm going to go with Kirschbaum Touch Turbo 16g in the mains and Bow Brand Championship Natural Gut 15L in the crosses.

In the other I'm going to go with Babolat Pro Hurricane 16g in the mains and Bow Brand Championship Natural Gut 15L in the crosses.

I couldn't decide (from reading past posts on the board) which of the two polys I might like better so I figured I would string up one of each with the same natural gut crosses and at the same tension. I could then decide which of the two I like best, go with that one, and adjust the tension as needed. And if I felt like it, once I got the tension where I wanted it, remove the string from the one I liked the least and string it up with a Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power 16L (my current string choice) and Natural Gut hybrid and compare those two.

Anyway, now that I'm 100% sure of the string, I would like some advice (a vote will do) on what tension to start with.

Based on what TW says about hybrid stringing, the fact that I want as "soft" of feel {yes I know I'm using a poly} as I can get while using poly mains, and what used to be recommended for Yonex racquets, I plan to string the crosses 2 pounds less than the mains.

FYI: the recommended tension for the Yonex RDX-500 MP is 55-65. The demo I tried (and liked) had Wilson NXT Max 17g in it at 62 pounds.

60/58 is the lowest tension listed because I don't think I could handle anything more loose than that. I string my POG mid with Luxilon BB ALU Power 16L / Gosen JC 16 at 57/56 and considering the RDX-500 Midplus is 98 sq in (compared to 93) and is a more powerful racquet anyway, I don't think I could go any lower with my Yonex than 60/58.

Thanks for any votes.

TripleB

 

[TripleB]

I guess I'll go in between the two votes cast [62/60 and 60/58] and go with 61/59.

TripleB

 

[TripleB]

65/63?!? WOW!!! Someone must really want my arm to fall off....Kirschbaum states lower your regular tension 4-8 pounds for their Touch Turbo strings.

Just kidding guys...thanks for the votes. As of now (10:25am EST) I'm leaning towards the 61/59. Probably going to order my items around 3:15 pm EST.

TripleB

 

[GrahamIsSuper]

It was probabbly Rabbit trying to get said arm to fall off....

It's difficult to type with only one arm!

 

[TripleB]

LOL...I see, he was trying to keep my posting to a minimum. That may be the case anyway since I just ordered two new racquets, several sets of string, 12 packages of overgrip, and a new tennis bag...what's left to ask about?

TripleB

 

[andfor]

Don't get scared. But I highly recommend starting at the lowest possible tension you think you can handle. I have my MP's stung with BB orig./Prince Syn. at 60lbs. and one with ALU-Pwr./PrinceSyn. at 58lbs.

Here's the scary part. My arm hurts a little after I play. Now don't panic! I have been playing with these since last summer 2-3 times a week. IT'S THE POLY man. The lower I keep going everytime I re-string my arm seems to only get a little better.

I want to order some of the Yonex 850 to try as one string job and use some for a Poly hybrid.

Don't get me wrong here I love my RDX MP's. It's the poly that hurts. The main reason I continue to put up with the slight arm soreness is I really like the way the poly plays. The string does not move, excellent control, decent power and incredible spin. In closing I have used poly before in other racqutes and it's bothered my arm. I may just have to give it up. Until then I am still experimenting.

Good luck and let us know how your set-ups work for you.

 

[GrahamIsSuper]

TripleB, perhaps you could bring up a serious and heated discussion regarding the Aerodynamics of the modern Tennis shoelace.

Just remember that many of us have taken quite a bit of physics, and will most likely see through your arguments that white laces > black laces.

 

[TripleB]

andfor...thanks for your advice. I went with the 61/59 tension. I'm going to start there and hopefully lower it a little bit over the next couple of stringings. I was just fearful of a repeat of what happened with my Yonex MP-1 Tour Midplus. I think I got it strung too low the first time and felt the power was too overwhelming and I ended up hating that racquet. Sold it a month and a half later. I know the RDX-500 MP is a much different (and better) racquet and I would rather start a little too high than a little too low and lose confidence in the racquet. I agree with everything you say about the poly strings. I'm going to stick with them as long as I can...always looking for a softer poly. Trying Pro Hurricane and Touch Turbo this time. Would like to get my hands on some LaserFibre Kryptonite. I'll try to keep you updated on my findings.

GIS...I would say that the black shoe strings would be better. I know that heat rises, black absorbs more heat therefore they would get hotter than the white, they would rise, and be lighter on the shoe...what do you think?

TripleB

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

....I couldn't decide....

No further questions your Honor.