How Much Difference Does String Really Make

[kenshireen]

Most rec players are in the 3.0-4.0 range...
I have strung for 20 or more players in this range and only use 17G Gosen micro usually strung at mid range.

Now my question is this...aside from feel...is a good multi such as x-1 or a good poly such as Lux or even VS gut going to make a difference on the final outcome of any match.
I have tried poly's and do not like the feel; X-1 or other qualities multi's play softer than Gosen and have a bit more power but once again never really impacted my game.

I have been told that you can hit out with a poly and the ball will stay in versus using the same swing speed with a synthetic and the ball may be out by a few inches..

I would appreciate any opinions... once again I am talking about your average rec player in the 3.0-4.0 range since these are the guys who I string for.

Thanks
Ken

[PED]

I think poly really does help out alot on the spin side. It's a big switch from gut or a multi to poly (and vice versa) and TBH, not many people cross over.

I think it's all personal pref in the end but I like taking a bigger cut at the ball and I can't do that as much with a multi or even a hybrid. I actually like the feel (or lack thereof) of a poly.

[Kevo]

I don't think string makes much of a difference in match outcome if it's your usual string. Strings can play, and especially, feel quite different. So if you haven't had time to adjust and get used to the feel and play of a particular string, it could cause you a lot of grief in a match. It will make more of a difference IMO for lower level players because of a lack of experience and options.

Long term though, string doesn't matter too much. It's more of a preference. Real changes come from practice and technique.

[Jonny S&V]

Originally Posted by kenshireen

Most rec players are in the 3.0-4.0 range...
I have strung for 20 or more players in this range and only use 17G Gosen micro usually strung at mid range.

Now my question is this...aside from feel...is a good multi such as x-1 or a good poly such as Lux or even VS gut going to make a difference on the final outcome of any match.
I have tried poly's and do not like the feel; X-1 or other qualities multi's play softer than Gosen and have a bit more power but once again never really impacted my game.

I have been told that you can hit out with a poly and the ball will stay in versus using the same swing speed with a synthetic and the ball may be out by a few inches..

I would appreciate any opinions... once again I am talking about your average rec player in the 3.0-4.0 range since these are the guys who I string for.

Thanks
Ken

You are right, it shouldn't matter if you only take into account the power level. But we are taking into account the 3.0-4.0 range. Not to treat you like someone new to tennis, but the thing that makes poly more controllable than that of synthetic gut/multifilament is that a syn gut/multi's rebound angle won't be as consistent as that of a poly, and this is exploited if the player's technique isn't set in stone. Maybe I'm just getting facts mixed up, but I think this is right, right?

[alidisperanza]

Interesting question. I don't think that synth to multi would create a huge difference in game but going from Multi to poly is a different concept. You're looking at the extreme spectrum of strings.

The truth is that most upper level players can play with just about anything. You give them a stick within reason and they'll be able to hit balls. That's the definition of 4.5+ players, adaptation. Sure there will be an uncomfortable period of adjustment but eventually it balances out.

Having said that, depending on the type of mental player one is, it can certainly change the outcome of a match. Personally I'm a mental case. Little changes can often get in my head and place that doubt bug. Changing frames and strings could definetly have that effect. But, if there is a high level close match and one relies on certain shots and the knowledge that that ball will be in by a few inches. I could see how it could cause problems.

As for a 3.0? I think there's more in the way of technique and mechanics than strings. Sure comfort level plays a definite role but meh.

[KenC]

String can make a big difference on your elbow.

Between types of strings, like multi vs. poly there is a difference. Between two quality multis I think there is a little difference. For example, I notice a difference in feel, at the same tension, between Bab XCel which is really soft feeling and not so controllable and TF X-One which has a nice crisp feel and offers me more control. Between TF X-One and TF MultiFeel I don't notice the difference, at the same tension, that much except for the MultiFeel seems to have a little less "power" than X-One.

I think tension may have more to do with noticing a difference more than varieties within the same class of strings, such as multis. For me 55lbs of tension feels a lot different that 60lbs and that 5 lbs of difference affects how I have to hit the ball.

[mawashi]

IMO strings r as important if not more than the stick for many reasons.

1. Comfort, for those of us that can't play with polys, getting a soft setup is the difference between playing or not.
2. Feel, some guys like myself just love the feel of certain strings. Almost any stick feels better with a certain string in it.
3. Playability, for those who hit with massive spin, nothing but poly or kevlar will last more than a hr or 2. Strings like gut are also for those who can feel every milisec a ball is pocked on the string.

For me it's a kevlar/poly that gives me the most pleasure but also the most pain LOL!

mawashi

[xFullCourtTenniSx]

YES! It makes a HUGE difference!

A crappy synthetic versus a good poly is HUGE! It's the difference between me losing to someone 6-7 and beating them 6-1. I use heavy spin, and rely on the solid bite that good polys will give me to make sure my shots go well over the net and drop well in.

[raiden031]

Originally Posted by alidisperanza

The truth is that most upper level players can play with just about anything. You give them a stick within reason and they'll be able to hit balls. That's the definition of 4.5+ players, adaptation. Sure there will be an uncomfortable period of adjustment but eventually it balances out.

My opinion is that equipment matters more to a high level player because they hit with more precision so a couple of inches can mean the difference between a shot being in or out. A lower level player will probably hit like 90% of their errors because of lack of experience, poor technique, or just lack of practice.

So for rec. players, I would say playability of strings makes very little difference among string choices. Durability on the other hand makes a difference. Also people with poor technique will get punished more with stiffer strings by suffering more arm injuries.

My anecdotal experience is that I went from playing with synthetic gut which would break within 4-8 hours to playing with a poly/synthetic gut hybrid that now lasts like 20 hours. I'm a heavy topspin player but noticed very little difference in ball trajectory though. I think both the raquet and string tension matters more than the type of string too.

[alidisperanza]

Originally Posted by raiden031

My opinion is that equipment matters more to a high level player because they hit with more precision so a couple of inches can mean the difference between a shot being in or out. A lower level player will probably hit like 90% of their errors because of lack of experience, poor technique, or just lack of practice.

So for rec. players, I would say playability of strings makes very little difference among string choices. Durability on the other hand makes a difference. Also people with poor technique will get punished more with stiffer strings by suffering more arm injuries.

My anecdotal experience is that I went from playing with synthetic gut which would break within 4-8 hours to playing with a poly/synthetic gut hybrid that now lasts like 20 hours. I'm a heavy topspin player but noticed very little difference in ball trajectory though. I think both the raquet and string tension matters more than the type of string too.

You're definetly right. As usual, I should have clarfied my point a bit further. Upper level can play with just about anything but when it comes down to the wire we're darn picky about our gear. I mean look at federer for example' he has about a 14 racquet rotation strung from aroud 55 to 62 I Believe (don't remember the exact numbers on this) Depending on his oppopnent and how he's feeling that day he changes around