String Guide to the Perplexed

[Overheadsmash]

Originally Posted by BigT

Although gut is unique in it's feel, at the 3.5 level, I think a thick 1.35 or 1.40mm(15g) multi could work just as good for you.

Any reason why you're using poly crosses?

Yes - for one it's cheaper (Lux savage is 13 dollars U.S. a set versus 32 for the gut - I just use babolat tonic 15G), and the Lux Savage is hex shaped and I noticed a big increase in my ability to generate spin with that in the crosses. I love the feel. Also, when I first used full gut, it was too hard to control. Putting the Savage in the crosses (I also use Gamma Zo Tour Rough in the crosses) gave me the feel of gut and added some control. If fact, as soon as I did this, my "dwell time" - my ability to keep the recquet on the ball - increased dramatically as did my ability to control spin and direction.

So, right now, it costs me $45 for two string jobs (I string myself so just pay for the string) But, if I could find something that ends up costing $10 or less per string job I would be happier.

Stringing with a Stringway ML120 by the way and I love it. It's fun and now my 11 year old daughter is starting to string her own racquets.

[alidisperanza]

Originally Posted by Overheadsmash

tried NRG2 once and did not like it, but I know several who love it in a full stringbed. Is there a syngut that has a "textured" surface to it so it bites into the ball better? I'd like something that comes in a reel for less than $75 U.S.

Dare i say it... Gamma *whispers* Rough *whispers*. You'll certainly be making the stringer work for their money!

[Overheadsmash]

Originally Posted by alidisperanza

Dare i say it... Gamma *whispers* Rough *whispers*. You'll certainly be making the stringer work for their money!

I string my own sticks. The gamma is not a problem at all actually - Zo tour rough is good string. In fact, gamma makes some good stuff.

Now, I tried some Solinco Barbed wire as a cross once and THAT was hardest string to weave ever. I hated it so much I threw away the other half of the package!

[alidisperanza]

Originally Posted by Overheadsmash

I string my own sticks. The gamma is not a problem at all actually - Zo tour rough is good string. In fact, gamma makes some good stuff.

Now, I tried some Solinco Barbed wire as a cross once and THAT was hardest string to weave ever. I hated it so much I threw away the other half of the package!

Wow. You're the first person to ever say that! Gamma rough is no walk in the park after stringing several racquets. I definitely agree though, Barb wire is probably the poly equivalent.

[Overheadsmash]

Originally Posted by alidisperanza

Wow. You're the first person to ever say that! Gamma rough is no walk in the park after stringing several racquets. I definitely agree though, Barb wire is probably the poly equivalent.

My reel of Forten Sweet just came in. That stuff is like a limp noodle. Going to be easy to string that. It's a big reel and there is almost no coil memory. Going to try it out in my Dunlop AG 500 Tour after work!

[alidisperanza]

Yeah, sweet and OGSM are probably my favorite strings to run through-- very easy to work with.

[dre]

BigT - I'm currently trying to find a string for my playing style and looking for some suggestions. My string of choice was the B5E in the extreme mp and leaning toward the BHB7. I'm not completely satisfied with the overall performance of the B5E, but it is a good string.

Style:
- I have a big, fast swing and need spin / control in the extreme mp.
- western forehand / 1handed backhand.
- good flat serve / better kick serve
- mix of serve&volley / baseline

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Originally Posted by BigT

No, that question is not in the wrong section. Just like it is impossible to answer that, so too is the question:

'I use XX racquet. What strings?'
or
'Best strings for XX racquet'

There are probably 2-3 threads started like that a day, and what's even funnier: you have 10 posters trying to answer.

Just like my height and weight tell you absolutely nothing about my feet and what shoes fit best, so too, a racquet cannot tell anyone which strings are best for the racquet.

Strings need to fit the PLAYER:

Level, style, strokes, etc.

Case in point: 2 guys use an Babolat APD. One plays a huge topspin, aggressive net playing game. Another is a golden retreiver, pushing from side to side. They do not need the same strings.

That is just one example of many.

[BigT]

^^What level do you feel you play? What is lacking with your current set-up?

[dre]

BigT - I'm playing usta at 4.0. And my 4.5 in my local league.

Ultimately, I'd like to generate more spin and pace on both sides, while maintaining control. I understand technique is a huge part and working diligently on my game. At times, I find myself swing too hard with the B5E.

Im currently experimenting with a reel of msv hex. I'm trying different tensions and hybrid setups. With the hex, control is good and spin production is ok, not as noticeable as the B5E though.

A few people have also suggest switching sticks to EXO3 and using multis. Not convinced thats going to be the best solution.

thanks !

[BigT]

Like you said, more spin and pace generally means get some more racquet head speed. That might solve your problem.
If you need help, maybe trying crossing your poly with your favorite synthetic or multi. That might get you some more power without sacrificing too much spin.
Switching racquets should only be done after you've tried several string options.

[Radical Shot]

Just wanted to chip in here and give a big +1 to everything that BigT has said in this thread. Spot-on advice that only comes from experience, stringing and hitting.

[mikeler]

BigT,

I like lower powered, spin oriented multis and I was going to purchase something from Pro's Pro. I'm a 4.5 all court player. Which string would you recommend?

[hebrewhammer]

Originally Posted by mikeler

BigT,

I like lower powered, spin oriented multis and I was going to purchase something from Pro's Pro. I'm a 4.5 all court player. Which string would you recommend?

I'm no string expert like BigT, but I really enjoyed torpedo, which is kind of like a rectangular shaped multi. Plenty of spin.

[dre]

Originally Posted by BigT

Like you said, more spin and pace generally means get some more racquet head speed. That might solve your problem.
If you need help, maybe trying crossing your poly with your favorite synthetic or multi. That might get you some more power without sacrificing too much spin.
Switching racquets should only be done after you've tried several string options.

Ahhh yes, racquet head speed. I removed the lead recently, and with some adjustments, have been hitting a cleaner ball with a reworked stroke as of late.

I also believe my elbow issues started with a combination of bad technique and low powered strings. Doubt any stick could've prevented it. I think mikeler or tennsifanla also suggested a hybrid setup with B5E and their favorite multis as well.

Sounds like I need to try a few more setups, including BHB7 before ordering another reel.


Thanks for the input !

[BigT]

Originally Posted by mikeler

BigT,

I like lower powered, spin oriented multis and I was going to purchase something from Pro's Pro. I'm a 4.5 all court player. Which string would you recommend?

With the exception of Gut Power and Kingut, I found most Pro's Pro multis to be quite tame in the power dept.

Tristar and Gutex Ultra are probably the lowest powered, with decent spin.

Torpedo and Claycourt Plus are medium powered with great spin.

If you like MCS, then you would want to give Hitec Multifiber a look.

Silver Twist is as soft as a multi, low powered, and has very good spin.

[mixedmedia]

What charming names.

[fortun8son]

With over 800 strings out there, it's tough to come up with something original. Heck, just look at some of the rock/pop band names out there now! Foster the People? Really?

Pro's Pro is good string at a great price, but BigT is too ethical to use this forum to shamelessly promote his own products.
I'm not a shill, but I do know a good value when it hits me in the face and I like the way he does business.
Ray at Mamba has a different style, but his stuff is good, too, so I've purchased reels from both of them.
I'm an independent racquet tech and my goal is to give my clients the best bang for their buck in a depressed economy.

[mixedmedia]

Haha, good point. Whoa, is it really 800? Is that including each gauge as a different string?

[fortun8son]

Originally Posted by mixedmedia

Haha, good point. Whoa, is it really 800? Is that including each gauge as a different string?

That's only the RSI list which doesn't include Pro's Pro, Discho, Eagnas and others who have not submitted samples for testing!
Yes that does include the different gauges.
There really is a big difference in the performance of different gauges. They might as well be different strings.

Think about it. How many different FXP, Big Banger, and Live Wire variations are there?
They couldn't think of new names either!

[fgs]

can there be a softer string than mcs? yes, it is pro's pro hitech multifibre.
i managed to hit yesterday for half an hour with it, but it's too soon to make any statements besides the fact that it was "encouraging". i had it strung with blackout mains and played it parallel with the blackout/mcs combo and a tecnifibre black code/mcs combo.

after stringing i made a measurement with the raquettune and it was 1 point softer than the blackout/mcs combo. you also feel it while hitting. for now the power level is comparable, spin too, i think i have to get used a little bit to the touch of it and slightly adjust in order to have better control, as i felt that i was spraying the shots a little bit more as compared to the blackout/mcs combo.