Soft poly with good spin?

[COPEY]

Hey TonyB, what tension are you using for PS, and what racquet? I'm curious, because while I agree that PS is a very good poly (albeit for only a brief period of time), the spin you speak of generating with this string is what I find interesting. Mind you, I'm quite capable of generating respectable spin with the likes of a basic synthetic, hence my technique is quite sound. I just didn't find PS to be in the same league as Tour Bite, Cyclone, and several other popular polys, which seems to be the kind of spin you're producing with PS. I used it in a Volkl MP Classic at 53, by the way. I've also tried it in a hybrid, but I can't recall the tension--I'd have to look it up when I get home.

[Xonemains]

Originally Posted by BreakPoint

But it's also a poly, right? So it's naturally stiffer than most multis, which means there's a greater risk of eventually injuring your arm.

I've yet to hit with ANY poly string that didn't hurt my arm, even the ones advertised to be "very soft".

Not everybody has sore arms after using polys you know. V

[AA5B Tiger]

Originally Posted by COPEY

Hey TonyB, what tension are you using for PS, and what racquet? I'm curious, because while I agree that PS is a very good poly (albeit for only a brief period of time), the spin you speak of generating with this string is what I find interesting. Mind you, I'm quite capable of generating respectable spin with the likes of a basic synthetic, hence my technique is quite sound. I just didn't find PS to be in the same league as Tour Bite, Cyclone, and several other popular polys, which seems to be the kind of spin you're producing with PS. I used it in a Volkl MP Classic at 53, by the way. I've also tried it in a hybrid, but I can't recall the tension--I'd have to look it up when I get home.

Same here - I used PolyStar Energy and didn't find it exhibiting the properties you speak of. Maybe I had it too tight. In a Head Extreme 100, I had it at 55lbs for the mains and 59 for Goshen SG 17 in the crosses.

In comparison, I've tried MSV Hex at 50 in the mains and Goshen SG 17 in the crosses at 55 and could generate crazy spin with great power and a really nice "pop", but was spraying about 1/3 of the balls past the baseline 1-2' with good full swings. I was out of MSV so I tried the PolyStar/Goshen combo at 55/59 and I didn't notice much spin, liveliness, etc.. Did I have it too tight?

[Xonemains]

Originally Posted by AA5B Tiger

Same here - I used PolyStar Energy and didn't find it exhibiting the properties you speak of. Maybe I had it too tight. In a Head Extreme 100, I had it at 55lbs for the mains and 59 for Goshen SG 17 in the crosses.

In comparison, I've tried MSV Hex at 50 in the mains and Goshen SG 17 in the crosses at 55 and could generate crazy spin with great power and a really nice "pop", but was spraying about 1/3 of the balls past the baseline 1-2' with good full swings. I was out of MSV so I tried the PolyStar/Goshen combo at 55/59 and I didn't notice much spin, liveliness, etc.. Did I have it too tight?

Why are your crosses tension so much higher than your mains?

Well to do a proper comparison between the two different set up, you need to be at the same tension. But yes, you probably strung the crosses too high at 60 lbs

[AA5B Tiger]

Originally Posted by Xonemains

Why are your crosses tension so much higher than your mains?

Well to do a proper comparison between the two different set up, you need to be at the same tension. But yes, you probably strung the crosses too high at 60 lbs

Probably wrongly, I upped the SG tension because it is so much more elastic than the poly.

Should I have just put the poly and SG at the same tension?

[Xonemains]

Originally Posted by AA5B Tiger

Probably wrongly, I upped the SG tension because it is so much more elastic than the poly.

Should I have just put the poly and SG at the same tension?

I'm just gonna let Mikeler or Drakalie answer that question, it's too complicated once it gets started about the finer details

[pvaudio]

Originally Posted by AA5B Tiger

Probably wrongly, I upped the SG tension because it is so much more elastic than the poly.

Should I have just put the poly and SG at the same tension?

There are numerous schools of thought on this issue. I for one string the more elastic string at a higher tension. I do NOT however string mains and crosses differently if using a full bed. I play poly/syn or poly/gut, and I play my poly in the high 40s. While syn gut is not very powerful, it is far less stiff than poly so I want to try and make a more uniform stringbed stiffness. Now, to be fair, the stringbed stiffness IS uniform no matter what and you'll never match the stiffness of the mains' contribution to that of the crosses presuming a poly hybrid. This is especially the case when using natural gut. To me it basically comes down to the fact that normally, you wouldn't play a synthetic in the low 50s or high 40s, but you shouldn't string it at your normal 58 when you want to play poly at 50. You'll get a very interesting head shape if you did that. So, by upping that tension, you get the elastic string closer to the range it was "meant" to be played in. I have done it both ways (tension same on both m/c) and truth be told found no difference in playability. It's more of habit now. On Yonex frames, the story is different, as you are meant to lower the crosses.

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by COPEY

Hey TonyB, what tension are you using for PS, and what racquet? I'm curious, because while I agree that PS is a very good poly (albeit for only a brief period of time), the spin you speak of generating with this string is what I find interesting. Mind you, I'm quite capable of generating respectable spin with the likes of a basic synthetic, hence my technique is quite sound. I just didn't find PS to be in the same league as Tour Bite, Cyclone, and several other popular polys, which seems to be the kind of spin you're producing with PS. I used it in a Volkl MP Classic at 53, by the way. I've also tried it in a hybrid, but I can't recall the tension--I'd have to look it up when I get home.

I'm using the PS Energy strung at 30 lb. in a Yonex Tour 89. I've also strung it at 32 lb. in a Vantage 90 with the same results. Crazy spin, amazing touch, and controllable power. But after a few hours on the court, the tension loss turns the stringbed into a trampoline and shots start to fly. Also, to make matters worse, the spin potential drops. So they really need to be cut out at the 6-hour mark, at most.

I've never strung the PS Energy in the 50's, so I can't say whether or not it's the low tension that's giving the increased spin. All I know is that I can hit ridiculous kick serves and sick skidding slices with it that I was NEVER able to do with any other string, including a Natural Gut/MSV Hex hybrid.

The Yonex Tour 89 is a fairly tight stringbed -- probably akin to a midplus frame with a 18x20 pattern. And the spin is still ourtrageous. I really like this string a lot at the low tension. Power level is high, but it's not ridiculous. You really need to try it first-hand to see how good polys can play at low tensions (<40 lb.).

[BreakPoint]

Originally Posted by Xonemains

Not everybody has sore arms after using polys you know. V

You most likely eventually will as you get older, especially if you hit flat and use a small headed racquet.

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by BreakPoint

You most likely eventually will as you get older, especially if you hit flat and use a small headed racquet.

How much older? I'm 43 and I've used a 90 sq. in. frame practically forever. I've been using polys exclusively for several years. I suppose if I used a stiff poly at high tensions in a stiff frame, I would have problems. But if you're smart about your equipment and watch out for signs of arm problems, you can use pretty much whatever equipment you want.

Fact is, since I switched to PS Energy from Tour Bite, my arm feels better and doesn't get "tired" like it used to. But I've never suffered from tennis elbow from any frame or string, but I've always used small (90-93 sq. in.), heavy (12+ oz.), headlight frames.

[Passion4Tennis]

Originally Posted by TonyB

I think there is a difference in what people consider "soft". There is "soft", as in MSV Hex and RPM Blast, but then there is "SOFT", as in Polyfibre TCS and Polystar Energy. Unfortunately, I don't think "soft" is good enough. "SOFT" is what's needed in many cases. And to add to that, there is "SOFT" with spongyness, and "SOFT" with feel. That's where PS Energy differs. It's very unique. "SOFT" TCS is just spongy, without feel. "SOFT" Energy has tremendous feel, control, and power.

If there is another string that is similar to Energy, I would love to try it. Some have said that Black Magic is similar, but I haven't tried it yet so I cannot say.

Tony, have you ever used Topspin Cyber Blue? Many posters claim that it's a soft, powerful string that produces decent spin, and holds its tension well. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm about to order some soon.

[TonyB]

Sorry, never tried Cyber Blue. I've heard the same things.

Mostly, I'm afraid of what people consider soft". From what I've experienced, most of the "soft" strings are dead, lifeless, and spongy. There are very few "soft" strings that are lively and have good response with feel. PS Energy is one of them. Tour Bite isn't soft, but I would refer to it as "crisp" with feel.

There are way too many polys to try all of them. I find what I like and stick with it.

[Vcore89]

Originally Posted by Jazo

I want a soft poly with good spin. I am thinking of trying the Luxilon BB Ace 18 string, since i rarely break strings.

Pacific X Force (17 gauge is the preference over 16L or 18 ) is very soft. While it can be comparable to Luxilon M2 Pro in some respects...it is not to my liking though.

[Vcore89]

Cyber Blue is a lot like WC Mosquito Bite, Head Ultra Tour and nearly the same as IsoSpeed Axon Mono. Personally, if these are the choices I'll just go right back to the ice blue Lux Alu Power.

[BreakPoint]

Originally Posted by TonyB

How much older? I'm 43 and I've used a 90 sq. in. frame practically forever. I've been using polys exclusively for several years. I suppose if I used a stiff poly at high tensions in a stiff frame, I would have problems. But if you're smart about your equipment and watch out for signs of arm problems, you can use pretty much whatever equipment you want.

Fact is, since I switched to PS Energy from Tour Bite, my arm feels better and doesn't get "tired" like it used to. But I've never suffered from tennis elbow from any frame or string, but I've always used small (90-93 sq. in.), heavy (12+ oz.), headlight frames.

But do you hit flat?

Yes, stringing poly at super low tensions can only help and using a heavy racquet always helps, too.

[smirker]

Originally Posted by TonyB

It's actually pretty hilarious. PS Energy really DOES have it all.... comfort, spin, power, feel, and control.

The only drawback is longevity. I'd say you can get maybe 4-6 hours out of it before it becomes uncontrollable. But up until then, it's the perfect string.

Tony. Given that you use a 90" do you think it (PSE)would be a good option in a 100" thicker beamed frame at a slightly higher tension? I have used it before in a 95" and it was sublime for the first match but the playability dropped off pretty quick (strung it at 35lbs from memory). I was thinking more like 45 for the 100". The bonus is that they now do it in black.

One string that does come close to PS in terms of feel & power is Yonex PTP (the bright yellow one). not as soft though.

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by TonyB

How much older? I'm 43 and I've used a 90 sq. in. frame practically forever. I've been using polys exclusively for several years. I suppose if I used a stiff poly at high tensions in a stiff frame, I would have problems. But if you're smart about your equipment and watch out for signs of arm problems, you can use pretty much whatever equipment you want.

Fact is, since I switched to PS Energy from Tour Bite, my arm feels better and doesn't get "tired" like it used to. But I've never suffered from tennis elbow from any frame or string, but I've always used small (90-93 sq. in.), heavy (12+ oz.), headlight frames.

This is a great description of what my arm feels like with the wrong string. I strung up a set of Timo 18 I had laying around to try in my new frame. At 51/49, my arm was tight the next morning, tired feeling and I'm 54. The search continues...

[JT_2eighty]

Originally Posted by BreakPoint

But do you hit flat?

Yes, stringing poly at super low tensions can only help and using a heavy racquet always helps, too.

BP, I agree with you that any poly is still stiffer than most multis... until I tried PS Energy. I string with a dropweight and PS Energy stretches like "some" multis do on there... not on par with "soft multis", but it stretches like No Other poly...

I loved the string, but hated the fact that it would go from glorious in the first couple hours to horrendous after about hour 4-5. It really does drop tension and becomes a launcher, also like no other poly (most others become stiff, and brick-like over time).

I finally settled on Pacific Gut 16L main/ WC Mosquito Bite cross setup. MBite plays soft and compliments gut well, as it neither gets harsh like some polys (lux) nor trampoline-ish like Energy over time. I hit flat with a 12.5 oz 18x20 flexy frame from 1995. I'm in the camp that would play full gut if I could afford, so Gut/MBite is the closest I've found "feel-wise", and the setup has up to 3x durability as full gut, with a bit better control and no noticeable loss of comfort.

For a 'feel' oriented poly, MBite has an edge on PS Energy, in my experience. PS Energy also didn't pair well with gut like MBite did, for me.

Full PS Energy though is great for those willing to restring every 4-5 hours, who don't want to use gut... it's cost effective for self-stringers and plays great when fresh (PS Turbo has same feel & longevity as Energy, with more spin for those wanting that).

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by JT_2eighty

BP, I agree with you that any poly is still stiffer than most multis... until I tried PS Energy. I string with a dropweight and PS Energy stretches like "some" multis do on there... not on par with "soft multis", but it stretches like No Other poly...

I loved the string, but hated the fact that it would go from glorious in the first couple hours to horrendous after about hour 4-5. It really does drop tension and becomes a launcher, also like no other poly (most others become stiff, and brick-like over time).

This is exactly right. Unfortunately, I absolutely LOVE the power, feel, and control of the PS Energy, despite the short lifespan, so I find myself having to restring quite often. I totally agree that it goes from "I've found Heaven!" to "This stuff sucks!" almost instantly when you hit the 6-hour mark (sometimes less).

And yes, at the 6-hour mark, the spin potential drops like a rock and the power level goes off the charts, which is 180-degrees opposite of just about every other poly I've ever used. But up until then, the performance is absolutely unreal.

However, most other polys just plain "suck" after 8 hours or so anyway. They lose their pop, the spin potential goes downhill, and they start to hurt your arm. So, for the sake of losing a couple hours' worth of playtime, I prefer to restring a little sooner with PS Energy and cradle my arm in sheer bliss for the next 6 hours on the court.

[Vcore89]

If liking polys but dreading the dead feel of it after several hours, why not just switch to Tecnifibre Bi-Phase at higher tensions (chose 17; better feel than the 16 or 18 )?

It usually snaps anyways before it dies out; way better than a dead string!

On occasions though when it breaks at the 10-minute marker and I only brought 3 racquets then it sucks because I have to borrow racquets from the opponent.