Low, low tensions. 30lbs feels great. 20lbs pretty good, too - Page 68

v-verb · 11-26-2012, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundaypunch

Good advice.

Once you string on a better stringer you will wish you hadn't purchased an entry level model. If you string one racquet a month you are probably better off with a Klippermate or equivalent. If you string multiple racquets each week you will be happy if you saved up for something better (if you can afford it).

EDIT - I see that you only plan to string 4-5 racquets a year. You might go with an entry level model and then sell it if you decide to do more. Then again, once you have a stringer and can easily try new strings / tensions, you might find that you are using it much more than expected.

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourmailman

Also, check around for a higher end used machine. Many times, they are almost as inexpensive as a new low end one.

There is a guy at my tennis facility that just sold a really nice used Eketlon for $300. At least that what he was asking for it, it may have actually gone for less.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fortun8son

Gamma Progression ST II. Fixed clamps, 6pt mount, crank. $729
Or you can go with a comparable, cheaper Eagnas/ Pro's Pro model for less.
I did.
You can upgrade to a floorstand and/or Wise later.

Thanks Guys! Great advice.

I'm in Canada and checked around - slim pickings here as many stores won't deliver to Canada (Gamma) and not much for sale used. I might have to go the Klipper route - at least it will be USA made!

Apologies for the derail.

On the positive side (?) the tension for each racquet has dropped to 48lbs for the POG (6 less lbs) and 53 lbs for the Boron (8 lbs less) so although they are not in the high 30s as I wanted, they're closer than I thought they would be initially. At this rate they'll be in the 30's in a week

yourmailman · 11-26-2012, 08:19 PM

My MD partner got to try out her PureDrive 107 at 38 lbs tonight. She liked it a lot!

Only a few of her shots went long, and her serve was really jumping. Plus, she didn't have nearly as many problems at the net as she has with it strung at 62.

She also hit quite a few great shots that, in my opinion, she would have netted before. They cleared the net and dipped down with a goodly amount of topspin.

Her only negative about the low tension was that it "sounds so different".

My observations was that the only down side for her was on return of our male opponent's serve. Those were the ones that seems to fly a bit. Otherwise, her game was spot on with the low tension.

v-verb · 11-26-2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourmailman

My MD partner got to try out her PureDrive 107 at 38 lbs tonight. She liked it a lot!

Only a few of her shots went long, and her serve was really jumping. Plus, she didn't have nearly as many problems at the net as she has with it strung at 62.

She also hit quite a few great shots that, in my opinion, she would have netted before. They cleared the net and dipped down with a goodly amount of topspin.

Her only negative about the low tension was that it "sounds so different".

My observations was that the only down side for her was on return of our male opponent's serve. Those were the ones that seems to fly a bit. Otherwise, her game was spot on with the low tension.

Very impressive!

Yourmailman,

What strings were she using?

yourmailman · 11-26-2012, 08:37 PM

I strung it up with Gosen OG 18g.

v-verb · 11-26-2012, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourmailman

I strung it up with Gosen OG 18g.

Interesting - a Syn-Gut. Have you ever tried a poly strung low? Apologies if I missed a post further back if you've supplied this info before

yourmailman · 11-27-2012, 08:46 AM

Haven't tried poly yet. I have a reel on the way (should be here today), so I am anxious to try it.

fortun8son · 11-27-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourmailman

Haven't tried poly yet. I have a reel on the way (should be here today), so I am anxious to try it.

Which poly are you getting?

Pro's Pro had such good deals that I just picked up a reel each of Blackout 1.24, Ichiban Spin 1.21, and Vendetta 1.20. I already have a reel of Plus Power 1.28.

yourmailman · 11-27-2012, 09:20 PM

TechniFibre Pro Red Code 18g

fortun8son · 11-27-2012, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourmailman

TechniFibre Pro Red Code 18g

Ooh, good stuff. I use the 1.30 for chronic stringbreakers.
It should serve you well.
RedCode is pretty firm in the thicker gauges.
I've been thinking about trying the 1.18 myself.

v-verb · 11-28-2012, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fortun8son

Ooh, good stuff. I use the 1.30 for chronic stringbreakers.
It should serve you well.
RedCode is pretty firm in the thicker gauges.
I've been thinking about trying the 1.18 myself.

I'm going to try 18ga poly on my next POG mid I string up 35lbs I think.

I did buy a stringer (Klipper) based on the recommendations of the good people on this thread, so after I mess up some scrap racquets, I'll do the 18 ga - probably will be RPM Blast 18 as there is no RPM Team 18

Cheers

nigel

yourmailman · 11-28-2012, 07:47 PM

Okay. I am officially hooked on the extremely low tension in my Bio 100!

Tonight, I played in one of my singles leagues. My opponent was a guy that I normally play pretty close. I have always won the matches, but is is usually 7-5,6-3 or the like. I have even dropped a couple of sets to him in the past.

Tonight, I whipped out my trusty 30#er and proceeded to whip butt.

I was able to get back almost all of his first serves, just by getting the racquet on the ball. I also had the increased topspin on my ground strokes that has come with the lower tensions. He had a hard time dealing with it.

Long story short ... double bagel. I love this low tension!

v-verb · 11-29-2012, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourmailman

Okay. I am officially hooked on the extremely low tension in my Bio 100!

Tonight, I played in one of my singles leagues. My opponent was a guy that I normally play pretty close. I have always won the matches, but is is usually 7-5,6-3 or the like. I have even dropped a couple of sets to him in the past.

Tonight, I whipped out my trusty 30#er and proceeded to whip butt.

I was able to get back almost all of his first serves, just by getting the racquet on the ball. I also had the increased topspin on my ground strokes that has come with the lower tensions. He had a hard time dealing with it.

Long story short ... double bagel. I love this low tension!

Congrats!!! Double bagel is always nice!

yourmailman · 11-29-2012, 09:02 AM

Yes it is. I looked back through my notes, and I think this is the first time I ever double bagel'd anyone in singles since I started back three years ago.

tlm · 11-29-2012, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourmailman

Yes it is. I looked back through my notes, and I think this is the first time I ever double bagel'd anyone in singles since I started back three years ago.

Wow maybe you should string at 10 lbs. next and you will be ready for the tour.

yourmailman · 11-29-2012, 02:07 PM

Oh, I am far from ready for the tour! I have hired a coach, a physical conditioning specialist, a PR manager, and a personal trainer. I'm holding off until I get some endorsements!

Seriously, I have lost matches with the low tension, but I think my play has improved due to the difference from where I was a year ago (60# to 70#).

yourmailman · 11-30-2012, 05:44 PM

Got one racquet strung with Red Code 18g at 30#. Will try it out tomorrow and report back.

v-verb · 11-30-2012, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourmailman

Got one racquet strung with Red Code 18g at 30#. Will try it out tomorrow and report back.

Looking forward to the report.

My match didn't go so well. I was trying some new contacts and was framing the ball for most of my shots - depressing...anyhow will be interesting to hear how you like the poly vs the syn gut

yourmailman · 12-01-2012, 11:31 AM

Well, this is interesting . . .

I like the Red Code 18g, but I think I actually prefer the Gosen OG 18g. Seems like I have a little more control with it. Could just be that I have gotten used to the syn-gut. Need more testing.

yourmailman · 12-01-2012, 11:32 AM

I also think I am gonna try a hybrid, with poly on the mains and syn-gut on the crosses.

lynnbart · 12-02-2012, 06:56 PM

I found a stray set of poly this weekend and for kicks strung it at 42 lbs in my PDR. After being really uncomfortable with it for awhile it started feeling better.

Comfort level is great and it really helps my 1hbh along with the kick serve, you can really get after the serve.

I'm going to use for awhile longer and see how it plays out, its definately easy on the arm right now.

I've tried tensions at 48 lbs but nothing lower, I may try to hit the middle next time. There may be something to this lower tension poly....

11-26-2012, 08:19 PM	#1342
yourmailman Rookie Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 222	My MD partner got to try out her PureDrive 107 at 38 lbs tonight. She liked it a lot! Only a few of her shots went long, and her serve was really jumping. Plus, she didn't have nearly as many problems at the net as she has with it strung at 62. She also hit quite a few great shots that, in my opinion, she would have netted before. They cleared the net and dipped down with a goodly amount of topspin. Her only negative about the low tension was that it "sounds so different". My observations was that the only down side for her was on return of our male opponent's serve. Those were the ones that seems to fly a bit. Otherwise, her game was spot on with the low tension. __________________ Evil doers ... you face The Tick!

11-26-2012, 08:37 PM	#1344
yourmailman Rookie Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 222	I strung it up with Gosen OG 18g. __________________ Evil doers ... you face The Tick!

11-27-2012, 08:46 AM	#1346
yourmailman Rookie Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 222	Haven't tried poly yet. I have a reel on the way (should be here today), so I am anxious to try it. __________________ Evil doers ... you face The Tick!

11-27-2012, 09:20 PM	#1348
yourmailman Rookie Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 222	TechniFibre Pro Red Code 18g __________________ Evil doers ... you face The Tick!

11-28-2012, 07:47 PM	#1351
yourmailman Rookie Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 222	Okay. I am officially hooked on the extremely low tension in my Bio 100! Tonight, I played in one of my singles leagues. My opponent was a guy that I normally play pretty close. I have always won the matches, but is is usually 7-5,6-3 or the like. I have even dropped a couple of sets to him in the past. Tonight, I whipped out my trusty 30#er and proceeded to whip butt. I was able to get back almost all of his first serves, just by getting the racquet on the ball. I also had the increased topspin on my ground strokes that has come with the lower tensions. He had a hard time dealing with it. Long story short ... double bagel. I love this low tension! __________________ Evil doers ... you face The Tick!