Thinner vs thicker string

[audioboy]

You who have tried thinner and thicker versions from the same string. Tell me your thoughts.

How was the spin, durability, feel etc?

Now using Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.28 and thinking maybe to chance to 1.23. Does it make difference?

[audioboy]

1.28 is 16 gauge and 1.23 is 17.

[TennisCJC]

Yes, 17G has a bit more spin and power and less durability. But, the durability should still be good with poly unless you are breaking 16G poly fairly often. I hybrid poly and the soft string always breaks before the poly.

The only downside might be 17G poly may not hold tension quite as well as 16G poly. But, I play all 17G polys and I play a lot of differenct Signum Pro polys - they hold tension pretty well - better than most.

Try it - I think you will it better.

[slowfox]

Some "scientists" say that gauge doesn't really affect spin. I dunno.
Thinner gauge does affect durability. I think that's only logical.

[tbuggle]

it's also logical to think a thinner string will bite into the ball abit more (spin). whether the tiny amounts (gauges) we're talking about makes a difference or not, i am not sure but i tend to think it does.

[canny]

I play thinnger guages there's definitely a difference in feel and livelyness. But I also think there's a solid difference in spin. I dont break strings so I always use atleast a 17g or perferably a 18g.

[2ndServe]

they swing through the air a little faster. It's a very small difference but it you multiply it by 38 strings (18x20) it's noticeable.

[jcollura4]

i feel more spin because it can bite into the ball more, but if you dont break 16g then you should move to a 17g

[Jay_The_Nomad]

The swing weight difference is quite noticeable even between 16 & 17 g.

[anubis]

I use 17g strings b/c I use an 18x20 string pattern and I need the thinner gauge to help with spin.

[Relinquis]

how is the feel different between 16g and 17g of the same string in the same racquet to you guys?

[slowfox]

Originally Posted by Relinquis

how is the feel different between 16g and 17g of the same string in the same racquet to you guys?

Most will probably say that the 17g is "livelier". I normally use 17g, so when I go to a 16g the thicker string tends to feel... um, "solid" (that's the word that comes to mind).

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by slowfox

Most will probably say that the 17g is "livelier". I normally use 17g, so when I go to a 16g the thicker string tends to feel... um, "solid" (that's the word that comes to mind).

I would agree that 17g feels springier.

[Woolybugger]

I always use 17g because it feels crisper, livelier, more spin, just more advantageous in every respect except durability. I get maybe 25% less durability but the tradeoff is worth it. I never buy anything in 16g anymore.

[Someone Else]

Do any of you really think the average player would be able to tell
the difference between two identical racquets with the same strings
but different gauge in a blind test?

[mrmike]

Originally Posted by Someone Else

Do any of you really think the average player would be able to tell
the difference between two identical racquets with the same strings
but different gauge in a blind test?

I can tell, but not because I am talented. Its the sound which the ball makes on the strings which suggests the gauge. The 17G pings a lot higher and kind of tinny sounding as compared with 16G for example.

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by Someone Else

Do any of you really think the average player would be able to tell
the difference between two identical racquets with the same strings
but different gauge in a blind test?

It would depend on the string for me. Some there is a big difference, others the differences are not all that big.

[Relinquis]

thanks for the answers guys.

I've changed from a 16g to a 17g and have noticed some changes, but they were different brands and tensions (both multis).

[Hi I'm Ray]

IMO thinner doesn't always = better playability. It depends on the string and racket. Some of the thinner polys die much faster than their thicker counterparts.

Originally Posted by mikeler

It would depend on the string for me. Some there is a big difference, others the differences are not all that big.

+1

[fuzz nation]

I use syn. gut in my racquets and while thinner 17 ga. options seem to have better feel at higher tensions compared with thicker string that can feel clunky, I haven't seen too much difference in actual performance. My frames are soft 'n cozy Volkl C10's, which have worked fine for me with both gauges of string. Since their feel is completely acceptable with the fatter strings, I use 16 ga. for the better durability and haven't had any sense of losing out on spin potential, etc.

I also string for a few serious sluggers who like to play with hybrid setups and the only reel of poly that I stock right now is 17 ga. Since it's so much tougher that the softer crosses, I haven't had the need for a thicker poly yet. Usually when someone is looking for some better feel in general, I think that a thinner gauge can be an easy solution, especially in a racquet with a dense (18 mains) pattern.