Is natural gut a hassle to maintain?

Jqlevy · 01-26-2013, 09:56 PM

I just got my racket strung with a babolat vs/pht hybrid. The woman at the shop said a lot about keeping the gut out of the sun and away from water so I don't ruin it. I play a lot at high school and my rackets are always in the sun and exposed to humidity so i'm a bit worried. It's pretty expensive stuff, so what exactly happens to the gut when it's outside all day? Is it a big commitment to maintain it?
I probably won't use it anymore because of the price, but I just wanted to try it out. I bought a full set so I want to get my money's worth.

Thanks

Say Chi Sin Lo · 01-26-2013, 10:04 PM

I wouldn't worry too much about the sun. But then again, you wouldn't go out of your way to leave your racquets in the sun right? So, same sort of logic here.

The water thing is true, and it will ruin your gut. I don't care how coated the natural gut is, splashing water onto gut is never good. The expensive ones, like your Babolat VS should be fine in some humidity.

Again, don't go out of your way to leave racquets out in the humidity. Or put it anywhere near water.

Relinquis · 01-27-2013, 04:36 AM

If you want a cheaper option for your hybrid in the future, you might want to try one of the better Multis instead of Natural Gut.

It won't be the same, but it is probably the closest you'll get to replicating the feel and you can get Multis relatively cheaply.

Chotobaka · 01-27-2013, 04:41 AM

No worries about the sun, unless you are leaving your racquet outside 24/7/365. Real water is an obvious no-no. Moisture in the air is non-factor. Just enjoy your string choice.

Ramon · 01-27-2013, 11:30 AM

Keep it away from moisture. Very humid days do affect gut. I've noticed it myself, even with Babolat Tonic w/BT7. Playability is still good though, even with a 20% tension drop.

A multifilament synthetic is a good substitute for a full bed of gut but not for a gut/poly hybrid. The multi mains will break quickly due to the poly crosses sawing through them.

ultradr · 01-27-2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jqlevy

I just got my racket strung with a babolat vs/pht hybrid. The woman at the shop said a lot about keeping the gut out of the sun and away from water so I don't ruin it. I play a lot at high school and my rackets are always in the sun and exposed to humidity so i'm a bit worried. It's pretty expensive stuff, so what exactly happens to the gut when it's outside all day? Is it a big commitment to maintain it?
I probably won't use it anymore because of the price, but I just wanted to try it out. I bought a full set so I want to get my money's worth.

Thanks

She probably referring to natural gut of old days.

That become a less of factor for modern quality guts with good coatings.
I still would not go as extreme as playing in rain or on wet court surfaces with it
but generally never a concern or hassle.

UCSF2012 · 01-27-2013, 03:39 PM

Don't take your racket with you to sun tan or into the pool to swim. All is well again.

Korso · 01-28-2013, 03:35 PM

I only use gut during the winter and early spring months because of the Virginia humidity during the warmer months. The set up is fantastic but it will become expensive. If cost and durablility is an issue I would look for another setup with humid weather. I usually go with a copoly strung at sub 50 tensions.
Water is a no no.

TennisCJC · 01-29-2013, 09:16 AM

Humidity is no problem for me. Just don't play with gut if it is misting or raining. I have used gut in Atlanta 95 degree high humidity without any problems. Gut is actually pretty tough.

Maui19 · 01-30-2013, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TennisCJC

Humidity is no problem for me. Just don't play with gut if it is misting or raining. I have used gut in Atlanta 95 degree high humidity without any problems. Gut is actually pretty tough.

This. Humidity=ok. Mist/drizzle/rain=bad.

And don't shower with it.

NLBwell · 01-30-2013, 09:52 AM

Careful that there is no moisture in your racket bag. Someone suggested taking the little packets that soak up humidity in pill bottles and placing them in your racket bag. Seems like a good idea, so I'm doing that.

USS Tang · 02-01-2013, 03:18 AM

To keep gut dry, after playing pour a little cornstarch (baby powder) into your racket cover just before you place the racket inside it.

01-26-2013, 09:56 PM	#1
Jqlevy New User Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 40	Is natural gut a hassle to maintain? I just got my racket strung with a babolat vs/pht hybrid. The woman at the shop said a lot about keeping the gut out of the sun and away from water so I don't ruin it. I play a lot at high school and my rackets are always in the sun and exposed to humidity so i'm a bit worried. It's pretty expensive stuff, so what exactly happens to the gut when it's outside all day? Is it a big commitment to maintain it? I probably won't use it anymore because of the price, but I just wanted to try it out. I bought a full set so I want to get my money's worth. Thanks

01-26-2013, 10:04 PM	#2
Say Chi Sin Lo Hall Of Fame Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,616	I wouldn't worry too much about the sun. But then again, you wouldn't go out of your way to leave your racquets in the sun right? So, same sort of logic here. The water thing is true, and it will ruin your gut. I don't care how coated the natural gut is, splashing water onto gut is never good. The expensive ones, like your Babolat VS should be fine in some humidity. Again, don't go out of your way to leave racquets out in the humidity. Or put it anywhere near water. __________________ Wilson BLX Six.One Tour 90. 374g, 8pts HL, SW=355 (according to TW's calculator)

01-27-2013, 04:36 AM	#3
Relinquis Hall Of Fame Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: On the courts; hard & clay ... Posts: 4,326	If you want a cheaper option for your hybrid in the future, you might want to try one of the better Multis instead of Natural Gut. It won't be the same, but it is probably the closest you'll get to replicating the feel and you can get Multis relatively cheaply. __________________ Disclaimer: I'm NOT a coach... Real tennis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDqnkLJ9BtM

01-27-2013, 03:39 PM	#7
UCSF2012 Professional Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1,491	Don't take your racket with you to sun tan or into the pool to swim. All is well again. __________________ When their tennis really matters, Babolat Reps use a Wilson.

01-28-2013, 03:35 PM	#8
Korso Rookie Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 354	I only use gut during the winter and early spring months because of the Virginia humidity during the warmer months. The set up is fantastic but it will become expensive. If cost and durablility is an issue I would look for another setup with humid weather. I usually go with a copoly strung at sub 50 tensions. Water is a no no. __________________ Volkl PB10 mid