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

[v-verb]

I wouldn't give it a second thought. Most higher end racquets are sold unstrung. So low tension will stress the frame less.

[Buford T Justice]

Originally Posted by v-verb

At 30 lbs with Gosen Polylon .

Cool! I just bought a reel of that stuff (although in 16g) to use in my Wilson 99s. TW actually reviewed it favorably and for strings that are going to have a short life anyway I figure the poly in the frame won't make very much difference.

Plus, I want to be able to string my frames for less than 2 bucks a piece!

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by Buford T Justice

Cool! I just bought a reel of that stuff (although in 16g) to use in my Wilson 99s. TW actually reviewed it favorably and for strings that are going to have a short life anyway I figure the poly in the frame won't make very much difference.

Plus, I want to be able to string my frames for less than 2 bucks a piece!

Cool, please keep us posted on the 99s! I'm curious about it.

About string life, have you thought of using silicone spray on the strings (wipe off the excess or the balls get dirty fast) to decrease friction and increase string life hopefully?

[Buford T Justice]

Originally Posted by v-verb

Cool, please keep us posted on the 99s! I'm curious about it.

About string life, have you thought of using silicone spray on the strings (wipe off the excess or the balls get dirty fast) to decrease friction and increase string life hopefully?

I was wondering about that Verb.......

Thought about some spray on the strings....or maybe candle wax?

This might be something to try.

So far, a decent 17g poly (snakebite) at 64 lb snapped in 3 hrs and lux 4g 16 at 59 lasted about 5 hrs I think. (I didn't play the Lux till it broke as it wasn't worth bringing it out the next time...... as I could see the notching was bad enough that the strings were about to pop).

As posted in another thread ( or was it here? So many threads on this frame I can't keep track......) I am going to try a multi at high tension and a poly at low tension and see what happens. I'll add the silicone/wax to the list of things to try as we'll.......

[Francis27]

When you apply silicone spray would it be fine if i spray some on a cloth and rub it on my strings? Because i dont want it to get on my frame

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by Francis27

When you apply silicone spray would it be fine if i spray some on a cloth and rub it on my strings? Because i dont want it to get on my frame

Absolutely - probably the best way to apply it IMO

[Francis27]

Originally Posted by v-verb

Absolutely - probably the best way to apply it IMO

Alright thanks

[eks-mat]

Originally Posted by v-verb

I wouldn't give it a second thought. Most higher end racquets are sold unstrung. So low tension will stress the frame less.

Absolutely as far as the racquet just sitting. I am thinking about the stress from hitting the ball, frame shots, even hitting the court on low slices, etc. Possibly stressing the frame more so than the normal tension range would. In other words the frame isn't as supported enough on miss hits.

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by eks-mat

Absolutely as far as the racquet just sitting. I am thinking about the stress from hitting the ball, frame shots, even hitting the court on low slices, etc. Possibly stressing the frame more so than the normal tension range would. In other words the frame isn't as supported enough on miss hits.

Didn't think about that. Honestly I don't know.

Perhaps if you contact your racquet manufacturer and ask the question? I would be interested in what you find out

Cheers

[Centerforward71]

Originally Posted by eks-mat

I searched but couldn't find an answer. I am wondering if these low tensions are safe for the frame of the racquet? I am thinking it might not hold the frames shape as well? Any thoughts on it before I string low? Thanks all.

Zero issue with the frame. Frames danger comes at the higher levels. Ball impacting string and returning energy cannot put enough stress to damage a frame.

[yourmailman]

Originally Posted by eks-mat

I searched but couldn't find an answer. I am wondering if these low tensions are safe for the frame of the racquet? I am thinking it might not hold the frames shape as well? Any thoughts on it before I string low? Thanks all.

Hey eks-mat,

I have seen absolutely no issues with my frames. Like Center said, the issues come with higher tensions. I believe most racquets will keep their shape at lower tensions. They sit around with no strings at pro shops, etc with no impact to their shape. The tension ranges are listed as a guide, but most are designed to go a little higher than that without issue and going lower is no problem at all.

[eks-mat]

Originally Posted by yourmailman

Hey eks-mat,

I have seen absolutely no issues with my frames. Like Center said, the issues come with higher tensions. I believe most racquets will keep their shape at lower tensions. They sit around with no strings at pro shops, etc with no impact to their shape. The tension ranges are listed as a guide, but most are designed to go a little higher than that without issue and going lower is no problem at all.

Thanks for all the insightful input guys, I will be going low very soon now, without worrying about my frames!

[evanjj]

Strung my racquet at 30 pounds with Babolat Gut in mains and Alu Rough in crosses...

Day 1 last night...WOW! Effortless hitting. Every ball went in...forehand and backhand with the awesome spin! Love the slicing. Amazing power on all shots. I was doing tennis workouts so didn't serve yet. Volleys needed some work..in that I don't need to make as much effort to get the power any more.
Will continue to hit/experiment this week and beyond to see if I can maintain yesterday's hitting

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by evanjj

Strung my racquet at 30 pounds with Babolat Gut in mains and Alu Rough in crosses...

Day 1 last night...WOW! Effortless hitting. Every ball went in...forehand and backhand with the awesome spin! Love the slicing. Amazing power on all shots. I was doing tennis workouts so didn't serve yet. Volleys needed some work..in that I don't need to make as much effort to get the power any more.
Will continue to hit/experiment this week and beyond to see if I can maintain yesterday's hitting

Sweet! What racquet do you use? How many mains and crosses?

Please keep us posted

Cheers!

[evanjj]

Originally Posted by v-verb

Sweet! What racquet do you use? How many mains and crosses?

Please keep us posted

Cheers!

Vantage Bastcore 16/19 95sq

[yourmailman]

Originally Posted by evanjj

Strung my racquet at 30 pounds with Babolat Gut in mains and Alu Rough in crosses...

Day 1 last night...WOW! Effortless hitting. Every ball went in...forehand and backhand with the awesome spin! Love the slicing. Amazing power on all shots. I was doing tennis workouts so didn't serve yet. Volleys needed some work..in that I don't need to make as much effort to get the power any more.
Will continue to hit/experiment this week and beyond to see if I can maintain yesterday's hitting

Evanjj,

Nice to see you had such positive results. That is exactly what I experienced. The volley's took a little more time, but once I got dialed in, it was glorious. I now have all of my playing racquets strung at 30.

[evanjj]

Originally Posted by yourmailman

Evanjj,

Nice to see you had such positive results. That is exactly what I experienced. The volley's took a little more time, but once I got dialed in, it was glorious. I now have all of my playing racquets strung at 30.

Do we even have to worry about tension loss/dropping too much to effect performance at these low tensions?
I again loved the ease of power again today.
I also find the lower tension makes me need to have a better technique/stroke. If I don't get a proper stroke on the ball, it may hit the back fence on the full!

[yourmailman]

Quite true.

I found that it actually helped me achieve better technique. I don't feel the need to wind up to hit a hard ball, it just happens because of the lower tension. You do have to pay attention because if you aim a little too far right or left, the angle seems to be magnified.

I have an app that measures the tension on my racquets and the loss has been minimal on the 30# sticks. They dropped only about a pound after several hours of play. The only one I haven't checked yet is my natural gut one. I just haven't taken the time on it yet.

I do have to say that I really like the natural gut at this low tension. It seems to have just a bit more power than the other setups, and I love the feel.

[evanjj]

Originally Posted by yourmailman

Quite true.

I found that it actually helped me achieve better technique. I don't feel the need to wind up to hit a hard ball, it just happens because of the lower tension. You do have to pay attention because if you aim a little too far right or left, the angle seems to be magnified.

I have an app that measures the tension on my racquets and the loss has been minimal on the 30# sticks. They dropped only about a pound after several hours of play. The only one I haven't checked yet is my natural gut one. I just haven't taken the time on it yet.

I do have to say that I really like the natural gut at this low tension. It seems to have just a bit more power than the other setups, and I love the feel.

Agree with all of that. Really is effortless power on all strokes. Am curious to see how the serve goes. I still haven't been in a game situation. Only doing tennis workouts.

[yourmailman]

Serving took a little getting used to as well. My speed dropped a little (but not very much) until I got used to the tension, and my placement is WAY better. Plus the added movement really helps. I actually aced my teacher several times last week (and that doesn't happen too often).