TWU proffesor. Question on strings

[newyorkstadium]

I am extremely contented with the info I have gleaned from this thread.

Thanks and Merry Christmas

[newyorkstadium]

Originally Posted by TW Professor

Q2:Gut/poly combos depend on which is in the main and in the cross. Gut works best as a main. When hybriding, it is best to look only at the string-to-string friction. You want the strings to slide on each other. Pick strings with low string-to-string coefficients of friction (on String Finder these can be see by clicking on the number in the spin potential box for the given string).

Why does the Recoil 16/Big Banger Original 16 hybrid have such a low COF on the string friction rankings? The friction rankings has them as 0.062.

Recoil 16 has an individual COF of 0.098 and Big Banger Original 0.082.

You told me a hybrid should contain two strings with low COF.

[newyorkstadium]

Also, do smooth polys work better in a gut main hybrid then textured or twisted poly? Do textured or shaped polys eat through the gut faster?

[newyorkstadium]

Thirdly, looking at your recent articles, is the spin potential ranking on the string finder still the best way of judging how much spin a full bed string offers.

[TW Professor]

Originally Posted by newyorkstadium

Why does the Recoil 16/Big Banger Original 16 hybrid have such a low COF on the string friction rankings? The friction rankings has them as 0.062.

Recoil 16 has an individual COF of 0.098 and Big Banger Original 0.082.

You told me a hybrid should contain two strings with low COF.

The COF of a string measures the friction of the string sliding on itself. It is not a universal measure against every other string it could slide on. Each combination must be tested separately. So a string could slide better on another string than it does on itself. This is very common.

[TW Professor]

Originally Posted by newyorkstadium

Also, do smooth polys work better in a gut main hybrid then textured or twisted poly? Do textured or shaped polys eat through the gut faster?

I don't test durability, but it is logical to assume that an acutely shaped or rough poly might wear through the gut faster.

[TW Professor]

Originally Posted by newyorkstadium

Thirdly, looking at your recent articles, is the spin potential ranking on the string finder still the best way of judging how much spin a full bed string offers.

Yes, spin potential is still the best way to compare which string is likely to provide the most spin. Open string patterns reduce friction just like choosing a lower COF does. Within an open pattern, the string with the lowest COF will move more and provide more spin upon snap-back.

[newyorkstadium]

Originally Posted by TW Professor

The COF of a string measures the friction of the string sliding on itself. It is not a universal measure against every other string it could slide on. Each combination must be tested separately. So a string could slide better on another string than it does on itself. This is very common.

Is there any data I can use to get the spin potential of a hybrid?

I've read a lot about textured strings losing there texture and becoming smooth, very quickly. In this sense, is the spin data on textured strings irrelevant?

Some string are missing from the performance database and string finder. It's a long list but I can post it if it's helpful.

[newyorkstadium]

On a seperate note, is it true that a smaller grip size enables more spin on groundstrokes, and more wrist snap on serves.

Does it affect shot consistency, flat strokes/serves and volleys?

[newyorkstadium]

Bump, since this is near the bottom of the page

[TW Staff]

Originally Posted by newyorkstadium

On a seperate note, is it true that a smaller grip size enables more spin on groundstrokes, and more wrist snap on serves.

Does it affect shot consistency, flat strokes/serves and volleys?

I'm going to jump in here if you don't mind because our TW Professor is extremely busy testing new product.

There has been some discussion that smaller grips enable the player to use a little more wrist on their shots, and by doing so the player is able to generate bit more spin on their shots. This is a more modern discussion because classically players used larger grips to provide more wrist control and thus more control on their shots.

More modern players like Rafael Nadal have switched to smaller grips so that they can use more wrist in their shots. However, this is not a proven science, but simply more of an opinion or a theory.

Grip size ends up coming down to personal preference. The only way to find what works best for you is to try your different options yourself and see which one you like best.

Andy, TW

[newyorkstadium]

Originally Posted by newyorkstadium

Is there any data I can use to get the spin potential of a hybrid?

I've read a lot about textured strings losing there texture and becoming smooth, very quickly. In this sense, is the spin data on textured strings irrelevant?

Some string are missing from the performance database and string finder. It's a long list but I can post it if it's helpful.

Thanks Andy. I'll bump my other question. Sounds like I may have to wait a few weeks for an answer.

[newyorkstadium]

Is the TW Professor still busy?

Thanks

[TW Professor]

Originally Posted by newyorkstadium

Is there any data I can use to get the spin potential of a hybrid?

I've read a lot about textured strings losing there texture and becoming smooth, very quickly. In this sense, is the spin data on textured strings irrelevant?

Some string are missing from the performance database and string finder. It's a long list but I can post it if it's helpful.

We tested several hybrids (and won't test more because the combinations are infinite!). Go here (it takes a long time for the page to load):

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/lear...OFreporter.php

Spin is caused mostly by the mains, so even if the cross string gets smooth by the main rubbing up and down its length, the main string will keep its texture (except in the groove where it is sliding). So, for as much as texture influences spin (sticky string-to-ball interaction is not as important as slippery string-to-string interaction), it shouldn't change much. But I have never tested that.

There are strings missing from the database. The new ones will be filled as they come in as best as possible. We will probably not go backwards and add older strings (more than a year old).

[newyorkstadium]

Do you not plan on adding older strings because they will end up discontinued? Some TW strings, like Alpha Gut 2000, are still being sold 20 years later. Some gauges of strings are missing. Also, some strings are in the performance database but there is no spin potential data.

Do you plan any experiments on the effects of grip size on spin? It is said a smaller grip increases wrist flexion, rotation and accelerates pronation, which increases spin and head-speed. However, the science of this is not known. It is also said that a smaller gripsize improves serves, via increased wrist snap, but again there is no science on the subject.

From your articles, it seems 60lbs tension increases spin more then 30lbs for cross strings. What about in between these figures, is 40 better then 60? Do you plan any experiments that go below 30lbs, as some TW posters have tried?

Is there an at-home method to measure the COF of a string-bed?

I have a list of the strings missing if you ever need it.

Thanks

[newyorkstadium]

Bump. Cheers

[newyorkstadium]

Is the TW professor available, TW Staff?

Thanks

[TW Staff]

newyorkstadium,

The TW Professor is currently on medical leave as he is recovering from surgery. Depending on the recovery time, he won't be back in the office for approximately 2-3 weeks.

Brittany, TW

[newyorkstadium]

Ok. Thanks for informing me.

[newyorkstadium]

Is the TWU professor back in office yet? Thanks. I hope the surgery went well.