Changing strings too much

[GameSetMatchWin]

I break / restring at least once a month. For the past few months, almost every time I restring, I've been using a different string. I'm usually told that changing strings too much isn't good for my game, but I think the opposite. I kinda like the challenge of changing strings so I can adjust my game. In the long run, wouldn't this improve my game?

With that said, most of the strings I use are synthetics or nylon and that kinda stuff. I find that at least of the ones I've tried, most play pretty similarly with only modest variations on feel, comfort, etc. Is there more variation for poly strings (or whatever most people are using nowadays)?

What do you guys think?

[mad dog1]

probably not much difference in playability when it comes to nylon and syn gut (glorified nylon) so you can keep changing strings all you want w/ little adverse affect to your game assuming the gauge and tension you are using is pretty much the same.

however, there are large differences in how it plays when it comes to poly. some polys are super stiff w/ no stretch that for them to be playable, you'd need to string it at a significantly lower tension. then there are poly strings that are super elastic and springy turning your racquet into a rocket launcher if you had it strung up at the same tension as the super stiff poly.

[Hi I'm Ray]

I went through a huge variety of syn guts back before poly became popular. For the most part they all play pretty similar with the biggest differences being feel and durability. Also some hold tension better than others.

There are much more noticeable differences between multis and sometimes huge differences between polys, + there are so many out there.

[sansaephanh]

Originally Posted by Hi I'm Ray

I went through a huge variety of syn guts back before poly became popular. For the most part they all play pretty similar with the biggest differences being feel and durability. Also some hold tension better than others.

There are much more noticeable differences between multis and sometimes huge differences between polys, + there are so many out there.

Agreed, I'm gonna go on my own little synth gut quest soon. So far forten sweet 17 has the lead by miles. I haven't tried the more expensive ones and half the budget ones though. It has only begun....

[Hi I'm Ray]

^ don't buy Gamma TNT unless you want to throw away $10 on a syn gut + the cost of stringing. It plays pretty nice for a syn gut but just as soon as you start to think it might become your go-to syn gut, it snaps. The durability is crazy low and its not exactly cheap for what it is.

I'll probably try wilson red alert as it sounds quite different from other syn guts.

[Power Player]

Yes I think changing the brand is not as major as changing the type.

That being said, consistency is king for me. I switched out sticks last night with different type string jobs and I could not adjust. I need my setup because I know what will happen when I hit the ball with it. As soon as I went back I was fine.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by GameSetMatchWin

I'm usually told that changing strings too much isn't good for my game, but I think the opposite. I kinda like the challenge of changing strings so I can adjust my game. In the long run, wouldn't this improve my game?

Ultimately, it comes down to your mental makeup and what you want to achieve. If you can honestly go out with a different frame/string/tension/etc. and swing through the ball with confidence, no matter the situation, then by all means, change strings/tensions as often as you like.

However...

Originally Posted by Power Player

That being said, consistency is king for me. I switched out sticks last night with different type string jobs and I could not adjust. I need my setup because I know what will happen when I hit the ball with it. As soon as I went back I was fine.

^^^ what he said.

For me, I'm a mental case. There is a reason why, when I play a tournament/USTA match, all my frames are strung at the same tension, with the same string, the same grip, and the same vibration dampener: When a shot goes out in a match, that I've hit countess times in practice, there is only 1 thing to blame: me.

It's not that I'm that good, quite the opposite: I'm not that good. The situation needs to be so that the only variable is me. There is no doubting "oh, I hit that shot with the other string. Maybe I should switch back" in the middle of a match. It there's an error, it is me, not the equipment.

[alidisperanza]

I've got 5 frames in rotation with 4 different string setups. I don't think it impacts your game that much to be honest-- just always have a frame or two with your preferred string in it for "emergency" situations when you need confidence and familiarity

[ccmtennis]

Originally Posted by alidisperanza

I've got 5 frames in rotation with 4 different string setups. I don't think it impacts your game that much to be honest-- just always have a frame or two with your preferred string in it for "emergency" situations when you need confidence and familiarity

Ive had a bad habit of choosing different setups depending on my opponent and whether i need more more on control etc. Dont know yet if it affects my consistency in the long run yet

[mctennis]

ccmtennis, I do the same thing with my racquets. Different strings/tensions/ to fit who I'm playing or where I'm playing (indoors or outdoor temperatures, clay courts, etc)

[alidisperanza]

When you think about it even Federer does something similar. His racquets may be all matched but the tension on them varies for conditions/opponents. So long as you're confident in your game with each stick, I think it's fine

I also think that a lot of it has to do with acknowledging that your shot may be different with each frame. For example, With my LM Rads (9 I can hit much more flat whereas my YT Rad Pros I rely on spin

[mikeler]

I don't understand people that change strings all the time.

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by mikeler

I don't understand people that change strings all the time.

LOL!

With my Aerostorms I have them strung up as the following:

Pro Hurricane Tour @ 38lbs x 1
Head Rip Control @ 52lbs x 2
Forten Sweet 17 @ 52lbs x 1
X1 Biphase 17 @ 55lbs x 1

The poly is only if the ball is really really flying on me that day, otherwise I'm using the RIP. The Forten provides a similar playability to X1 for me anyway, and the X1 is the last resort, as in the poly breaks/sore arm and I need a bit more control.

My 6.1's are all strung up with Standard Syn gut @ 55lbs.

-Fuji