How to break strings faster - Page 2

Carlito · 03-01-2010, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TennisKid1

I broke a string once and that was because i got some Prince top spin so when we went to the stringer my dad asked for the most durable string. I started to use it all the same racket for a long time and lately ive been rotating my rackets around hoping that the strings will break on this frame.

With hurricane, and most polys for that matter, it they lose tension too much they become even harder to break. Just check the notching. If there isn't any, its going to take a lot of effort to break it.

Larrysümmers · 03-01-2010, 08:26 PM

tell your dad that dead string can cause a negative effect on your game and on your elbow.

tennis005 · 03-01-2010, 09:19 PM

I have a set of multi in my racket and I can't break the string. It is already worn to half of it's original diameter. So I guess it's around 8 gauge now. Its been like that for about 8-9 hours of play and I don't hit weak shots either, I have a fast serve and monster forehand and still can't break the strings. Not the first time though. Last time I used "8 gauge" Prince synthetic for 20 hours of play before it finally broke.

kiteboard · 03-01-2010, 10:32 PM

Your dad is a cheap skate. I cut out strings all the time if they don't feel good, including gut. It's your game, not your wallet, that's important. Tell him you will pay for the new string, and get a stringing machine.

AlpineCadet · 03-02-2010, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larrysümmers

tell your dad that dead string can cause a negative effect on your game and on your elbow.

Times two to the above post. Also OP, you should have him hit with the frame and ask him if he thinks the frame needs a new string job? Poly dies fast, maybe you should switch to Syn. Gut or a Multi.

KenC · 03-02-2010, 02:54 AM

You're playing with 6 month old PHT? You do know that those strings went dead 5 1/2 months ago right? If Pop forces you to play with dead strings until they break you should put Natural Gut on, at least it will play better until the strings break.

Slazenger07 · 03-02-2010, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TennisKid1

I know that I shouldnt think about it while I play, but my Racket was restrung 6 months ago with Pro Hurricane tour and it feels terrible. The feel has long been gone and my Dad insists that I dont restring until a string breaks. Any tips on how to break a string harder or fake a broken string (wire cutter etc.) I know faking a broken string is bad because it puts stress on the frame so hopefully I can get tips on breaking strings faster

I think youre the first person Ive ever seen ask that....

Lefty5 · 03-02-2010, 05:59 AM

#1. Stop paying big $$ for Babalot strings.
#2. Once you find a better and less expensive string you won't feel as bad cutting them out, nor will your dad.

Power Player · 03-02-2010, 06:06 AM

To break strings, you need to hit hard and also play with people that hit hard back. Then it is real easy. So don't just swing for the fences, make sure your opponents are quality and are giving you pace.

athiker · 03-02-2010, 06:32 AM

It sounds like you pay for court time. Tell Dad you will skip a session to offset the cost of new strings. This will show him how important it is to you.

Getting into the stringing biz as suggested might kill 2 birds with one stone. Allow you to change strings cheaply in the future, show some initiative w/ Pops that you are willing to do some work to support your interests. If you think you can get some stringing biz from friends, Crai**L*** or the bulletin board where you play then ask for a load from Dad. Tell him you will pay it off with stringing revenue. Look for a used machine on the cheap or buy an less expensive newer one. If you buy used the risk should be small should you have to turn around and resell it. Good luck.

It may also just be a matter of education. Before I got into tennis again a few years back I had no idea about strings...different types, how long they lasted, tensions, etc. We bought rackets at the discount store and the strings were the strings. No one ever broke one that I can remember! Hitting with a lot of topspin wasn't something we really did...Dad is probably from my era. So maybe ask Dad if he'd be willing to read up some on the topic and you can guide him to the info or maybe just a chat down at the club w/ other players, coaches and tennis playing parents.

masterxfob · 03-02-2010, 06:33 AM

just an fyi, but the higher the number, the thinner the string. so an 17g string is thinner than a 16g string, but thicker than an 18g string.

Pioneer · 03-02-2010, 06:50 AM

I had Pro Hurricane one of my racquets and it never broke. I hit REALLY hard, trust me. It lasted for almost a year of playing and the tension seemed to be in the low... 10s

so I just cut it out

LeeD · 03-02-2010, 09:07 AM

Gotta agree with Kiteboard here.
Even I, at 61 and oft injured, can break my 15 gauge tourney nylon within about 12 hours IF I hit hard against a hard hitter. And that's with 18x20 on a soft frame and head.

LuckyR · 03-02-2010, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenC

You're playing with 6 month old PHT? You do know that those strings went dead 5 1/2 months ago right? If Pop forces you to play with dead strings until they break you should put Natural Gut on, at least it will play better until the strings break.

Best post in the thread...

Six.One.Tour.90FAN · 03-02-2010, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TennisKid1

I know that I shouldnt think about it while I play, but my Racket was restrung 6 months ago with Pro Hurricane tour and it feels terrible. The feel has long been gone and my Dad insists that I dont restring until a string breaks. Any tips on how to break a string harder or fake a broken string (wire cutter etc.) I know faking a broken string is bad because it puts stress on the frame so hopefully I can get tips on breaking strings faster

nice to see someone in the EXACT situation......here's my idea WHICH WORKS

scissors are mans best friend.....get your strings look at where you hit the ball most.....now make slits near where the strings cross ON THE MAINS ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......5 slits will give about 10-15 mins of play and SNAP
....happy days....

athiker · 03-02-2010, 10:47 AM

I guess you could pick a spot where two strings cross and spend an afternoon sliding them back and forth across each other till the notch is such that there is barely any string left, maybe a little filing to help things along. Then go ask your Dad to have a hit with you.

Good luck not getting caught though...as a parent we aren't perfect...we do sometimes have our ways.

AlpineCadet · 03-02-2010, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuckyR

Best post in the thread...

He just piggybacked off the post above his.

SlapShot · 03-02-2010, 01:49 PM

You could always say that a restring is much less expensive than a doctor visit for elbow trouble from using dead strings....

rk_sports · 03-02-2010, 03:13 PM

I consistently break strings hitting near the top of the frame and if it's a smash (for used strings), then surely it's history

adlis · 03-03-2010, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TennisKid1

I know that I shouldnt think about it while I play, but my Racket was restrung 6 months ago with Pro Hurricane tour and it feels terrible. The feel has long been gone and my Dad insists that I dont restring until a string breaks. Any tips on how to break a string harder or fake a broken string (wire cutter etc.) I know faking a broken string is bad because it puts stress on the frame so hopefully I can get tips on breaking strings faster

Stop being a pu$$y and man up to your father.

03-01-2010, 09:19 PM	#23
tennis005 Professional Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas, USA Posts: 1,276	I have a set of multi in my racket and I can't break the string. It is already worn to half of it's original diameter. So I guess it's around 8 gauge now. Its been like that for about 8-9 hours of play and I don't hit weak shots either, I have a fast serve and monster forehand and still can't break the strings. Not the first time though. Last time I used "8 gauge" Prince synthetic for 20 hours of play before it finally broke. __________________ Head Youtek Prestige Pro strung RIP 17 49lb Head leather/Babolat VS. TGK 238.4 NXT17 55lbs . Pro Stock Radical MP with MT @ 55 FS or FT.

03-02-2010, 02:54 AM	#26
KenC Professional Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Cliffs of Insanity Posts: 1,351	You're playing with 6 month old PHT? You do know that those strings went dead 5 1/2 months ago right? If Pop forces you to play with dead strings until they break you should put Natural Gut on, at least it will play better until the strings break. __________________ 3X PK Ki5 315 ::: 4X PSLGT and 1X PSL ::: 2X PSTGT and 1X PST MCS mains and PPA crosses

03-02-2010, 06:06 AM	#29
Power Player G.O.A.T. Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: On my iPhone Posts: 13,608	To break strings, you need to hit hard and also play with people that hit hard back. Then it is real easy. So don't just swing for the fences, make sure your opponents are quality and are giving you pace. __________________ 🐐ing

03-02-2010, 06:32 AM	#30
athiker Hall Of Fame Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,604	It sounds like you pay for court time. Tell Dad you will skip a session to offset the cost of new strings. This will show him how important it is to you. Getting into the stringing biz as suggested might kill 2 birds with one stone. Allow you to change strings cheaply in the future, show some initiative w/ Pops that you are willing to do some work to support your interests. If you think you can get some stringing biz from friends, CraiL* or the bulletin board where you play then ask for a load from Dad. Tell him you will pay it off with stringing revenue. Look for a used machine on the cheap or buy an less expensive newer one. If you buy used the risk should be small should you have to turn around and resell it. Good luck. It may also just be a matter of education. Before I got into tennis again a few years back I had no idea about strings...different types, how long they lasted, tensions, etc. We bought rackets at the discount store and the strings were the strings. No one ever broke one that I can remember! Hitting with a lot of topspin wasn't something we really did...Dad is probably from my era. So maybe ask Dad if he'd be willing to read up some on the topic and you can guide him to the info or maybe just a chat down at the club w/ other players, coaches and tennis playing parents. Last edited by athiker : 03-02-2010 at 06:36 AM.

03-02-2010, 10:47 AM	#36
athiker Hall Of Fame Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,604	I guess you could pick a spot where two strings cross and spend an afternoon sliding them back and forth across each other till the notch is such that there is barely any string left, maybe a little filing to help things along. Then go ask your Dad to have a hit with you. Good luck not getting caught though...as a parent we aren't perfect...we do sometimes have our ways. Last edited by athiker : 03-02-2010 at 10:50 AM.