String Guide to the Perplexed

[fortun8son]

Gut Power 1.30 strings up beautifully with little coil memory and no ghosting.
I just used it for someone who hated how low-powered MCS is.
The performance and feel of fresh NXT is still hard to beat for an all around game or doubles.
Hmm.. it's made in France, so it's either TF or Bab. Probably TF.

[dre]

Originally Posted by fortun8son

With over 800 strings out there, it's tough to come up with something original. Heck, just look at some of the rock/pop band names out there now! Foster the People? Really?

Pro's Pro is good string at a great price, but BigT is too ethical to use this forum to shamelessly promote his own products.
I'm not a shill, but I do know a good value when it hits me in the face and I like the way he does business.
Ray at Mamba has a different style, but his stuff is good, too, so I've purchased reels from both of them.
I'm an independent racquet tech and my goal is to give my clients the best bang for their buck in a depressed economy.

Guys - which poly string in pros pro line has the best combination of spin potential, tension retention, and comfort ? I know its asking alot from one string and searching for reviews if any. So, is it HEXASPIN, BLACKOUT, BLACK FORCE or ICHIBAN SPIN ?

I used the B5E last year and strongly considering BHB7 for my next reel. I prefer to work with one string in the mains for the rest of the year.

thanks for your suggestions.

[mixedmedia]

Originally Posted by fortun8son

That's only the RSI list which doesn't include Pro's Pro, Discho, Eagnas and others who have not submitted samples for testing!
Yes that does include the different gauges.
There really is a big difference in the performance of different gauges. They might as well be different strings.

Think about it. How many different FXP, Big Banger, and Live Wire variations are there?
They couldn't think of new names either!

Different gauges definitely play differently, but they don't have to be named differently. And I was mostly asking that to get a sense for the volume of names require. Hehe, and nice comment about the FXP, BB, and Live Wire.

[mixedmedia]

Originally Posted by dre

...

I used the B5E last year and strongly considering BHB7 for my next reel. I prefer to work with one string in the mains for the rest of the year.

thanks for your suggestions.

Have you demoed BHB7 and compared it to B5E? I've heard they're pretty different.

[dre]

Originally Posted by mixedmedia

Have you demoed BHB7 and compared it to B5E? I've heard they're pretty different.

Yes, I few guys, including Torres, and Tennisfanla suggested the same. I'm also checking out BigT strings to see if I can find a good fit for my playing style.

I'm hoping to get a more power and increased spin from my next main string. From Torres review, I believe BHB7 is exactly what I'm looking for (eg: heavy penetrating top, control,and good tension retention.) I'm currently creating a short list of strings to include BHB7 (16 and 17) and a couple from pro's pro.

* I'm a big weiss fan since the scorpion, and was the only reason I bought the B5E. Just thinking of the cold weather performance, and lack of feel from a full bed, is preventing me from buying another reel today. I did contemplate trying a hybrid setup, but decided it was time to move on.

[mixedmedia]

In that case, I think you're probably right on track with BHB7 on the list.

[dre]

The knowledge base in this forum is incredible ! I guess the only way to figure out what works best is to experiment. I'm just glad I own a stringer.

As for the BHB7, I need to figure out the tension of the 16g and 17g.

Right now, I'm searching for more info on Pro's Pro co-poly strings. The price point is excellent compared to a few other arm breakers...

the search continues.

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by BigT

With the exception of Gut Power and Kingut, I found most Pro's Pro multis to be quite tame in the power dept.

Tristar and Gutex Ultra are probably the lowest powered, with decent spin.

Torpedo and Claycourt Plus are medium powered with great spin.

If you like MCS, then you would want to give Hitec Multifiber a look.

Silver Twist is as soft as a multi, low powered, and has very good spin.

Good info. Sounds like the Claycourt Plus and Hitec Multifiber would be the best fit for my game. Once I run out my current multis, if my elbow is good then I'll go back to my poly/multi setup. If not, I'll order these and try 'em out. Worst case, I'll get to them next winter.

[BigT]

Originally Posted by fgs

can there be a softer string than mcs? yes, it is pro's pro hitech multifibre.
i managed to hit yesterday for half an hour with it, but it's too soon to make any statements besides the fact that it was "encouraging". i had it strung with blackout mains and played it parallel with the blackout/mcs combo and a tecnifibre black code/mcs combo.

after stringing i made a measurement with the raquettune and it was 1 point softer than the blackout/mcs combo. you also feel it while hitting. for now the power level is comparable, spin too, i think i have to get used a little bit to the touch of it and slightly adjust in order to have better control, as i felt that i was spraying the shots a little bit more as compared to the blackout/mcs combo.

How would you compare their durability?

[fgs]

for the time being i have about 1.5 hitting hours on each of the sticks and there are no signs of the outer shield of the crosses wearing off, so far.

will report as things evolve.

[BigT]

To preface, this thread is not intended to offend or disrespect anyone. It is just meant to bring to light a few issues I often see here on the forum, and to add some input.

The importance of gear, and the correct gear, is of great importance to every sport, especially tennis. It is solely because of my playing/stringing needs that I got in the business almost 20 years ago.

Please take a look for a minute or two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER9FKDpSi_g

Do these players need poly? Would poly give their shots 'tons of spin'? Would it make their shots that are sailing long, drop in?

What if during a changeover, they started discussing the 'dwell time' or 'ball pocketing' of their strings? How would you react?

What if one them uses poly and claims it feels the same to him after 30 hours as it did after 1 hour? Would that mean anything?

Just yesterday, a customer, who later said he was a 3.5, asked me about stringing. His first question was 'Do you have Luxilon?'

At the 3.5 level, to improve your game, I suggest hitting against the wall for a few hours or getting a lesson from your local pro. A good synthetic or multi would be fine.

[Overheadsmash]

Originally Posted by BigT

To preface, this thread is not intended to offend or disrespect anyone. It is just meant to bring to light a few issues I often see here on the forum, and to add some input.

The importance of gear, and the correct gear, is of great importance to every sport, especially tennis. It is solely because of my playing/stringing needs that I got in the business almost 20 years ago.

Please take a look for a minute or two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER9FKDpSi_g

Do these players need poly? Would poly give their shots 'tons of spin'? Would it make their shots that are sailing long, drop in?

What if during a changeover, they started discussing the 'dwell time' or 'ball pocketing' of their strings? How would you react?

What if one them uses poly and claims it feels the same to him after 30 hours as it did after 1 hour? Would that mean anything?

Just yesterday, a customer, who later said he was a 3.5, asked me about stringing. His first question was 'Do you have Luxilon?'

At the 3.5 level, to improve your game, I suggest hitting against the wall for a few hours or getting a lesson from your local pro. A good synthetic or multi would be fine.

Since it appears this comment was directed at me, let me explain a few things:

1. I knew nothing about tennis or had ever played 2 and a half years ago. My kid wanted to play and that's how I started.

2. I take a one hour lesson every week, and have for over two years.

3. I play and practice 5-7 hours per week and so far I have gone from a 1.0 to a 3.5

4. Full poly is too hard - my shoulder starts to hurt. Full multi or syn gut is too soft, and my strings move too much which I can't stand. Gut mains and poly crosses are just right. That setup provides a good balance of power and control for me plus it never makes any part of my arm or shoulder sore.

So, I am calling B.S. on your post BigT.

[BigT]

^^ Mate, my post did not have you or any other one particular poster in mind. Please do not take offense. It was said as a whole to many of the threads that are made here everyday, and to many inquiries I receive.

When certain customers do insist on poly, I do try to have them hybrid with poly crosses for the reasons you mentioned.

[Muppet]

Are you sure the players in that vid are 3.5? I'm sure that I'm better than them and I'm a 3.0.

[Overheadsmash]

Originally Posted by BigT

^^ Mate, my post did not have you or any other one particular poster in mind. Please do not take offense. It was said as a whole to many of the threads that are made here everyday, and to many inquiries I receive.

When certain customers do insist on poly, I do try to have them hybrid with poly crosses for the reasons you mentioned.

So I'm basically on the right track then!

[fortun8son]

I had a customer today who had me string her 11yr old daughter's DriveZLite. She used to string in college herself.
She said " Just use the Sweet16 instead of Xcel. She's just a kid and couldn't tell the difference at this point anyway"
She also said, "Most people who think they need more than syngut should probably be working on their stroke mechanics."
Her words. Not mine.
Refreshing.

[ohplease]

The general guidance here seems to be string cheap and string often - not new.

The problems are 1) burning 30 minutes to an hour stringing for every 8-10 hours on court. When life gets busy, that time isn't that easy to come by. And 2) busy adults will probably need two weeks (or a month if they're rotating 2 frames) to get to 8-10 hours if they can squeeze in 2 sessions a week. Nylon based strings at 8-10 hours a month out are just a mess.

I'd agree that fresh syngut or multi every time out is sufficient for plenty of players - but most players don't have that kind of time to restring (or that kind of money to pay someone else to do it). I've also yet to find a nylon based string that doesn't play significantly differently between sessions. More recent polys (and gut) don't seem to be nearly as variable from hour to hour.

So, BigT - what's the prescription? Is there a cheap syngut that maintains its playability?

[fortun8son]

To my knowledge, the only string that maintains it's playability throughout it's lifespan is Natural Gut. Alas!

[BigT]

Originally Posted by ohplease

The general guidance here seems to be string cheap and string often - not new.

The problems are 1) burning 30 minutes to an hour stringing for every 8-10 hours on court. When life gets busy, that time isn't that easy to come by. And 2) busy adults will probably need two weeks (or a month if they're rotating 2 frames) to get to 8-10 hours if they can squeeze in 2 sessions a week. Nylon based strings at 8-10 hours a month out are just a mess.

I'd agree that fresh syngut or multi every time out is sufficient for plenty of players - but most players don't have that kind of time to restring (or that kind of money to pay someone else to do it). I've also yet to find a nylon based string that doesn't play significantly differently between sessions. More recent polys (and gut) don't seem to be nearly as variable from hour to hour.

So, BigT - what's the prescription? Is there a cheap syngut that maintains its playability?

Personally, I haven't noticed drop-offs in playability with synthetics as much as with polys. Maybe that is because I break them in 2 hours. But even when I have one lying around for a few weeks, yes, they'll lose tension (as does natural gut), but they are still playable IMO.

Also, 8-10 hours of play per 1/2 hour string job is not bad IMO. If those 8-10 are in one week, then we are talking about quite a serious player who probably appreciates the importance of strings.
If those 8-10 hours are over 2 weeks or a month, then that's 1 or 2 string jobs a month.

[BigT]

The following video is one where I think the level of players could begin to see some differences in play with their string set-ups:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqi-4...eature=related