Techniques for stinging nat gut as main with rough poly cross

[Crisp]

Just interested in any techniques on how to string nat gut mains with a rough poly cross. I always find this very difficult as the rough poly is very difficult to string without roughing up the nat gut. Any ideas?

[Crisp]

Come on guys, some of you pride yourself on your stringing knowledge, I'm just after a little help here.

[sansaephanh]

theres a stringing technique/equipment section.

[Rusty669]

Originally Posted by Crisp

Just interested in any techniques on how to string nat gut mains with a rough poly cross. I always find this very difficult as the rough poly is very difficult to string without roughing up the nat gut. Any ideas?

The main technique applied is definately patience!Don't rush the crosses, or your string job won't last very long. Very carefully weave the crosses over and under the gut mains.
In addition, if you pre-weave your next cross,make sure to arch it upwards.
I hope you know what I mean by this: Do not pull the cross through in a straight line, but arch it to the area where no crosses have been done yet(i.e. if you are stringing the crosses correctly from the top of the racket downwards you want to arch the string into the direction of the grip).This will create less friction on the mains, as the part of the racket where no crosses have been strung yet is obviously a lot softer than the area where crosses have already been strung.

Hope that helps!

[Crisp]

Originally Posted by sansaephanh

theres a stringing technique/equipment section.

Yes there is but more people seem to frequent this section and it seemed sort of relevant

[GlenK]

I would never use nat gut with a rough textured cross. That may be why not many replies. I look for a smaller smooth co-poly.

[jk175d]

Originally Posted by GlenK

I would never use nat gut with a rough textured cross. That may be why not many replies. I look for a smaller smooth co-poly.

Yup, not only will the gut last a lot longer, but the gut/poly hybrid simply performs better with a smooth poly.

[PrincessAdam]

I hear some people use candle wax so it will glide over. I just go reallllyyyy slow.

[TimothyO]

Originally Posted by jk175d

Yup, not only will the gut last a lot longer, but the gut/poly hybrid simply performs better with a smooth poly.

This^^^

I've tried many different poly crosses with gut mains. Shaped can work, smooth is better, rough isn't a good idea, at least for durability when you're paying for your own strings.

[jim e]

When installing the cross strings, make sure to not only weave one ahead, also pull most of the slack one ahead as well, along with fanning the cross string pulling it across.This will help reduce friction and wear along with taking it a little slower as well, justr don't be in a rush.

[sundaypunch]

I'm a big fan of the Stringway cross stringing tool.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=230562

[Crisp]

Thanks for your replies guys. I'm sure lots of people use rough as a cross. Eg federer. Personally I am trying flex infinity cp+ as my cross string with vs as my main. Usually I do this the other way around with no problem and feels better than any other combo I have ever tried, but after reading drakulies priority 1 article I decided to give it a try the other way around to see how it plays.

[Crisp]

Originally Posted by sundaypunch

I'm a big fan of the Stringway cross stringing tool.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=230562

Just watched the YouTube vid. This does seem like a good way to eliminate the friction, thanks for taking the time to link it. Not sure if it will be available in Aus... We only get all the crummy stuff haha.

[sundaypunch]

Originally Posted by Crisp

Just watched the YouTube vid. This does seem like a good way to eliminate the friction, thanks for taking the time to link it. Not sure if it will be available in Aus... We only get all the crummy stuff haha.

There is usually some arguing in the threads discussing this tool. Some of this is due to the fact that it is advertised to help making stringing quicker. This usually offends all the people here that have spent many years perfecting their traditional technique.

If you string gut, you can ignore the speed argument - it is worth the price just for the reduced friction. It is also a simple but brilliant design.

[Power Player]

Irvins bead technique is awesome, cheap and extremely easy on the string as well.

[cluckcluck]

I will back the Stringway crossstringing tool. I've seen it in action and it's really sweet.

[Steve Huff]

Just go slow, "fan" the string as you do the crosses, string 1 ahead, etc. All the things you should do anyway.

[Steve Huff]

Actually, I think the worst part is tying off poly to the gut mains. It's not hard though. I use a "deadman's" knot when tying off to natural gut.

[cluckcluck]

Crisco is the best!

Just kidding, patience and good technique I imagine.

[Lambsscroll]

"Rough" just means textured. ALU Power Rough is unique in that its texture doesn't saw through the gut. It actually allows the gut to slide more easily. When stringing the cross, fan (move the string up and down rapidly) the cross string as you pull it through the mains.