Do all the pro's use low tensions?

[newyorkstadium]

The following post from jamauss suggests they don't.

Originally Posted by jamauss

Not to mention, not that many pros are going real low with tension - maybe 5 to 10% are, but they are the exception. The pro events I string at still see most racquets being asked to be strung from about 55 to 64 pounds. Both poly and gut and syn gut/multi's included.

Here are some stringing logs:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=427479
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=330478
http://star-stringing.com/1_8_ATP-Player-Logs.html
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=270599
http://www.tennisstringer.co.uk/prosetups.jsf

A lot of the players tensions are similar in the five links. This lends some credibility to the data.

[The Meat]

What is your definition of low tension? Mines <54

[newyorkstadium]

I mean't really low. <30

[The Meat]

Originally Posted by newyorkstadium

I mean't really low. <30

I think you might have misread Kg with Lbs, I can only think of 1 person who used strings in the 20 lbs range which was Volandri.

[newyorkstadium]

Look at the links. 50-70% are <30

[The Meat]

Originally Posted by newyorkstadium

Look at the links. 50-70% are <30

<30Kg? Because thats approximately 66lbs, which is really high in tension.

[mmk]

30 kg = 66 lbs, so yes, most pros use less than 30 kg

Don't know of too many pros using less than 30 lbs (roughly 13.6 kg)

[The Meat]

Originally Posted by mmk

30 kg = 66 lbs, so yes, most pros use less than 30 kg

Don't know of too many pros using less than 30 lbs (roughly 13.6 kg)

The OP was saying that most pros strung at a low tension of <30kg, which is 66lbs. That would be insane for a low tension, is a high tension like 80lbs? I know sampras used gut in the 70's, but he would snap them easily.

[newyorkstadium]

Nevermind. I misread the data. The <30 numbers were in kg not lbs.

It appears the great majority of players string at 50+lbs.

[The Meat]

Originally Posted by newyorkstadium

Nevermind. I misread the data. The <30 numbers were in kg not lbs.

It appears the great majority of players string at 50+lbs.

Its all good, I blame the US for still using lbs. Time to convert to the most used measuring system around the world, Metric!!!!

[netlets]

This doesn't make sense to me. Most players, after reading articles, etc, if they use a full bed of poly, are under 52lbs and in the 40's and 30's (lb's). A full bed of poly doesn't give you the playability if it isn't under 52. Check out this link:

http://www.***********************/b...-and-co-polys/

[Davis Cup Fan]

^^^^^ that link won't work you have to put a space somewhere or write dot com instead of .com because tt blocks because it is considered a competitor of tw.

[db10s]

Originally Posted by Davis Cup Fan

^^^^^ that link won't work you have to put a space somewhere or write dot com instead of .com because tt blocks because it is considered a competitor of tw.

I'm lost on what that website could possibly be. I can normally figure it out, but this has me at a dead end.

[Tennisguy3000]

I think it is... gutsandglorytennis. com (no space)

Then the The Definitive Guide to Stringing Polys and Co-polys

Maybe referencing this... First of all, and perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome, is to realize that poly-based strings are designed to perform best at lower tensions. We are talking a tension range in the 30′s – 40′s. The absolute top end of that range would be 52 pounds. Once you go beyond 52, you are entering the point of quickly diminishing returns. I realize this may represent a HUGE shift in thinking for many readers. In fact a majority of you are probably thinking of mailing me a care package of colorful Sharpies so that I can decorate the walls of my padded room, but it is not really that crazy. The fear of low tensions is loss of control. I can assure you from personal experience as well as experience with many local customers, that quality poly-based offerings, PROPERLY INSTALLED, give ample control at these low tensions. I PROMISE this is a true statement. In fact, when all elements are working together (strings/racquet/player) it becomes almost impossible to hit a ball long.

[marosmith]

Originally Posted by Tennisguy3000

I think it is... gutsandglorytennis. com (no space)

Then the The Definitive Guide to Stringing Polys and Co-polys

Maybe referencing this... First of all, and perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome, is to realize that poly-based strings are designed to perform best at lower tensions. We are talking a tension range in the 30′s – 40′s. The absolute top end of that range would be 52 pounds. Once you go beyond 52, you are entering the point of quickly diminishing returns. I realize this may represent a HUGE shift in thinking for many readers. In fact a majority of you are probably thinking of mailing me a care package of colorful Sharpies so that I can decorate the walls of my padded room, but it is not really that crazy. The fear of low tensions is loss of control. I can assure you from personal experience as well as experience with many local customers, that quality poly-based offerings, PROPERLY INSTALLED, give ample control at these low tensions. I PROMISE this is a true statement. In fact, when all elements are working together (strings/racquet/player) it becomes almost impossible to hit a ball long.

You are completely correct.

[netlets]

Sorry! Yes, that is what I was referring to. Also, I never knew you had to wait 5 seconds before clamping poly so it can stretch a bit.

[TennisCJC]

Lots of pros string poly and poly hybrids over 50 lbs and a few string them over 60 lbs. Blake, DelPo, Agassi, Cilic, Isner among many over 60 lbs with poly or poly hybrid. Nadal, Davydenko, Djoko and many others in the 50-60 lb range. Federer, Hingis, Jack Sock, Max Mirni, Filippo Volandri among a bunch below 50 lbs.

Trend seems to be moving down in last couple of years.

[TennisCJC]

Most of us mere mortals should use poly in the low to medium range in my view.

[JDMasFCK]

Do you find thicker or thinner string gauges excel more at low tensions (30-40lbs)?

[TennisCJC]

I would not know about the 30-40 lbs range but I like 17g hybrid with multi mains at 52 lbs and a poly cross at 48 lbs.

For me, 17G has a touch more power and spin. Durability is not as good but with NRG2 mains and a Signum Pro or Tecnifibre poly cross, I get at least 10-12 quality hours.

I have never tried anything below the mid-40s.