Head Velocity

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Pre-stretched Velocity and it did not play well. Pulled it twice on a lock out stringer and it was significantly stiffer. Can also tie off to something and pull it by hand prior to stringing. The electronic pre-stretch function on stringers is what professional players use. More exact. Main thing is to do the same thing every time. Everything I have ever pre-stretched just became stiffer than I preferred but maintained tension better.
 
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Traffic

Hall of Fame
I had the same experience with a full bed of V so also experimenting with a poly to up the spin. Trying Volkl Cyclone Tour mains.

Why have you chosen to put V in the mains vs crosses? Is there much difference either way?
I tried poly/sgut hybrids before. In those hybrids, using shaped or textured poly's made sense. The mains provide the bulk of the performance. The crosses support the mains. With poly in the mains, you get more of the poly characteristics, but remember you are being supported by the crosses.

CT for me played great for about 2-3hrs. Then it would lose too much tension and the sgut power started coming through at lower tensions. The setup was unpredictable and I just couldn't rely on it.

I like how V plays in general. But it was a little too muted, low on power and not enough spin for me. It has great control, and holds tension well after its initial tension loss. I chose a cross that could help enhance those areas I felt deficient. Cream is a softer poly with more power, feel, spin potential but also holds its tension well.

How does one pre-stretch the string? I also felt a full bed of V played significantly better after around 3 hours and didn’t pre-stretch it beforehand.
I take my 1/2 set of string, wrap it around my staircase post, hold the ends with my starting clamp. Then I lean back while holding the starting clamp. I'll do this 5x for 10sec duration. It's rather unscientific. I know @Shroud and @esgee48 measure the elongation of the string. But I think I've got things dialed in for my purpose. I lower my reference tension about 2-3# to compensate for taking out the initial tension loss.
 

Shroud

G.O.A.T.
I tried poly/sgut hybrids before. In those hybrids, using shaped or textured poly's made sense. The mains provide the bulk of the performance. The crosses support the mains. With poly in the mains, you get more of the poly characteristics, but remember you are being supported by the crosses.

CT for me played great for about 2-3hrs. Then it would lose too much tension and the sgut power started coming through at lower tensions. The setup was unpredictable and I just couldn't rely on it.

I like how V plays in general. But it was a little too muted, low on power and not enough spin for me. It has great control, and holds tension well after its initial tension loss. I chose a cross that could help enhance those areas I felt deficient. Cream is a softer poly with more power, feel, spin potential but also holds its tension well.


I take my 1/2 set of string, wrap it around my staircase post, hold the ends with my starting clamp. Then I lean back while holding the starting clamp. I'll do this 5x for 10sec duration. It's rather unscientific. I know @Shroud and @esgee48 measure the elongation of the string. But I think I've got things dialed in for my purpose. I lower my reference tension about 2-3# to compensate for taking out the initial tension loss.
That's the around the pole method where you pull on two ends. That means the strings are getting only half the tension of the pull. If you pull on just one end the whole string gets full tension.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
That's the around the pole method where you pull on two ends. That means the strings are getting only half the tension of the pull. If you pull on just one end the whole string gets full tension.

Guess it all depends on how much you want it stretched. Hard to measure doing anything by hand or body weight. When pre-stretching poly and gut I would use machines that had the pre-stretch function. The frames came out the same. You do a lot more pre-stretch than most and have your own method that works fine I am sure.
 
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Shroud

G.O.A.T.
Guess it all depends on how much you want it stretched. Hard to measure doing anything by hand or body weight. When pre-stretching poly and gut I would use machines that had the pre-stretch function. The frames came out the same.
String zx and get back to us about machine prestretch

If you measure the beginning length and the finished length you can get consistent results. Graycrait has a fantastic setup for that
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
String zx and get back to us about machine prestretch

If you measure the beginning length and the finished length you can get consistent results. Graycrait has a fantastic setup for that

Was replying more about Head Velocity and all the other strings I have pre-stretched. You guys know all about the Kevlar and Zx. I’m just a casual observer there.
 
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Shroud

G.O.A.T.
No worries, if I venture off into Ashway Crossfire Zx will need your assistance. The price going from $21.00 to $11.30 makes it tempting.
Yeah. I missed that. I saw the CrossfireZX Tour price reduction because its in RED but missed the Crossfire ZX price reduction because its in BLACK.

UGH. Ashaway sucks are marketing and naming products. Its sooo easy to confuse all the Crossfire options. Tour has the poly mans and Crossfire ZX has the kevlar. Super easy to screw it up.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Yeah. I missed that. I saw the CrossfireZX Tour price reduction because its in RED but missed the Crossfire ZX price reduction because its in BLACK.

UGH. Ashaway sucks are marketing and naming products. Its sooo easy to confuse all the Crossfire options. Tour has the poly mans and Crossfire ZX has the kevlar. Super easy to screw it up.

I’m gonna have to try the Crossfire Zx at some point. Too many positive reviews.
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
I will buy a reel of V 1.25 but havent decided yet between natural and Black, played natural only, can someone compare between this two?
The natural feels a lot more like a standard multi, with a slight emphasis on control, whereas the B is clearly trying to be a poly substitute, a whole different species.
 
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2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
I had the same experience with a full bed of V so also experimenting with a poly to up the spin. Trying Volkl Cyclone Tour mains.

Why have you chosen to put V in the mains vs crosses? Is there much difference either way?
I've found V to be a better M than a X, since the coating wears off so much faster on the Xs, both from string friction and ball impact. (The stripes it puts on balls and the fuzz the Xs pickup is pretty crazy!)

I've been playing a full bed of Vb lately and like it but am really thinking Ashaway ZX pro would work better as a cross, since it has no coating to be rubbed off in the first place.

FWIW, I'm also thinking a Vn main with a Cream X could be marvelous as well.

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk
 

ttc2000

Rookie
Just finished playing 3 LTA matches against 2 teenagers and an adult with full bed velocity.

First match was against a 17 year old lefty who was in the top 500 in UK.

I lost 3-5, 1-4. They are all short sets first to 4 by 2 clear and tiebreak at 4-4.

2nd match against a 20 year old that had a monster serve and he used to play ITF tournaments. He reached as high as division 2 in the LTA.

I lost 1-4, 1-4.

My energy was completely drained and the 3rd match against an 18 year old in division 4. I lost 0-4, 1-4.

All matches was indoors on carpet and fb of velocity held up, so I'm very pleased with the results.

Forehands, backhands, volleys and serves were good.

My 35 year old body is going to ache now for a couple of days.

Wish I was 10 years younger and it has been a 12 year gap since I played an LTA tournament.

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk
 

bertrevert

Legend
Just finished playing 3 LTA matches

a 17 year old lefty
a 20 year old that had a monster serve
an 18 year old

My 35 year old body is...

Holy heck you did well. Carpet! Fast, low, eek. Given the opposition/surface didn't you feel a bit underpowered with fb V?
You had muted power only, and I feel you perhaps could have done with a more powerful multi/poly setup. Were you leaving balls short?

I just played 3 singles on hc. First was against a 40 yr old not knowing what racq he holding. Won. Second against a big FH player but no other weapons. Won. Third against a tennis coach with shoulder reconstruction. Big serve and FH but shoulder not quite right yet. Won. My 55 year old body is....!

I put down my usual V+poly in the first match because just needed more pwr. Went to a loose-strung poly (Volkl Cyclone). Hc is so slow and singles so patient: loose poly achieved all sorts of shots...
 
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ttc2000

Rookie
Holy heck you did well. Carpet! Fast, low, eek. Given the opposition/surface didn't you feel a bit underpowered with fb V?
You had muted power only, and I feel you perhaps could have done with a more powerful multi/poly setup. Were you leaving balls short?

I just played 3 singles on hc. First was against a 40 yr old not knowing what racq he holding. Won. Second against a big FH player but no other weapons. Won. Third against a tennis coach with shoulder reconstruction. Big serve and FH but shoulder not quite right yet. Won. My 55 year old body is....!

I put down my usual V+poly in the first match because just needed more pwr. Went to a loose-strung poly (Volkl Cyclone). Hc is so slow and singles so patient: loose poly achieved all sorts of shots...
Not at all because I strung the 2 RF97A's with the Sergetti system @ref tension 54 IBS derived from 55/53 IBS.

It was a brave attempt because I didn't test the setup before at home.

Wow, I'm impressed on how well you did.

I'm a little guilty for trying my six one 95 18x20 2017 with fb Hyper G 17g@45/43 IBS in the 6th set against a division 4 guy.

As I was spent for energy and desperate not to be bagled I used this and did get a game, but now I'm suffering tennis elbow for the first time and it kills when I stretch the arm out fully extended.

It's been a couple of days now.

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Not at all because I strung the 2 RF97A's with the Sergetti system @ref tension 54 IBS derived from 55/53 IBS.

It was a brave attempt because I didn't test the setup before at home.

Wow, I'm impressed on how well you did.

I'm a little guilty for trying my six one 95 18x20 2017 with fb Hyper G 17g@45/43 IBS in the 6th set against a division 4 guy.

As I was spent for energy and desperate not to be bagled I used this and did get a game, but now I'm suffering tennis elbow for the first time and it kills when I stretch the arm out fully extended.

It's been a couple of days now.

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk

Hmm..TE strung in the 40’s with the 6.1. Would probably stay away from that frame or use a multi in the upper 40’s. RF97 with Gut/poly or something like NXT full bed at 55 is easy on the arm and plays well.
 
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ttc2000

Rookie
Hmm..TE strung in the 40’s with the 6.1 would probably stay away from that frame or use a multi. RF97 with Gut/poly or something like NXT full bed at 55 is easy on the arm and plays well.
I will try full bed velocity in the high 40's when I get home and continue to play with the RF97A's for this weekends tournament against tough opposition here in the UK.

Fingers crossed it's not on an indoor carpet court.

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USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
I will try full bed velocity in the high 40's when I get home and continue to play with the RF97A's for this weekends tournament against tough opposition here in the UK.

Fingers crossed it's not on an indoor carpet court.

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk

Playing a tournament with tennis elbow could result in having to stop playing for a long period of time.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
It's getting better the elbow, so will see how it is in 2 days time.

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk

Good luck to you, Velocity in a RF97 @ 52/52 is fairly powerful and easy on the arm. That is stringing on a lock out stringer with a standard method.
 

ttc2000

Rookie
Good luck to you, Velocity in a RF97 @ 52/52 is fairly powerful and easy on the arm. That is stringing on a lock out stringer with a standard method.
The elbow today has loosened up as when I stretched it something clicked and I feel so much better now.

It's 95% healed. I will stretch out before my tournament on the weekend.

Thanks for the recommendation of 52/52 IBS.

The tournament is a fast4 tournament, so it can be over quickly.

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USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
The elbow today has loosened up as when I stretched it something clicked and I feel so much better now.

It's 95% healed. I will stretch out before my tournament on the weekend.

Thanks for the recommendation of 52/52 IBS.

The tournament is a fast4 tournament, so it can be over quickly.

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk

That kind of event is fun. Hanging around for three days to play 3-4 matches is a time killer especially if it rains in tournament play.
 
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Dags

Hall of Fame
Just finished playing 3 LTA matches against 2 teenagers and an adult with full bed velocity.

First match was against a 17 year old lefty who was in the top 500 in UK.

I lost 3-5, 1-4. They are all short sets first to 4 by 2 clear and tiebreak at 4-4.

2nd match against a 20 year old that had a monster serve and he used to play ITF tournaments. He reached as high as division 2 in the LTA.

I lost 1-4, 1-4.

My energy was completely drained and the 3rd match against an 18 year old in division 4. I lost 0-4, 1-4.

All matches was indoors on carpet and fb of velocity held up, so I'm very pleased with the results.

Forehands, backhands, volleys and serves were good.

My 35 year old body is going to ache now for a couple of days.

Wish I was 10 years younger and it has been a 12 year gap since I played an LTA tournament.

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk
Ha, I browse the Velocity thread from time to time, thought the details in this post looked somewhat familiar, checked the results... that tournament you played was at my club! I was there until 1.30 on Saturday, so we were most likely in the building at the same time. I may even have walked past you! If you're ever back this way, give me a shout.
 

Dags

Hall of Fame
Early results on V-black main and ZX-black cross are very promising. Just need to get a dry day to do actual match play!
Early may turn out to be the operative word here. My own experience with Monogut ZX (I'm assuming that's what the ZX refers to, and I haven't missed a new string) in the crosses with Velocity, other multis or even natural gut is that it cuts through them like a hot knife through butter. I found that the material is simply too hard.
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
Early may turn out to be the operative word here. My own experience with Monogut ZX (I'm assuming that's what the ZX refers to, and I haven't missed a new string) in the crosses with Velocity, other multis or even natural gut is that it cuts through them like a hot knife through butter. I found that the material is simply too hard.
I hear this old saw about ZX cutting strings fast (pun intended), but IME, its ability to stay smooth and non-abrasive makes it about equivalent to a poly X for main durability.

BTW, multis that don't have many wrap layers, V or PPC for example, have held up a lot longer for me as a M.
 
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ttc2000

Rookie
Ha, I browse the Velocity thread from time to time, thought the details in this post looked somewhat familiar, checked the results... that tournament you played was at my club! I was there until 1.30 on Saturday, so we were most likely in the building at the same time. I may even have walked past you! If you're ever back this way, give me a shout.
Sent you a PM.

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk
 

Dags

Hall of Fame
I hear this old saw about ZX cutting strings fast (pun intended), but IME, its ability to stay smooth and non-abrasive makes it about equivalent to a poly X for main durability.

BTW, multis that don't have many wrap layers, V or PPC for example, have held up a lot longer for me as a M.
I agree that Velocity turned out to be deceptively durable. It always appeared to notch very quickly, but then held firm for far longer than expected. I tried it with a few crosses. The Monogut ZX went through it very quickly. Proline 2 took about two to three times as long. Cream lasted about five times longer than ZX... and it was the Cream that broke. I personally don't find this a favourable trait, as when the crosses thin to breaking point it makes me feel the stringbed is more unpredictable.

Good that it's working for you. One of those strings that I very much wanted to like, but after half a dozen or so sets decided it wasn't viable for me.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
I agree that Velocity turned out to be deceptively durable. It always appeared to notch very quickly, but then held firm for far longer than expected. I tried it with a few crosses. The Monogut ZX went through it very quickly. Proline 2 took about two to three times as long. Cream lasted about five times longer than ZX... and it was the Cream that broke. I personally don't find this a favourable trait, as when the crosses thin to breaking point it makes me feel the stringbed is more unpredictable.

Good that it's working for you. One of those strings that I very much wanted to like, but after half a dozen or so sets decided it wasn't viable for me.

Found that Velocity plays it’s best full bed and just adjusted the tension for stability. 52/52 in the RF97.
 

ttc2000

Rookie
Found that Velocity plays it’s best full bed and just adjusted the tension for stability. 52/52 in the RF97.
I was actually surprised that a full bed of Velocity compared to a hybrid of Velocity and poly plays better.

I will not rule out OGSM/ Velocity just yet though, but the only problem is OGSM losing tension.

May try 57/53 IBS when I have time.

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2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
Found that Velocity plays it’s best full bed and just adjusted the tension for stability. 52/52 in the RF97.

For natural-V, I would agree a hybrid doesn't accomplish anything that a slight tension adjustment couldn't do more easily.

But for the black-V, that coating is just a mess in the crosses! (most black multis are like this) and I think the right hybrid does enhance performance, which I'll take even if string life is reduced some.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
The black Velocity is what I am playing full bed. Much like a poly. 52/52 is great but 54/54 was too muted and the launch angle was too low. Hybrid with Velocity it just had different qualities all through out the life of the stringbed. That first hour was business with OGSM/Vel. Full bed Velocity stays fairly consistent through out the life of the string bed after the initial drop off in tension.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Reverse to V/sheep @ 53/51 and you've got the best stringbed that multi can offer.

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Cool, was stringing at 55/53 with OGSM/Vel. You think 53/51 is where I need to be with Vel/OGSM? Will give it a shot. Thanks.

I hate I just strung two RF97’s at 52/52 with full bed Velocity. Oh well, it won’t go to waste.
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
Cool, was stringing at 55/53 with OGSM/Vel. You think 53/51 is where I need to be with Vel/OGSM? Will give it a shot. Thanks.

I hate I just strung two RF97’s at 52/52 with full bed Velocity. Oh well, it won’t go to waste.
I had the full bed at a similar tension and could see the crosses shedding coating like crazy on both sides, so I just cut the Xs out and put ZX in @ 51 with a prestretch and it has been marvelous.

Most stingers view this as taboo (just redoing the crosses) but I've done it dozens of times with no issue.

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk
 

Big Ed

Rookie
ok fellas I'm a self admitted velocity junkie. that said where on your perspective racquets tension range are y'all getting best poly like performance i.e. control and spin? I've just had my prince tt warrior 100's strung at 57lb,recommended tension range for it is 50-60lbs,thinking I'd get more control a little higher than mid range. did I do the wrong thing? I'm in love with velo but if I could restring and get better control/spin then I'm up for that too. my prince tt warrior 107's are due for a string job and their recommended tension range is also 50-60lbs. where would be best to string my 100s and 107s for ultimate control/spin and tension maintenance until breakage or 2 times a yr whichever comes first? oh yeah I'm a full bed black velo guy.
thanks,
Big Ed
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
I had the full bed at a similar tension and could see the crosses shedding coating like crazy on both sides, so I just cut the Xs out and put ZX in @ 51 with a prestretch and it has been marvelous.

Most stingers view this as taboo (just redoing the crosses) but I've done it dozens of times with no issue.

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk

What is this Velocity shredded coating thing you talk of? Must be with the black ... I have never seen it with Natural 16. Seems like one would just play with the Natural.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
ok fellas I'm a self admitted velocity junkie. that said where on your perspective racquets tension range are y'all getting best poly like performance i.e. control and spin? I've just had my prince tt warrior 100's strung at 57lb,recommended tension range for it is 50-60lbs,thinking I'd get more control a little higher than mid range. did I do the wrong thing? I'm in love with velo but if I could restring and get better control/spin then I'm up for that too. my prince tt warrior 107's are due for a string job and their recommended tension range is also 50-60lbs. where would be best to string my 100s and 107s for ultimate control/spin and tension maintenance until breakage or 2 times a yr whichever comes first? oh yeah I'm a full bed black velo guy.
thanks,
Big Ed

Following only based on fb velocity 16g natural:

We all are different, swing speeds, feel and touch ... but this is my opinion. I played fb 55 (my racquet 50-60 also) once, and would never go higher than that. I found great control ... but since touch/feel isn't V's strength to begin with ... ended up settling at fb 52. If you read this thread (book), you will see most ended up lowering tensions.
 

Big Ed

Rookie
What is this Velocity shredded coating thing you talk of? Must be with the black ... I have never seen it with Natural 16. Seems like one would just play with the Natural.
you being serious poly??? cause I see something happening in the middle of the sweetspot on my tt 100's and yes it is black velo looking whitish. I just called it a wear indicator and a judge of whether you are striking the ball effectively and not shanking/rimming shots ha!
Big Ed
 

Big Ed

Rookie
Following only based on fb velocity 16g natural:

We all are different, swing speeds, feel and touch ... but this is my opinion. I played fb 55 (my racquet 50-60 also) once, and would never go higher than that. I found great control ... but since touch/feel isn't V's strength to begin with ... ended up settling at fb 52. If you read this thread (book), you will see most ended up lowering tensions.
thanks poly. I was just scarred to go that low because we all know that usually going lower=more power and less control which I don't need. my tt warrior 100 and 107 are fairly powerful sticks so I don't need power I need a touch more control to bring the ball down hard. I mean I loved black velo at 57lb but if I can get more control and spin I ill go lower but like I said I was afraid of too much power and spraying shots.
thanks,
Big Ed
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
With the RF97 I strung Velocity full bed at 55 and the launch angle was super low and keeping the ball deep was a problem. Went back to 52 and it’s all good. Getting used to the strings moving around is the toughest part for me. Straightening the strings has become part of my routine between points again. It’s like going back in time.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
you being serious poly??? cause I see something happening in the middle of the sweetspot on my tt 100's and yes it is black velo looking whitish. I just called it a wear indicator and a judge of whether you are striking the ball effectively and not shanking/rimming shots ha!
Big Ed

I am not a fan of multi fraying, and I have never had any V fraying or the coating shredding mentioned. It's one of the things I like best about Velocity. I get notching ... and I'm sure the oily coating is less by the time the mains snap, but for me it plays very consistent for 20ish hours. My V1 Pros have a tight center 8 mains in the 16x19 ... might be part of it.
 

Big Ed

Rookie
ok so y'all fellas string velo fairly low in your respective racquets tension range aren't having any issues with tension loss then taking the string too low? that was my theory in string a lil higher than mid is that I was playing the its gonna drop in tension so I will really be using 54lb or so.
Big Ed
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
ok so y'all fellas string velo fairly low in your respective racquets tension range aren't having any issues with tension loss then taking the string too low? that was my theory in string a lil higher than mid is that I was playing the its gonna drop in tension so I will really be using 54lb or so.
Big Ed

I have Racquettune tension loss #s in this thread ... basically plan on losing 10-15% pretty quick ... and then basically staying there until it breaks. V has good tension maintenance, and doesn't seem to be very control sensitive based on tension. I have played at fb 55, 52 ... and this last time must have been below 50 (think stringer made an error) ... and never lost control. The main thing I notice is feel improves going lower, and strings move more going lower. Interestingly ... spin was probably the best with this current under 50 "mistake". :p
 

Big Ed

Rookie
so, maybe string at mid tension 55lb and lose 5lb to play at 50lb? so, going at 52lb and as you say losing 10% putting you at 47ish lb you didn't noting any increased power or spraying of shots?
I have Racquettune tension loss #s in this thread ... basically plan on losing 10-15% pretty quick ... and then basically staying there until it breaks. V has good tension maintenance, and doesn't seem to be very control sensitive based on tension. I have played at fb 55, 52 ... and this last time must have been below 50 (think stringer made an error) ... and never lost control. The main thing I notice is feel improves going lower, and strings move more going lower. Interestingly ... spin was probably the best with this current under 50 "mistake". :p
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
so, maybe string at mid tension 55lb and lose 5lb to play at 50lb? so, going at 52lb and as you say losing 10% putting you at 47ish lb you didn't noting any increased power or spraying of shots?

Yes ... but I'm a avg pace and spin non-spraying control player. 8-B(y)

Edit: Velocity post #2000 ... did I win anything?

gut/poly thread ... we are coming for you.
 
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