The bigger the headsize the more easily the frame can deform to alleviate differences in tension between mains and crosses. In a typical racquet, mains will be 30% tighter than crosses when strung at same reference tension. In a larger OS frame, they will be generally more equal. A more elongated head shape helps to partially offset this equlibration.
Why don't most stringing guidance postings for racquets (like on the sides of the frame), then, use a 25–30% lower tension for the crosses? I know some frames do specify less tension for the crosses (Yonex R series) but that seemed to be fairly unusual and I don't know if that's actually printed on the frame. Stringing a racquet seems to be a more complicated thing than just using less tension for the crosses.
Also, given that you say larger heads and more isometric shapes (elongated rather than round) reduce the issue, is there an easy way for people to figure out how much to lower the crosses if the manufacturer hasn't specified it? Personally, I like the idea of having very similar performance (as opposed to when stringing) tension for both the mains and crosses so this 30% thing is very interesting.
@danbrenner
ITF rule limits the length of the main stings.
Seems to me to be an example of how tennis authorities chose to implement various superfluous rules and ignored important things that actually degrade the sport.
although the extender looks fascinating and I did see connors using it ......it’s very different than the head, Wilson and prince I had mentioned.
the Extender has long strings for sure but the others go all the way to the handle . The interesting thing about the Wilson is that you can string it at a conventional length if you so choose . That’s an awesome modification that I don’t believe any other sticks have .
Connors used the Mono, including when coaching Roddick. Did Connors switch to the Mach later? The Mono is a 97 (or so) sq in head, the smallest of the monoshaft Princes. It doesn't have the staggered string pattern of the RipStick and Mach 1000, isn't so lightweight, is headlight, and is standard length. It's a good racquet but not as good as the PS 85. It twists and it also has a part that becomes loose in the throat and rattles. The middle size racquet (RipStick) is terrible. Twisty, too light, too long, wrong balance... Billie Jean King used the Mach 1000 for the seniors. I liked the metallic blue paint on the Mach but Prince used a lot of lettering on the racquet so it didn't look as good as it could have.
