The J011yroger guide to strings.

ohplease · Mar 13, 2008

CAM178 said:
I'm sure that all reading know much more than I do about strings, so here's my query: should I change from PSG Dura crosses to a multifilament? I see Jolly's multifilament write-up, & am curious if this is how I should go. The PSG obviously doesn't last me all that long.

Along with that, what multi would you guys recommend?

Of side note, here's something that I jut learned from my stringer: black strings are softer than their lighter counterparts. I decided to try PSG Dura in black, and it was a big difference between black and my normal lime green choice. My stringer explained to me that this is something that he's run into with many different strings. Apparently the black dye softens the string. In short, if you like a string but it might be a bit too stiff for you, see if it's offered in black.

If you're breaking crosses, going from a solid core like PSGD to a multi just makes your problem worse. I'm betting you're using poly in the mains?

If so, you're likely better served using one of the newer, softer, thiner copolys all around and stringing like many of the pros do, with a few pounds less on the crosses. And lower tension, in general. There's an easily found story about Tim Henman working with Priority One to get more control AND a larger sweetspot by moving from more lively strings at a higher tension to less lively strings at a lower tension. I've found that to ring true in my own experiences as well, at least in larger headed (say, 100 sq in), open patterned frames.

Arthur · Mar 13, 2008

J011yroger said:
. . . .

The thinner the string, the more bite you get on a ball, generating more topspin with the same stroke. For some people this will allow them to swing harder and keep the ball in play, for others it will result in them hitting too much topspin and not having enough carry on their ball, otherwise known as not having enough penetration, or not piercing the court. You want your ball forcing your opponent back, not landing and sitting up for him to hit.

. . . .

If you find that your ball is landing short with the thinner gague string, first try to reclaim your depth by string tension before reverting back to your old thicker gague string.

. . . .

This part is interesting to me, and it's consistent with my experience with string gauge in 18x20 racquets. 16's give me a more solid, penetrating shot. 17's and 18's give me a lighter, spinnier shot (good for the short angle and the "dipper" in doubles hit at the net player's feet, but not good for much else). Until now I've addressed this by using 16's, but it sounds like using 17's strung a little looser might let me have my dipper and my deep drive. (Or maybe I just need to practice flattening out my drives a little more using 17's.)

J011yroger · Mar 13, 2008

CAM178 said:
I'm sure that all reading know much more than I do about strings, so here's my query: should I change from PSG Dura crosses to a multifilament? I see Jolly's multifilament write-up, & am curious if this is how I should go. The PSG obviously doesn't last me all that long.

Along with that, what multi would you guys recommend?

Of side note, here's something that I just learned from my stringer: black strings are softer than their lighter counterparts. I decided to try PSG Dura in black, and it was a big difference between black and my normal lime green choice. My stringer explained to me that this is something that he's run into with many different strings. Apparently the black dye softens the string. In short, if you like a string but it might be a bit too stiff for you, see if it's offered in black.

ALU/NRG2 plays quite nicely. Give it a shot, only a couple bucks difference from your normal. If you like it, then great, if you don't you wasted the monetary value of a turkey sandwich.

J

J011yroger · Mar 13, 2008

Arthur said:
This part is interesting to me, and it's consistent with my experience with string gauge in 18x20 racquets. 16's give me a more solid, penetrating shot. 17's and 18's give me a lighter, spinnier shot (good for the short angle and the "dipper" in doubles hit at the net player's feet, but not good for much else). Until now I've addressed this by using 16's, but it sounds like using 17's strung a little looser might let me have my dipper and my deep drive. (Or maybe I just need to practice flattening out my drives a little more using 17's.)

I would try the stringing looser ploy. If you have good grooved strokes, why try to adapt them rather than changing equipment and leaving your strokes alone.

This round of stringing I am going up to 60lbs, maybe 62lbs on my K90s because after two months of playing them at 58, I have determined that it doesn't allow me to hit the ball the way I want to.

58 was perfect for the Ncodes, but the Ks need to be tighter.

Obviously I CAN play with them at 58, as I have been doing it for two months. But I have to hit differently than I want to which is causing me some unrest, and resulting in inconsistient, and weaker shots.

J

hyogen · Mar 15, 2008

J011yroger said:
ALU/NRG2 plays quite nicely. Give it a shot, only a couple bucks difference from your normal. If you like it, then great, if you don't you wasted the monetary value of a turkey sandwich.

J

awesome guide. your "ALU/NRG2" means alu in the mains, nrg2 in the crosses right?

i did something very similar and did the almost reverse in my 2nd racquet.

both pure storm tours.

luxilon alu power rough in mains 54lbs, wilson NXT at 56lbs crosses = did not like at all. very bad actually for me.

2nd stick: wilson NXT at 66lbs in mains, luxilon rough at 64lbs in crosses = much better...but not nearly as good as full luxilon at very low tension (very trampoliny feel--when hitting strings against your palm). probably around 50 or lower... I liked the power and spin of that setup the best for some reason.

can you give me some advice here? after all i've been reading i'm beginning to think that multifilaments aren't worth it for me. Natural gut seems to me like the way to go--at least for the MAINS. maybe NXT tour will be good enough in the mains.

J011yroger · Mar 15, 2008

How fast are you breaking the above setups?

Edit: Did you use NXT or NXT Tour in your setups that you didn't like? They are quite different strings. The main difference being that NXT sucks and NXT Tour is good

J

CAM178 · Mar 15, 2008

Anybody know what a popular red string is? Recently I went to see the match between UT & FSU, and a lot of the players were playing with a full set of red strings. I was in the stands, so I couldn't see if it was different mains and crosses. I would guess not, though. Not often you see red strings. Any ideas?

J011yroger · Mar 15, 2008

Technifibre Red Code.

Lots of college players have deals with Technifibre so it is very popular.

Technifibre will give a preferred player package to anyone who can hit a ball out of their and and over the net without hitting themself in the leg.

And the schools get pretty sick deals from what I hear.

J

Dyne · Mar 15, 2008

Well I got my new Speedport Pro White strung up with some NRG2 16s today, but I haven't got to hit with it due to weather. I'm regretting a little bit now, though. I'm afraid I won't be able to generate as much spin due to the tighter string pattern and a 16 gauge string.

I was mainly afraid of 17 gauge breaking too fast so I went for a little thicker. Does the extra bit of thickness really kill spin-potential? I can generate my own, but a little help wouldn't hurt.

hyogen · Mar 15, 2008

J011yroger said:
How fast are you breaking the above setups?

Edit: Did you use NXT or NXT Tour in your setups that you didn't like? They are quite different strings. The main difference being that NXT sucks and NXT Tour is good

J

regular nxt. they don't have nxt in the big shops around here. i'll have to try out some NXT tour soon.

I did'nt break up those above setups... I cut the bad setup last night after 40 minutes of hitting...couldn't wait to put in natural gut. lol...maybe this is why you have like 30+ frames

J011yroger · Mar 15, 2008

Dyne said:
Well I got my new Speedport Pro White strung up with some NRG2 16s today, but I haven't got to hit with it due to weather. I'm regretting a little bit now, though. I'm afraid I won't be able to generate as much spin due to the tighter string pattern and a 16 gauge string.

I was mainly afraid of 17 gauge breaking too fast so I went for a little thicker. Does the extra bit of thickness really kill spin-potential? I can generate my own, but a little help wouldn't hurt.

You will be fine. It is the guy attached to the handle that matters more than what is in the hoop.

J

YULitle · Mar 15, 2008

What's this guy gotta do to get a sticky?

J011yroger · Mar 15, 2008

YULitle said:
What's this guy gotta do to get a sticky?

I'm tellin ya, not easy being me.

No respect, no respect at all.

J

Babb · Mar 15, 2008

I respect you, Jo11y

Dyne · Mar 15, 2008

J011yroger said:
You will be fine. It is the guy attached to the handle that matters more than what is in the hoop.

J

Agreed.

I actually got to hit with it today and it felt great. I loved all of my shots. It was very consistent; control, power, and spin were all great. This string, in my opinion, performed better than the Lightning XX I used when I demo'd.

Thanks a bunch for the help.

J011yroger · Mar 15, 2008

Dyne said:
Agreed.

I actually got to hit with it today and it felt great. I loved all of my shots. It was very consistent; control, power, and spin were all great. This string, in my opinion, performed better than the Lightning XX I used when I demo'd.

Thanks a bunch for the help.

Glad you liked it. I worry about being inaccurate giving out advice to people I have never hit with because I feel bad if I am wrong and they spend their money on something they don't like, especially the kids for whom string is a big investment.

Let me know how long it lasts, and then you can decide if you want to go to the 17 next time, or stick with the 16.

J

CAM178 · Mar 16, 2008

J011yroger said:
Technifibre Red Code.
Lots of college players have deals with Technifibre so it is very popular.
Technifibre will give a preferred player package to anyone who can hit a ball out of their and and over the net without hitting themself in the leg.
And the schools get pretty sick deals from what I hear.
J

Ah, thanks. That explains why both schools were playing with it. It looked pretty cool, TBH. Has anybody here hit with it? How does it play?

J011yroger · Mar 16, 2008

CAM178 said:
Ah, thanks. That explains why both schools were playing with it. It looked pretty cool, TBH. Has anybody here hit with it? How does it play?

Search my man, search.

J

toughshot · Mar 23, 2008

red code was pretty sick imo

it was softer, held tension, and had decent bite.. you should go try it

Anyone tried TF polyspin? what are your thoughts on it? I tried it with a gosen micro hybrid.

toughshot · Mar 23, 2008

btw im interested in a non-stalker way of how jolly hits.. any videos my man?

:]

In)SpiRe · Mar 23, 2008

Hey Jolly, just curious as to what you would suggest for me, a hybrid/full job, what strings etc...

I'm a hard hitting baseliner, my forhand is the biggest weapon in my game. I'm not a big string breaker but my strings lose tension, ALOT of tension and faster than the average. I'm not a big topspin guy, nor am I looking for strings that'll give me the biggest spin possible. I come to net to volley often, sometimes doing a little chip and charge and even serve and volley. Looking for a good overall string, preferably something that doesnt loose tension fast, and maintains overall playability for a while. I love poly BTW if that helps, and I can take any stiff strings, BUT i CANNOT stand those mushy strings at all.

Strings I have with me so far are Cyberflash, ALU Power, and ALU Power Rough.

Any strings you recommend, any hybrids? Thanks in advance!

azn_tomato · Mar 23, 2008

What are the softest poly's with the most feel? Reading on feedback about them, i get "so much feel" blah blah, but i've never used a poly string and i don't really know if "tons of feel" is equivalent to no feel on a synthetic or something.
I don't plan on restringing too often so i want to get a good combination, where money isn't a big problem since i won't string anytime soon, but i don't break strings either, so i'm having a hard time deciding a string set-up.
Right now i'm thinking Klip Excellerator in the mains with Signum Pro Plasma HEXtreme in the crosses, but like i said, i'm not really sure what to expect of poly strings.
If i hate the feel, there's no chance my parents will let me restring it and i'll just have to play it for a while. On the other hand, i hear the Signum Pro Plasma co-poly's are pretty soft and have good feel...
If you could recommend a set-up or evaluate mine, that'd be great. What about just going full Klip Excellerator (multi)

J011yroger · Mar 23, 2008

toughshot said:
btw im interested in a non-stalker way of how jolly hits.. any videos my man?

:]

Last week I took down my vids from 07, looking forward to putting up new ones for 08, should be outdoors with rolling tape some time in april.

J

J011yroger · Mar 23, 2008

In)SpiRe said:
Hey Jolly, just curious as to what you would suggest for me, a hybrid/full job, what strings etc...

I'm a hard hitting baseliner, my forhand is the biggest weapon in my game. I'm not a big string breaker but my strings lose tension, ALOT of tension and faster than the average. I'm not a big topspin guy, nor am I looking for strings that'll give me the biggest spin possible. I come to net to volley often, sometimes doing a little chip and charge and even serve and volley. Looking for a good overall string, preferably something that doesnt loose tension fast, and maintains overall playability for a while. I love poly BTW if that helps, and I can take any stiff strings, BUT i CANNOT stand those mushy strings at all.

Strings I have with me so far are Cyberflash, ALU Power, and ALU Power Rough.

Any strings you recommend, any hybrids? Thanks in advance!

Personally, I felt that Babolate Ballistic Polymono feels incredible when hitting flat. Hybrid or full job. ALU is more of a brute force topspin and pace string that really rewards hellish batspeed (which if you are not breaking fairly rapidly you probably don't have).

Never tried Cyberflash, so I can't say for that.

But if you are a flat hitter, definately give the BBP a shot, it certainly is cheap enough.

J

J011yroger · Mar 23, 2008

azn_tomato said:
What are the softest poly's with the most feel? Reading on feedback about them, i get "so much feel" blah blah, but i've never used a poly string and i don't really know if "tons of feel" is equivalent to no feel on a synthetic or something.
I don't plan on restringing too often so i want to get a good combination, where money isn't a big problem since i won't string anytime soon, but i don't break strings either, so i'm having a hard time deciding a string set-up.
Right now i'm thinking Klip Excellerator in the mains with Signum Pro Plasma HEXtreme in the crosses, but like i said, i'm not really sure what to expect of poly strings.
If i hate the feel, there's no chance my parents will let me restring it and i'll just have to play it for a while. On the other hand, i hear the Signum Pro Plasma co-poly's are pretty soft and have good feel...
If you could recommend a set-up or evaluate mine, that'd be great. What about just going full Klip Excellerator (multi)

If you don't plan on restringing often then poly isn't for you.

I would go with the full multi job since you are not a big breaker.

J

In)SpiRe · Mar 23, 2008

J011yroger said:
Personally, I felt that Babolate Ballistic Polymono feels incredible when hitting flat. Hybrid or full job. ALU is more of a brute force topspin and pace string that really rewards hellish batspeed (which if you are not breaking fairly rapidly you probably don't have).

Never tried Cyberflash, so I can't say for that.

But if you are a flat hitter, definately give the BBP a shot, it certainly is cheap enough.

J

Well, its not that I dont break strings at all, as I've broken alot this year as I'm getting more serious abt tennis.
Racquet head speed isn't a problem for me, but its more of a... I usually cut my poly(I've been using only poly for a while now) out when they lose tension.
And I do hit with some topspin, but I was just emphasizing that spin isnt a huge deal for me.

Thx for the advice though!

J011yroger · Mar 23, 2008

For under 5 bucks a set try the polymono, it really felt awesome to me when I was blasting it flat.

Obviously everyone has a different opinion, but it is really worth a shot.

J

In)SpiRe · Mar 23, 2008

J011yroger said:
For under 5 bucks a set try the polymono, it really felt awesome to me when I was blasting it flat.

Obviously everyone has a different opinion, but it is really worth a shot.

J

Yea, Thx alot, I'll definitely be giving it a shot.

azn_tomato · Mar 23, 2008

If i want more control whats is a good multi to put as a cross? The Klip Excellerator is a (from what i hear) a string that is pretty much the same as the Gamme Professional but with more bite. Not too durable though.

Tennisman912 · Mar 25, 2008

J011yroger,

I also use poly and like textured strings. I have been using Alu Rough full and it lasts me about 8- 10 hours. Unfortunately, I am a string breaker ( also use 18x20 string pattern). Finding a good textured poly is hard. You may want to try my favorite type of this string, Kirschbaum Super Smash Spikey in 16 or 17 gauge as you prefer. It gives me more spin than the ALU and is the most textured poly I have tried. It is is hard on the arm though if you are prone to arm trouble. The extra texture may hurt your depth a bit but then you can just lower the tension to what you used in your n90. Just a thought.

I am in the process of switching to something with a bit more pop (getting old and lazy) and am really liking the K95 18x20. I love the extra control over the open version. Time will tell.

Hope you like or have tried the string.

TM

J011yroger · Mar 25, 2008

^^ I have heard both sides of the Kirsh strings. Would try it if someone gave me a set for giggles, but I am not looking to switch.

Right now concerned more with the guy doing the swinging than what he is swinging.

Besides bumping tension up to 62, on my next batch, I am really not looking to change anything.

J

Zhou · Mar 25, 2008

Hey J011y you got your wish. It has been stickied.

toughshot · Mar 26, 2008

Thanks J

I'm a frequent string breaker.. go through 1-2 sets a week

I use TF Polyspin in the mains, and gosen sheep 16 in the crosses, when i pop a string it's 90% of the time in one of the middle crosses.

I use string savers too.

Any recommendations for a durable cross that will soften the string bed?

iplaybetter · Mar 26, 2008

try polylon it is one of the softest poly's i know of

tbini87 · Mar 26, 2008

toughshot said:
Thanks J

I'm a frequent string breaker.. go through 1-2 sets a week

I use TF Polyspin in the mains, and gosen sheep 16 in the crosses, when i pop a string it's 90% of the time in one of the middle crosses.

I use string savers too.

Any recommendations for a durable cross that will soften the string bed?

iplaybetter said:
try polylon it is one of the softest poly's i know of

i don't think a poly in the cross will soften the string bed. and polylon is STIFF... polylon sp is softer, but not compared to og sheep micro...

i would suggest psgd or a thicker gauge of syn gut. i don't have too much experience with durable syn guts because i am not string breaker.

iplaybetter · Mar 26, 2008

tbini87 said:
i don't think a poly in the cross will soften the string bed. and polylon is STIFF... polylon sp is softer, but not compared to og sheep micro...

i would suggest psgd or a thicker gauge of syn gut. i don't have too much experience with durable syn guts because i am not string breaker.

polylon is not stiff at all its sorta soft, gut could work by the way

Rei · Mar 26, 2008

I have got a question, might be slightly off topic. I'm by no means a string breaker as I NEVER break string during my 4 years tennis-experience. I hit hard, but not as hard as real hard hitter. My ball always go deep, and usually with moderate or a lot of topspin. Sometimes when I got coached, I practice 3 hours a day, 7 days a week and yet I couldn't break my string (Not that i try to) but I did hit as hard as usual for depth and penetration.

My strings became mushy however and I know it's time to change.

But my question is how can one break a string? I know my friends breaks his every week, or most likely every 3 matches. He hit harder and more spin than me though.

adams_1 · Mar 27, 2008

I take a little forum break, come back, and find the long awaited string guide is up

Nice guide, Jolly.

tbini87 · Mar 27, 2008

Rei said:
I have got a question, might be slightly off topic. I'm by no means a string breaker as I NEVER break string during my 4 years tennis-experience. I hit hard, but not as hard as real hard hitter. My ball always go deep, and usually with moderate or a lot of topspin. Sometimes when I got coached, I practice 3 hours a day, 7 days a week and yet I couldn't break my string (Not that i try to) but I did hit as hard as usual for depth and penetration.

My strings became mushy however and I know it's time to change.

But my question is how can one break a string? I know my friends breaks his every week, or most likely every 3 matches. He hit harder and more spin than me though.

the answer to how do you break a string is hit harder, with more topspin. or you could use a less durable string, but you should find the string that best works for your game and stick with it.

however, that is a silly question and shouldn't really even be asked. i am kind of like you where i play jc tennis with guys that break strings at least once a week, but i rarely ever break strings. however, it is a bonus for me, because i get the full life out of my strings before i have to cut them out and restring. some people just aren't string breakers, so don't worry about it. when they get mushy cut them out and restring.

tbini87 · Mar 27, 2008

iplaybetter said:
polylon is not stiff at all its sorta soft, gut could work by the way

hmm, are you sure you aren't talking about polylon SP? if you think polylon is soft then we can agree to disagree! from my experiences with it (polylon ice 16) it is a stiff, harsh string that loses tension pretty quickly. polylon sp is better but that still doesn't even hold a candle up to something like big ace or poly polar...

Rei · Mar 27, 2008

tbini87 said:
the answer to how do you break a string is hit harder, with more topspin. or you could use a less durable string, but you should find the string that best works for your game and stick with it.

however, that is a silly question and shouldn't really even be asked. i am kind of like you where i play jc tennis with guys that break strings at least once a week, but i rarely ever break strings. however, it is a bonus for me, because i get the full life out of my strings before i have to cut them out and restring. some people just aren't string breakers, so don't worry about it. when they get mushy cut them out and restring.

Hey thanks, just ask out of curiosity. I normally hit even harder and more spin than that guy that breaks his string every now and then, it makes me wonder. But then again we use different string/ tensions/ guage/ rackets and play quite differently. He also plays more frequent than me.

Rei · Mar 27, 2008

oh one more question, apparently as I have stated I don't break string at all. Should I try natgut (and possibly stick with it?). I don't mind the cost because I don't break string at all. jo11roger also said gut hold tension the best. I don't play that often may be twice a week and it isn't that humid in London.

tbini87 · Mar 28, 2008

^^ strings, gauges, tension, and string pattern, head size will all play a big role in breaking strings. you will be far more likely to break strings on an oversized racquet with an open pattern using a syn gut 17 gauge then if you were using a midplus with 16 gauge polyester.

it sounds like natural gut could work for you. i personally don't have any experience with it (because of the cost), but have only heard good things about it. expect plenty of pop, control, spin, and tension maint. don't really see how you could go wrong if you aren't a string breaker. give it a shot and let us know how it goes!

Rei · Mar 28, 2008

tbini87 said:
^^ strings, gauges, tension, and string pattern, head size will all play a big role in breaking strings. you will be far more likely to break strings on an oversized racquet with an open pattern using a syn gut 17 gauge then if you were using a midplus with 16 gauge polyester.

it sounds like natural gut could work for you. i personally don't have any experience with it (because of the cost), but have only heard good things about it. expect plenty of pop, control, spin, and tension maint. don't really see how you could go wrong if you aren't a string breaker. give it a shot and let us know how it goes!

I see, it's clear now. I never use anything larger than 100 sqinches/ always 18x20 pattern and always play 16g + Poly string so that does explain a bit.

Guess I will give Babolat VS a shot. This could turn out to be very good match for my current racket (nBlade 98). Thanks for your response!

supermario343 · Mar 29, 2008

very good insight about strings i must say...i printed out a copy even lol B-)

J011yroger · Mar 30, 2008

Tennisman912 said:
J011yroger,

I also use poly and like textured strings. I have been using Alu Rough full and it lasts me about 8- 10 hours. Unfortunately, I am a string breaker ( also use 18x20 string pattern). Finding a good textured poly is hard. You may want to try my favorite type of this string, Kirschbaum Super Smash Spikey in 16 or 17 gauge as you prefer. It gives me more spin than the ALU and is the most textured poly I have tried. It is is hard on the arm though if you are prone to arm trouble. The extra texture may hurt your depth a bit but then you can just lower the tension to what you used in your n90. Just a thought.

I am in the process of switching to something with a bit more pop (getting old and lazy) and am really liking the K95 18x20. I love the extra control over the open version. Time will tell.

Hope you like or have tried the string.

TM

OK so I lied. Was at the sony ericsson and they had buy one get one free on Kirshbaum strings. Got 2 sets of super smash spikey and a t-shirt for 8 bucks.

J

ryanq · Mar 31, 2008

I just read the whole thing last night. It was a great read.

I have Dunlop Aerogel500Tour, baseliner (but sometimes pushing myself towards the net), Tension: 58-60lbs, okay to restring every 1-2 months. play 4times/week, 2hours/time.
strings right now: X-1biphase

I'm up for restring and have 1set of SPPPpure and Tecnifibre XR3. Im having a dilema if i should do a Hybrid or just full XR3. what would you suggest?

Thanks in advance.

ryanq · Mar 31, 2008

btw, not a string breaker, Eastern BH, Semi-western FH

J011yroger · Mar 31, 2008

ryanq said:
btw, not a string breaker, Eastern BH, Semi-western FH

Full XR3, when you get more advanced, and pick up the batspeed to a level when you are breaking the multis in hours, then experiment with a poly blend.

J

ryanq · Mar 31, 2008

J011yroger said:
Full XR3, when you get more advanced, and pick up the batspeed to a level when you are breaking the multis in hours, then experiment with a poly blend.

J

Thanks a lot.

The J011yroger guide to strings.

Professional

Arthur

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