Kindest words ever used to describe a pusher?
to me it sounded like an "all around" player.
Mid Level Gut Playtest
- Thread starter McLovin
- Start date
to me it sounded like an "all around" player.
McLovin
Legend
I'd try it if I could find some. According to their website, I'm supposed to search for 'natural gut tennis string' on the 'bay, but none of their stuff comes up.
McLovin
Legend
Pacific Classic
Stringing: I've been stringing Pacific Classic for at least 3 years now, and have never had any issues. Never any separation, never any snaps while on the machine, and never any kinking. While not as smooth as KLIP Legend Tour or Armour Pro, the Co. Focus crosses slid along easily. My only gripe with Classic is the gauge consistency. The ends start out very rough and at almost 15L. About 1 ft in they smooth out & become more like a 17g. This really isn't a problem for me as I only need 18ft for the mains, but it could be a pain if it were a 110 sq in or an 18 main pattern. There are also spots where it looks like it is even 18g, but I've never had problems with premature snaps, so it must be my imagination. Here's the odd thing: Tension right off the machine registered as 56.4lbs:
I actually strung two frames with this as I was playing in USTA Tri-Level Sectionals tournament and didn't want to use a new string. At first I thought I had done something wrong, but both frames measured the same. Admittedly I did not actually measure the string factor, so maybe there is an issue with the gauge?
Initial Hit: Well, its not really an initial hit as I've been hitting with this string for years. What can I say? I get a great combination of power, spin & feel. I notice a difference immediately when playing with it again. It's crisp from the first shot, but it settles after a couple of rallies. There's a nice 'thud' as I make contact, and I know it's a good shot. I'm back to ripping returns and popping good serves. Volleys are crisp, with real good feel. If results mean anything, we won the 1st match 5-7, 7-5, 10-8. Tension immediately after my 1st match:
Second Hit: Well, again, it wasn't a second hit seeing as how I've been playing with this for years. But as I said before, I just love everything about this string. I've heard some say it needs a break-in period, but short of the first couple of strokes when it is fresh, I don't notice a difference between the 1st match and this one. We lost in a 3rd set breaker 14-12, but one of the guys we were playing has moved up to a 5.0, and the team as a whole ended up winning the tournament, so I really can't complain. Tension after the 2nd match:
Durability The only time I've had any issue with durability is when I go down to Naples, FL and play on the clay. I will break this setup after two or three matches, which is why I move to 16L when heading down there. Other than that, it will last me until the Co. Focus goes dead. I can usually get 6-8 matches out of this setup.
I took a photo of the 'final' RacquetTune but forgot to transfer it. I 'll do that tomorrow.
Here's what the string looked like after the weekend:
Conclusion: So far the best of the bunch. I wasn't happy when they raised the price from $26.95 to $29.95, but its still better than paying $42 for Babolat.
Stringing: I've been stringing Pacific Classic for at least 3 years now, and have never had any issues. Never any separation, never any snaps while on the machine, and never any kinking. While not as smooth as KLIP Legend Tour or Armour Pro, the Co. Focus crosses slid along easily. My only gripe with Classic is the gauge consistency. The ends start out very rough and at almost 15L. About 1 ft in they smooth out & become more like a 17g. This really isn't a problem for me as I only need 18ft for the mains, but it could be a pain if it were a 110 sq in or an 18 main pattern. There are also spots where it looks like it is even 18g, but I've never had problems with premature snaps, so it must be my imagination. Here's the odd thing: Tension right off the machine registered as 56.4lbs:
I actually strung two frames with this as I was playing in USTA Tri-Level Sectionals tournament and didn't want to use a new string. At first I thought I had done something wrong, but both frames measured the same. Admittedly I did not actually measure the string factor, so maybe there is an issue with the gauge?
Initial Hit: Well, its not really an initial hit as I've been hitting with this string for years. What can I say? I get a great combination of power, spin & feel. I notice a difference immediately when playing with it again. It's crisp from the first shot, but it settles after a couple of rallies. There's a nice 'thud' as I make contact, and I know it's a good shot. I'm back to ripping returns and popping good serves. Volleys are crisp, with real good feel. If results mean anything, we won the 1st match 5-7, 7-5, 10-8. Tension immediately after my 1st match:
Second Hit: Well, again, it wasn't a second hit seeing as how I've been playing with this for years. But as I said before, I just love everything about this string. I've heard some say it needs a break-in period, but short of the first couple of strokes when it is fresh, I don't notice a difference between the 1st match and this one. We lost in a 3rd set breaker 14-12, but one of the guys we were playing has moved up to a 5.0, and the team as a whole ended up winning the tournament, so I really can't complain. Tension after the 2nd match:
Durability The only time I've had any issue with durability is when I go down to Naples, FL and play on the clay. I will break this setup after two or three matches, which is why I move to 16L when heading down there. Other than that, it will last me until the Co. Focus goes dead. I can usually get 6-8 matches out of this setup.
I took a photo of the 'final' RacquetTune but forgot to transfer it. I 'll do that tomorrow.
Here's what the string looked like after the weekend:
Conclusion: So far the best of the bunch. I wasn't happy when they raised the price from $26.95 to $29.95, but its still better than paying $42 for Babolat.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
^^ Looks like the greatest characteristic of Pacific Classic is its ability to hold/maintain tension?
~56lbs down to ~53lbs is not even 10% lost, great info man.
~56lbs down to ~53lbs is not even 10% lost, great info man.
That's assuming you are playing in ideal conditions. I played with Pacific Classic on clay just after a rain storm at over 90% humidity and it lost 12% tension after one match. That probably happens with any gut.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
I agree, I generally expect gut to lose ~10%, and stay there until it snaps. Just (happily) surprised to see Pacific Classic is demonstrating less than ~10% loss from McLovin.
McLovin
Legend
I'm still confused as to why Classic registers a higher tension than the other three (BB Hero review is already written up, I just have to transfer the photos). They were all strung on the same machine, at the same tension, by the same person (me), and same crosses.
Since I strung two frames with Classic, each on different days, and they registered practically the same tension, I can only assume the string factor is off.
If anyone out there has a calculated string factor for Classic 17g, please post it here so I can re-measure.
Since I strung two frames with Classic, each on different days, and they registered practically the same tension, I can only assume the string factor is off.
If anyone out there has a calculated string factor for Classic 17g, please post it here so I can re-measure.
I've been too lazy to measure string factors lately because I'm mostly concerned with relative tension loss. What I did observe is that using the default string factor for Classic 16 gauge gave me the tension that I expected. Tonic was much higher. It wasn't even close. Obviously, this means the same length of Classic was heavier than the same length of Tonic. That could be due to gauge, density, or both. Maybe Tonic is so heavily coated that the density of the string is affected.
You also mentioned gauge inconsistency with Classic. That of course makes it difficult to measure string factor accurately. Sten described in another post how you can measure string factor by using a scale and measuring the length. That's probably a better way to do it in this case.
McLovin
Legend
Thanks for that. I'll e-mail him & see if he can give me the instructions as it's probably easier than trying to search the forum...
mikeler
Moderator
Check out the Guide button on the bottom of the main screen in the app. It explains it all in detail.
McLovin
Legend
Translation: RTFM!
corbind
Professional
Took me awhile to guess what that means -- pretty funny!
mikeler
Moderator
I almost threw in the RTM reference. Every time I leave one out you pull up the slack for me.
No, ANY man will never read the manual!
Tonic 16 gauge in a full bed lasted me less than 5 hours. There was one weak spot that frayed like crazy and the rest of it was fresh! Maybe it was kinked when I strung it, maybe some water got to that spot, or maybe it's just the way gut is sometimes. It's a natural product, so I'm guessing there's more variation than there would be with a synthetic string.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
I'm not surprised, the Tonic line is the stuff that didn't quite pass quality control right?
mikeler
Moderator
The guys at my club have been breaking their gut strings real quick. I believe they are all using Tonic as well.
McLovin
Legend
Holy crap, I completely forgot about this thread. Sorry, I've been busy w/ kid's sports, as well the high school team I coach (tryouts were this week). I'll try to update this weekend.
My father, who is 78 this year, has broken his gut mains twice this winter in Naples. Part of me thinks its the racquet & the open string pattern (Head Five Star), mostly because he's never broken gut mains in his previous frame (Pure Drive OS), but it could be it's been a warm, humid winter.
I've been using Pacific Classic 16L and put BB Hero in it this time (long story as to why I'm stringing up here & then shipping it down to him), but hopefully this will last until April.
My father, who is 78 this year, has broken his gut mains twice this winter in Naples. Part of me thinks its the racquet & the open string pattern (Head Five Star), mostly because he's never broken gut mains in his previous frame (Pure Drive OS), but it could be it's been a warm, humid winter.
I've been using Pacific Classic 16L and put BB Hero in it this time (long story as to why I'm stringing up here & then shipping it down to him), but hopefully this will last until April.
therecanbeonlyone
Semi-Pro
I put a full bed of tonic+ in my 6.1 95 (16x18) at 64 lbs on a lockout about three weeks ago. I've played one singles match and three doubles matches with that racquet and the strings look and feel great. I'm not a string breaker though, so take this for what it is worth.
I have 3 sets of BB gut to try, so I am also waiting for that review in this thread.
I have 3 sets of BB gut to try, so I am also waiting for that review in this thread.
McLovin
Legend
I'll go into more detail in my actual review, but I agree with the first part, but haven't had any problems with durability yet. Granted, I've only used it indoors, but its very reminiscent of the KLIP Legend Tour I reviewed earlier.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Did you pre-stretch the gut?
McLovin
Legend
I used to, but I bought a new machine last fall with a Wise 2086 electronic tensioner. It has a 'pre-stretch' option, where it goes past the setting by ~ 5%, then comes back to the desired tension. I use that setting for the gut, but not the poly.
Lambsscroll
Hall of Fame
Interesting. So if the desired tension is 60 pounds the machine will pull at 63 pounds then pull at 60 and so on. 63 60, 63 60. Just clamp at the right time. lol
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Wouldn't it be easier if you just pull the string until there aren't any coil memory left?
McLovin
Legend
Kinda. Its a 'constant pull' tensioner, so it pulls to ~63, then backs off to 60, but it is constantly adjusting (e.g., 59.6, 60.2, 59.8, 60.3, etc.) until I clamp & release the tensioner.
McLovin
Legend
That's a good question, and one I hope to answer this summer (I still have the other 1/2 of the set in a ziplock bag). It can get quite humid here in VA, and combined w/ playing on clay (which is all I do in the summer), it can seriously cut down the longevity of the gut.
Strictly from the looks, Legend Tour seems to have an 'extra' coating, but I'm not sure how durable it is. If you go back to my photos, you can see the black coloring rubbing off after just a few sets, although I don't know if the black is part of the coating, or just some thin coloring.
Strictly from the looks, Legend Tour seems to have an 'extra' coating, but I'm not sure how durable it is. If you go back to my photos, you can see the black coloring rubbing off after just a few sets, although I don't know if the black is part of the coating, or just some thin coloring.
finalfantasy7
Semi-Pro
Mclovin, have you ever tried performaxx natural gut, few threads on here, just wondering how you would compare it to guts like pacific etc.
Ive played with performaxx - for me it was the best gut and not just in the cheaper gut, better than when VS touch was soft.
Like to hear your comments on it
Ive played with performaxx - for me it was the best gut and not just in the cheaper gut, better than when VS touch was soft.
Like to hear your comments on it
McLovin
Legend
I have not. Someone asked me that earlier in the thread & I went out to their site to see if I could get a pack. Their site says to "search for 'natural gut tennis strings' on E-Bay", which I did, but didn't find any for Performaxx.
In fact, while typing this reply I did the search again with no luck. There is Global and 'Premium', but no Performaxx.
McLovin
Legend
Yeah, Legend Armour Pro. Strings up as easily as a poly. Unfortunately, it also plays like a poly...
mikeler
Moderator
Pass.......
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Fail......
finalfantasy7
Semi-Pro
no worries mclovin
McLovin
Legend
Well, I'd be open to trying some, I just can't find any.
On a side note, I really need to download & resize my photos for BB Hero and writeup the review. With high school sports starting up (I coach a local girls team, and my daughter is on the soccer team), I literally have 1 hour of free time each night.
On a side note, I really need to download & resize my photos for BB Hero and writeup the review. With high school sports starting up (I coach a local girls team, and my daughter is on the soccer team), I literally have 1 hour of free time each night.
Mclovin do you have any experience with "premium" gut?
How would you compare these mid-grade guts to those?
I have only used pacific classic and tonic and was wondering if I should even bother spending the extra money. I always played full poly up until about a month ago so I was thinking I couldn't tell a difference anyway.
How would you compare these mid-grade guts to those?
I have only used pacific classic and tonic and was wondering if I should even bother spending the extra money. I always played full poly up until about a month ago so I was thinking I couldn't tell a difference anyway.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Personally, I've found VS Team and Touch much better then Tonic (livelier for a start).
gplracer
Hall of Fame
Maybe I should try those. I really like tonic +.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Not familiar with the plus version of the Tonic, but the latest VSes (BT 7) seem worse then the previous ones (non BT 7).
McLovin
Legend
Haven't used any 'premium gut' in ages. Basically, I'm too cheap.
It's my understanding from these boards that Tonic is VS that, for whatever reason, failed quality control. But I don't know if that is true or a TT Urban Legend...
McLovin
Legend
McLovin
Legend
McLovin,
Any tips on how get rid of MY mid level gut?
Yes, I call it the "Super Model Diet":
Step 1: Contract a severe case of the flu.
Step 2: Watch the pounds melt away.
McLovin
Legend
Yeah, sorry about that.
I'd planned on getting to that this weekend, but my demo order came in this week (see 'Demo Dayts' thread in Racquets section), so between hitting as much as I can with the demos, the high school team I coach, and my family duties (daughter had a gymnastics meet this weekend), I've pretty much had no free time the last 5-6 days.
Hopefully I'll get some time by mid-week this week. I just have to transfer all my photos from my phone, then finish the write up.
mikeler
Moderator
The flu is so underrated for weight loss. I drop 15 pounds every time I contract it. I was looking for a more "fun" solution!
I'm hoping the family and I can make it up in May or June this year. Prepare for battle Sir...
maxpotapov
Hall of Fame
Why, best of both worlds
It is still natural gut inside, right? So it's still 2x softer/elastic than any poly?
I thought BT7 appeals the same way to those who swear by poly
If you can string it below 50 lbs and it lasts much longer than poly without losing elasticity, why complain? Maybe this is how natural gut should be for modern ball bashing&brushing game.
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