Low, low tensions. 30lbs feels great. 20lbs pretty good, too
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
Scratch that... I didn't believe my son... So I just took out his stick this AM with the ball machine and although it was only 69 degrees instead of 85, the strings Felt FINE... Felt GOOD...
My Next string job will be... OGSM 17 Main with Poly Cross at 33lbs.
Waiting for my Gut / Poly to break
My Next string job will be... OGSM 17 Main with Poly Cross at 33lbs.
Waiting for my Gut / Poly to break
yourmailman
Rookie
Allenkau,
I have used ELT here in Phoenix at 90+ degrees with no issues. I haven't seen any indications that it responds differently in warmer temps. Maybe he was just having on off day.
I have used ELT here in Phoenix at 90+ degrees with no issues. I haven't seen any indications that it responds differently in warmer temps. Maybe he was just having on off day.
unorthodox stringing
Rookie
Where I am, the temperature is always in the 32+ degrees Celcius (90+ degrees Fahrenheit) all year round.
I've probably done close to twenty ELT stringjobs on my partner's and my rackets by now. So far, we did not have problems with the heat with gut, multi, syn gut or poly.
Because of excessive string movement, sometimes the huge gaps can cause the ball to spray more with ELT than at normal tensions. So remember to straighten out the strings
I've probably done close to twenty ELT stringjobs on my partner's and my rackets by now. So far, we did not have problems with the heat with gut, multi, syn gut or poly.
Because of excessive string movement, sometimes the huge gaps can cause the ball to spray more with ELT than at normal tensions. So remember to straighten out the strings
yourmailman
Rookie
Where I am, the temperature is always in the 32+ degrees Celcius (90+ degrees Fahrenheit) all year round.
I've probably done close to twenty ELT stringjobs on my partner's and my rackets by now. So far, we did not have problems with the heat with gut, multi, syn gut or poly.
Because of excessive string movement, sometimes the huge gaps can cause the ball to spray more with ELT than at normal tensions. So remember to straighten out the strings
Great point U-S!
yourmailman
Rookie
v-verb,
It looks like you are stringing at the same tension on mains and crosses now. If you like that setup, I would stay with it and string both at 30.
It looks like you are stringing at the same tension on mains and crosses now. If you like that setup, I would stay with it and string both at 30.
Thanks, he had a much better day today. And plus, I tried it and it was still fine.
Does Gut ELT have the same string movement as SynGut ELT?
unorthodox stringing
Rookie
Allen,
From my experiences with ELT fullbed nat gut and gut mains syn cross, there seems to be significantly less string movement whenever nat gut is used.
From my experiences with ELT fullbed nat gut and gut mains syn cross, there seems to be significantly less string movement whenever nat gut is used.
Thanks. Reading how it is the snap back of the mains that give you the extra spin, doesn't that tell us that FULL Syn Gut ELT is not creating as much spin since the mains MOVE and don't bounce back to original position?
unorthodox stringing
Rookie
Yes, I've read about spin being attributed to the mains snapback. I saw pics of pros' racket mains being pulled as much as one inch away by the ball at contact.
So far, my experiences with NG is still inconclusive. I got so much more spin with ELT syn gut (SG) that initially, I had problems getting the ball over the net. It just curled down on my side.
I already hit with a lot of topspin before ELT. So I had to modify, sort of flatten the follow through a little. That added a different dimension to my shots.
I suspect the mains could have been pulled much further than where it settled?
While Yourmailman got more spin with NG, I seem to get more with SG. Perhaps it's different rackets, or gauge or tension?
Having so much spinny fun now, especially when I play with strangers for the first time, I'm not in a hurry to dig out the differences yet
ELT works!
So far, my experiences with NG is still inconclusive. I got so much more spin with ELT syn gut (SG) that initially, I had problems getting the ball over the net. It just curled down on my side.
I already hit with a lot of topspin before ELT. So I had to modify, sort of flatten the follow through a little. That added a different dimension to my shots.
I suspect the mains could have been pulled much further than where it settled?
While Yourmailman got more spin with NG, I seem to get more with SG. Perhaps it's different rackets, or gauge or tension?
Having so much spinny fun now, especially when I play with strangers for the first time, I'm not in a hurry to dig out the differences yet
ELT works!
Poly Cyclone 17 Main with OGSM 17 Cross
So I got bored and decided to cut the 33lb OGSM full bed on 0213 APD.... It had a lot more power than 33lb Cyclone Full bed on the 100sq APD...
I decided to try -->
Poly Cyclone 17 Main with OGSM 17 Cross at 30lbs on APD.
It felt good. I ball machined about 150 balls with it before giving it to my son. He loved it. It gave him a lot more spin then full Syn Gut but he lost a little power.
Still waiting to try real GUT in ELT. Have to wait for my other GUT racket to break....
So I got bored and decided to cut the 33lb OGSM full bed on 0213 APD.... It had a lot more power than 33lb Cyclone Full bed on the 100sq APD...
I decided to try -->
Poly Cyclone 17 Main with OGSM 17 Cross at 30lbs on APD.
It felt good. I ball machined about 150 balls with it before giving it to my son. He loved it. It gave him a lot more spin then full Syn Gut but he lost a little power.
Still waiting to try real GUT in ELT. Have to wait for my other GUT racket to break....
If you're looking for spin, I haven't found anything better than BHBR. However, SPPP will likely hold its tension the best. I'm not impressed by Cyclone and haven't tried the other two. You could cross BHBR with SPPP. That is my next set up.
Last edited:
BMWprestigem3
New User
I string my racquets at 48 lbs and 46 lbs with Pro's Pro Black Force and I love it. I know it's not as low as some of you guys, but I am really happy with this setup at the moment.
Cool I'll give bhbr a go. 32/30 a good place to start?
Bhbr/sppp is intriguing because sppp is such a slick and thin cross...
I'm at 30, and it's pretty awesome. I was hesitant to try it, but after 2 weeks in my 7G, I can honestly say I don't intend to go back up. I use BHBR exclusively as my main (the spin is sick), but I still experiment with crosses from time to time. I had a package of WC Silverstring that was just hanging around, so I used that with BHBR at 30, and it is really nice. I like SPPP better (cheaper, too, but similar) so I bought a pack to try it. My standard set up is Isospeed Baseline Spin, though. Great feel, spin and makes string jobs about $3-$4. Hope this helps!
yourmailman
Rookie
OK, I'm back from my spur of the moment trip to Craplahoma.
While I was there, I had one of Bio 100's strung up with Babolat natural gut at, you guessed it, 30.
I now see why some people are saying they get more spin with syn gut when using ELT. My full syn gut setup actually generates more spin than the Babolat, but not as much as with the Klip I had in it originally. Overall, it is a wonderful feeling string, but I miss the spin! I did notice that quite a few of my backhand slices were just clearing the net and then dipping, but with the Klip strings, it was more pronounced.
When I got back yesterday, my India gut had arrived. I am anxious to try it out. I think one set in a Bio 100 and the other in as PS 6.0 85. On examination, it seems more like the Klip, so I am hoping that I will get some of the added spin back. I'll report back on the results.
While I was there, I had one of Bio 100's strung up with Babolat natural gut at, you guessed it, 30.
I now see why some people are saying they get more spin with syn gut when using ELT. My full syn gut setup actually generates more spin than the Babolat, but not as much as with the Klip I had in it originally. Overall, it is a wonderful feeling string, but I miss the spin! I did notice that quite a few of my backhand slices were just clearing the net and then dipping, but with the Klip strings, it was more pronounced.
When I got back yesterday, my India gut had arrived. I am anxious to try it out. I think one set in a Bio 100 and the other in as PS 6.0 85. On examination, it seems more like the Klip, so I am hoping that I will get some of the added spin back. I'll report back on the results.
Just thought I'd add a little more to this thread...
In regards to spin, I'm not really sure if ELT gives more or not, but I do have a couple of observations that occurred after stringing at 30. First, I have noticed a slightly higher trajectory over the net. I've read that studies show only a 1 or 2% increase, but this is translating into 1-2 feet higher on average. To go along with this, I've mysteriously developed a very high trajectory (maybe 8-10 ft over the net) ball since going to ELT. The interesting thing is it usually only happens when I'm pressed a bit. It lands about 3 ft from the baseline and then shoots up over my opponent's head. Really useful in forcing errors or neutralizing attacks.
The next thing I noticed is that I now have a solid drop shot. I hate drop shots because they are so darn effective, and I couldn't pull it off very well. Now I seem to throw in several every couple of games. I figured that I might see more topspin, but this intrigues me because not only is it backspin, but also requires a light touch. Based on the traditional thought of the tramopline effect, I thought that type of shot might be impossible, yet here they are, showing up in my game.
Again, I'm not sure what the science behind tension says, but these two shots have crept into my game over the last few weeks. Maybe I'm stroking better, maybe switching to leather is helping--I really don't know. Bottom line, though, I'm doing things that I wasn't before, and it's fun--especially watching guys try to catch the high looper on the backhand side.
In regards to spin, I'm not really sure if ELT gives more or not, but I do have a couple of observations that occurred after stringing at 30. First, I have noticed a slightly higher trajectory over the net. I've read that studies show only a 1 or 2% increase, but this is translating into 1-2 feet higher on average. To go along with this, I've mysteriously developed a very high trajectory (maybe 8-10 ft over the net) ball since going to ELT. The interesting thing is it usually only happens when I'm pressed a bit. It lands about 3 ft from the baseline and then shoots up over my opponent's head. Really useful in forcing errors or neutralizing attacks.
The next thing I noticed is that I now have a solid drop shot. I hate drop shots because they are so darn effective, and I couldn't pull it off very well. Now I seem to throw in several every couple of games. I figured that I might see more topspin, but this intrigues me because not only is it backspin, but also requires a light touch. Based on the traditional thought of the tramopline effect, I thought that type of shot might be impossible, yet here they are, showing up in my game.
Again, I'm not sure what the science behind tension says, but these two shots have crept into my game over the last few weeks. Maybe I'm stroking better, maybe switching to leather is helping--I really don't know. Bottom line, though, I'm doing things that I wasn't before, and it's fun--especially watching guys try to catch the high looper on the backhand side.
I am interested to read this as I am contemplating trying the Indian gut if it any good, on my PS 88 that is just lying around gathering dust
Yesterday I strung up a Fischer vacuum SC mid (predecessor to the vacuum 90 pro) with Prince Tournament Nylon @ 32/30. Some guy next to me broke his strings so I lend him my racket. He seemed to be playing great but the mass was too much for him.
Afterwards I asked him: would you believe me if I told you this was strung at 30 lbs? He just looked at me in shock. He could not believe it. He went over to his friend and asked: Guess what this is tensioned at? The guy replied no idea but we usually string at 55lbs. Well guess what, it's strung at 30! Both guys are players who've been playing for years. The looked like they've never heard such a thing in all their years of playing tennis.
The guys just could not believe it felt so nice! He asked what makes it great. My guess was the ball sinks more into the stringbed impacting more spin.
I really liked it, but my technique isn't solid enough the constantly play with a narrow mid. When I hit off center my elbow gets a beating. I'm really contemplating stringing up my regular racket with a premium multi @ ELT. I don't have the same string so I could't compare.
Afterwards I asked him: would you believe me if I told you this was strung at 30 lbs? He just looked at me in shock. He could not believe it. He went over to his friend and asked: Guess what this is tensioned at? The guy replied no idea but we usually string at 55lbs. Well guess what, it's strung at 30! Both guys are players who've been playing for years. The looked like they've never heard such a thing in all their years of playing tennis.
The guys just could not believe it felt so nice! He asked what makes it great. My guess was the ball sinks more into the stringbed impacting more spin.
I really liked it, but my technique isn't solid enough the constantly play with a narrow mid. When I hit off center my elbow gets a beating. I'm really contemplating stringing up my regular racket with a premium multi @ ELT. I don't have the same string so I could't compare.
unorthodox stringing
Rookie
Slitch,
Great update!
Before you pull the trigger on the ELT multi, I just wanted to share somehow I did not enjoy ELT multi. The main drawback to me is that multi turns very gummy after just one session of play. That seems to hinder the free sliding of strings which generates spin.
I've tried (in different rackets though):
Multi/poly
http://unorthodoxstringing.blogspot.sg/2013/02/wilson-hammer-58-multipoly-3030-lbs.html
Fullbed multi
http://unorthodoxstringing.blogspot.sg/2013/03/wilson-hammer-58-multi-3230-lbs-one.html
Multi/syn gut
http://unorthodoxstringing.blogspot.sg/2013/02/yonex-rds003v1-multisyn-gut-3533-lbs.html
Syn gut/multi
http://unorthodoxstringing.blogspot.sg/2013/03/oldie-yonex-r-10-syn-gutmulti-3533-lbs.html
Take a look at my findings on my blog and if you have any questions, feel free to ask
For those who are coming to this thread late, this is one summary that might
save you some time reading thru the whole thread.
Also it gives me insight on why polys are so popular in this era of baselining
on slow court surfaces with heavy balls...
Old Chemist
Rookie
Syngut at 30 lbs in Dunlop Revelation Pro 90
OK, so all the positive reviews on syngut at ELT finally peaked my curiosity.
I decided to string up my old Dunlop Revelation Pro with a couple of half sets of Golden Set syngut that I had laying around. I put some Durameld 17 in the mains and some Optimum 17 in the crosses, both at 30 lbs. I sprayed some ARMOR ALL on the string bed after stringing.
Unorthodox Stringing and Yourmailman -- you guys are bang on about the playing characteristics of syngut at ELT!!
I could not believe how well this setup played! Access to lots of spin, great control, low to medium power, and a nice soft feel with a bit of bite -- all this from some cheap no name syngut.
My only caveat is that I only hit for 1 hour today, so will reserve final judgement as to whether this setup is going to be my new standard.
I noticed that the strings did not move that much. There was some notching so it will be interesting to see how long they last as well as how their playability holds up.
Ground strokes, volleys and touch shots were really nice with this setup. I will see how the serve performs under game conditions. I am thinking this should be a great setup for doubles.
I am now chomping at the bit to try some syngut at ELT in my 200 and 200 tours.
Cheers
OK, so all the positive reviews on syngut at ELT finally peaked my curiosity.
I decided to string up my old Dunlop Revelation Pro with a couple of half sets of Golden Set syngut that I had laying around. I put some Durameld 17 in the mains and some Optimum 17 in the crosses, both at 30 lbs. I sprayed some ARMOR ALL on the string bed after stringing.
Unorthodox Stringing and Yourmailman -- you guys are bang on about the playing characteristics of syngut at ELT!!
I could not believe how well this setup played! Access to lots of spin, great control, low to medium power, and a nice soft feel with a bit of bite -- all this from some cheap no name syngut.
My only caveat is that I only hit for 1 hour today, so will reserve final judgement as to whether this setup is going to be my new standard.
I noticed that the strings did not move that much. There was some notching so it will be interesting to see how long they last as well as how their playability holds up.
Ground strokes, volleys and touch shots were really nice with this setup. I will see how the serve performs under game conditions. I am thinking this should be a great setup for doubles.
I am now chomping at the bit to try some syngut at ELT in my 200 and 200 tours.
Cheers
unorthodox stringing
Rookie
Really glad to hear you finally pulled the trigger on 30lbs!
ELT is so addictive that more and more around me are getting hooked and converted.
As with all freshly strung rackets, I noticed ELT has a "break-in" period too. But it's very subtle. The best playing hours seem to start from the second hour or second session of tennis.
So if you're already having fun in the 1st hour, get ready to rock and roll from the 2nd onwards!
But isn't it a little too cold to be playing where you are now? Indoor courts?
ELT is so addictive that more and more around me are getting hooked and converted.
As with all freshly strung rackets, I noticed ELT has a "break-in" period too. But it's very subtle. The best playing hours seem to start from the second hour or second session of tennis.
So if you're already having fun in the 1st hour, get ready to rock and roll from the 2nd onwards!
But isn't it a little too cold to be playing where you are now? Indoor courts?
Just a question or two for you guys. I'm on my first 30lb string job still, and it is full poly. I love the way it plays. I get tons of feel and spin, and it still feels pretty great after quite a few hours of play time (15+?). First, do you guys see heavy notching in your set ups, especially compared to higher tension? I would expect that due to easier string movement, but I didn't expect it to not really affect the playability. Second, been reading a lot about syn gut being even better than poly at ELT, would you agree? If so, what makes it better in your opinion. This seems somewhat counter intuitive, but I'm coming up on a restring soon and have lots of syn gut available. Thanks for the insights so far. This thread has transformed my game!
unorthodox stringing
Rookie
I'm assuming you're using Isospeed Baseline poly. If it is, I'm not surprised about the notching as it is a very soft poly.
Another reason could be that you are actually hitting much harder at ELT due to the low power. You may not be feeling it due to the extra comfort and plushness though. That is just my experience with ELT poly.
I prefer syn gut as it offers greater comfort, pocketing and better feel. Poly still has a certain harshness to it at low tensions that I did not like. Power wise, I think SG is much better than ELT poly. Somehow, I am also able to generate more spin with SG than poly.
Another reason could be that you are actually hitting much harder at ELT due to the low power. You may not be feeling it due to the extra comfort and plushness though. That is just my experience with ELT poly.
I prefer syn gut as it offers greater comfort, pocketing and better feel. Poly still has a certain harshness to it at low tensions that I did not like. Power wise, I think SG is much better than ELT poly. Somehow, I am also able to generate more spin with SG than poly.
Old Chemist
Rookie
Really glad to hear you finally pulled the trigger on 30lbs!
ELT is so addictive that more and more around me are getting hooked and converted.
As with all freshly strung rackets, I noticed ELT has a "break-in" period too. But it's very subtle. The best playing hours seem to start from the second hour or second session of tennis.
So if you're already having fun in the 1st hour, get ready to rock and roll from the 2nd onwards!
But isn't it a little too cold to be playing where you are now? Indoor courts?
Yep -- indoors -- winter is still hanging on up here -- probably another few weeks (maybe a month) before I will be outdoors.
From my limited experience I also liked the comfort and feel of ELT syngut better than the polys I tried. I still can't believe how well the syngut played at 30 lbs.
Oddly, it is the BHBR that is notching. I think it is because the mains are freer to move now. I might be hitting harder, too, as the ball's flight path just arches down so quickly. Keeps it in, but I have noticed more short balls. Not all the time nor are they that troubling (they land just inside the service line and peak near the baseline), but they are there. Just wondering about other's experiences. I may have to try syn gut at some point, but I kind of like that extra crispness of the poly.
yourmailman
Rookie
I've had great results with Gosen OGSM. I'm partial to the 18. Seems to get a little more bite than the 17.
v-verb
Hall of Fame
unorthodox stringing
Rookie
How about a ELT hybrid? I am just beginning to enjoy a stiff poly / syn gut at 35/33 lbs done in a 95 sq in 16x19 RD7.
Take a look at my 24apr update in the post below...
http://unorthodoxstringing.blogspot.sg/2013/04/yonex-rd7-polysyn-gut-3533-lbs-part-2.html
This is an interesting idea as I haven't tried a syn gut hybrid in a while, and definitely not at ELT. One of the main reasons is the spin of a full poly set up. Do you think it compares? I play with a lot of top, not spin doctor levels, but there is more than the average bear has. Mostly I like having the access to it, and ELT and sound technique have given me that in spades. I like being able to hit a low flat(ter) ball while also being able to hit a high trajectory ball capable of bouncing 6+ ft. You have me mildly curious about the hybrid and syn gut now
From my experience...
- Poly gives me the most spin. I can SWING away as hard as I can...
- Syngut gives more power then POLY. I do feel it has slightly less spin potential.
- Syngut Main / Poly Cross gives me less power but more spin.
Smasher08
Legend
. . . at the same tensions as those other setups, yes. With synguy-poly, you need to string looser. Much looser. Probably at poly tensions.
Right now I have Gosen 17 x Co-Focus 18 @ 44x40. I usually play gut-poly at 48x44.
I don't know if they're 100% comparable in terms of performance at those tensions, but it's reasonably close.
yourmailman
Rookie
Actually very good. All you have to do is stick the racquet out and you can get a deep return with no effort at all. Also seems easier for me to turn that shot into a nice drop shot.
yourmailman
Rookie
Feelin' pretty good this afternoon ...
Played in a local tournament this weekend benefiting cancer research and MDA.
Paying in the Men's Singles 3.5. Lost in the semifinal to my nemesis from my club 6-2,6-2. Which put me into the consolation bracket. I won the semifinal there over a 36 year old 2-6,6-1, retired. The moved on to the consolation final.
My opponent was a 19 year old kid who has a pretty good game. I have to say in all honesty that ELT saved me.
We would have rallies that started out with baseline to baseline and he was whacking the ball pretty good. As soon as I pushed him behind the baseline, I would pop a nice little back-spin drop-shot. Most of the times he came to net, I was able to nail him on a fierce backhand cross-court passing shot.
My serving was phenomenal with ELT in the 95 degree plus heat. I only had two double faults and was mixing it up pretty good ... kicker on the first, slice on the second, and when I got up, I would blast a nice hard flat body serve at him.
Final score 7-5, 7-6(9-7) in just over 2 1/2 hours. I played all my matches with my Bio 100 full bed natural gut. The excessive spin is starting to return as it gets broken in.
Happy, happy, joy, joy! My first tournament victories that didn't come from a walkover! Woo-hoo!
Played in a local tournament this weekend benefiting cancer research and MDA.
Paying in the Men's Singles 3.5. Lost in the semifinal to my nemesis from my club 6-2,6-2. Which put me into the consolation bracket. I won the semifinal there over a 36 year old 2-6,6-1, retired. The moved on to the consolation final.
My opponent was a 19 year old kid who has a pretty good game. I have to say in all honesty that ELT saved me.
We would have rallies that started out with baseline to baseline and he was whacking the ball pretty good. As soon as I pushed him behind the baseline, I would pop a nice little back-spin drop-shot. Most of the times he came to net, I was able to nail him on a fierce backhand cross-court passing shot.
My serving was phenomenal with ELT in the 95 degree plus heat. I only had two double faults and was mixing it up pretty good ... kicker on the first, slice on the second, and when I got up, I would blast a nice hard flat body serve at him.
Final score 7-5, 7-6(9-7) in just over 2 1/2 hours. I played all my matches with my Bio 100 full bed natural gut. The excessive spin is starting to return as it gets broken in.
Happy, happy, joy, joy! My first tournament victories that didn't come from a walkover! Woo-hoo!
unorthodox stringing
Rookie
Yourmailman,
Yes I agree! I have no clue what my NTRP rating is but I think ELT has bumped me up a notch!
I now enjoy being called crazy whenever I try to share the magic of ELT with friends. And then later see their twisted and shocked face at how I can curl tennis balls in the air with so much ease... It's like throwing a frisbee!
Still waiting your report on the India gut! Or that the one?
Yes I agree! I have no clue what my NTRP rating is but I think ELT has bumped me up a notch!
I now enjoy being called crazy whenever I try to share the magic of ELT with friends. And then later see their twisted and shocked face at how I can curl tennis balls in the air with so much ease... It's like throwing a frisbee!
Still waiting your report on the India gut! Or that the one?
yourmailman
Rookie
U S,
No, this is the Babolat gut that I had done when I was in Oklahoma. I still haven't had a chance to string up the India gut. Had a bunch of stuff going on this past week. Tuesday looks like the day for doing that.
No, this is the Babolat gut that I had done when I was in Oklahoma. I still haven't had a chance to string up the India gut. Had a bunch of stuff going on this past week. Tuesday looks like the day for doing that.
I am doing 30lbs on both mains and crosses for synguy-poly. It feels great.
bluegrasser
Hall of Fame
What's your ' bat" ( racquet) of choice ? (just curious):|
yourmailman
Rookie
My main weapon is the European version of the Dunlop Biomimetic 100 (90 in). I am liking the reissue Wilson PS 6.0 85's I got. They are just wonderful, plus I don't have to lead them up as they are plenty heavy already.
I ELT'ed the India Gut (17g) with OGSM cross (17g) on an Storm Tour at 30lbs.
I am not liking it too much.... I think its due to the india gut...
Its not as soft as I thought.
I am not liking it too much.... I think its due to the india gut...
Its not as soft as I thought.
yourmailman
Rookie
I'll be doing one with full India gut this afternoon.