Does Stenciling your strings reduce snap-back
- Thread starter djkahn86
- Start date
stoo
Semi-Pro
However, you have now added an additional "layer" to your strings, therefore creating a height difference in surface where the "edge" of the stencil ink meets the strings with no ink on. Would this then not create an additional gripping device to help spin the ball, similar to that of grooves on the face of a golf club gripping and spinning a golf ball???
mikeler
Moderator
WAY overthinking it!
hyperion99
Semi-Pro
If there is a difference it's extremely minimal.
If there was anything to this (or was even remotely plausible) they would sell a superexpensive high grade of "low-friction" stencil paint and have pros endorse it. Or there would be a pro who refused to use stencil paint on principal or demanded a smaller stencil for this reason...
or maybe this already happens and helps babolat pros get more spin over Wilson... (j/k)
or maybe this already happens and helps babolat pros get more spin over Wilson... (j/k)
the green god
Professional
Just hit the ball.
Sparkyovcov
Semi-Pro
It must effect a little.
Would a golfer put ink on there club for added spin/grip? No.....they want it as clean as possible.
Would a golfer put ink on there club for added spin/grip? No.....they want it as clean as possible.
stoo
Semi-Pro
Don't Let It Bounce
Hall of Fame
I don't think it's a bad question at all. There's a section of TWU dedicated to examining the connection between spin and low-friction surfaces. The friction difference between one poly and another is very small, so it makes sense to me to wonder what an added substance will do to that friction.
My guess, and that's all it is, is that there wouldn't be much of an impact, if there was any. Ink on the mains wouldn't matter, and the ink on the crosses would have to be really close to a main to be in that main's range of movement. And even if it were, I don't know if the main would slide on top of the ink or push the ink out of the way, and that might make a difference.
Of course, not inking is the way to be absolutely sure of zero impact on spin – and if no one is paying you to ink, why add to the world's logo pollution?
My guess, and that's all it is, is that there wouldn't be much of an impact, if there was any. Ink on the mains wouldn't matter, and the ink on the crosses would have to be really close to a main to be in that main's range of movement. And even if it were, I don't know if the main would slide on top of the ink or push the ink out of the way, and that might make a difference.
Of course, not inking is the way to be absolutely sure of zero impact on spin – and if no one is paying you to ink, why add to the world's logo pollution?
djkahn86
Rookie
Hilarious.,.....
Quackadily Blip
New User
I actually do think it makes a difference at least on the cheap pre strung racquets. On these rackets if you you pull a stenciled main string to the side there is a huge increase in friction and a loss of snapback compared to the non stenciled strings. However, this could be because the ink they use on these cheap racquets is lesser quality.
Buy a bottle of Teflon-based stencil ink made by Bubblelot.
It will give you that extra snap-back everyone's looking for. Your kick serve will kick up 5 ft higher. Your topspin forehand will jump over your opponent's head. Your slice will hit the court and turn 120 degrees to the side.
But beware: as some former member of the forum has suggested, Teflon can cause cancer when inhaled!
cluckcluck
Hall of Fame
Just go out and play.
MAX PLY
Hall of Fame
That's why I used lead-based, flavored stencil ink!
Uncoil
Semi-Pro
They're playing on the Tour.
Roland G
Hall of Fame
That would explain it!
Wheelbuiilder
New User
PS97 strung with Wilson Sensation and painted with logo. Used 2-4 hours a week for 4 month and the crosses and mains have barely worn into one another. Restrung with same string but without painting the logo and only lasted 12 hours before the strings cut show notching 1/3 of the way in. So, in my short example it did matter. Other people's experience may vary though.
Booger
Hall of Fame
Just for fun. Is that not allowed?
oble
Hall of Fame
I like to stencil a obscene things on my string bed.
skydog
Professional
Its against the rules of golf to add a substance to your club face. Gamblers have been know to put a film of Vaseline on their driver face to reduce side spin and rub chalk across the face of their wedges to increase spin. Both are illegal.
thatguyoverthere440
Rookie
A but too meticulous don't you think? But to answer your question; poly barely holds the ink as it is. The layer of ink will rub off in a couple hits then it'll be poly sliding on poly (like normal) rather than poly on ink, and even then it still makes negligible difference.
