The gut/poly thread

mark b. · Oct 6, 2020

The Prince Beast would qualify as a "power" frame. At 60lbs, the gut will be tamed by the Lux but maybe not quite enough.
My good friend plays with this frame and loves it but strings it with HEAD Rip Control at 60lbs and says it feels way better than just poly in it. He can't afford gut.
If I were playing with the Beast, I'd string the gut mains at 64# and the Lux at 54# but that's because I need more control.
At your current tension, you'll be serving bombs.

SinneGOAT · Oct 6, 2020

Does anyone have any recommendations for an ezone 98 2020? I enjoy big banger original at around 46-47 pounds, but I also like gut. What would be a good setup for this racquet, as not to make it overly powerful but still have that gut setup? I was thinking touch tonic 15l mains and banger original crosses, 55/48. Too much?

mark b. · Oct 6, 2020

I have played with the Ezone 100, so adjust accordingly. Klip Legend Gut @ 62lbs mains. HEAD Rip Control @ 58lbs crosses.
Your suggested hybrid will work nicely EXCEPT that you'll have to cut out the strings after a month or so, depending on how much you play. If you string your own, you can carefully remove the crosses only and replace with fresh poly.
My setup lasts me for 60-90 days.

SinneGOAT · Oct 6, 2020

mark b. said:
I have played with the Ezone 100, so adjust accordingly. Klip Legend Gut @ 62lbs mains. HEAD Rip Control @ 58lbs crosses.
Your suggested hybrid will work nicely EXCEPT that you'll have to cut out the strings after a month or so, depending on how much you play. If you string your own, you can carefully remove the crosses only and replace with fresh poly.
My setup lasts me for 60-90 days.

I play about 3-5 times a week, all between 1 1/2 to 3 hours long. Do you think it would last? What gauge do you recommend? And why rip control? Could it slice the gut?

mark b. · Oct 6, 2020

At that rate, and assuming you can thwack the ball pretty hard, your setup will last three weeks. My hybrid setup with no poly would last you about eight weeks. That's an approximation. I use 16 gauge. Rip Control is a multi that plays a lot like a poly but keeps its playability twice to three times as long as poly. It will not saw though the gut. Maybe some notching at best.
I DO like the gut/poly hybrid, don't get me wrong, but I like a consistent string bed response more. That's what gut/rip gives you. Poly can play different day to day. Why do you think the pro's change frames every 7-9 games?

ryushen21 · Oct 6, 2020

Seeing as this is the gut/poly thread, I'll come here since I need some guidance. I typically play full poly (Hyper G 17 @48lbs) in my frames (Wilson Ultra Tour and nCode 6.1 18x20). However, I've got one now that is notably stiffer and may require something other than full poly.

My concern is that staying with Hyper G will simply shred the gut too quickly. I play with a flatter forehand but a decent amount of topspin of the 1HBH and fair amount of slice as well. I've generally stayed with shaped/textured poly to amplify my spin production. I'm not completely opposed to trying a smooth poly, just haven't played one in forever.

I'm open to any suggestions.

mark b. · Oct 6, 2020

As a "suggestion," your Hyper G will not shred a 15L or 16 gauge gut before the HyperG goes dead/flat/bags-out. I currently play with HyperG to tame my 103" Babolat. Gut will liven up that Ultra Tour for sure. Kind of an expensive route, as the poly lasts maybe three weeks. Gut is expensive unless you string your own.

Tar Heel Tennis · Oct 6, 2020

I ended up stringing gut at 55 and BBO Rough at 48, using string savers. I've played with the racket three times now - absolutely amazing. Power, spin, comfort - all in abundance. I'm going to string another Beast O3 98 with full bed of BBO Rough for comparison.

jangotango · Oct 6, 2020

ryushen21 said:
Seeing as this is the gut/poly thread, I'll come here since I need some guidance. I typically play full poly (Hyper G 17 @48lbs) in my frames (Wilson Ultra Tour and nCode 6.1 18x20). However, I've got one now that is notably stiffer and may require something other than full poly.

My concern is that staying with Hyper G will simply shred the gut too quickly. I play with a flatter forehand but a decent amount of topspin of the 1HBH and fair amount of slice as well. I've generally stayed with shaped/textured poly to amplify my spin production. I'm not completely opposed to trying a smooth poly, just haven't played one in forever.

I'm open to any suggestions.

Bryan bros seem to like the combo

I've tried Klip mains and Hyper G crosses in a TT310 before. It broke prematurely because I nicked the gut while stringing, but durability should be a-ok if you're more careful than I was. While I was able to hit with it though, it was basically just a super plush, more powerful, more comfortable Hyper-G, with a touch less spin. If you decide to give it a go, do make sure the flat sides of Hyper-G are in contact with the gut, or it will begin to cut through while pulling tension.

jered · Oct 7, 2020

Just tried gut hybrid for the first time using Klip uncoated and Grapplesnake Irukandji 58/55 in an RF97A. Was very easy to string and I had no issues although I did get nervous pulling the tie off knots because uncoated is quite a rough, high friction string. Tied crosses to the mains because I didn't want to widen cross grommets.

My expectations might have been a tad high, gut/poly is not the revelation I was expecting. I'm coming from full-poly at 55lbs and I hit with a lot of spin.

Pros

I like the free power. Helps me hit more relaxed
Spin is decent in most cases
Definitely more forgiving on off-center hits (which I do a lot)
More touch and feel especially at the net
1HBH feels effortless
Flat serve has a bit more zip

Cons

Sometimes the ball "just flies" on me. Probably a technique adjustment needed
The initial tension drop was crazy. About 8lbs drop after 1 hitting session which made the stringbed softer than I like. Thinking of trying 62/57 next stringing.
The strings move wildly out of place. Doesn't seem to affect hitting but mildly irritates me.
$$$ although if it remains playable for 16-20hours or so then it's a wash.
Digging low balls out with spin often doesn't work. With full poly I could do it easily but this hybrid just sends the ball at the net.
My kick serve has lost quite a bit of kick that I had with full poly

Can't decide yet if I like this hybrid better than full-poly. I have no arm issues so that isn't a factor.

unini · Oct 7, 2020

strange, I measured just 2lbs tension loss and strings move minimal with gut/tourna black zone

mctennis · Oct 7, 2020

It is more than likely a technique / muscle memory issue with hitting. Give the gut/ Irukandji a while longer. I like this combination in my racquets.

EpitomeOfAwesome · Oct 9, 2020

I'm thinking of buying a pair Blade 104 v7 racquets.

I like to play with gut/poly. Would the setup work with this racquet?
My local store usually has only Babolat natural gut and for crosses generally Luxilon 4G

megamind · Oct 10, 2020

For those thinking about gut / poly, y'all may actually find that Tecnifibre's poly infused multis might actually work just as well as a main: more details in my interview with g4driver https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/5-g4driver-the-megamind-interview-series.681444/

kkhimji2001 · Oct 11, 2020

Hi all
Please can I have some advice, I had used Luxilon 1.25 with Alu power crosses 1.25. Tension - mains 60 crosses 58.
I now have a pack of Luxilon gut 1.30 and kirshbaum max power rough (I am trying this out). What tension do you recommend considering the mains are thicker and crosses are thicker and the fact that I am using this new string for crosses. Should I string lower? I don’t want to risk going to low and having the racket be too powerful. I use a RF97 autograph with lead at 3 and 9. Please offer your advice

jered · Oct 12, 2020

kkhimji2001 said:
Hi all
Please can I have some advice, I had used Luxilon 1.25 with Alu power crosses 1.25. Tension - mains 60 crosses 58.
I now have a pack of Luxilon gut 1.30 and kirshbaum max power rough (I am trying this out). What tension do you recommend considering the mains are thicker and crosses are thicker and the fact that I am using this new string for crosses. Should I string lower? I don’t want to risk going to low and having the racket be too powerful. I use a RF97 autograph with lead at 3 and 9. Please offer your advice

I use an RF97A and I went too low with gut poly at 58/55. My next stringing with gut/poly I'm going 62/57 no prestretch. The RF97A is powerful so I think stringing higher in general is good.

On an update note, I have a few more hours with this setup and I'm still undecided if I'll stick with gut/poly. It's so plush, the touch at net is unparalleled and I love that but modern copolys feel nearly as good (I use Grapplesnake Alpha usually) with a ton more control for a topspin hitter like me. Moving to 62/57 might make it better in the confidence department. Gut is so unique and great feeling but ultimately if I'm not confident it may not be for me. Looking forward to trying that higher tension.

aaron_h27 · Oct 14, 2020

Excited to try Luxilon NG 1.25 / Max Power 1.25 in a 18x20 next week!

Mig1NC · Oct 23, 2020

So, here we are in 2020. For those of us who aren't string breakers, what's the longest lasting combo these days?

Back in the early days of this thread, MSV Co-focus was the longest lasting cross. Is it still the top dog?

taydbear7 · Oct 23, 2020

I've been playing with gut/poly for a while. At first it was Poly mains and gut crosses and now gut mains and poly crosses and have to say I like the gut in the main a lot. I really like Prince Duraflex gut quite a bit. The poly crosses that stood out to me was Ghost Wire, Ice Code and Silver Tour 7.

jered · Oct 23, 2020

kkhimji2001 said:
Hi all
Please can I have some advice, I had used Luxilon 1.25 with Alu power crosses 1.25. Tension - mains 60 crosses 58.
I now have a pack of Luxilon gut 1.30 and kirshbaum max power rough (I am trying this out). What tension do you recommend considering the mains are thicker and crosses are thicker and the fact that I am using this new string for crosses. Should I string lower? I don’t want to risk going to low and having the racket be too powerful. I use a RF97 autograph with lead at 3 and 9. Please offer your advice

I also use an RF97. IMO, I wouldn't go much lower at all considering how powerful both gut and the racquet are. Maybe a lb or 2 at most. I don't think there's much danger of the stringbed feeling boardy keeping it the same tension though. I would try the same tension and adjust from there on the next stringing if you don't like it.

Finally snapped the gut mains of a 58/55 setup after 16 hours and I'm going to 62/57 next.

aaron_h27 · Nov 5, 2020

Luxilon Gut 1.25 / Luxilon Alu Power 1.25 at 60 lbs in a 18x20 mid played amazing for me. Wow!

still haven't gotten around to trying max power, but I definitely wouldn't mind splurging on Alu for matches!

blai212 · Nov 5, 2020

I used to use gut/poly because of arm issues but dumped the gut (50lbs) and switched to VCT 16g mains (40 lbs) and felt softer, spinner, more powerful/durable. Ball pocketing sensation was absolute bliss. Still used thin copoly cross w good tension maintenance to prolong playability duration. SPPP cofocus YPTP revolve all amazing cross strings

Sardines · Nov 5, 2020

Mig1NC said:
So, here we are in 2020. For those of us who aren't string breakers, what's the longest lasting combo these days?

Back in the early days of this thread, MSV Co-focus was the longest lasting cross. Is it still the top dog?

It's closer to 2021 now haha,
I've found coated strings like Wilson Revolve and PolyTour Fire and even RPM Rough give the best durability, by an average of 20% more, by reducing friction. PolyTour Fire is infused so it really is slick till breaking or end of playability.

djNEiGht · Nov 6, 2020

going to be doing a gut/poly on a clash 98. player usually plays poly (black pearl rough w ghost wire crosses) at 48# constant pull.

He is looking for a bit more power and also to spoil himself with gut/poly. Usually a serve and volley player in dubs with moderate topspin

Any tension recommendations? Might do Luxilon gut or Klip. I have both in stock. Crosses YPTP/Ghostwire/Revolve/Black Pearl Rough are candidates

Thanks in advance

aaron_h27 · Nov 7, 2020

Lux Gut/Alu...im addicted.

So far it's holding up playability even after 8 hours

SlvrDragon50 · Nov 7, 2020

djNEiGht said:
going to be doing a gut/poly on a clash 98. player usually plays poly (black pearl rough w ghost wire crosses) at 48# constant pull.

He is looking for a bit more power and also to spoil himself with gut/poly. Usually a serve and volley player in dubs with moderate topspin

Any tension recommendations? Might do Luxilon gut or Klip. I have both in stock. Crosses YPTP/Ghostwire/Revolve/Black Pearl Rough are candidates

Thanks in advance

I'd guess around +4-5# on the gut relative to poly. But if you're changing up the poly cross then I think it's just trial and error.

Down_the_line · Nov 7, 2020

aaron_h27 said:
Lux Gut/Alu...im addicted.

So far it's holding up playability even after 8 hours

Interesting! How does the Lux gut compare to Babolat and Wilson, in general and in this particular setup. I ask because I plan on trying a gut/ALU Power hybrid in a v7 Blade 18x20 in the next few days.

unini · Nov 8, 2020

Has anyone tried Tourna big hitter silver as crosses? I am wondering how it feels comparing to Tourna Black zone

mctennis · Nov 8, 2020

Down_the_line said:
Interesting! How does the Lux gut compare to Babolat and Wilson, in general and in this particular setup. I ask because I plan on trying a gut/ALU Power hybrid in a v7 Blade 18x20 in the next few days.

I will add my 2 cents worth here about the gut strings. I like and prefer the Lux gut vs Babolat guts. I know some guys LOVE Babolat gut strings. I used to like Babolat gut strings, they were THE Gold Standard for gut strings. Some say they still are. I disagree. Since Babolat started using the BT7 method of producing their gut it has lost the feel and playability of their past gut strings. I have tried each of their gut varieties they made. None felt good enough or worth using again vs other better playing guts. Klip gut - not impressed- plays stiff compared to the way gut is supposed to feel. Volkl plays better than Klip for me. Wilson plays nice but sometimes I order Wilson and I get Lux gut in the shipment. I think Lux probably makes Wilson gut. The newer Wilson gut plays different the older Wilson gut string. I think Babolat used to make Wilson gut ( without the BT7 method before and now that Babolat is probably doing nothing but making the BT7 gut Wilson probaby was not allowed to use Babolat gut using the Wilson name).

Bottom line is that I think Luxilon gut plays and feels better for me and my game. For now. If Lux changes their gut formula next year or next go around then maybe I will look at another gut to try out, yet again.

My favorite gut was Bow gut, the Pacific gut. Both went bye-bye a while ago.

I have used all the guts out there, except for the really cheap guts. * do not waste your time and money on the cheap gut strings*

SlvrDragon50 · Nov 8, 2020

mctennis said:
I will add my 2 cents worth here about the gut strings. I like and prefer the Lux gut vs Babolat guts. I know some guys LOVE Babolat gut strings. I used to like Babolat gut strings, they were THE Gold Standard for gut strings. Some say they still are. I disagree. Since Babolat started using the BT7 method of producing their gut it has lost the feel and playability of their past gut strings. I have tried each of their gut varieties they made. None felt good enough or worth using again vs other better playing guts. Klip gut - not impressed- plays stiff compared to the way gut is supposed to feel. Volkl plays better than Klip for me. Wilson plays nice but sometimes I order Wilson and I get Lux gut in the shipment. I think Lux probably makes Wilson gut. The newer Wilson gut plays different the older Wilson gut string. I think Babolat used to make Wilson gut ( without the BT7 method before and now that Babolat is probably doing nothing but making the BT7 gut Wilson probaby was not allowed to use Babolat gut using the Wilson name).

Bottom line is that I think Luxilon gut plays and feels better for me and my game. For now. If Lux changes their gut formula next year or next go around then maybe I will look at another gut to try out, yet again.

My favorite gut was Bow gut, the Pacific gut. Both went bye-bye a while ago.

I have used all the guts out there, except for the really cheap guts. * do not waste your time and money on the cheap gut strings*

Which Klip have you been hitting with? I really liked Babolat gut, but that was a long time ago when my dad paid for my stringing. I may have to give the Volkl a try. My stringer just upped his prices so really trying to get the most out of my stringjobs. Really should just get back into stringing.

aaron_h27 · Nov 8, 2020

Down_the_line said:
Interesting! How does the Lux gut compare to Babolat and Wilson, in general and in this particular setup. I ask because I plan on trying a gut/ALU Power hybrid in a v7 Blade 18x20 in the next few days.

Lux Gut compared to VS has more spin (slicker coating) and more control.

The feel is roughly the same, and softness is roughly the same (Lux gut can be strung 2-3 lbs looser), but the main deal breaker for me is control.

Luxilon just gives you the confidence to swing out that VS doesn't.

I never tried the old VS before they added BT7

SlvrDragon50 · Nov 8, 2020

aaron_h27 said:
Lux Gut compared to VS has more spin (slicker coating) and more control.

The feel is roughly the same, and softness is roughly the same (Lux gut can be strung 2-3 lbs looser), but the main deal breaker for me is control.

Luxilon just gives you the confidence to swing out that VS doesn't.

I never tried the old VS before they added BT7

Does that coating on the Lux last or does it wear off over time?

slchsu · Nov 8, 2020

unini said:
Has anyone tried Tourna big hitter silver as crosses? I am wondering how it feels comparing to Tourna Black zone

Yes, I’ve been using BHS exclusively as a cross for years. If you search this thread and others you’ll find quite a few fans. Consensus seems to be that it’s slick, fairly comfortable, not too dead, and holds tension fairly well. For me, I think it delivers at least 70% of Alu Power at 25% of the cost. Haven’t ever tried Black Zone so can’t offer a comparison.

mctennis · Nov 8, 2020

SlvrDragon50 said:
Which Klip have you been hitting with? I really liked Babolat gut, but that was a long time ago when my dad paid for my stringing. I may have to give the Volkl a try. My stringer just upped his prices so really trying to get the most out of my stringjobs. Really should just get back into stringing.

I hit with each of the Kilps, over time. I just did not get a " wow" feel of playabilty from them. Klip uncoated was probably the best of the bunch but still not anything I would run and buy over Lux gut.

aaron_h27 · Nov 8, 2020

SlvrDragon50 said:
Does that coating on the Lux last or does it wear off over time?

It wear's off but the control is still there

aaron_h27 · Nov 8, 2020

mctennis said:
I will add my 2 cents worth here about the gut strings. I like and prefer the Lux gut vs Babolat guts. I know some guys LOVE Babolat gut strings. I used to like Babolat gut strings, they were THE Gold Standard for gut strings. Some say they still are. I disagree. Since Babolat started using the BT7 method of producing their gut it has lost the feel and playability of their past gut strings. I have tried each of their gut varieties they made. None felt good enough or worth using again vs other better playing guts. Klip gut - not impressed- plays stiff compared to the way gut is supposed to feel. Volkl plays better than Klip for me. Wilson plays nice but sometimes I order Wilson and I get Lux gut in the shipment. I think Lux probably makes Wilson gut. The newer Wilson gut plays different the older Wilson gut string. I think Babolat used to make Wilson gut ( without the BT7 method before and now that Babolat is probably doing nothing but making the BT7 gut Wilson probaby was not allowed to use Babolat gut using the Wilson name).

Bottom line is that I think Luxilon gut plays and feels better for me and my game. For now. If Lux changes their gut formula next year or next go around then maybe I will look at another gut to try out, yet again.

My favorite gut was Bow gut, the Pacific gut. Both went bye-bye a while ago.

I have used all the guts out there, except for the really cheap guts. * do not waste your time and money on the cheap gut strings*

Agree, I lost every match I played with VS touch. Not even kidding. Didn't have the control I wanted even at high tensions

Down_the_line · Nov 8, 2020

mctennis said:
I will add my 2 cents worth here about the gut strings. I like and prefer the Lux gut vs Babolat guts. I know some guys LOVE Babolat gut strings. I used to like Babolat gut strings, they were THE Gold Standard for gut strings. Some say they still are. I disagree. Since Babolat started using the BT7 method of producing their gut it has lost the feel and playability of their past gut strings. I have tried each of their gut varieties they made. None felt good enough or worth using again vs other better playing guts. Klip gut - not impressed- plays stiff compared to the way gut is supposed to feel. Volkl plays better than Klip for me. Wilson plays nice but sometimes I order Wilson and I get Lux gut in the shipment. I think Lux probably makes Wilson gut. The newer Wilson gut plays different the older Wilson gut string. I think Babolat used to make Wilson gut ( without the BT7 method before and now that Babolat is probably doing nothing but making the BT7 gut Wilson probaby was not allowed to use Babolat gut using the Wilson name).

Bottom line is that I think Luxilon gut plays and feels better for me and my game. For now. If Lux changes their gut formula next year or next go around then maybe I will look at another gut to try out, yet again.

My favorite gut was Bow gut, the Pacific gut. Both went bye-bye a while ago.

I have used all the guts out there, except for the really cheap guts. * do not waste your time and money on the cheap gut strings*

Thank you for your detailed feedback. Glad to hear such positive comments about the Lux gut. The fact Wilson and Lux gut are pretty much one and the same is encouraging because I love Wilson gut.

Cheers!

Down_the_line · Nov 8, 2020

aaron_h27 said:
Lux Gut compared to VS has more spin (slicker coating) and more control.

The feel is roughly the same, and softness is roughly the same (Lux gut can be strung 2-3 lbs looser), but the main deal breaker for me is control.

Luxilon just gives you the confidence to swing out that VS doesn't.

I never tried the old VS before they added BT7

Interesting. So if my usual setup is 50lbs for the gut in the mains and 47 poly crosses, I could get away with the full bed at 47 with Lux gut?

aaron_h27 · Nov 8, 2020

Down_the_line said:
Interesting. So if my usual setup is 50lbs for the gut in the mains and 47 poly crosses, I could get away with the full bed at 47 with Lux gut?

No. You're comparing Gut/poly to full gut

Down_the_line · Nov 9, 2020

aaron_h27 said:
No. You're comparing Gut/poly to full gut

Oh right, gotcha. Thanks.

shamaho · Nov 9, 2020

jered said:
Just tried gut hybrid for the first time using Klip uncoated and Grapplesnake Irukandji 58/55 in an RF97A. Was very easy to string and I had no issues although I did get nervous pulling the tie off knots because uncoated is quite a rough, high friction string. Tied crosses to the mains because I didn't want to widen cross grommets.

My expectations might have been a tad high, gut/poly is not the revelation I was expecting. I'm coming from full-poly at 55lbs and I hit with a lot of spin.

Pros

I like the free power. Helps me hit more relaxed

Spin is decent in most cases

Definitely more forgiving on off-center hits (which I do a lot)

More touch and feel especially at the net

1HBH feels effortless

Flat serve has a bit more zip

Cons

Sometimes the ball "just flies" on me. Probably a technique adjustment needed

The initial tension drop was crazy. About 8lbs drop after 1 hitting session which made the stringbed softer than I like. Thinking of trying 62/57 next stringing.

The strings move wildly out of place. Doesn't seem to affect hitting but mildly irritates me.

$$$ although if it remains playable for 16-20hours or so then it's a wash.

Digging low balls out with spin often doesn't work. With full poly I could do it easily but this hybrid just sends the ball at the net.

My kick serve has lost quite a bit of kick that I had with full poly

Can't decide yet if I like this hybrid better than full-poly. I have no arm issues so that isn't a factor.

Also experimenting with a very similar setup: NGW V4 and Grapplesnake Irukandji strung at 23/21 Kg (you do the conversion eheh

on a weighted PS97 (sig)

Now of course, if you gain somethings... by force you got to loose other things...
The things I gain are orders better and way more frequent then what I loose with a full poly so....

I still have played only two sessions with this particular setup.... so waiting for more data points...

1st session - stringbed was too stiff (for me) so resorted to bunting and slicing the ball, placing them with surgical precision...
2nd session - softened quite a bit, and was that sweet & unique gut/poly experience

Generally I confirm the Pros you mention, but can't quite confirm the Cons... or at least, yet....
But if this setup holds decently on the duration dept. (red clay is kriptonite for gut) - this will be my main setup.

AverageForehand · Nov 10, 2020

Another vote for NG/BHBZ (17g). 20+ hrs with this setup and its phenomenal.
I have had major GE and graduated to this setup after a year of NG/syn gut (55x53). Controlled power, and comfortable...elbow feels great. Decent spin in an 18x20 frame.

Racket: PK KiQ+ Tour 325 (18x20)
Mains: NGW V5+ - 53lbs
Crosses: Black Zone (17g) - 50lbs

mctennis · Nov 10, 2020

shamaho said:
Also experimenting with a very similar setup: NGW V4 and Grapplesnake Irukandji strung at 23/21 Kg (you do the conversion eheh on a weighted PS97 (sig)

1st session - stringbed was too stiff (for me) so resorted to bunting and slicing the ball, placing them with surgical precision...
2nd session - softened quite a bit, and was that sweet & unique gut/poly experience

Generally I confirm the Pros you mention, but can't quite confirm the Cons... or at least, yet....
But if this setup holds decently on the duration dept. (red clay is kriptonite for gut) - this will be my main setup.

I agree with you. I use gut/Irukandji set up and noticed the same things you did. First time hitting it was too stiff. I also probably strung my combo a little too tight to begin with. Next time I am lowering the tension some. It was more of a guess the first time plus I used it in an 18X20 pattern vs my normal 16X20 pattern racquet.
The second hitting session and each one after that it played a LOT better. Nice control and feel. The only thing I do notice it the strange sound the strings make. I put a dampener in it after the first time. It is a little annoying. It is like a high pinking sound.
I probably will not get another outdoor hitting session until spring time. So I am looking forward to more hitting with this combo and if it plays and lasts like my old setup it will be my go to string arrangement.

shamaho · Nov 11, 2020

mctennis said:
The only thing I do notice it the strange sound the strings make. I put a dampener in it after the first time. It is a little annoying. It is like a high pinking sound

OMG! That's the UNMISTAKABLE sweet ping sound of Gut

don't murder it with a dampener ;-) it will go away after a short while.

If you pay attention, it's the same sound happening during the first few shots of the Pro's (using Gut) when they start their warmup.

shamaho · Nov 11, 2020

mctennis said:
the strange sound the strings make

That's THE sound

! it's the plastic whacking sound poly's make that is strange & weird & artificial ;-)

mctennis · Nov 11, 2020

shamaho said:
OMG! That's the UNMISTAKABLE sweet ping sound of Gut don't murder it with a dampener ;-) it will go away after a short while.

If you pay attention, it's the same sound happening during the first few shots of the Pro's (using Gut) when they start their warmup.

I LOVE that sweet sound of gut when you hit the sweet spot. You know it when you hear it!!!!

Conan · Nov 11, 2020

I’ve been using lux gut mains 57 and alu power x 54 for the last year. after about a half hour, the strings really settle, and its dipping spin at the base line takes my level of play up a notch. The slice is so much better. Confidence on drop shots, no longer a bail tactic but truly add it to the game plan. The only thing i don’t love about it is when i compare it to my next favorite setup, fullbed tourbite rough 17, my short angle forehand isn’t quite as consistent. I really have to brush and not leave the ball on the string bed too long to get the same shot. I have to work harder to get that shot.

Nate7-5 · Nov 12, 2020

blai212 said:
I used to use gut/poly because of arm issues but dumped the gut (50lbs) and switched to VCT 16g mains (40 lbs) and felt softer, spinner, more powerful/durable. Ball pocketing sensation was absolute bliss. Still used thin copoly cross w good tension maintenance to prolong playability duration. SPPP cofocus YPTP revolve all amazing cross strings

Sir, this is a Wendy's.

PD1978 · Nov 12, 2020

I was using VS/Lynx Tour, lasted about 8 weeks. Was very happy with it. Lynx Tour I didn’t kill the gut.

I just restrung with VS/YPTP blue. It definitely feels livelier but more comfortable. I’m expecting to get 8 weeks out if this set up as well at least. Playing indoor now too exclusively.

jangotango · Nov 24, 2020

Moved my brother over to gut/poly after he experienced discomfort using a full bed of Luxilon 4G in a Speed 360 MP.

What's interesting is that he isn't wearing through gut/poly as quickly as he did full poly. He consistently broke Hyper G, Pro Line 2, and 4G in at most 18 hours.

Wilson Gut 16 mains and 4G Soft crosses lasted close to a month. Played really great, lots of spin, super plush pocketing.

Right now he's trying Wilson Gut 16 mains and Poly Tour Fire 125 crosses. It's garbo compared to the 4G Soft hybrid so far.

The gut/poly thread

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Rookie

Legend

Rookie

Professional

Semi-Pro

Rookie

New User

Legend

Semi-Pro

Legend

New User

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Professional

Professional

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Legend

Hall of Fame

Semi-Pro

Legend

New User

Legend

Semi-Pro

Hall of Fame

Semi-Pro

New User

Legend

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Legend

Legend

Hall of Fame

Legend

Professional

Rookie

Legend

Professional

Professional

Legend

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Semi-Pro

Semi-Pro

Similar threads