18x20 vs all string pattern
- Thread starter ericwong
- Start date
lilxjohnyy
Hall of Fame
there is no better or worse string pattern... its all personal preference. Topspin player probably favor open while flat favor 18x 20
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
I've given up assuming on string patterns - I think they combine with all the characteristics of the frame to produce a certain behavior. If you were to play two of the same model of frame, one with an open pattern, the other with a dense setup, I'd expect the open pattern to have a little more spin potential and maybe a little more pop while the dense pattern would probably have a more even response.
One of the easiest racquets for me to produce spin with is the Prince NXG mid which has one of the densest patterns I've ever seen, but it's also hefty and reeeeally soft. My old Prostaff 6.1 Classics have an open pattern and are pretty stiff, so they put a lot of punch on the ball, but I have trouble hitting them with enough spin to keep the ball down on the court. The weight, balance, headsize, and flex of a specific frame all have a big impact on how it will perform. While the type of string pattern can be included in the performance conversation, I really don't worry about it as much as the other aspects of a racquet's construction.
One of the easiest racquets for me to produce spin with is the Prince NXG mid which has one of the densest patterns I've ever seen, but it's also hefty and reeeeally soft. My old Prostaff 6.1 Classics have an open pattern and are pretty stiff, so they put a lot of punch on the ball, but I have trouble hitting them with enough spin to keep the ball down on the court. The weight, balance, headsize, and flex of a specific frame all have a big impact on how it will perform. While the type of string pattern can be included in the performance conversation, I really don't worry about it as much as the other aspects of a racquet's construction.
I think the assumption here is that they're not trying to change (i.e., the flat hitter desires to hit flat and the topspin hitter wants as much spin as possible).
It appears that you're assuming the opposite ... that the flat hitter wants or needs to hit with more spin, but that's often not the case.
Chauvalito
Hall of Fame
You are quite right...
I moved to using dense string patterns not because I hit flat, but because my strokes naturally produce a good amount of spin.
By playing with 18x20 rackets I get the added benefit of a stable stringe bed, more control, plus LESS spin as compared to a 16x20.
I am a topspin player for the most part, an 18x20 lengethens out the trajectory of my shots, whereas with an open pattern I get loopy groundstrokes.
People need to rethink the flat hitter=18x20, spin player=open pattern paradigm. it does not fit for all players
I moved to using dense string patterns not because I hit flat, but because my strokes naturally produce a good amount of spin.
By playing with 18x20 rackets I get the added benefit of a stable stringe bed, more control, plus LESS spin as compared to a 16x20.
I am a topspin player for the most part, an 18x20 lengethens out the trajectory of my shots, whereas with an open pattern I get loopy groundstrokes.
People need to rethink the flat hitter=18x20, spin player=open pattern paradigm. it does not fit for all players
I concur ... and I think it varies a little from racquet to racquet, too. It's all about what feels right to each individual.
Chauvalito
Hall of Fame
I agree as well. We can only make generalities about how rackets will play but everyone will have a very different expereience depending on their strokes and level etc.
But dont let hat stop you from trying both patterns, I think it is something you can enjoy...maybe a little to much, I have bought way to many rackets lately.
Man, I AGREE! String pattern was the last thing I thought about. Headsize, sw, points HL, overall weight, flex - were the main factors. And then you have about, what, A BILLION string, string combinations and tensions to play with?? Now I am trying to find time to play between all of the "research"!!
Errol
New User
I would just like to add that denser patterns (18 mains) can take lower tensions without as much loss of control as the more open ones (16 mains). If you have arm health concerns and have reduced tension to the lowest point where you feel comfortable with the control on an open pattern racquet, you can probably still go lower on dense pattern and still have good control (all other things being equal).
Dense pattern does feel more firm at same tension though.
I hope that was understandable.
Dense pattern does feel more firm at same tension though.
I hope that was understandable
.
soyizgood
G.O.A.T.
I've been a flat hitter for 12 years and used oversized up until this year. This past year I bought 5 mid-plus racquets with open pattern. It took a bit of time to get used to this change, but I like the decision I made. Going from oversize to mid-plus was more significant of a change in my opinion.
I've been wanting to add some spin to my strokes and open pattern does seem to make it a bit easier for me. I can still hit flat even with open pattern. In the end, I don't think the string pattern matters as much as finding a racquet that best suits your style of game.
I've been wanting to add some spin to my strokes and open pattern does seem to make it a bit easier for me. I can still hit flat even with open pattern. In the end, I don't think the string pattern matters as much as finding a racquet that best suits your style of game.
