4G soft vs. 4G rough???

[psardain]

My sons - both USTA ranked juniors - have been using a hybrid of 4G and 4G rough 16L with VS touch 16 on respectively a set of Wilsons Pro Staff RF97 and a set of Babolat Pure Aeros.
We have been researching strings recently, especially for one of them, to maximize spin potential on his Pure Aero. People around us talk about the Vokl Cyclone or the Solinco Hyper G, and others too.
When comparing strings' spin potential on TW, I found this oddity (see table above) that shows that 4G Soft is as stiff (actually more), as powerful and has 37% (!!!) more spin potential than 4G rough...
Does that make sense to any of you??
Thanks in advance for your replies

 

[Doubles]

The divots in Luxilon's rough strings make the difference in feel to me. For example, ALU Rough feels much softer than regular ALU Power. I also don't find their rough strings to have as much spin potential as their round variations because the rough tends to notch up more than the round versions. Just my experiences, however. I don't think I've hit with ALUR since I was using an MG Radical in 2012 or earlier, so it's been a minute.

 

[monfils is my homeboy]

If you want spin go for Diadem Solstice! Nothing close.

 

[Lambsscroll]

Doesn't make sense because of the way Luxilon shaped their rough poly strings. The rough shape actually allows less friction among Rough and Gut string.

BTW I would steer towards the ALU Power Rough for power and feel.

 

[mikeler]

Please research how those stiffness numbers are derived. I know I'm a TW Moderator questioning the TW Professor but my personal opinion is that the testing methodology does not accurately reflect string stiffness to such a finite number; however with so many strings it at leasts gives us some data, so thank the Professor for his work.

I also feel it gives a valid range of whether a string will be stiff or soft. My personal opinion is that certain strings plus certain rackets combine for a "vibration impact" that may bug one person's arm but not anothers. I have zero data to back up this claim and it would be way too expensive to test every combination of string and racket.

Bottom line, trust the player's shoulder, elbow and wrist above measurements. My 2 cents...

 

[psardain]

I am very thankful for the database indeed, and I am not questioning anyone's knowledge on the topic at TW.
I was just struck by the fact that 4G Soft was stiffer and helped more with spin than 4G Rough does if I believe these numbers so I though maybe a typo??

Anyway, thanks for the replies and do not hesitate to offer advice for good spin strings (for a VS hybrid) that are somewhat arm friendly for teens.

 

[mikeler]

I am very thankful for the database indeed, and I am not questioning anyone's knowledge on the topic at TW.
I was just struck by the fact that 4G Soft was stiffer and helped more with spin than 4G Rough does if I believe these numbers so I though maybe a typo??

Anyway, thanks for the replies and do not hesitate to offer advice for good spin strings (for a VS hybrid) that are somewhat arm friendly for teens.

Google "string stiffness testing hammer" and the 4th link down will explain my thoughts on the stiffness data. I can't post the link since it is a competitor to TW.

 

[DavidBart]

If you want spin go for Diadem Solstice! Nothing close.

Which diadem solstice pro or power. Which gague?

 

[jdub486]

4G rough is softer and livelier than 4g soft. It also gets springy and loses tension faster. In the 4g family, I think the original in 1.25 plays best and holds tension better than any poly. My only wish is that was offered with a more slippery coating for hybrids.

 

[jdub486]

For your son, I'd reverse the hybrid. Gut mains, poly cross. Technifibre Pro Red Code Wax is the ticket. Very slippery, good tension holding, and crisp. Medium firm.

 

[DavidBart]

For your son, I'd reverse the hybrid. Gut mains, poly cross. Technifibre Pro Red Code Wax is the ticket. Very slippery, good tension holding, and crisp. Medium firm.

I was considering using the basic 4G for a hybrid setup with gut in the mains. What would be your suggestion for similar string with a slippery coating. Want to get some mileage out of the setup.

 

[ron schaap]

I was considering using the basic 4G for a hybrid setup with gut in the mains. What would be your suggestion for similar string with a slippery coating. Want to get some mileage out of the setup.

Probably dont use a highly profiled cross as it saws right through the gut. 4G doesnt loose much tension over time according to TWU but there are lots more with that quality that are cheaper too.

 

[Paul Y]

My son was using a similar setup but has switch to a different poly. He uses the poly in the crosses so the gut gives that extra feel and power in the mains. He went from 4G soft to Yonex Poly Tour Fire, from experience it's a more slick poly compared to 4G soft. I'm not completely sure on maintenance as he snaps the mains in less then 10 days.

 

[AceyMan]

Technifibre Pro Red Code Wax is the ticket. Very slippery, good tension holding, and crisp. Medium firm.

... and, like all good things, now OOP / discontinued <grrr>.