antony's string journey (looking for a string to buy a reel of)

[antony]

hoping to zero in on some candidates by Black Friday

Have the Tier One sampler and have recently ordered the Mayami and Toroline sampler sets.

Currently getting two racquets strung with T1's Black Knight and Strike Force RIP in 17G. Requested for them to be strung at 59 lbs against recommendation of Tier One, but they said it was more due to potential arm troubles than performance. It's just that I've used lower tensions in strings and I haven't liked it!

The racquets being used to test the strings are the Wilson 6.1 95 18x20. I was tempted to try the different strings out in other racquets I have that are in need of restringing, but I'm afraid that would affect my read on each string too much. I will try to test all of the strings through the same racquets. When I find the string to get a reel of, I will string the other racquets in that string.

Have had two of those racquets strung with Luxilon 4G and 4G Soft (the latter on recommendation of one of my coaches). 4G I thought felt great for the two weeks of playing or so until the string died down to 52 lbs from 59lbs, where it became a little unwieldy. Started preferring the racquet with the fresher 4G Soft. 4G had good control of depth and direction. Good, stiff string--the stringbed felt very consistent. The 4G Soft more or less the same. Maybe better string tension maintenance. Maybe 4G Soft is softer but I wasn't really able to tell. I'd describe 4G Soft as a little more muted or maybe buttery relative to 4G. Both had okay spin, nothing remarkable. Some of it was there if I really worked it. 4G and 4G Soft not bad. I think I'd pick 4G Soft over 4G since the tension seems to be maintaining a little better. Probably my favorite strings I've tried so far. Would try ALU Power in the 6.1 sometime to compare.

Have tried ALU Power Rough in a Babolat Pure Aero VS and it was rather decent. I remember it being a pretty good string when I first got it months ago, but don't remember too much more. I was also an even bigger noob then. The string is dead now and it didn't last all too long, IIRC.

Other strings of my own choosing I've tried so far were the Kirschbaum Spiky Shark 17G in Prince Beast 98 O3's, which I didn't like (maybe strung at too low tension, as it was unwieldy in those racquets), and the Solinco Hyper G in 16G in an RF97, which I really liked until it quickly wore out after a few days (dropped from 55lb to 45lb). I wouldn't care to get a reel of either of these two strings, but maybe I need to retry Hyper G prestretched.


Listed from most to least favorite
Winner: TBD

Not bad: Mayami Hit Pro (1.25mm), Toroline Super Toro (1.24mm), Toroline Caviar (1.24mm), Luxilon 4G Soft (1.25mm), Luxilon 4G (1.25mm)

Not too good: Toroline Caviar (1.16mm), Tier One Strike Force RIP (1.23mm), Kirschbaum Spiky Shark (17G), Mayami Absolute Perfection (1.25mm)

Need to retry prestretched, at higher tension, or at least competently strung: Solinco Hyper G (16G), Tier One Black Knight (1.23mm), Mayami Tour Hex, ALU Power

To try: Luxilon BBO, Mayami sampler, Toroline strings, Head Lynx, Head FXP, Kirschbaum Max Power and Super Smash, the rest of Tier One sampler, SPPP hex 1.20/xperience 1.18, Grapplesnake, MSV, Rip Control

 

[blai212]

one of my favorite combo for denser patterns is SPPP hex 1.20/xperience 1.18

 

[antony]

one of my favorite combo for denser patterns is SPPP hex 1.20/xperience 1.18

I'm very unfamiliar with Signum Pro. I'll look into their strings some more.

Does anyone have experience with Dunlop strings? I very much like their overgrips and tennis balls

 

[blai212]

dunlop black widow 16g is a good string for mains. I tried Explosive speed as a cross but felt too stiff for me. Black widow 17g was quite underwhelming...loses sharp shape very quickly

 

[AceyMan]

I'm very unfamiliar with Signum Pro. I'll look into their strings some more.

Firestorm 1.25 is a nice mains with a good mid-range multi in the crosses; I've been using Sensation Control 16 for that role with success and have that installed in two or three of my frames atm.

Good luck,
/Acey

 

[antony]

Firestorm 1.25 is a nice mains with a good mid-range multi in the crosses; I've been using Sensation Control 16 for that role with success and have that installed in two or three of my frames atm.

Good luck,
/Acey

thank you

Why? What do you like about that combination?

 

[sandmammal]

Big Banger Original - strong compromise between 4G and Alu Power, with feel and performance that leans more towards Alu. Try it - I think you'll really like it.

 

[antony]

Big Banger Original - strong compromise between 4G and Alu Power, with feel and performance that leans more towards Alu. Try it - I think you'll really like it.

I'll add that to the list! Gotta finish playtesting my current strings first (Black Knight, Strike Force RIP, and 4G Soft)! I think this whole process may take a couple seasons

 

[esgee48]

"a couple of seasons" is very optimistic. There are infinite combinations of tensions, gauges and strings that can be use full bed or as hybrids. I finally decided for mental health reasons just to stay with SG since it breaks the same time polys go dead. BBO and ALU are very good polys for 1-3 hours. Then they die and you are left scratching your head. 4G and their kind are factory pre stretched which mutes their response, but maintains a longer playable tension range. They will generally last up-to-12-16 hours depending on gauge. Thinner gauge = shorter life with same frames and tension. Copolys or copolymer strings are hybrids of polyester and other types of plastic polymers. They were introduced to create a string characteristic such as tension stability, comfort, non newtonian response, etc. And shapes are bad because their edges wear down.

If you like 4G, then you should look at that category called good tension maintenance which Signum Pro and Kirschbaum are noted for. If you ever get to the stage of stringing your own, permanently stretching any poly 6"-8"/20' section is better than factory pre stretch.

 

[antony]

"a couple of seasons" is very optimistic. There are infinite combinations of tensions, gauges and strings that can be use full bed or as hybrids. I finally decided for mental health reasons just to stay with SG since it breaks the same time polys go dead. BBO and ALU are very good polys for 1-3 hours. Then they die and you are left scratching your head. 4G and their kind are factory pre stretched which mutes their response, but maintains a longer playable tension range. They will generally last up-to-12-16 hours depending on gauge. Thinner gauge = shorter life with same frames and tension. Copolys or copolymer strings are hybrids of polyester and other types of plastic polymers. They were introduced to create a string characteristic such as tension stability, comfort, non newtonian response, etc. And shapes are bad because their edges wear down.

If you like 4G, then you should look at that category called good tension maintenance which Signum Pro and Kirschbaum are noted for. If you ever get to the stage of stringing your own, permanently stretching any poly 6"-8"/20' section is better than factory pre stretch.

I strung a racquet a week or two ago and found out i don’t like doing it much. I have a couple packs of Kirschbaum Max Power i will try out. What is SG?

 

[SinneGOAT]

I strung a racquet a week or two ago and found out i don’t like doing it much. I have a couple packs of Kirschbaum Max Power i will try out. What is SG?

Synthetic gut.

 

[antony]

"a couple of seasons" is very optimistic.

If I leave the country for tennis, I feel like I need to get some reels before then :/

 

[esgee48]

Kirschbaum Max Power is pre stretched, so you may like it. It is not as wonderful as ALU, but it will remain playable for at least 12 hours. It is also less muted the 4G, but not in a bad way.

 

[antony]

Have been playing with Black Knight 1.23mm a lot and it's good. Not sure what happened but I requested for the racquets to be strung at 59 and I got them at 48 lbs (according to TennisTension and RT).

I would describe this string as consistent. Good all around string it seems like. Has good control. Spin is not remarkable but it was available and consistent. Still playing alright after 8 or so hours. Currently the apps say it's at 45 lbs. I don't know what more to say. It's good at the lower tension but I probably need to prestretch the Tier One strings next time. I like it and it's for sure a good string. Fairly similar to 4G strings actually in terms of ball-string interaction. I’d say I have a touch less control with the racquet due to the lower tension of the T1 strings. I really need to retry this at a tension I prefer.

Very briefly played with the Strike Force RIP 1.23mm and it had noticeably more pop than the BK. This was the first racquet I tried before realizing they had lower tensions and I couldn't keep the ball in during warm up and the first game. Have probably only played a game and a half with this string though so I need to play it some more, but I’ve started playing alright with it. Don't love it so far but I will use it more extensively after the BK dies out. The feel is possibly more muted in this string.

4G Soft still kickin in the 3rd racquet, though it is noticeably stiffer than Black Knight. Not sure if it's tension or string material more (or something else)

EDIT 6/9/2021: Tier One Strike Force RIP at 1.23mm is doodoo. Tried playing it some more today with one of my coaches and I was not consistent at all in a consistency drill (rally the baseline). Switched to the 4G Soft racquet, and immediately got more consistent and started doing the drill well. RIP has decent spin but I could not control it. Lots of pop. I definitely don’t like this string. Maybe it was the lower tension (48lbs when received and 45 when I stopped playing to give the racquet to the stringer for the next string.

 

[AceyMan]

Not sure what happened but I requested for the racquets to be strung at 59 and I got them at 48 lbs.

Hmm,

59 lbs is monster tension unless you have a 107/110 16x18 Prince or something.

Remember, lower tension let's the strings move more which is a large part of why poly became a thing — big, spinny shots.

Watch a few TW video reviews and see how many sticks they strung at 48 or 50 lbs for their playtest.

/Acey

 

[antony]

Hmm,

59 lbs is monster tension unless you have a 107/110 16x18 Prince or something.

Remember, lower tension let's the strings move more which is a large part of why poly became a thing — big, spinny shots.

Watch a few TW video reviews and see how many sticks they strung at 48 or 50 lbs for their playtest.

/Acey

I think I just like my string bed to be more consistent. idk. I think I hit better at high tension. This lower tension with the BK is alright and is a nice try but I wish I could’ve tried it higher. Might have to get a reel of it. Could string all the other racquets as well. Should probably try mayami hit pro and hex whatever of theirs first before buying a reel though

 

[antony]

I don't think BK is the one, but maybe I need to retry it prestretched. I don't like the tension maintenance of the string. It's at 42-44lbs now. Reminds me of Solinco Hyper G

 

[esgee48]

@antony - what are you using to measure tension? If using RT, string factor must be correct to get a good frequency based reading. If you are using a stringmeter, I would not use it for accuracy, but for changes. BK will stretch at 59# if you wait overnight. 1.23 is perhaps too thin.

 

[antony]

@antony - what are you using to measure tension? If using RT, string factor must be correct to get a good frequency based reading. If you are using a stringmeter, I would not use it for accuracy, but for changes. BK will stretch at 59# if you wait overnight. 1.23 is perhaps too thin.

RT and TennisTension. I was using the RT community-sourced numbers for T1 BK and have tracked it from fresh stringing to first session to most recent session (which is probably 4th-5th session). 4G Soft racquet still at 50lbs and hitting great.

Yes, maybe 17G is not for me. But Hyper G 16G behaved similarly too. Not sure. I did not prestretch. A forum member PM'd me and suggested I try the following:

I saw you are searching for string.

This tip will make even the cheapest poly string play better than the most expensive ones.

You will get much better all-around performance from your poly strings (more lively, more consistent control, more stable playing characteristics, and much better tension stability) if you prestretch thoroughly before stringing.

To prestretch poly, take a 20-foot segment, and tie one end securely (eg, triple knot) to a doorknob, post, or other object that is rigidly anchored to floor or ground.

Then tie the other end of the string securely around a bar, or tennis racquet, or other object that can be used as a handle that you can comfortably pull on with both hands.

Extend the string, and before applying tension, place a marker on the floor to mark the location of the knot prior to stretching. Use your body weight to lean against the string to stretch it. Always lean with one leg out behind you to catch you (for safety) in case the string breaks at the knot or nick or your knot slips. Pulse your body weight against the string to max out the pull force. The poly string will stop elongating when the relaxed length is about 6” to 7” longer than it started. Now it’s prestretched. Other material types of string will elongate more or less than poly. Repeat the process again for the strings you will use for the crosses.

After prestretching, decrease the reference tension 5-10 lbs lower than before (may need to dial in new ref tension) to compensate for the fact that it will no longer lose tension before the first hit.

For most poly strings, the tension when prestretched this way will stay stable until it breaks.

When I do this for my clients, they never want to go back to un-prestretched strings again.

 

[antony]

Hmm,

59 lbs is monster tension unless you have a 107/110 16x18 Prince or something.

Remember, lower tension let's the strings move more which is a large part of why poly became a thing — big, spinny shots.

Watch a few TW video reviews and see how many sticks they strung at 48 or 50 lbs for their playtest.

/Acey

Well, I requested 59 from this kid with a spring tensioning machine, and when I received my racquets, TennisTension and Racquet Tune said they were at 48lbs so I really am not sure. Maybe they stretched out. Tier One Black Knight is said to have a tension loss of 15lbs. They played alright but the one I played with dropped to 42 within a few days (maybe <10 hours) and the effect was noticeable. I'll give him a racquet to string at 52 lbs and see if it's any better. Maybe too high of a tension stretches the poly too much or something. 4G Soft was requested to be strung at 59 and it's still at 50lbs and plays well.

 

[esgee48]

"Spring tensioning machine" as in crank/lockout tensioning head? If it is, that may be the issue with tension loss. A lockout stops pulling at ref tension once ref tension is achieved. The string starts to immediately relax - show static tension losses - and continues even after clamping. This will happen whether a slow or quick motion to lockout is used. The string is stretched, but most of the potential static tension losses are still there. That means over time, the strings will lose tension until the remaining tension is lower then the force required to stretch the string. A CP/DW or eCP pulls until you clamp. The opportunity to remove static tension losses is much higher. 12 hours after string my frames, I may see 1-2# max tension loss no matter what string is used. Perhaps you need to find a stringer with a different machine?

 

[antony]

"Spring tensioning machine" as in crank/lockout tensioning head? If it is, that may be the issue with tension loss. A lockout stops pulling at ref tension once ref tension is achieved. The string starts to immediately relax - show static tension losses - and continues even after clamping. This will happen whether a slow or quick motion to lockout is used. The string is stretched, but most of the potential static tension losses are still there. That means over time, the strings will lose tension until the remaining tension is lower then the force required to stretch the string. A CP/DW or eCP pulls until you clamp. The opportunity to remove static tension losses is much higher. 12 hours after string my frames, I may see 1-2# max tension loss no matter what string is used. Perhaps you need to find a stringer with a different machine?

I think I will pay the extra $7 to have them strung at the tennis center haha…or learn some patience with my stringing machine

 

[4-string]

I just ordered another reel of Lynx Tour. It has the extra grip of shaped poly while also having the directional control of a round poly string. IMO, IME and YMMV etc.

It has a long life compared to most poly strings, and tension maintenance is also very good.

I string for a few other players and everyone who tried Lynx Tour wants it again.

 

[brady1212]

Antony I saw some clips you posted of you hitting in the swingvision thread. Unless I am looking at the wrong video I really don't think you should be using poly. I am not trying to be negative "or that guy" but seems like you are probably in the 2.5-3 range. You really aren't getting any benefit of using poly (or an RF97) and if you are restringing every few hours you could be using that money towards lessons which will do you much more good than any string changes. I would recommend a Natural Gut/Synthetic Gut/Multi option and just play it until it dies and put the money you are saving on restringing into developing your strokes. Obviously you post a lot and are passionate about the game so I have no doubt you can keep improving to a high level. I hope this didn't come off as harsh, just trying to give some real feedback. Best of luck with everything.

 

[antony]

Antony I saw some clips you posted of you hitting in the swingvision thread. Unless I am looking at the wrong video I really don't think you should be using poly. I am not trying to be negative "or that guy" but seems like you are probably in the 2.5-3 range. You really aren't getting any benefit of using poly (or an RF97) and if you are restringing every few hours you could be using that money towards lessons which will do you much more good than any string changes. I would recommend a Natural Gut/Synthetic Gut/Multi option and just play it until it dies and put the money you are saving on restringing into developing your strokes. Obviously you post a lot and are passionate about the game so I have no doubt you can keep improving to a high level. I hope this didn't come off as harsh, just trying to give some real feedback. Best of luck with everything.

I'm a self rated 3.0 but I do have my first few rated matches this weekend. I’m taking a lot of lessons. I just started last year and I hope to record my development. I’m not going to not think about the strings I use as I develop, especially as I can see a clear difference between different strings and different tensions. That is data I will also record because it will help.

also, I’ve tried multis and synthetic guts. None stuck out to me as remarkable. The Prince synthetic guts I didn’t like at all, actually. I have a tier one multifilament string to try (Triumph).
And I’m not convinced they last any longer than polyester strings. It's relatively not that big of a cost anyhow to replace strings. I also play a lot of hours and value those hours so I don't want to play with strings that have gone dead.

 

[antony]

Retired the Black Knight and Strike Force RIP strings. The Black Knight just was at too low tension (TennisTension and RT were reading ~42lbs) and I could feel it. RIP registered at ~45 but I didn't like the string. At least I liked BK when it was fresh from the stringer at ~48lbs. Maybe they'd be better at my preferred tensions.

Had Toroline Caviar (1.24mm) strung up and so far so good. This time I happened to be there for the actual stringing (same stringer, different machine) and the tension was good. 59.0 lbs set on some sort of Gamma electric stringer, and TT registered at ~62lbs and RT 60.8lbs right off the stringer. A little less after a few hours and a short 20 min play sesh interrupted by rain. Excellent spin potential. Not launchy or trampoliney at all. Great control and the few volleys I had were predictable/consistent. It wasn't a problem at all coming from a 4G Soft racquet that is currently at lower tension. I noticed there was less power probably due to the higher tension. I might go down some pounds in tension given the same string and stringing machine but I'd have to see how the tension behaves and if it loosens up at all. It has dropped ~3 pounds to about 59lbs (in TT) after a few hours and barely playing 20 minutes. I will have to give it a few days to see as the 4G Soft racquet had sit in the box for days when it was delivered from Wilson

[Placeholder for continued review]
about 2 hours in, ~20 hours after string, RacquetTune now reads at ~56lbs and TT ~57lbs, so it has lost maybe 4-5 lbs so far from stringing. This string is playing wonderfully and I'm happy with the tension I chose (maybe I'd go 1-2 lbs less, remains to be seen) . Zero complaints. Ball was always under control. The only time I remember hitting out was when my racquet angle was facing too high because I couldn't set up in time. I could swing out and the string would help me do what I wanted with the ball, and also the ball wasn't likely to fly further than I wanted if I hit a softer shot. Definitely a contender with 4G/4GS. I think I prefer it more because the spin potential is better, maybe because of the hexagonal vs round shape. I'm getting another racquet back with fresh 4GS today to better compare. It makes me wish I had the Black Knight at a higher tension so I could compare the strings more adequately. Pretty comfy string. The quality of the string seems to be on par with that of its packaging, which was easily the nicest packaging I've seen. Might have to get a reel of this Toroline Caviar.

https://imgur.com/a/uFQuNZX

 

[antony]

"Spring tensioning machine" as in crank/lockout tensioning head? If it is, that may be the issue with tension loss. A lockout stops pulling at ref tension once ref tension is achieved. The string starts to immediately relax - show static tension losses - and continues even after clamping. This will happen whether a slow or quick motion to lockout is used. The string is stretched, but most of the potential static tension losses are still there. That means over time, the strings will lose tension until the remaining tension is lower then the force required to stretch the string. A CP/DW or eCP pulls until you clamp. The opportunity to remove static tension losses is much higher. 12 hours after string my frames, I may see 1-2# max tension loss no matter what string is used. Perhaps you need to find a stringer with a different machine?

Yep, I think it was definitely the crank tensioner. Feel like I wasted $40 on getting ALU Power 1.25 strung today at Dick's (they stocked ALU Power), where they had a crank tensioner machine. Requested 59 lbs, came out at a little over 50lbs in RT.

EDIT: nvm, I told them and they told me to come back

 

[antony]

I did not like the ALU Power mentioned in the previous post, and had it cut out. I don't know how much of it is the string and how much the stringer (I found out the stringer at Dick's doesn't even play tennis), but I just don't think I'll be happy with how it changes after playing just a few hours. A lot may be the fact that the stringer didn’t straighten the crosses leaving more slack in the stringbed.

More recently Mayami Absolute Perfection (1.25mm) was a dud for me. Hit fairly well at first (noticeably more power) but I don't think multifilaments are for me because I noticed loss in tension and control after about two hours of hitting. Strings were sliding out of place as well, even at 60lbs tension.

Toroline Caviar (1.16mm) not bad. A bit poppier than the 1.24mm version (which I love) but with noticeably worse tension maintenance and string life. Had to cut out after 2-3 matches. Probably will not buy another mini-reel of the 1.16mm, but I'll see how if my experience changes after my next time I string a racquet with it. I just don't think 18G is for me. Before sending in my racquet with the 1.24mm version of this string to be restrung, I had been using the set for months and it was still usable with no complaints for me when I finally sent it in. I had it on for so long because it was the racquet with the string job that I could trust to play with during that time.

Mayami Hit Pro (1.25mm) sample set is real nice. They weren't joking about the touch and feel, which are remarkable. Can do soft touches exactly where I want it to. I want to get a reel of this but it's sold out, unsurprisingly. I think I even have more control with this than Super Toro. I did break from the usual tension setup by trying pre-stretched 10% at 55lbs instead of 59 lbs plain, so how much factors in into my experience with Hit Pro. Seems to be lasting so far. Have been playing with my racquet while my other two racquets are again being restrung with Toroline Caviar (1.24mm) and Super Toro (1.24mm)

Toroline Super Toro (1.24mm) maybe a little less spinny and a little more control/precision than Caviar (1.24mm). I like it a lot. Excitedly restringing a racquet with this string again. Have a mini-reel of this and the two Caviar strings.

Have way too many more strings to try out but that's been my experience the past few months so far.

 

[ChrisG]

If you think 4G at 52lbs is unwieldy on 95sq 18x20 frame, I think you have bigger priorities than finding the right string.
Don't have access to your vids, so I don't know how you play, but by your rating you're a beginner.
Most competitive kids don't give a sh*t about their strings or frame until they are 14-15y, so after almost 10y of endless hours of practice.
Focus on your technique first, because any data you are collecting right now is absolutely bogus.

 

[antony]

If you think 4G at 52lbs is unwieldy on 95sq 18x20 frame, I think you have bigger priorities than finding the right string.
Don't have access to your vids, so I don't know how you play, but by your rating you're a beginner.
Most competitive kids don't give a sh*t about their strings or frame until they are 14-15y, so after almost 10y of endless hours of practice.
Focus on your technique first, because any data you are collecting right now is absolutely bogus.

3.5 is relatively beginner, I'd agree. I was just remarking that my 4G was strung at 59lbs and it lost tension and its playing characteristics changed as I played with that one oftentimes multiple times a day for probably a bit over a month. I thought the 4G Soft was fine and played fine for a bit longer (maybe one more month), in my experience. I don't break strings but certainly you feel a difference in playing characteristics the longer you play with a string job? Why do people prefer different tensions? Are you going to tell me I won't be affected if I choose a multifilament or polyester string, when even the stringer (the good one at a reputable racquet club) says multifilament strings don't last very long, in line with my observation and why my question to him was prompted to begin with.

 

[AceyMan]

I don't know how much of it is the string and how much the stringer (I found out the stringer at Dick's doesn't even play tennis)

Well,

I strongly suspect no two string jobs from there is the same, while reference tension is never achieved <sad_face>.

Finding an actual stringer before making conclusions about any stringbed under examination is my strong recommendation.

/Acey

 

[ChrisG]

3.5 is relatively beginner, I'd agree. I was just remarking that my 4G was strung at 59lbs and it lost tension and its playing characteristics changed as I played with that one oftentimes multiple times a day for probably a bit over a month. I thought the 4G Soft was fine and played fine for a bit longer (maybe one more month), in my experience. I don't break strings but certainly you feel a difference in playing characteristics the longer you play with a string job? Why do people prefer different tensions? Are you going to tell me I won't be affected if I choose a multifilament or polyester string, when even the stringer (the good one at a reputable racquet club) says multifilament strings don't last very long, in line with my observation and why my question to him was prompted to begin with.

Of course string characteristics change during its lifespan, a fresh stringbed feels different than a 10h one.
But what I was trying to say is that 52lbs is already a fairly high tension for such a rigid string as 4g. You should be able to swing a poly above 50 lbs in a close pattern frame without control issues. So increasing the tension (did I read 59lbs ?!) or looking for a string with less tension loss shouldn't be a priority. Swinging correctly should.
Don't get me wrong, I understand the fun aspect of testing new strings etc.. but it's a very time consuming rabbithole that can affect your game as you keep learning. If you intend to get better at tennis, dont' change too many things so often : strings, gauges, tension etc...

 

[antony]

Well,

I strongly suspect no two string jobs from there is the same, while reference tension is never achieved <sad_face>.

Finding an actual stringer before making conclusions about any stringbed under examination is my strong recommendation.

/Acey

I am happy to report that I joined a racquet club this week and started using their stringing team and they are great. They label each racquet with the date and string and string tension. That blew my mind

 

[antony]

Of course string characteristics change during its lifespan, a fresh stringbed feels different than a 10h one.
But what I was trying to say is that 52lbs is already a fairly high tension for such a rigid string as 4g. You should be able to swing a poly above 50 lbs in a close pattern frame without control issues. So increasing the tension (did I read 59lbs ?!) or looking for a string with less tension loss shouldn't be a priority. Swinging correctly should.
Don't get me wrong, I understand the fun aspect of testing new strings etc.. but it's a very time consuming rabbithole that can affect your game as you keep learning. If you intend to get better at tennis, dont' change too many things so often : strings, gauges, tension etc...

I understand that it can be a rabbit hole that can be distracting to some gear junkies but I don’t let gear make or break me. I can pick up and play with pretty much any racquet (tried a player’s POG today with strings from 2019 and it was playable just not what I’m used to preferring and expecting when I hit a ball).

that racquet with 4G you mention was requested at 59lbs strung from Wilson and it was great and I used it for two months. At the first month, I loved that racquet so much I bought a second from Wilson with 4G Soft (my first coach recommended that string). When I got the new racquet with fresh 4G Soft, of course I started preferring that newer racquet with fresh 4G soft and noticed that comparatively the 1 month old 4G had less control.

Yes I am just used to a higher tension and I think a bit of is because higher tension strings “stabilize” in tension loss at a higher tension and more in the range that I like. Just wanted to publicly record my new experiences before I forget. Especially regarding how much I like a string and how long I like the string for.

 

[esgee48]

You mean something like "10/2/21 48# HyperG17" or "9/28/21 54# POSG16"? Been doing this for decades.

 

[antony]

You mean something like "10/2/21 48# HyperG17" or "9/28/21 54# POSG16"? Been doing this for decades.

FWIW, i am glad that I’ve only had to go one year of playing before getting to join the club (the string label club)

 

[ChrisG]

next step is to buy a stringing machine. definitely worth it !

 

[Steve Huff]

Antony--I've been reading your posts. Seems like you like the crisp feel of poly, but like it at a higher tension. Instead of a poly, have you considered Head FXP 16. It's very crisp, control oriented, but the tension should last you longer than most poly's do. Give it a try. String it at 60# if you like it tight. May be just what you're looking for.

 

[AceyMan]

Head FXP 16. It's very crisp, control oriented, but the tension should last you longer than most poly's do.

throwing Rip Control into the mix here.

... with a firm syngut like Gosen OSM noir in the crosses RIP makes for a quite crispy pinging stringbed that lasts daggum good.

My 2¢.

/Acey

 

[antony]

Thanks guys, added them to the list. I still have never played with a Head string and have been meaning to try their offerings.

I’ll try another multifilament out because I understand they can all be wildly different but I didn’t love the Mayami Absolute Perfection that I tried. Way too poppy and my shots went noticeably longer until I changed my technique to compensate.

Also need to try synthetic gut again with a good stringing. The last time I had synthetic gut it was a younger person who strung my racquet with Prince Beast synthetic gut string (it was what he had) on a Prince Beast racquet I had and it hit fairly well for a bit, but not long. The string job’s crosses were all arched though so I lost a lot of tension I think as the stringbed had more slack

 

[Happi]

throwing Rip Control into the mix here.

... with a firm syngut like Gosen OSM noir in the crosses RIP makes for a quite crispy pinging stringbed that lasts daggum good.

My 2¢.

/Acey

I really enjoy RIP Control main / Head Velocity cross - good spin, comfort in top and very little string movement.

 

[antony]

I may have found it. Toroline Caviar in the mains and Toroline Absolute in the crosses. Smooth as butter, spinny as heck, great control. Toroline Absolute fullbed was too soft and Caviar fullbed was a hair too… crisp?

 

[mctennis]

I am happy to report that I joined a racquet club this week and started using their stringing team and they are great. They label each racquet with the date and string and string tension. That blew my mind

I had some address labels made up to use on my racquets with blank lines for Date, Tension, Strings. I use on my racquets when I have them strung. I get confused when I strung them and with what strings and gauges I have used in each racquet.

 

[mctennis]

I may have found it. Toroline Caviar in the mains and Toroline Absolute in the crosses. Smooth as butter, spinny as heck, great control. Toroline Absolute fullbed was too soft and Caviar fullbed was a hair too… crisp?

How long does this hybrid string combination last for you? I will look at those strings to try out. I had never heard of these strings before.

 

[antony]

How long does this hybrid string combination last for you? I will look at those strings to try out. I had never heard of these strings before.

So far (5 hours) so good. Haven’t noticed any degradation yet. Unfortunately, Caviar 1.24mm is sold out until 2022 due to shipping backlogs

 

[mctennis]

So far (5 hours) so good. Haven’t noticed any degradation yet. Unfortunately, Caviar 1.24mm is sold out until 2022 due to shipping backlogs

Thank you for the update on the strings. I will look at getting some of these strings when they become available. I wonder if they do backorders if you try to order them now.

 

[antony]

So I played with Luxilon ALU Power Rough 1.25 crossed with Luxilon NG 1.30 at 62lbs and they played like a dream. Great power. Incredible spin. Supremely comfortable. Good feel for short shots. I could hit so hard with this and keep it in.
Fast forward two days and 10 or so playing hours later. Maybe I was having a low energy day but I was spraying, launching balls, having trouble keeping balls down with spin, etc. But I think more likely, ALU Power Rough expired after its 8+ hour mark again. Did some forum searching and this seems to be the consensus. Bummer ALU Power doesn't last. I think I can confirm this after my multiple attempts to use it. Just bought a mini-reel on sale so I guess I'll play through it to check out some other configurations and just know to cut it out around 10hrs.

Had another racquet strung with 4G Rough and Lux NG, but haven't played much with it yet. Anticipating a longer play time vs. ALU Power.

I will try Toroline Caviar with natural gut in the near future. Just wanted to try the "standard" first.

I tried Mayami Big Spin 1.25 at 57lbs and it wasn't bad. It is indeed spinny. Decent control. Soft. Not sure about its touch/feel though. Probably decent paired with a string with good touch/feel characteristics. I didn't love it fullbed though, and not sure if it's because of the triangles. Need more testing, though unfortunately I didn't like it enough to keep in my racquet to keep testing.

 

[blai212]

poly/gut is not really a great setup…nonpoly cross will lock up string bed. Another benefit of gut/poly is that if the poly dies, u can just restring cross and setup will still play great.

 

[antony]

poly/gut is not really a great setup…nonpoly cross will lock up string bed. Another benefit of gut/poly is that if the poly dies, u can just restring cross and setup will still play great.

I am doing gut/poly next

 

[faded_lines]

I am doing gut/poly next

I recently strung Klip Legend 16g mains and Kirschbaum Max Power 17g crosses @ 58/54 lbs because of sore elbow and can recommend this setup. Comfortable and plush. I am able to generate pace and spin by generating more RHS.