Basic Syn Gut/Nylon Players

[dmcb101]

Hello All,

I'd love to hear all of your thoughts on playing with basic Syn Gut/Nylon instead of the ever popular Poly. Just to give you a little background on myself, I am a 4.5-5.0 (closer to 4.5) teaching pro and ex collegiate player (DIII). When I first started playing tennis I had no idea about string and the potentials each material had; I just knew that I loved to hit the ball!

Fast forward 4-5 years and I learn about these Poly strings and what they can do for your game, yada yada yada... I think Poly has a rightful place in tennis especially for those who brake strings a lot, but I think players who should be using them are fairly few and far between. I am the stringer at the club that I teach at and see a lot of 3.0-4.0 players using Poly or a Poly hybrid and just wonder what the point is. I also string for guys who are ex-DI players who use full Syn Gut at higher tensions (58-60) and hit the ba-Jesus out of the ball!

So I am interested to hear from those who play with either Poly or Syn Gut. I have played with nearly everything and I can say that the best feel in strings is your basic Syn Gut like PSGD or Wilson Stamina. The durability is obviously not as great as Poly but the crisp feel and energy return of the string is great; oh yeah, not to mention the price! I currently am hitting with OGSM 16 G in the Crystal color and like it. I think next time I will try the 17 to get better ball pocketing and feel but this stuff is great!

So, lets here it yall; what's your take on this topic?

Dustin

 

[TennisCJC]

Late 50s, current 4.0 level, played many years 4.5, and 1 year 5.0 decades ago. All court style and mostly doubles now.

Syn gut is a very good option but I am hooked on poly hybrids and have been for last 8-10 years. I take a full swing on my ground strokes and generate moderate+ topspin. I also hit moderate+ spin on both 1st and 2nd serves. Poly gives me a bit more spin and it also gives me the feeling that the ball will not fly on me so that's why I use it. Currently, using poly mains with syn gut (or multi) cross at lower tensions 46-52 lbs. In the past, used syn gur (or multi, or gut) mains with poly cross. Both are good but in my current racket which is 100" head with oval shape (longer mains), the poly mains give more spin and more directional control. In the course of a match, I do hit several balls that bite down and stay in and I find myself thinking without poly that ball was out. For now, I am sticking with poly.

But, string is personal and syn gut at moderate to high tensions is a viable option and it is the basic do everything well string at a low cost.

I do see a few players using poly that should not. I see some guys with short compact swings using poly and think what's the point. I also see a number of women with very slow RHS using poly hybrids and think they would be better off use syn gut, multi or best option natural gut as they tend to string their rackets and then play it for 6 months or more.

For me, I don't think you need to be a topspin RHS beast to use poly. But if you using a full follow thru and generating ball speed in the 80+ mph range on serve and 60+ mph range on your better groundstrokes, then poly can be beneficial especially if you are getting a fair amount of spin on serve and off the ground.

 

[dmcb101]

Late 50s, current 4.0 level, played many years 4.5, and 1 year 5.0 decades ago. All court style and mostly doubles now.

Syn gut is a very good option but I am hooked on poly hybrids and have been for last 8-10 years. I take a full swing on my ground strokes and generate moderate+ topspin. I also hit moderate+ spin on both 1st and 2nd serves. Poly gives me a bit more spin and it also gives me the feeling that the ball will not fly on me so that's why I use it. Currently, using poly mains with syn gut (or multi) cross at lower tensions 46-52 lbs. In the past, used syn gur (or multi, or gut) mains with poly cross. Both are good but in my current racket which is 100" head with oval shape (longer mains), the poly mains give more spin and more directional control. In the course of a match, I do hit several balls that bite down and stay in and I find myself thinking without poly that ball was out. For now, I am sticking with poly.

But, string is personal and syn gut at moderate to high tensions is a viable option and it is the basic do everything well string at a low cost.

I do see a few players using poly that should not. I see some guys with short compact swings using poly and think what's the point. I also see a number of women with very slow RHS using poly hybrids and think they would be better off use syn gut, multi or best option natural gut as they tend to string their rackets and then play it for 6 months or more.

For me, I don't think you need to be a topspin RHS beast to use poly. But if you using a full follow thru and generating ball speed in the 80+ mph range on serve and 60+ mph range on your better groundstrokes, then poly can be beneficial especially if you are getting a fair amount of spin on serve and off the ground.

Great Post! I agree 100% with all your points. I think as you kind of pointed out that the racquet itself can have a large impact on what to string with. A larger head racquet can benefit from Poly if you have long, quick strokes. I think anything smaller than 98 sq in can usually use all Syn Gut with the same strokes and do just fine.

One thing I like about Syn Gut is that I don't tend to over hit as much as I do with Poly. Sometimes with Poly I almost feel invincible and think I can take huge cuts at the ball when it is the wrong time. Syn Gut almost forces you to have good shot selection otherwise the ball will fly if your taking a rip at a ball that maybe should be blocked or at least have a shortened back swing. It seems like that may be a down side but again I think it is a reminder of how a tennis ball should be hit.

With Poly I feel I am just trying to hit a ball super hard; with Syn Gut I hit the ball to beat my opponent, not just hard!

Thanks again for posting.

 

[ushynoti]

I'm in the middle of this dilemma as well...I was not a fan of poly when it first came out, then I started using it more and it felt better, but then I played around with low tensions in the 40s and it felt good but the ball would sometimes be unpredictable and launch on me. Multifilaments are still to me better feeling than any other strings outside of natural gut, but the durability is usually pretty bad so that is the downside, it can get a little pricey....I also find it annoying to have to adjust the strings all the time in a synthetic setup....

 

[dmcb101]

I'm in the middle of this dilemma as well...I was not a fan of poly when it first came out, then I started using it more and it felt better, but then I played around with low tensions in the 40s and it felt good but the ball would sometimes be unpredictable and launch on me. Multifilaments are still to me better feeling than any other strings outside of natural gut, but the durability is usually pretty bad so that is the downside, it can get a little pricey....I also find it annoying to have to adjust the strings all the time in a synthetic setup....

There really are benefits/downsides to each type of string; I completely agree. For me I have come to find feel, power, and cost to be the most important; which leaves me with Syn Gut. As I previously mentioned I string for my club so my access to stringing is bar none. Combined that with the great feeling that I am saving some money and not thinking about my equipment as much is a huge upside. I like being able to play and not have to worry about what I am using, just like before I started reading on the board!

Dustin

 

[Cobra Tennis]

I honestly think Prince Original Synthetic Gut would suit 85% of recreational players.

 

[dmcb101]

I honestly think Prince Original Synthetic Gut would suit 85% of recreational players.

Would you consider 4.5 recreational? I would. I think Poly is needed in the spin pattern racquets though.

 

[Cobra Tennis]

Would you consider 4.5 recreational? I would. I think Poly is needed in the spin pattern racquets though.

Yes, a 4.5 is recreational.


My point being, I'm a part time instructor and stringer, (used to be full time) and I would have so many 2.5-3.0ish players ask for RPM blast at 60lbs because they see nadal using it or some review.

Full poly for the lowly rec player is a recipe for disaster.

 

[dmcb101]

I agree. High 5!

Dustin

 

[1HBHfanatic]

initially player level/experience should determine what strings to start with, but as style of play and power develop, so should different string considerations
OP.., at your level however (higher levels, 3.5 and up), its what you have come to feel comfortable with; game adjustment will be needed when choosing something so powerfull as synthetic gut..

 

[mikeler]

Spin has always been a key weapon of mine so I'm thankful for polyester strings.

 

[PBODY99]

Poly for a lot of players I string for does not help their game. That said, I try to lessen the mismatch of low speed swings by using the thinnest gauge poly I can talk them into & insisting that they go no higher than 80% of their sny-gut tension.

 

[LeeD]

For me, very low tensions, around 38 in a 98 sq in 16x19 pattern racket, is good for all traits. Good easy power on slow swings or slight mishits, enough tension to control flat serves in the lowest possible 100's, and arm friendly for old farts of 66+.

 

[WINZOWAR]

I prefer synthetic guts, Leoina 77 or Gosen OGSM. The times I have tried poly I just didn't see enough of an advantage to keep using it. Throw in some shoulder problems, and I was back to syn gut. I do think poly works better for certain players and racquets, just not for me. My one pet poly peeve is the player who gets it for durability. Please cut your polys out after ten hours, your arm will fall off! For me, synthetic gut feels the same the whole time it's in my racquet, then it breaks. My arm is happy I'm also curious about certain combinations: high power racquet with low power strings vs. low power racquet with high power strings. Are they just evening themselves out?

 

[LeeD]

The SolincoTourBite16 gauge, at 47 lbs., now maybe 40, on my 4DAero300's are over 16 months old, one has over 90 hours on it, and it plays just fine.
While I haven't logged any great wins lately with it, it plays the same as my 4 hour old string jobs, although the 300 has less power than my 500's, Reds, or Sharks.

 

[WINZOWAR]

The guys I play with who seem to be able to take advantage of poly hit balls that dive toward the baseline with fresh strings. After about five hours, that amount of spin is gone, and they claim the strings have gone dead. They cut them out if they haven't broken. Now I have zero experience with TourBite and am more knowledgable about syn guts, but 90 hours sounds like it's time to cut them out.

 

[LeeD]

"sounds like"...
I have a twin of that racket, with less than 3 hours on it, and I hit with it for maybe 2 minutes most days just to compare. Very little difference.
I have 3 other rackets with STBite16, all having less than 10 hours on them.
The one with over 90 hours plays just fine, I can play well (for me and my level), or I can suck and miss the majority of balls with it.
Flat serves, no diff.
Groundies, no diff.
Volleys a slight longer dwell time, but then it's strung at 47 when the racket was brand new, so it dropped at least 10 lbs.
Hard spin second serves, no difference.
Feel is harder to quantify. I"m a blockhead, so I don't feel much.

 

[iTennis]

40's playing at 4.0/ 4.5. Love poly/ syn gut hybrid in low tension below 50, best of both world. It produces wicked spin and angle shots much easier than full syn gut, and enough power for me. I do not break strings but restring after 10 hrs to keep it fresh, very critical for playability. And cost is not an issue as I string my racquets and with cyberflash and OGSM reels it costs about $5 per restring. What I do not get is full poly strung in thick/ stiff frames for rec players, hurting their elbows, wrists and shoulders.

 

[LeeD]

Full poly is great at tension below 40. Soft, resilient, easy on the arms. Huge sweetspot, low impact, and just enough control for harder, not hard, shots.

 

[LeeD]

PrinceSynGut at 54 lbs usually lasted me maybe 10 hours, or 4 days of play.
Now, poly lasts foreever, or over a year, or 70+ hours.

 

[Booger]

If you play singles with full poly at a 4.5 or higher level multiple times per week, it's only a matter of time before the tennis elbow demon gets you, imo. Not everyone, but most.

In my local 5.0 singles league (lots of ex collegiate players), vast majority prefer a hybrid and restring frequently. Some with arm issues use full gut or multi. The few who insist on full poly are all <30 years old and hit with big topspin.

 

[dmcb101]

Lots of great stuff here guys/gals. I agree with all the assessments on string choice based on frame/playing styles. I play poly and syn's and I like the extra bite on balls you can get with poly but I just like the feel of syn much better. I am willing to sacrifice a little bit of spin for better feel. To each their own.

 

[the green god]

Get PSGD, string mid tension or below and forget about it. It's comical that at the level of 99% of this forum plays at, they believe their string choice is going to win or lose a match for them.

 

[dmcb101]

Get PSGD, string mid tension or below and forget about it. It's comical that at the level of 99% of this forum plays at, they believe their string choice is going to win or lose a match for them.

I like just playing and forgetting about what is strung in your racquet. If I miss a shot I blame myself and correct on the next point. No sense in looking at the strings as if it is going to magically hit a rafa forehand!

I recently got my six.one 95's 16x18 and strung it up with a hybrid (smooth poly in mains, OGSM in cross) and liked the spin but did not like the feel. Cut it out, and put in full OGSM and enjoy it more. Better feel, power and it lets me focus on the tennis and not the strings. Just love it.

 

[BretH]

String a poly tight and it has already lost a great deal of whatever resiliency it ever had. So it is no wonder that it feels worse after a short time.

String a poly low and it keeps all its (limited) elasticity and I'd bet keeps it for way longer.

 

[dmcb101]

Any one have any suggestions for Nylon/Syn Gut in reels? Im looking for something cheap. Im actually thinking of trying the Forten Nylon; talk about cheap! Also looking at Ashaway Liberty and Forten Sweet. What is everyones thoughts here?

Dustin

 

[mikeler]

If you play singles with full poly at a 4.5 or higher level multiple times per week, it's only a matter of time before the tennis elbow demon gets you, imo. Not everyone, but most.

In my local 5.0 singles league (lots of ex collegiate players), vast majority prefer a hybrid and restring frequently. Some with arm issues use full gut or multi. The few who insist on full poly are all <30 years old and hit with big topspin.

It all depends on the frame but for the most part I agree. I've never been able to touch full poly until I bought my current frames. Now I don't want to use anything but full poly and the frame is so easy on the arm I don't have any issues even though I've suffered with both TE and GE in the past.

 

[the green god]

It all depends on the frame but for the most part I agree. I've never been able to touch full poly until I bought my current frames. Now I don't want to use anything but full poly and the frame is so easy on the arm I don't have any issues even though I've suffered with both TE and GE in the past.

What frame is that?

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Any one have any suggestions for Nylon/Syn Gut in reels? Im looking for something cheap. Im actually thinking of trying the Forten Nylon; talk about cheap! Also looking at Ashaway Liberty and Forten Sweet. What is everyones thoughts here?

Dustin

forten nylon is my testing string - felt great on the cross, solid feel, not powerfull, muted all the way until it breaks, but when i tried to string a full job mains/crosses, the mains moved too much and too fast, infact right after initla hit; i recenttly used forten nylon on mains and low friction poly on the cross, strings performed better to me, still muted and low power, they snapped back well

forten sweet, its a more powerfull version of the nylon, tried a single pack only, but thats my experience with it

both great strigning, no issues
both cheap, like i menitoned above, great for testing
ive bought many reel of the forten sweet,, i test a lot of string combos
btw, the diff colors of the forten nylon do play abit different (threads on this color/play topic)..

 

[the green god]

Any one have any suggestions for Nylon/Syn Gut in reels? Im looking for something cheap. Im actually thinking of trying the Forten Nylon; talk about cheap! Also looking at Ashaway Liberty and Forten Sweet. What is everyones thoughts here?

Dustin

Forten Sweet plays pretty nice, but string movement, at least for me, was a biatch. I don't notice it nearly as much on PSGD and by that time it's usually ready to break anyway.

I'm all for being cheap, but if you are careful, you should be able to get at least 18 string jobs from a reel of Gosen. That comes to $2.33 a string job. If you are loving it don't switch.

 

[mikeler]

What frame is that?

See my signature at the bottom of the post.

 

[lstewart]

I agree that a lot of people play poly that get little benefit from it. I'm 56, play almost daily, 4.5, and swing hard at most of my groundstrokes. I've experimented for years, and now play a poly main, multi or synthetic cross hybrid set-up in a Pacific 95 frame, at fairly standard level tensions (53/54 for the poly mains, 56 for the multi/synthetic crosses). I don't care for the feel of all poly, and do have some arm issues, but having poly mains allows me to swing from my heels on most strokes and keep the ball in play. I could switch to an all synthetic set-up and still play solid tennis, but my groundstrokes would not be as big a weapon, and I would make more errors on big swings. Stringing my own rackets, I have tried everything, so know exactly what I gain and lose with different options. My son is a college players, and I string his Wilson 6.1 95 frames with all poly at 58. My wife is a 3.0 and I string her frames with all multi. Most lower level players at the club I train at are using poly, since that is what the club generally carries, and probably recommends. Some of the 3.5 level men hit a pretty good topspin poly forehand that would suffer with synthetic, but their overall games would not be that different. I doubt many of the women I see hit the ball hard enough to get much benefit from the poly in their frames. I'm not all the picky about cutting string out like many mention. I basically will play my hybrid until it breaks, which is usually around a month rotating frames.

 

[Schills]

I'm a 4.0-4.5 level player who beats almost all 4.0 players and a few 4.5 players. I hit relatively flat, and with a OHBH, and have a big serve with a first serve that very rarely comes back. Consistency is my nemesis.

Only once did I use poly, when it came prestrung on a pair of rackets I bought used. It killed my shoulder. Before then, and since then, I've used almost exclusively PSGD strung at 58 - 60 lbs depending on the racket, which over the past 8 years has included RDS001 MP, Head Prestige Pro , Wilson Blade 93, and for the past 6 months now the Prince Response 97.

I've experimented with a few multis along the way and for a while was trying gut/PSGD hybrids, but at the end of the day I found that the type of string didn't make that much of a difference in results on the court so I didn't see the point of spending extra money when the PSGD yielded the same results. I see 3.5 level players stringing with expensive Poly all the time and don't understand why, because they're not at a point where they can even sustain a 3 shot rally. I also see all sorts of players at all levels buying really powerful rackets and then using poly to mute the power. Seems like they bought the wrong racket. And most interestingly, I see guys spending the money on Poly and then using it for 3 months before restringing. That's probably 2 months past the date that its gone dead.

My brother is a former D1 college player who went to USTA nationals with two 5.0 level teams this year. He's also been a lifelong synth gut player and spends even less than me, favoring Forten 17g, which is around $2/racket.

I honestly think 95% of the tennis population would be just fine with Synthetic Gut. The lesson I've learned . . .but it took a while to admit it (see racket history), is to pick one. . . any one. . . whether it be string or racket. . . and really master it. That will yield more results than perpetually looking for a better string or racket.

 

[Govnor]

Interesting stuff. I'm just about to start my journey into the land of actually tracking what I'm playing with. I think the first is going to be a full bed of Dunlop S-gut. I was leaning towards a lower tension range on a O10 325g. Anyone have thoughts on that?

 

[Schills]

I would start at the middle of the tension range for your racket. You can adjust up or down from there on your next string job, and strings only lose tension over time so they are very naturally going to get looser.

 

[inzone]

forten nylon is my testing string - felt great on the cross, solid feel, not powerfull, muted all the way until it breaks, but when i tried to string a full job mains/crosses, the mains moved too much and too fast, infact right after initla hit; i recenttly used forten nylon on mains and low friction poly on the cross, strings performed better to me, still muted and low power, they snapped back well

..

I just started experimenting with Forten nylon and smooth poly cross. I tried a full bed of nylon but the crosses start to become rough and inhibit snapback. The hybrid feels and plays much better than the full bed of nylon. I hope this will become my new cheap string setup, but I will not know until the weather is warmer and I have time to play more often.

 

[ushynoti]

I'm a 4.0-4.5 level player who beats almost all 4.0 players and a few 4.5 players. I hit relatively flat, and with a OHBH, and have a big serve with a first serve that very rarely comes back. Consistency is my nemesis.

Only once did I use poly, when it came prestrung on a pair of rackets I bought used. It killed my shoulder. Before then, and since then, I've used almost exclusively PSGD strung at 58 - 60 lbs depending on the racket, which over the past 8 years has included RDS001 MP, Head Prestige Pro , Wilson Blade 93, and for the past 6 months now the Prince Response 97.

I've experimented with a few multis along the way and for a while was trying gut/PSGD hybrids, but at the end of the day I found that the type of string didn't make that much of a difference in results on the court so I didn't see the point of spending extra money when the PSGD yielded the same results. I see 3.5 level players stringing with expensive Poly all the time and don't understand why, because they're not at a point where they can even sustain a 3 shot rally. I also see all sorts of players at all levels buying really powerful rackets and then using poly to mute the power. Seems like they bought the wrong racket. And most interestingly, I see guys spending the money on Poly and then using it for 3 months before restringing. That's probably 2 months past the date that its gone dead.

My brother is a former D1 college player who went to USTA nationals with two 5.0 level teams this year. He's also been a lifelong synth gut player and spends even less than me, favoring Forten 17g, which is around $2/racket.

I honestly think 95% of the tennis population would be just fine with Synthetic Gut. The lesson I've learned . . .but it took a while to admit it (see racket history), is to pick one. . . any one. . . whether it be string or racket. . . and really master it. That will yield more results than perpetually looking for a better string or racket.

Interesting, I agree with a lot that you say, and oddly enough, I also have been playing around with the Prince Response 97 and Blade 93. Do you really feel the Response 97 is better with all synthetic? I haven't tried that setup yet. I just tried the Blade 93 in a hybrid setup with PSGD on the mains and a textured poly on the crosses and it feels nice so far, but I'm sure the durability probably doesn't work well. What did you use in the Blade 93?

 

[BretH]

I just started experimenting with Forten nylon and smooth poly cross. I tried a full bed of nylon but the crosses start to become rough and inhibit snapback. The hybrid feels and plays much better than the full bed of nylon. I hope this will become my new cheap string setup, but I will not know until the weather is warmer and I have time to play more often.

My setup is syngut in the mains at about 44 and a cheap smooth (slick) poly in the crosses at about 38. I think it's a pretty nice feeling setup and I have tried full syngut and full multi near 60. While I like that well enough what's nice about the hybrid is the mains continue to slide across the crosses with good snap-back. I never have to adjust my strings

 

[WINZOWAR]

By the reel. All are synthetic gut except the Forten nylon. I like to stick with either Gosen or Toalson, but I think I'm going to try out the Kirschbaum.

Forten nylon $17 a reel! Forten sweet 17 $45.
Gosen OGSM 17 or 18 $42.
Babolat Syn gut 16 or 17 $55
Kirschbaum syn gut 15, 16 or 17 $35
Toalson Leoina 66 (15) or 77 (16) $49

 

[gambitt]

syngut/poly or multi/poly (poly cross) is perfect for rec players. Yes it breaks in 2-3 hours but poly will need cutting out not long after that anyway. It's sad to see people try to squeeze 15 hours out of poly and then complain about arm problems.

In my controversial opinion, anyone who plays more than a few hours per week should have at least 3 racquets and their own stringing machine, or access to one. A dropweight machine is only $250 and 200m reels of decent string can be bought for $30. Stringing takes 40 minutes per racquet after you've got some practice.

Fresh strings are far more important than the brand or cost.

 

[dmcb101]

Just want to say thanks to you all for the great posts. I am thinking I might give the Forten Sweet a try next. I have no problems just trying strings out and using them until I am out. I may even order a bunch of sets of some basic syn gut and just see which one I favor the most.

Interestingly I did not prefer the OGSM right off the stringer but after about 15 minutes of hitting I really liked it. I am using a 6.1 95 16x18 which is a pretty powerful racquet and I strung up a full bed of OGSM at 57. I like it but I think going higher might be good for those swings where I really go for some added spin. The volleys at this tension are just sublime though. I highly doubt going up to say 60 would change that to much but boy do I love volleying with syn gut. Serves also have some extra added pop.

It's funny how my shots just change a little bit when I do not have poly in the racquet. At first I would miss a bit long with syn gut and then I just adjust and things are gravy. I thought I would be sacrificing spin, but in reality I just made some minor adjustments and gained a ton of feel and power.

Just like McDonalds...Bada da da da! I'm lovin' it!

 

[sundaypunch]

I love the feel of a full syn. gut setup and can deal with the performance. What I can't stand is having the strings move all over the place. If you hit with good topspin and use an open pattern racquet, it is irritating to have to adjust the strings after every point.

 

[WINZOWAR]

I used two different colors of Gosen OGSM, white and natural. I can't be sure of this, but I think they played a little different. The white seemed a little stiffer.

 

[Cobra Tennis]

Prince Original Syn just holds a special place in my heart.

It plays so nice the first 6-8 hours.

 

[KaiserW]

Try Prince Original if you have not already. It is my favorite syn gut. It offers good feel, spin, power, and durability if using the 16 g. It seems to hold tension better than most syn guts.

 

[dmcb101]

Prince Original Syn just holds a special place in my heart.

It plays so nice the first 6-8 hours.

Do they sell the original without duraflex in reels?

 

[4-string]

Do they sell the original without duraflex in reels?

Yes, at least in 100m reels, I just got one.

 

[Capulin Zurdo]

I've tried a few polyester strings, and synthetic gut is still my favorite string. I currently use Wilson Extreme 16, a trusty one for me, and more notably Dunlop S- Gut. I really like how the crispiness of the strings accentuate the response of the stringed; I get ample spin and good control given its type.

 

[HELLCAT707HP]

cheap string

Any one have any suggestions for Nylon/Syn Gut in reels? Im looking for something cheap. Im actually thinking of trying the Forten Nylon; talk about cheap! Also looking at Ashaway Liberty and Forten Sweet. What is everyones thoughts here?

Dustin

I been using Forten nylon reels for years love it!!!! I break it every 13 hrs so I pull it off at hr 12. So I string 1 racquet a week. Now u will never see me break a string. I string it myself best part it only cost me a buck a string job.
Funny thing I never liked sny gut, my friend uses 16g stn gut and it breaks so often compared to a 15g nylon string.

It cracks me up how people spend so much on strings and different setups I think it's more important to string it yourself to get the same exact tension on the same stringer.

Plus u can string it up right before a match so it's nice and tight. U can feel the tension drop even the day after. I also have so much time and money not picking up and dropping off my racquets. If u play a lot u will play good if u haven't played no string will help. Plus I can buy 3 new cans of balls with the money I save on strings and buy 2 new sticks every year. every time I drill and play sets.


If I were pro I would play with natural gut. I tried it a few times u can hit for 3-4 hrs and it feels like 1 hr of nylon only problem even a 15 main 17 cross breaks in 40 mins felt great while it lasted but 42.00 a string job ouch

 

[dmcb101]

I been using Forten nylon reels for years love it!!!! I break it every 13 hrs so I pull it off at hr 12. So I string 1 racquet a week. Now u will never see me break a string. I string it myself best part it only cost me a buck a string job.
Funny thing I never liked sny gut, my friend uses 16g stn gut and it breaks so often compared to a 15g nylon string.

It cracks me up how people spend so much on strings and different setups I think it's more important to string it yourself to get the same exact tension on the same stringer.

Plus u can string it up right before a match so it's nice and tight. U can feel the tension drop even the day after. I also have so much time and money not picking up and dropping off my racquets. If u play a lot u will play good if u haven't played no string will help. Plus I can buy 3 new cans of balls with the money I save on strings and buy 2 new sticks every year. every time I drill and play sets.


If I were pro I would play with natural gut. I tried it a few times u can hit for 3-4 hrs and it feels like 1 hr of nylon only problem even a 15 main 17 cross breaks in 40 mins felt great while it lasted but 42.00 a string job ouch

I bought Forten Nylon to string for kids at a tennis program that I worked for years back and one day decided to put this stuff in my own stick. I actually liked it and was surprised how nice it was given the price. I do agree that it lost tension quickly but like you said after a couple hours it breaks and you can put some more in!

What color do you prefer in this nylon. Also have you ever tried the 16 gauge?