Best poly for dense pattern? Textured or non textured

[Fireball]

What polys do you dense pattern players prefer?

Do you think textured strings is beneficial for spin in a dense pattern racket or is it just the string to string friction that matters?

I have been playing with Signum Pro Tornado (textured) in my blades for some years but I consider testing some non textured string when the reel ends. Maybe the new Lyon string.

 

[Muppet]

I have 18x20 frames and I don't like full setups of shaped poly in them. I don't get as good directional control on the ball as with a smooth poly. I think having edges on both the mains and the crosses in a tight pattern creates more friction and reduces string movement. OTOH, a shaped poly main with smooth poly cross allows for a lot of spin. In fact it was more spin than I knew how to control (Focus Hex black 1.23/Cyberflash 1.20.) From what I'm reading here, many shaped poly/smooth poly selections work very well. Just string the narrower gauge and stiffer string in the crosses, or try something new and report back.

 

[Roland G]

I found that smoother round polys work very well in 18x20 patterns. For example, Kirschbaum Pro Line 2 1.20 in my Blade or Dunlop f3.0 Tour had good power, comfort and spin and was my preferred set-up for a good while.

 

[Fireball]

Nice to hear you have positive experience of non textured (and hybrid textured/non textured) strings. I have been kind of lazy and just from old habits used the same string for years and really I don't think it's bad (then I would have changed) but I agree with you Muppet, it seems like the textured against textured might cause more friction and wearing of the strings compared to non texture or hybrids. My stringer argues that the textured make good use in dense pattern rackets but I'm not sure I completely buy this reasoning.

 

[Cerps]

Yeah I use non textured in my 18*20, don't know why but I just prefer the feel of it.

 

[Muppet]

I also feel that shaped/shaped setups on 18x20 don't have as good directional control because when the strings don't have good movement, the edges don't get pushed out of the way by the ball. The edges form obstacles that don't let the ball do what it wants to do. This makes the ball less predictable.

OTOH, in a 16x18 bed for example, the ball can have an easier time following the path it wants to. The edges are still there and still help spin the ball, but they aren't as much of a static set of obstacles. The 16x18 bed of shaped strings will work with the ball more than 18x20.

A possible exception may be a shaped poly that is very elastic and can move easily enough in an 18x20. Big Hitter Black 7 is like this.

 

[Zoolander]

I have 18x20 frames and I don't like full setups of shaped poly in them. I don't get as good directional control on the ball as with a smooth poly. I think having edges on both the mains and the crosses in a tight pattern creates more friction and reduces string movement. OTOH, a shaped poly main with smooth poly cross allows for a lot of spin. In fact it was more spin than I knew how to control (Focus Hex black 1.23/Cyberflash 1.20.)

I hate 18*20 patterns but i agree here. Shaped cyclone mains with round SP PolyPlasma crosses around 50lbs was crazy for me! Almost made groundstrokes too easy

 

[Fireball]

I have 18x20 frames and I don't like full setups of shaped poly in them. I don't get as good directional control on the ball as with a smooth poly. I think having edges on both the mains and the crosses in a tight pattern creates more friction and reduces string movement. OTOH, a shaped poly main with smooth poly cross allows for a lot of spin. In fact it was more spin than I knew how to control (Focus Hex black 1.23/Cyberflash 1.20.) From what I'm reading here, many shaped poly/smooth poly selections work very well. Just string the narrower gauge and stiffer string in the crosses, or try something new and report back.

Finally I have actually taken action and restrung one of my rackets with RS Lyon (round poly) and after a couple of hours usage I'm quite pleased. The feel, control and spin is better than the Signum Pro Tornado I have been using the last years. I can't say for sure about the power but I don't think that differs that much. Most noticeable difference was the twist/kick serve and slice down the line.

 

[LinePainter]

Luxilon Big Banger Ace is my go to string in a dense string pattern.

 

[darklore009]

Any smooth polys would work in a 18x20. For some reason, any texture or shaped string feels erratic.

 

[Minion]

I prefer B5E strung at 48lbs in my F2 Tours and Prestige MP's - I tried non-shaped strings, but I just couldn't get along with them.