Breaking strings in 2h - advice needed from stringers

[Psi7]

Hi,

5.5-6.0. Using a lot of spin with heavy shots from forehand.

moved from Blast 1.25 to poly tour pro 1.25 and also changed racquet from aero to speed mp 22 so racquet change to 18x20 for better durability is not an option.

Lets stick with strings. I was breaking earlier blast in aero within 4h, ptp in 3 but once i moved to speed mp with ptp and started playing more so my level went up with regularity, its now about 2 hours for ptp to break. That is way too fast for am tennis I tried hybrid of blast on mains plus ptp on crosses but it lasted it like 1.5h regular play +1h just serving. So nothing changed.

i will be trying now spin on mains plus ptp on crosses but not having high hopes, this setuo is more about gameplay.

i think i will have to go to 1.3 or just skip ptp that i really like and use more firm ones that i really dont want to do at this point.

Using tension at 23kg lately so quite low too. Can anyone with proper knowledge advice on this?

I am looking to add a bit of spin and thats why i am searching for a hybrid and think yonex spin + ptp can be ideal especially when i like ptp and both are well priced but assuming i stay with it should i go full 1.3 on both or maybe can try 1.3 on spin at mains and 1.25 ptp on crosses? Maybe i have to try spin itself without ptp?

How crosses act on mains in this case? I was sure blast+ptp will last longer but it didint make much of a difference comparing to full ptp. Is there any point in testing this 1.3+1.25 hybrid or no point and i should go with 1.3?

Thanks

 

[Uncoil]

If 1.25 is not working out for you durability wise, the next logical step is to try 1.30.

 

[Funbun]

whatever you do, keep in mind that 1.3 will be heavier and increase the swingweight; you'll definitely notice it.

moving to a thicker gauge will also feel very different. i'd say try out full 1.25 spin + ptp first; don't wanna change things too dramatically.

 

[g4driver]

Luxilon ALU Power 15/1.38 String Reel - 660' | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

Alu Power 1.38mm is what I use for 27 year old USTA 5.5C who breaks 1.25mm Alu Power in less than 2 hours

He breaks 1.30mm Alu Power around 8-10 hours while the 1.35 last him twice as long as 1.30mm

when I told him 1.38mm was available , he asked for a reel of it.

If you want the slickest Yonex poly cross,you could try AP 1.30mm /Yonex Poly Tour Fire 1.30mm if you want a hybrid or try a full bed of

a) AP 1.30mm
b) YPTF 1.30mm

 

[SeeItHitIt]

Luxilon ALU Power 15/1.38 String Reel - 660' | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

Alu Power 1.38mm is what I use for 27 year old USTA 5.5C who breaks 1.25mm Alu Power in less than 2 hours

He breaks 1.30mm Alu Power around 8-10 hours while the 1.35 last him twice as long as 1.30mm

I’m no 5.0 or 5.5, and most surprised that the ALU didn’t bag out after 10 hours! And 1.35 seems like piano wire

 

[g4driver]

whatever you do, keep in mind that 1.3 will be heavier and increase the swingweight; you'll definitely notice it. moving to a thicker gauge will also feel very different. i'd say try out full 1.25 spin + ptp first; don't wanna change things too dramatically.

I know a few members on this forum who notice the weight, but honestly, I've never gotten feedback from any 5.5C, 5.0C, or 4.5C clients that they felt the swing weight of the thicker strings when I moved them from 1.25mm to 1.30mm polys when they are breaking the 1.25mm polys quickly. Then again I don't tell them "Hey I'm putting a thicker string in your frame, so get this in your mind that you might feel a difference. "

My approach is simply to string their frames and let them hit with them and wait for their feedback. If I don't hear from them in a week, I text them and ask "how are your strings?" For some players, yep, they might notice the change. For OCD players, I tell them as little as possible so they don't think about their strings while playing.

I’m no 5.0 or 5.5, and most surprised that the ALU didn’t bag out after 10 hours! And 1.35 seems like piano wire

Actually, it is 1.38mm, not 1.35mm

 

[Yamin]

BBO

 

[gvsbdisco]

string for a guy who was breaking rpm blast 1.30 in pure aero in 3-4 hours. Once he moved to 1.35 mains and 1.30 crosses things improved significantly. Also big improvements when he dumped the pure aero and moved to the pure aero vs.

 

[Hansen]

since you not only want durability but also comfort, even if you seem to have solved you armproblems which is nice to hear, i would recommend to use thicker mains but still strings that are on the softer side. if you go up in thickness with strings like blast or yptspin things can get really uncomfortable and you will loose some power, imo.

 

[Automatix]

Alu Power 1.38mm is what I use for 27 year old USTA 5.5C who breaks 1.25mm Alu Power in less than 2 hours

 

[Jouke]

Luxilon ALU Power 15/1.38 String Reel - 660' | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

Alu Power 1.38mm is what I use for 27 year old USTA 5.5C who breaks 1.25mm Alu Power in less than 2 hours

He breaks 1.30mm Alu Power around 8-10 hours while the 1.35 last him twice as long as 1.30mm

when I told him 1.38mm was available , he asked for a reel of it.

If you want the slickest Yonex poly cross,you could try AP 1.30mm /Yonex Poly Tour Fire 1.30mm if you want a hybrid or try a full bed of

a) AP 1.30mm
b) YPTF 1.30mm

Why would someone wánt to play Alu Power for more than 1 hour?

Regarding OPs arm issues I think Poly Tour Pro 1.30 will be a much better option than alu power.

 

[g4driver]

Why would someone wánt to play Alu Power for more than 1 hour?

Regarding OPs arm issues I think Poly Tour Pro 1.30 will be a much better option than alu power.

where did the OP mention arm issues? Missed that completely..

 

[Mischko]

Since you obviously like high launch, I'm not so sure you'll like 1.30 strings at all, without extra lead on the racquets. 1.30 are preferred by good players who also like spin but don't want high launch, they prefer punching through the court, not looping the ball.

Most durable strings are PT Strike and Rev, string them low. Lynx Tour will also last, and will actually break on the crosses, they'll just get so thin and used from the constant sliding of the mains. LT also isn't super expensive so give it a try. However, most spin strings are actually made for spin but with a low launch angle, see above, so don't let that confuse you, if you like your balls to fly 2m above the net..

 

[CosmosMpower]

1.3 or 1.35

 

[ryohazuki222]

1.30. It’s worth just trying it in the mains first to make the change a little smaller. (I assume it’s the mains that are breaking.)

most of the d1 kids I used to string for basically used 1.30 out of necessity. These days with heavy spin it seems 1.35 is more popular too. If it were me I’d just measure swingweight and weight with the setup you like and the new thicker string setup and just do minor weight adjustments on the frame as needed due to you not liking the change. Just want to isolate if it’s the strings or the new specs of the racket.

alternatively:
- use the frame more. Shank more balls to save the strings.

 

[Psi7]

whatever you do, keep in mind that 1.3 will be heavier and increase the swingweight; you'll definitely notice it.

moving to a thicker gauge will also feel very different. i'd say try out full 1.25 spin + ptp first; don't wanna change things too dramatically.

yes, got one but bought 2 sets so will test it in 4 racquets

where did the OP mention arm issues? Missed that completely..

Yes, sorry forgot to add it but was also writing in your post. All the changes came from elbow issues, but looks like its shoulder blade. Mentioned all in your post as well as mine titled golfers’ elbow. So far its getting really better but picked poly tour pro from blast because of it being soft but i also ended up really liking it. Recently played with blast+ptp, it was fine, no issues health wise so figured i will go with spin + ptp next.

i didint consider alu power as i thought it will be similar with durabilty as the others but way more expensive. 1.35/1.37 will be way too tick but surely can try 1.3 i think. Not sure how stiff it is comparing to yonex spin or head lynx tour for example.

based on the research, if i have to go hybrid instead of going full ptp 1.3 i would consider this 3 for the mains so alu power/yonex spin/head lynx tour at 1.3 and then either 1.3 as well or 1.25 off ptp on crosses. What impact that softer and either 1.3 or 1.25 on the crosses have on the mains and st

Since you obviously like high launch, I'm not so sure you'll like 1.30 strings at all, without extra lead on the racquets. 1.30 are preferred by good players who also like spin but don't want high launch, they prefer punching through the court, not looping the ball.

Most durable strings are PT Strike and Rev, string them low. Lynx Tour will also last, and will actually break on the crosses, they'll just get so thin and used from the constant sliding of the mains. LT also isn't super expensive so give it a try. However, most spin strings are actually made for spin but with a low launch angle, see above, so don't let that confuse you, if you like your balls to fly 2m above the net..

Well i am very aggresive player. My backhand is more a defensive one but from forehand i am on full attack mode coming into the ball most of the time. And thats from the baseline as well, aggresive there but shorter ball is always full power hit.

How are pt strike and rev comfort wise comparing to the ones i mentioned so that 3 more firm ones and soft ptp?

since you not only want durability but also comfort, even if you seem to have solved you armproblems which is nice to hear, i would recommend to use thicker mains but still strings that are on the softer side. if you go up in thickness with strings like blast or yptspin things can get really uncomfortable and you will loose some power, imo.

Yes, writing at the end of the post that i am looking for compromise of comfort and durability. When i tested lately blast+ptp comfort was fine, i lost some power which i didint like and didint expect but durabity didint increase so based on the comfort issues i dont consider going full blast/spin at this point.

thinking of either ptp 1.3 or hybrid of firm 1.3 + 1.25 on crosses.

1.30. It’s worth just trying it in the mains first to make the change a little smaller. (I assume it’s the mains that are breaking.)

most of the d1 kids I used to string for basically used 1.30 out of necessity. These days with heavy spin it seems 1.35 is more popular too. If it were me I’d just measure swingweight and weight with the setup you like and the new thicker string setup and just do minor weight adjustments on the frame as needed due to you not liking the change. Just want to isolate if it’s the strings or the new specs of the racket.

alternatively:
- use the frame more. Shank more balls to save the strings.

yes, its always mains that breaks thats why i am asking how crosses act on the mains to understand what impact exactly having softer string on crosses do.

Based on everything that was said i will play next sessions with spin+ptp at 1.25 just because i bought it now but obv i dont think there will be big increase in durability so i am quite sure i need to go to 1.3 but think slowly and keep it still comfortable so

1. I can go full ptp 1.3
2. Go with yonex Spin/Head Lynx tour/ Alu power 1.3 and keep ptp 1.25 on crosses.
3. Same as above but with 1.3 ptp on crosses

Going 1.3 of full Spin/Head Lynx/Alu power think i should leave for last step as it will be significantly more firm than the other options. I am fixing prev problems after changng racquet to mp 22’ but its way too early to say i sorted it and can go back to the harsh setup just because of durability

Lets say i found comfort now with ptp but need to find durability as well and maybe add a little bit of spin to my game. So its looking for a compromise without going hard one way or another.

Thats why hybrid with firm string on mains and softer on crosses can do that as far as understand. Just want to understand if thats how it works or maybe i should simply go for 1.3 of ptp instead.[/QUOTE]

 

[Mischko]

PT Spin and Pro is almost the same string, material seems identical, feel is very similar, but obviously PTS is sharp pentagonal. Ruud strings PTS in mains, PTP in crosses in a heavy Ez100+

Strike is nice when new, but it's a firm string, and when you hit the initial elasticity out of it, you'll feel the firmness. But performance really is there, all of it, power, control and spin. Should pair well with Speed MP, and is great for mains only too. If you put a slightly softer livelier string in the crosses it will work great, such as Isospeed Grey Fire

Rev is really internally well dampened, like PTP, but it's a crispier string than PTP, PTP absorbs more. It's made to pair with VCore racquets line, and they have a stiffer feel, particularly on a powerful flat swing, you definitely feel that the frame doesn't have any give. I string it in a Aero VS, also stiff, very similar to VC95/98 and it works great. Rev has - like Fire - a very low launch angle, to counter VCore 98/100 spin launch - and is definitely an attacking oriented string, so not a favorite for everyone, but it's a top string. Orange is clearly the best, purple and white are kind of lower powered or something

I'd skip ALU completely, but if you're curious try it of course. ALU rough works well in crosses in some combos, but is very expensive and very loose very quickly

 

[nov]

Hi,

5.5-6.0. Using a lot of spin with heavy shots from forehand.

moved from Blast 1.25 to poly tour pro 1.25 and also changed racquet from aero to speed mp 22 so racquet change to 18x20 for better durability is not an option.

Lets stick with strings. I was breaking earlier blast in aero within 4h, ptp in 3 but once i moved to speed mp with ptp and started playing more so my level went up with regularity, its now about 2 hours for ptp to break. That is way too fast for am tennis I tried hybrid of blast on mains plus ptp on crosses but it lasted it like 1.5h regular play +1h just serving. So nothing changed.

i will be trying now spin on mains plus ptp on crosses but not having high hopes, this setuo is more about gameplay.

i think i will have to go to 1.3 or just skip ptp that i really like and use more firm ones that i really dont want to do at this point.

Using tension at 23kg lately so quite low too. Can anyone with proper knowledge advice on this?

I am looking to add a bit of spin and thats why i am searching for a hybrid and think yonex spin + ptp can be ideal especially when i like ptp and both are well priced but assuming i stay with it should i go full 1.3 on both or maybe can try 1.3 on spin at mains and 1.25 ptp on crosses? Maybe i have to try spin itself without ptp?

How crosses act on mains in this case? I was sure blast+ptp will last longer but it didint make much of a difference comparing to full ptp. Is there any point in testing this 1.3+1.25 hybrid or no point and i should go with 1.3?

Thanks

As 5.5-6.0 i cant understand why you go with Speed MP instead Speed Pro?

 

[Hansen]

1. I can go full ptp 1.3
2. Go with yonex Spin/Head Lynx tour/ Alu power 1.3 and keep ptp 1.25 on crosses.
3. Same as above but with 1.3 ptp on crosses

i would start with ptp 1.25 in the crosses and with ptp 1.30 in the mains.

ptspin is stiffer than ptp, imo.
alu power too expensive.
no experience with head lynx tour.

did you try volkl cyclone or hyper g (soft) or tier one black knight etc. ? there are a lot of options

 

[Psi7]

PT Spin and Pro is almost the same string, material seems identical, feel is very similar, but obviously PTS is sharp pentagonal. Ruud strings PTS in mains, PTP in crosses in a heavy Ez100+

Strike is nice when new, but it's a firm string, and when you hit the initial elasticity out of it, you'll feel the firmness. But performance really is there, all of it, power, control and spin. Should pair well with Speed MP, and is great for mains only too. If you put a slightly softer livelier string in the crosses it will work great, such as Isospeed Grey Fire

Rev is really internally well dampened, like PTP, but it's a crispier string than PTP, PTP absorbs more. It's made to pair with VCore racquets line, and they have a stiffer feel, particularly on a powerful flat swing, you definitely feel that the frame doesn't have any give. I string it in a Aero VS, also stiff, very similar to VC95/98 and it works great. Rev has - like Fire - a very low launch angle, to counter VCore 98/100 spin launch - and is definitely an attacking oriented string, so not a favorite for everyone, but it's a top string. Orange is clearly the best, purple and white are kind of lower powered or something

I'd skip ALU completely, but if you're curious try it of course. ALU rough works well in crosses in some combos, but is very expensive and very loose very quickly

Thanks, based on what i will write at the reply to Hansen below think i will stick to PTP for now i guess and see how it goes with 1.30. I didint like Spin today and Orange rev will be too distracting on my black/white frame

As 5.5-6.0 i cant understand why you go with Speed MP instead Speed Pro?

I tested vcore pro at 18x20 and it felt off. Think i really prefer 16x19 and when i got in touch with Mp it felt so similar to my old Aero but just way better comfort. Had similar feeling with Vcore from Yonex but felt its more firm and didint want to change Aero to Vcore simply because my main focus was getting as much comfort to my elbow/arm as i can get without changing much of a setup. It clicked straight away with MP so havent even tried Pro due to my earlier tests with Vcore Pro 97D which was 320 and 18x20.

i would start with ptp 1.25 in the crosses and with ptp 1.30 in the mains.

ptspin is stiffer than ptp, imo.
alu power too expensive.
no experience with head lynx tour.

did you try volkl cyclone or hyper g (soft) or tier one black knight etc. ? there are a lot of options

I tried Hyper G Soft and it was ok but PTP was way better and hyper G soft also was lower powered comparing to PTP. Just didint feel it and decided that there is no point in switching ptp to it. Green colour also annoyed me so didint want to push that. I know its the smallest factor out of all but i want to stick to black/graphite or neon as it looks good on the black frame

I tested that hybrid of Spin 1.25 + Ptp 1.25 today and i am not conviced. Have other racquets with full ptp 1.25 so the one that i mostly used lately and i dont know why by it feels so smooth to me. I played for a full year with blast and now after like 2 months with PTP everything different to ptp feels lower powered and more harsh. Every single shot with spin+ptp felt harsh, more heavy but slow heavy so less powered and with worse touch.

Somehow i havent considered ptp 1.3 + 1.25, not sure why but think it might be the best option especially as that spin+ptp didint work well today. Will give it another go but of course just dont think this is it. It kind of felt worse to me than Blast+Ptp and still full Ptp feels much better for me. I have more power, more control and more comfort with just crisp touch on every shot

So kind of logical it is to stay with ptp without messing with others i think and just move to 1.3+1.25 first and then maybe full 1.3.

That hybrid was also with graphite ptp but dont think it makes any difference vs the neon one i normally use or at least not significant here. Had to be harsh feel from the spin one on the mains.

 

[g4driver]

Yes, sorry forgot to add it but was also writing in your post. All the changes came from elbow issues, but looks like its shoulder blade.

Mentioned all in your post as well as mine titled golfers’ elbow. So far its getting really better but picked poly tour pro from blast because of it being soft but i also ended up really liking it. Recently played with blast+ptp, it was fine, no issues health wise so figured i will go with spin + ptp next.

Yes, writing at the end of the post that i am looking for compromise of comfort and durability. When i tested lately blast+ptp comfort was fine, i lost some power which i didint like and didint expect but durabity didint increase so based on the comfort issues i dont consider going full blast/spin at this point.

yes, its always mains that breaks thats why i am asking how crosses act on the mains to understand what impact exactly having softer string on crosses do.

Thats why hybrid with firm string on mains and softer on crosses can do that as far as understand. Just want to understand if thats how it works or maybe i should simply go for 1.3 of ptp instead.

I am caught up now.. I didn't realize you where the same poster posting in that KMSS thread.. sorry was flying Sunday to Wednesday and didnt have much time to read / reply. Long days..

you have two issues:
1) arm / shoulder issues
2) high level 5.5 / 6.0 player who breaks strings

I thought you were simply a player who breaks strings frequently without the arm/shoulder issue.. so definitely not recommend Alu Power, RPM BLAST, but RPM Blast Rough is a completely different animal and something you might consider. RPM Blast Rough also comes in 1.35mm in case you find it comfortable but not as durable as you like.

A) YPTP 1.30mm / YPTF 1.25 will put a comfortable main with a very slick cross

B) RPM Blast Rough 1.30mm (less stiff than Lynx Tour with more spin potential)

 

[JustTennis76]

Just curious, is the string breakage happening due to mishits or they break right down the center of the string bed? In my experience, I used some Pacific polys that are so durable. Polyforce 16 and pacific Xcite. Those are my experiences.

 

[Mischko]

Well then it's easy, go with the PTP hybrid if you like that feel. People like yellow PTP most, blue is new and very slightly different, graphite one seems to be the worst, but it sells because it's black.. That feel that you like with PTP is what most of people who play with it like. Only similar feeling strings are Hyper G, Wilson Revolve Spin, Signum Pro X-Perience, but they aren't quite like PTP

 

[Psi7]

A) YPTP 1.30mm / YPTF 1.25 will put a comfortable main with a very slick cross

Can you and others that posted great replies in this thread tell me please what could be the difference between 1.3 ptp + 1.25 ptp vs 1.3 ptp + pt fire 1.25?
Like what poly tour fire at crosses will change comparing to full ptp just 1.3+1.25?
Think i would go with one of this two options first and see how it goes. Will test both anyway

 

[g4driver]

@Psi7

PTF is slicker than PTP and slightly stiffer. I've never hit with PTP mains / PTF crosses, but my guess is two things:

a) more spin
b) longer lasting (before you break the mains )

 

[esgee48]

I think OP hits too hard to use poly. Slick crosses are fine unless you hit the ball hard, which folks at 5.5-6.0 tend to do. Slickness goes out the window when high pressures are involved. String COFs increase momentarily but during that period, the strings dig into each other. My suspicion is nothing will work if polys, copolys or nylons are involved.

my personal opinion is OP should trial the Kevlar/ZX hybrid. No need to use extreme differentials, but maybe 62 main and 57 crosses. Need CP for at least 10 seconds or multiple pulls since both have high static tension losses.

Possible to use Kelvlar with a pre stretched poly like 4G crosses.

Maybe @graycrait can chime in.

 

[g4driver]

@esgee48

that was my next suggestion as well.

 

[Psi7]

@Psi7

PTF is slicker than PTP and slightly stiffer. I've never hit with PTP mains / PTF crosses, but my guess is two things:

a) more spin
b) longer lasting (before you break the mains )

i see, it has black version so can try it out

so, for 100% i am going with 1.3 ptp on mains and will check 3 combinations of all 1.25 on crosses. Poly tour pro, poly tour fire and will give it a go to poly tour spin as well as i got half of it anyway.

Dont think i will go with spin though as i like full ptp much better than the spin on mains plus ptp on crosses, but maybe other way around it will feel good. Spin is more firm than the fire as well so probably thats not ideal for my arm anyway.

at least thats how i understand it


@esgee48 if nothing from the above works somehow(+the last option of full 1.3 ptp) i will move to your advice

Just curious, is the string breakage happening due to mishits or they break right down the center of the string bed? In my experience, I used some Pacific polys that are so durable. Polyforce 16 and pacific Xcite. Those are my experiences.

Dont think its ever at the center for anyone right?ts higher than the centre but thats where most people hit the ball i believe. Like the sweet spot is a little bit above typical centre. Thats where i break my strings, always mains. Its not close to the frame but surely not at the exact centre

 

[am1899]

Yup, good players make contact just above center…so that’s where the break should occur.

Keep it simple OP. If you need more durability, increase gauge. If you run out of ability to increase gauge within a particular string, you may have to consider a tougher (stiffer) string, and/or a racquet with a denser string pattern.

There’s no magic bullet here, you’re going to have to continue to experiment. Best of luck.

 

[braxeyez]

Try Dunlop Black Widow 1.30, it's soft, spinny, black... I used it for years and tried to hybrid it with Volkl syn.gut black crosses 1.30 to get even more comfort, 22/23kg. I also hit extreme topspin on both wings, had elbow issues in the past, 5.0 level, medium string setup duration - 4 hours...

 

[nov]

Thanks, based on what i will write at the reply to Hansen below think i will stick to PTP for now i guess and see how it goes with 1.30. I didint like Spin today and Orange rev will be too distracting on my black/white frame



I tested vcore pro at 18x20 and it felt off. Think i really prefer 16x19 and when i got in touch with Mp it felt so similar to my old Aero but just way better comfort. Had similar feeling with Vcore from Yonex but felt its more firm and didint want to change Aero to Vcore simply because my main focus was getting as much comfort to my elbow/arm as i can get without changing much of a setup. It clicked straight away with MP so havent even tried Pro due to my earlier tests with Vcore Pro 97D which was 320 and 18x20.



I tried Hyper G Soft and it was ok but PTP was way better and hyper G soft also was lower powered comparing to PTP. Just didint feel it and decided that there is no point in switching ptp to it. Green colour also annoyed me so didint want to push that. I know its the smallest factor out of all but i want to stick to black/graphite or neon as it looks good on the black frame

I tested that hybrid of Spin 1.25 + Ptp 1.25 today and i am not conviced. Have other racquets with full ptp 1.25 so the one that i mostly used lately and i dont know why by it feels so smooth to me. I played for a full year with blast and now after like 2 months with PTP everything different to ptp feels lower powered and more harsh. Every single shot with spin+ptp felt harsh, more heavy but slow heavy so less powered and with worse touch.

Somehow i havent considered ptp 1.3 + 1.25, not sure why but think it might be the best option especially as that spin+ptp didint work well today. Will give it another go but of course just dont think this is it. It kind of felt worse to me than Blast+Ptp and still full Ptp feels much better for me. I have more power, more control and more comfort with just crisp touch on every shot

So kind of logical it is to stay with ptp without messing with others i think and just move to 1.3+1.25 first and then maybe full 1.3.

That hybrid was also with graphite ptp but dont think it makes any difference vs the neon one i normally use or at least not significant here. Had to be harsh feel from the spin one on the mains.

I believe you should try Speed Pro. Its open 18x20, but your string durability should last much longer. In my experience with 18x20 it lasts atleast 2x longer compared to tight 16x19, and considering Speed MP pretty open, i guess your strings should last ~6 hours.

 

[beepee1972]

go up in gauge to 1.30 (or 1.35 if available) with same string. If that still doesn't solve problem, try MSV Focus Hex Ultra in 1.30 or KB Competition in 1.35. String spacing in the new Head Speed 2022 is pretty wide, so no problem using thicker strings

 

[blai212]

could try tier 1 black knight 16 which I believe is 1.27 or 1.28, good compromise between 1.25 and 1.30

 

[hurworld]

++ on Kev/Zx hybrid (Ashaway Crossfire ZX)

 

[Psi7]

Can You guys tell me what would be the difference when it comes to play feel/arm/durability with having Babolat Rough 1.3 on mains + Poly Tour Pro on crosses and the other way around?

I like setup with Yonex poly tour pro at mains with 1.3 so far, but poly tour pro at 1.25 on crosses breaks fast as well, will be checking yonex spin on crosses this week and fire 1.25 on crosses extended durability to about 4 hours i think and felt nice, so at this moment this is the winner.

Have another racquets ready with that setup above and i want to test 1.3 + 1.3 as well, so one or both combinations with Babolat Rough at 1.3 + Poly tour Pro or just pure Poly tour Pro or Blast Rough at 1.3. Not sure full Rough will be ideal for the arm though but obviously can check it too. Obviously Rough cost way more, but based on the univ numbers it looks good, so think its worth trying, especially as was mentioned earlier here, is not that stiff and got great spin potential. Probably will be best with hybrid for me tough if possible.

Can you please let me know in theory how this combinations of Blast Rough 1.3 and Poly Tour pro 1.3 will compare between each other with mains and crosses hybrid? You can add full bed of each as well. So 4 combinations possible

Thanks!

@Funbun @g4driver @Hansen @Mischko @ryohazuki222 @esgee48 @am1899 @beepee1972 - sorry for tagging but trying to make an order for this strings and sort it as soon as possible as it takes too much time already with me testings first racquets, now strings, instead of having one setup and just keep playing. Hope you dont mind, especially as it took some time from last post

*Kev/Zx feels like a really big change and i would prefer to keep it on the side for now and see the combinations above first. 1.3 Ptp + 1.25 Fire was quite ok i think. Touch was good, prefered it over 1.3 + 1.25 of full ptp and 4 hours definitely way better than 2...

 

[rafa_prestige89]

Luxilon Big Banger Original 1.30mm...if not lasting long enough for you, move to Head Lynx Tour 1.30mm, most durable strings with great performance that I've tried.

 

[Psi7]

Luxilon Big Banger Original 1.30mm...if not lasting long enough for you, move to Head Lynx Tour 1.30mm, most durable strings with great performance that I've tried.

Durabilty is what i am looking for but not at all cost. Priority was my arm that is really getting better once i started doing workours, changed racquet and also started using Poly Tour Pro(string might not be crucial here but it is what it is) Then comes play feel as well as i want to get maximum for my game. Dont Think Luxilon at 230 stiffness will be good here, although i used it 15 years ago or so. I was considering Lynx Tour but think RPM Rough is the better string especially when compared on tennis univ with smaller stiffness, more spin potential, more energy return. Was also suggested by @g4driver earlier. I never tried rough as i was using Blast for months.

If nothing works from this 1.3 + 1.3 setups i will stay with Yonex poly tour pro 1.3 on mains + Yonex Fire 1.25 on crosses, but think a little bit more expensive version of a hybrid between two asked ones will be better. Lets stick with just this strings. All of the time i have different strings in my racquets and really want to stick with few more tests and finish it.

My thinking is this

1. RPM Rough might be too stiff as full bed, maybe not?
2. Full PTP at 1.3 will be fine, probably will get wanted durability but also i really like 1.3 ptp + 1.25 fire more then the 1.3 ptp + 1.25 ptp which makes me think that this option on my ranking right now is the last one.
3. PTP 1.3 mains + 1.3 rough - thinking this could be the best one. Best comfort + a lot of spin and durability from 1.3 rough on the crosses.
4. Rough 1.3 + PTP 1.3 - no idea how this could play, but i didint like Yonex Spin+Ptp and preferred version of PTP on the mains with Fire on the crosses.

So i am waiting for responses from everyone that has good knowledge of it, just not to test every version out of this 4. Waiting for my 2 racquets with PTP 1.3 + Fire 1.25 and PTP 1.3 + Spin 1.25, just to compare both but i am quite sure i will go with 1.3 + 1.3 version of Rough/Poly Tour Pro after small research. Got my 3rd to string tomorrow so have to pick one option first.

I am leaning towards PTP mains and Rough crosses both 1.3 but not sure if that is ok combination, will it be fine for rough to be on the crosses. Can this work. Will i get what i wanted and will also get increased durability and not some kind of a bad hybrid where rough will just cut through softer PTP

 

[Hansen]

i don‘t know if i have helpful info in regard to the string characteristics, but at least i have an other perspective. i know that gear selection is also an emotional process, but not for me if i give recommendations to another person, lol.
just imagine how much it sucked to have arm problems. so you selected a soft poly (ptp) and a soft racquet and now you have comfort and you also perform good.
since the main strings dominate feel and comfort, stay with yptp in the mains and if yptf in the crosses gives you enough durability, than simply stick with it. yptf has good tension stability, is slippery and not too stiff. that are the qualities you need.
but trying yptp in the thicker gauge just to be sure is also an option.
no reason to waste money on the rpm, and no reason to use a shaped string on the crosses (yptspin).

 

[Psi7]

i don‘t know if i have helpful info in regard to the string characteristics, but at least i have an other perspective. i know that gear selection is also an emotional process, but not for me if i give recommendations to another person, lol.
just imagine how much it sucked to have arm problems. so you selected a soft poly (ptp) and a soft racquet and now you have comfort and you also perform good.
since the main strings dominate feel and comfort, stay with yptp in the mains and if yptf in the crosses gives you enough durability, than simply stick with it. yptf has good tension stability, is slippery and not too stiff. that are the qualities you need.
but trying yptp in the thicker gauge just to be sure is also an option.
no reason to waste money on the rpm, and no reason to use a shaped string on the crosses (yptspin).

THe problem with yptf is that its 1.25 max, no 1.30 versions, thats why i consider checking ptp on mains and 1.3 rpm rough on the crosses

 

[Hansen]

do you break the ptf as a cross in the hybrid with yptp mains ?

 

[Psi7]

do you break the ptf as a cross in the hybrid with yptp mains ?

No, broke yptp mains

 

[Hansen]

well, i guess since ptf is slick, you won‘t get more durability from rpm blast rough (crosses), but i could be wrong. and if you go with rough in the mains, then you will probably get a less armfriendly setup. but the good thing is that you go through the strings fast enough before they get increasingly uncomfortable. in the end there is no solution, only different options.

 

[blai212]

tier1 BK 16 or 15g is worth a try. Much better alternative to RPM imo

 

[Trip]

Per @blai212's post, I would start to look a little higher and wider to broaden some of your horizons. There are some seriously great co-polys out there in the playability/comfort segments, some of which that will blow the socks off of RPM and/or PTP in terms of playable longevity and performance. Tier One Black Knight is just one of them. For a true workhorse with surprising comfort, Grapplesnake Tour M8 (16 / 1.30) will smoke just about anything out there from anyone, at any price point. For comfort and a suppleness that plays similarly to PTP but has better tension maintenance and much better snapback, look at Gosen's G Tour 3, which comes in 1.23 and 1.28. Also, there's a new comfort poly just released from MSV called Swift, available in 1.25 and 1.30, which looks to be PTP on steroids, per RacketPedia:

I know this can be an endless rabbit hole, and my point wasn't to just drop a bunch of random string names to confuse you, but rather to say products have evolved a bit and show just a few examples to illustrate that you've got plenty of options, more than just Yonex and Babolat, which would reward you equally as well if you chose to explore them.

 

[ryohazuki222]

Can You guys tell me what would be the difference when it comes to play feel/arm/durability with having Babolat Rough 1.3 on mains + Poly Tour Pro on crosses and the other way around?

I like setup with Yonex poly tour pro at mains with 1.3 so far, but poly tour pro at 1.25 on crosses breaks fast as well, will be checking yonex spin on crosses this week and fire 1.25 on crosses extended durability to about 4 hours i think and felt nice, so at this moment this is the winner.

Have another racquets ready with that setup above and i want to test 1.3 + 1.3 as well, so one or both combinations with Babolat Rough at 1.3 + Poly tour Pro or just pure Poly tour Pro or Blast Rough at 1.3. Not sure full Rough will be ideal for the arm though but obviously can check it too. Obviously Rough cost way more, but based on the univ numbers it looks good, so think its worth trying, especially as was mentioned earlier here, is not that stiff and got great spin potential. Probably will be best with hybrid for me tough if possible.

Can you please let me know in theory how this combinations of Blast Rough 1.3 and Poly Tour pro 1.3 will compare between each other with mains and crosses hybrid? You can add full bed of each as well. So 4 combinations possible

Thanks!

@Funbun @g4driver @Hansen @Mischko @ryohazuki222 @esgee48 @am1899 @beepee1972 - sorry for tagging but trying to make an order for this strings and sort it as soon as possible as it takes too much time already with me testings first racquets, now strings, instead of having one setup and just keep playing. Hope you dont mind, especially as it took some time from last post

*Kev/Zx feels like a really big change and i would prefer to keep it on the side for now and see the combinations above first. 1.3 Ptp + 1.25 Fire was quite ok i think. Touch was good, prefered it over 1.3 + 1.25 of full ptp and 4 hours definitely way better than 2...

I haven’t tested it. Have some 1.30 bab rough because I had planned to and also have some ptp 1.30 leftover from a while back. But I love 1.25 all around so much with my setup (weight, balance, etc) that I don’t feel like putting in that combo and needing to then reallocate weight on the frame again.

that said… 1.25 all around breaks basically at 5.5 hours for me when strung at 20kgs. Literally in the exact same spot on the same main every single time for the last 5 or so breaks. I suspect 1.30 has to last longer but I doubt it would last a ton longer.

weird to me because ptp 1.25 and 1.30 as full job on my old sticks basically didn’t break.

I wouldn’t say I’m hitting hard enough to be breaking strings every 3 hits so I suspect it’s the string movement that’s causing the breakage so fast, which was basically by design (more spin to control more powerful frame).

at best I used to break 17g syn gut in 2 hours. So I feel like you’re breaking faster than me.

bab rough is stiffer than ptp. It’s also shaped and textured. So I never saw much sense putting that in the crosses. Moreover, early days in my testing I strongly disliked stiffer cross with softer main setup where I usedyonex rev crosses and ptp mains and Vice versa. Rev and bab rough are similar strings and if bab rough didn’t exist I’d be using rev mains right now.

point above being that if you haven’t tried it it’s worth trying because it’s different enough. But if you already know you like bab rough mains and ptp crosses a lot I wouldn’t bother.

one test that might be worth it since you break so fast is to just grab 1.35 bab rough and 1.3 ptp. You’re not going to get more durability than that.

last thing I’ll add: ime, my setup plays pretty different on day 1 and day 2. So if you add durability you MIGHT find that playability isn’t what you like over the life of the strings. In my case; while I’d say it plays/feels different i actually love playability through the life until it breaks. During each hit, I don’t notice playability or feel dropping or changing much at all. So I’m meaning this in literally one day and then the next day.

 

[Psi7]

To add one fact of all this testing, i played with jr yesterday. I broke 3 strings. Obviously all werent fresh as i tested two hybrids last days so both were used and the 3rd one was also 1h+ played full ptp 1.25, but thats why i am getting sick of this attempts Just want to end this and have same racquets with one setup. And thats not even all, i borrowed one racquet from the player and broke string as well. So 4 racquets and had to cut practice 10 minutes short of 2 hours as i there were no racquets left. This +1 was also heavily used so its just a funny bonus... its not like i broke 4 very fresh ones.

I have 2 fresh racquets for next practice as mentioned with PTP 1.3 on mains and one with Fire 1.25 again on crosses, and 2nd with 1.25 yonex spin on crosses. I am quite sure i wont use the spin version but anyway had 0.5 still so decided to use and test it.

After what you wrote above and more research i made yesterday i decided to put 3rd one with 1.3 Rough on mains + 1.3 PTP on crosses

This is my thought process here as i had 2 of each anyway and had to pick one as a 3rd racquet:

-i believe that putting PTP mains and RPM rough on crosses actually wont make much sense. With its texture it can shred PTP on Mains right? Its nearly 2x expensive and if i break mains with Ptp 1.3 there with 1.25 fire, rough on crosses wont make a durability difference here and will cut mains due to its structure even sooner. Plus its mains that are doing most of the job so putting PTP there and Rough on crosses seems like a waste

*If thats wrong please correct me, but think this is how it is

-With 2 fresh racquets with that PTP 1.3 on mains i can compare it right away with completely different setup and that Rough on mains.
- @g4driver mentioned to put full Rough on my setup as an alternative to PTP + PTP Fire so i assume it wont be stiff for me, plus PTP should put more comfort while on crosses. (@g4driver you are responsible for this pick so please take a look and tell me what you think about this hybrid
- IF this plays good for me in terms of my game and i feel no discomfort in the elbow similar to having PTP on mains, i believe that Rough on mains should increase durability heavily
- with its spin potential and my spin in theory it should be very beneficial, question is will it feel fine with ptp on a hybrid. Take in mind that i didint like Blast + PTP when tested lately but hoping Rough will be completely different setup
- I also have option for the future to get 1.35 rough + 1.3 ptp as well

This is my thought process here, let me know what you think. Especially if that PTP has a purpose as a cross string. I didint like setups of Spin + PTP and Blast + PTP when Spin and Blast were mains.

well, i guess since ptf is slick, you won‘t get more durability from rpm blast rough (crosses), but i could be wrong. and if you go with rough in the mains, then you will probably get a less armfriendly setup. but the good thing is that you go through the strings fast enough before they get increasingly uncomfortable. in the end there is no solution, only different options.

Yes, thats good, no need to cut strings, i basically notice it will die few balls before it breaks. I just want this few hours at least. I want to improve, i play more but its too expensive to break it that fast as recently. That PTP + PTP fire and 3-4h(closer to 4)was really breath of fresh air

tier1 BK 16 or 15g is worth a try. Much better alternative to RPM imo

I will keep this one in mind, especially as its not the first time i hear about it. In Tennis Univ Rough seems a better one but more stiff and also nearly 2x expensive. But damn, will give it a go as well, especially if rough wont perform as i expect!

look at Gosen's G Tour 3, which comes in 1.23 and 1.28. Also, there's a new comfort poly just released from MSV called Swift, available in 1.25 and 1.30, which looks to be PTP on steroids, per RacketPedia:

Hmm thats interesting. Grapplesnake with that green colour is a no for me but also i cant find it anywhere here, only TW Europe but havent seen it anywhere in shops around me. Gosen's G Tour 3 also looks nice and i am a little bit blown by the data you posted about Msv Swift. Its cheapest of all here 50% less than PTP.

Is there any way to get data from that RacketPedia and compare RPM Rough 1.3, Poly Tour Pro 1.3, Black Widow 1.3(1.31), That Gosen G Tour 3 1.28 and MSV Swift 1.3? The only site i use for this is https://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/comparestrings.php

But if you already know you like bab rough mains and ptp crosses a lot I wouldn’t bother.

I dont know, i havent tested it yet. I was looking for a difference between rough mains + ptp crosses and the other way around as i had 3rd racquet to string, but basically your response, few other topics i found makes me think that rough on crosses with ptp on mains is not a good choice(as mentioned at the beginning of the post)

 

[Trip]

@Psi7 - Here's the comparison for RPM Rough 1.3, Poly Tour Pro 1.3, Black Widow 1.31 and MSV Swift 1.3 (they don't have GT3 1.28 in their database yet):

Obviously, these "ratings" are only lab measurements; performance in your specific frame is going to deviate a bit. For example, they measurement RPM Blast Rough 1.30 and PTP 1.30 to be the same in Comfort, when I think most of us would agree that, more than likely, PTP is going to be slightly more comfortable when you're actually playing it. Nevertheless, these comparisons do give you an idea of where the relative strengths of each string will be. Especially for as a cross, Swift looks to be very promising.

As a side note, I think RacketPedia's string database is really worth paying for if you're a true tennis nerd (like most of us!). €39,90/year is really not that bad for such a resource.

 

[TennisJrDad]

I can confirm MSV Swift is a pretty awesome string (We have used it as a cross)

 

[nyta2]

2h, congrats... that's some big heavy hitting
i used to have that issue with non-poly strings, tried many different strings:
* kevlar - 6-8h
* poly 15g - 10-12h (eg. isospeed baseline is my fave cheap/long lasting poly)
* even gamma edge 20g (from back in the day if anyone remembers)... this lasted the longest, 15-20h (actually the crosses usually broke first), but plays like you would think that piano wire feels like )
eventually decided that playability is more important than frequent stringing... so i just play with whatever 16-18g strings i happen to fancy, and expect to restring every 2-6h of playing

 

[Psi7]

To add one fact of all this testing, i played with jr yesterday. I broke 3 strings. Obviously all werent fresh as i tested two hybrids last days so both were used and the 3rd one was also 1h+ played full ptp 1.25, but thats why i am getting sick of this attempts Just want to end this and have same racquets with one setup. And thats not even all, i borrowed one racquet from the player and broke string as well. So 4 racquets and had to cut practice 10 minutes short of 2 hours as i there were no racquets left. This +1 was also heavily used so its just a funny bonus... its not like i broke 4 very fresh ones.

I have 2 fresh racquets for next practice as mentioned with PTP 1.3 on mains and one with Fire 1.25 again on crosses, and 2nd with 1.25 yonex spin on crosses. I am quite sure i wont use the spin version but anyway had 0.5 still so decided to use and test it.

After what you wrote above and more research i made yesterday i decided to put 3rd one with 1.3 Rough on mains + 1.3 PTP on crosses

This is my thought process here as i had 2 of each anyway and had to pick one as a 3rd racquet:

-i believe that putting PTP mains and RPM rough on crosses actually wont make much sense. With its texture it can shred PTP on Mains right? Its nearly 2x expensive and if i break mains with Ptp 1.3 there with 1.25 fire, rough on crosses wont make a durability difference here and will cut mains due to its structure even sooner. Plus its mains that are doing most of the job so putting PTP there and Rough on crosses seems like a waste

*If thats wrong please correct me, but think this is how it is

-With 2 fresh racquets with that PTP 1.3 on mains i can compare it right away with completely different setup and that Rough on mains.
- @g4driver mentioned to put full Rough on my setup as an alternative to PTP + PTP Fire so i assume it wont be stiff for me, plus PTP should put more comfort while on crosses. (@g4driver you are responsible for this pick so please take a look and tell me what you think about this hybrid
- IF this plays good for me in terms of my game and i feel no discomfort in the elbow similar to having PTP on mains, i believe that Rough on mains should increase durability heavily
- with its spin potential and my spin in theory it should be very beneficial, question is will it feel fine with ptp on a hybrid. Take in mind that i didint like Blast + PTP when tested lately but hoping Rough will be completely different setup
- I also have option for the future to get 1.35 rough + 1.3 ptp as well

This is my thought process here, let me know what you think. Especially if that PTP has a purpose as a cross string. I didint like setups of Spin + PTP and Blast + PTP when Spin and Blast were mains.



Yes, thats good, no need to cut strings, i basically notice it will die few balls before it breaks. I just want this few hours at least. I want to improve, i play more but its too expensive to break it that fast as recently. That PTP + PTP fire and 3-4h(closer to 4)was really breath of fresh air



I will keep this one in mind, especially as its not the first time i hear about it. In Tennis Univ Rough seems a better one but more stiff and also nearly 2x expensive. But damn, will give it a go as well, especially if rough wont perform as i expect!



Hmm thats interesting. Grapplesnake with that green colour is a no for me but also i cant find it anywhere here, only TW Europe but havent seen it anywhere in shops around me. Gosen's G Tour 3 also looks nice and i am a little bit blown by the data you posted about Msv Swift. Its cheapest of all here 50% less than PTP.

Is there any way to get data from that RacketPedia and compare RPM Rough 1.3, Poly Tour Pro 1.3, Black Widow 1.3(1.31), That Gosen G Tour 3 1.28 and MSV Swift 1.3? The only site i use for this is https://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/comparestrings.php



I dont know, i havent tested it yet. I was looking for a difference between rough mains + ptp crosses and the other way around as i had 3rd racquet to string, but basically your response, few other topics i found makes me think that rough on crosses with ptp on mains is not a good choice(as mentioned at the beginning of the post)

I will ask about it in different topic as i think it will be easier to keep different discussion going but i am really interested to hear view from experienced stringers how mains/crosses actually work. Especially in more advanced level, where there are heavy balls, a lot of top spin etc

So i had 2 hour practice session and tested both fresh hybrids. 1.3 PTP mains + 1.25 PT Fire crosses and 2nd 1.3 RPM Rough Mains + 1.3 PTP crosses.

I didint feel huge difference even though both setups are completely different, however i am leaning towards first option and based on what i am about to say next i might actually do tests with PTP mains + Rough or something else on crosses.

My personal feeling was that rough + ptp had a little better feel during impact but its more about sound/personal preference. For me it felt like i had a little bit more power with this setup but its weird because my opponent said that more spin and more heavy balls were coming from PTP + PT Fire setup. Plus i feel i had less control with Rough + PTP, like i definitely hit more long balls. It was weird like it happened here and there and out of nothing i had no control on the ball. Also mains are really moving in RPM Rough + PTP setup and thats quite bad for 1 hour total play time.

My theory here and please let me know if thats true or maybe just biased opinion is that i have more power with PTP on mains and Fire on crosses is giving me that control i need to keep ball in. When i switch to Rough + PTP, i have a good feeling from the rough but PTP is not ideal in this setup on crosses as i think its not control oriented strings and thats why i hit those long balls. Also i am not sure how can i get more spin on the PTP + Fire crosses than in Rough + PTP(opponent opinion)

Let me know what you think. If this above is correct i think i will give it a go for the PTP mains and Rough on crosses as well just to see how it is. I also noticed i cant get Fire reel anywhere in good price and its quite expensive so maybe(if all of the above is true) you can suggest some black 1.3 strings that could do work here. Maybe PTP Mains + Black Widow on crosses would be worth trying as well? Maybe that Gosen Pro Tour 3, but still thinking about crosses here with PTP 1.3 on mains.