EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Interesting. So a tension of 53/51 would probably serve me better than 52/52?
Calling all polyester gurus
- Thread starter EasternRocks
- Start date
Interesting. So a tension of 53/51 would probably serve me better than 52/52?
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
perhaps… Can't say for sure… As always, it's different for every person.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Hmm okay. I'll probably try it out just to see what it's like. I heard that Yonex recommends the crosses to be strung 1 kg lower anyway. Is this true?
mikeler
Moderator
You are splitting hairs here. Each time you hit with the strings, the tension will drop a pound or more. Just pick a tension and adjust from there.
Hey, you guys quit picking on ER. I thought this thread has a lot of useful information on polys, so it's very useful to me at least.
ER, people have used all sorts of tension differentials. If you look at the ESP thread, they've used up to 20-30 lbs difference between mains and crosses.
I recommend that you take your best 3 strings (Cyclone, ALU soft, SPE). Put them in hybrids with each other. Vary the tension between the mains and crosses, starting with a 2 lb differential, and going all the way up to 30 lbs. Report back to us every day for the next few months. Let us know which combination works best for you.
Tom
ER, people have used all sorts of tension differentials. If you look at the ESP thread, they've used up to 20-30 lbs difference between mains and crosses.
I recommend that you take your best 3 strings (Cyclone, ALU soft, SPE). Put them in hybrids with each other. Vary the tension between the mains and crosses, starting with a 2 lb differential, and going all the way up to 30 lbs. Report back to us every day for the next few months. Let us know which combination works best for you.
Tom
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Appreciate the kinds words and also backing me up
That was definitely the goal of the thread when I first started, so I'm glad that some people are finding it helpful to them. I probably will not be hybriding polyesters with each other, but I'll be able to tinker with strings I already have tried and liked, such as BHB7. The only string I'm curious to hit with again that I originally did not like a lot, is RPM Blast. It's one of the team strings and would like to try it once more.
mikeler
Moderator
Not picking on ER but he might be measuring tension in decimal points pretty soon... :twisted:
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
wolfinsignia
New User
no cyclone and spe hybrid? spe main and cyclone crosses.
anyways, am really curious to your tension choice in the end.
anyways, am really curious to your tension choice in the end.
A lot of the stringer logs of pro tensions did have the cross 1kg or 2 lbs lower than mains. I think that approach has been around a long time. I use poly mains with syn gut (or multi) cross and actually string the cross 2 lbs higher 48/50 but if I used all poly, I would use cross -2 lbs to soften frame and allow mains to slide.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Tour Bite's a great string, just saying The 16g that is. A little less power/pop than the Sonic Pro Edge, but I get into that mode where I can just swing for the fences and balls drop in. I don't get this sensation with the SPE 17.
The 16g that is. A little less power/pop than the Sonic Pro Edge, but I get into that mode where I can just swing for the fences and balls drop in. I don't get this sensation with the SPE 17.
HellsBells
Rookie
One thing I've found is that some strings work better in some racquets than others.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
This is my favorite poast in the thread.
mikeler
Moderator
danbrenner
Legend
For anyone who was wondering about Tier One Fire Wire.
I have played with it this week. 17g @ 53 in my Head Extreme 2.0 mp.
This string is soft like CT but with edges like TB. It's triangular in shape.
Tension holds beautifully. And impact shock is among the best and softest polys available. My only gripe is that my forehands were sailing a little long and I would have to dual up the tension a few pounds to compensate. I would guess 3 to 4 lbs tighter next time. But my feeling is that people wji like a soft response with average power will love these strings. I will string with the 16g next and dial up a little. But honestly this is a quality string.
I have played with it this week. 17g @ 53 in my Head Extreme 2.0 mp.
This string is soft like CT but with edges like TB. It's triangular in shape.
Tension holds beautifully. And impact shock is among the best and softest polys available. My only gripe is that my forehands were sailing a little long and I would have to dual up the tension a few pounds to compensate. I would guess 3 to 4 lbs tighter next time. But my feeling is that people wji like a soft response with average power will love these strings. I will string with the 16g next and dial up a little. But honestly this is a quality string.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Is 48/46 tension considered low for full poly?
Muppet
Legend
I've used that tension for Outlast on my MuscleWeave 95 18x20 racquet. It was pretty good. But both the string and the racquet are considered low powered. I think 50 would be average and a good starting point for most polys. If you know a string plays pretty soft, I'd try 52 first.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
A string like Tour Bite 16 though?
Muppet
Legend
48/46 sounds good for Tour Bite 16 in my racquet. Since you're using an APD, I'd go up 2 pounds higher.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
I'm using an AI 98, difference?
I am thinking about 49/47 in East Coast conditions where it is 40-60 degrees whether we are indoors or outdoors (poor heating in the indoor facilities) and 50/48 when the weather gets over 60 and into the 70-80 range.
Wow - just read through this thread last night. Thank you Eastern and everyone else so much for doing this valuable research. I have spent a ton of time with Polyester as well, but nothing like this.
Eastern - it sounds like you enjoy the same type of poly that I do. Just curious, have you ever played with Gosen Polylon SP (Polyquest)? I'd be interested to see what you think of it in comparison with some of these other strings. It tends to be more of a trampoline but gives me a crisp, poppy feeling on contact.
I'm not sure they even make this stuff any more, but it's been my go-to string for the past few years. I haven't found another string that gives me as much confidence from the baseline. I think the time has come to where i'm ready to switch. Going to try SPE this week to see how it goes.
Let me know if you are open to me sending you a sample of Polyquest.
P.S. Can you get the 17g SPE in a Reel?
Thanks again!
Bmr
Eastern - it sounds like you enjoy the same type of poly that I do. Just curious, have you ever played with Gosen Polylon SP (Polyquest)? I'd be interested to see what you think of it in comparison with some of these other strings. It tends to be more of a trampoline but gives me a crisp, poppy feeling on contact.
I'm not sure they even make this stuff any more, but it's been my go-to string for the past few years. I haven't found another string that gives me as much confidence from the baseline. I think the time has come to where i'm ready to switch. Going to try SPE this week to see how it goes.
Let me know if you are open to me sending you a sample of Polyquest.
P.S. Can you get the 17g SPE in a Reel?
Thanks again!
Bmr
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Muppet
Legend
A couple of years ago in the spring, I had my Aerogel 200 strung with Pro Red Code @50. It was in the 40s outside. I got nothin' from the string bed. It felt like it robbed me of power. And it was solid. If you're going to use poly outdoors in the spring, you're going to have to drop the tension by at least four pounds from what you would use indoors. And it would be a good idea to designate one racquet as your outdoor racquet until it warms up and you can string them all the same again.
JT_2eighty
Hall of Fame
A 1 pound difference for a 40 degree change overall is not going to cut it.
What I mean is, if you use 49# mains in 40-60 degrees, and then 50# mains for 60-80 degrees... not that effective of a change (49# at 40 deg vs. 50# at 80 degrees? = not effective).
I find in the summer I need to really increase tension to maintain control in the heat. I'm talking at least 5-8 lbs increase.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
initially when hitting in cold weather, i feel polys will feel dead at the start, but after a few minutes of hitting they start to come alive again; unless its really cold, like in the 30 and below, than nothingwill change that feel, its too cold and not worth playing, haha
agree here with the weather changes, i tend to fluctuate from 58lbs(winter)-62lbs(summer) changes, so for me its a 4lb change.
torpantennis
Legend
I use 60# all year round but I live in Florida.
How often do you restring? Any idea what's the REAL tension (after the poly tension drop) you play at the most?
mikeler
Moderator
I use a spin frame, so I'm lucky if I get 2 weeks out of a string job before it snaps. Most polys lose around 20% tension or so. So you are looking at upper 40s for "real" tension.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
I use 60# all year round but I live in Florida.
no dispute here, yall, its a preference thangg..
some people adjust to their enviorment with their current equipment
some people adjust their equipment to the enviorment
torpantennis
Legend
So if we compare your 60lbs to the tensions that the pros use on their freshly strung racquets, then about 45-50lbs "pro tension" is a good comparison?
Any TT posters using only fresh polys, like pros?
I'm a wuss.
I use STBite16 at 35 lbs. on Aero500's (320 SW, 11.25oz, 69 flex rating)
Also, 40 lbs on 03Reds (318SW, leather grip, 10.9 oz, 70 flex rating)
And 47 lbs on 4DAero300's, now closer to 40.
Never seen a day over 80 degrees on court, possibly ONCE, but that was debatable because I played just before noon, before it got warm.
I use STBite16 at 35 lbs. on Aero500's (320 SW, 11.25oz, 69 flex rating)
Also, 40 lbs on 03Reds (318SW, leather grip, 10.9 oz, 70 flex rating)
And 47 lbs on 4DAero300's, now closer to 40.
Never seen a day over 80 degrees on court, possibly ONCE, but that was debatable because I played just before noon, before it got warm.
Hi EasterRocks,
I have the same racket - Yonex AI 98.
Currently, I am using Babolat Pro hurricane. I am reasonably okay with it. It's pretty soft and lively and seems to retain tension well. But, spin and control is not so good.
I am thinking about trying out Solinco Tour bite next. Can you suggest me what tension I should use? Pro hurricane was strung at 54 lbs.
Any other recommendation about string (and tension) is welcome. I am looking for something not very stiff, average to above average power, decent spin and control. Basically a jack of all trades string which retains tension well
I have the same racket - Yonex AI 98.
Currently, I am using Babolat Pro hurricane. I am reasonably okay with it. It's pretty soft and lively and seems to retain tension well. But, spin and control is not so good.
I am thinking about trying out Solinco Tour bite next. Can you suggest me what tension I should use? Pro hurricane was strung at 54 lbs.
Any other recommendation about string (and tension) is welcome. I am looking for something not very stiff, average to above average power, decent spin and control. Basically a jack of all trades string which retains tension well
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netlets
Professional
The big issue IMO is your string tension. Drop Tourbite 16L to 48 and use again. Big difference in power and feel.
mikeler
Moderator
I use a lockout machine which typically pulls about 10% less tension than a constant pull which I believe are the types of machines they use on the tour. So my 60 is probably equivalent to a pro's 54 before any tension drop.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
What tension did you string 17 at? Have you ever tried the 16?
Swood010
Rookie
Hi EasterRocks,
I have the same racket - Yonex AI 98.
Currently, I am using Babolat Pro hurricane. I am reasonably okay with it. It's pretty soft and lively and seems to retain tension well. But, spin and control is not so good.
I am thinking about trying out Solinco Tour bite next. Can you suggest me what tension I should use? Pro hurricane was strung at 54 lbs.
Any other recommendation about string (and tension) is welcome. I am looking for something not very stiff, average to above average power, decent spin and control. Basically a jack of all trades string which retains tension well
I have in my racquet right now tourna Big hitter Black 7 it seems to fit what your are looking for. it has a good crisp feel and bites the ball very well I strung it at 56lb and its been working great for me rarely do I find myself hitting the balls long.
I also have aracquet strung with Solinco Tour Bite 17 but I think I strung it too tight at 54lb cause it feels dead. I head pro at the club i work at strings his at around 49lb and says its the perfect tension....so maybe that could work for you
OlivierJulienB
Rookie
Hi EasternRock,
You wrote that you would test Solinco Tour Bite Rough.
How did you find it?
I have just played with it and I really like it, it provides a lot of spin, has nice power and is comfortable, goes towards Alu Power Rough
Played yesterday with regular Alu Power, it was again disappointing, I strongly prefer the rough version in my Pure Drive.
This week I will test Alu Power Spin and next week T1 Firewire.
You wrote that you would test Solinco Tour Bite Rough.
How did you find it?
I have just played with it and I really like it, it provides a lot of spin, has nice power and is comfortable, goes towards Alu Power Rough
Played yesterday with regular Alu Power, it was again disappointing, I strongly prefer the rough version in my Pure Drive.
This week I will test Alu Power Spin and next week T1 Firewire.
In my Ai98 I use Yonex Poly Tour Pro (YPTP) 50/48. Works fine for me.
I can't compare this to other strings in the Ai98.
TB diamond rough is my go-to string right now (APD). Softer, more feels than TB. Decent tension maintenance when strung < 55lbs too.
How would you compare it to ALU Rough in terms of power and spin?
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Has anyone hit the following strings and can give me their experience with it?
- Sonic Pro
- Max Power Rough
- Pro Hurricane Tour
- Firestorm
- Max Power
- Pro Line II
- Razor Code
- Revolve
- Sonic Pro
- Max Power Rough
- Pro Hurricane Tour
- Firestorm
- Max Power
- Pro Line II
- Razor Code
- Revolve
Sonic Pro- utter garbage, hated that string. Just bleh all around.
PHT- Very stiff. I strung too high for sure. I could really slug the ball and I served well with this setup. Too stiff for me in my stick, but strung low in your stick I could see how you would like it. Just don't expect any free power.
Razor Code- A mediocre string for me. Did everything decently, nothing amazing. Run of the mill poly. Middle of the road on literally everything I can think of, except tension maintenance. That wasn't very good at all.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Thank you.
Tried Pro Line II and thought it was nice.
What do you know about Revolve, Max Power, Max Power Rough, Firestorm?
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
I haven't hit these but my impressions are
Revolve- Smooth and slick, making it super spin friendly (7.7 spin rating in the lab), also has a kinda muted, deader feel.
MP- Pretty stiff. Holds tension well and lasts. Very control oriented string.
MPR- Same as above, but with more grab and a tad softer.
Firestorm- Quite powerful. It has a lot of liveliness and jump off the string-bed, along with pretty good spin. Nice and soft too.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Hi all,
Just thought I'd post since it's been a while.
The only things I can update to the people who have been viewing this thread has been my new affinity to thinner polyesters. 1.20 seems to be the perfect gauge for me as I have never been a string breaker. My endless pursuit for the "perfect string" seemed to never start on the right pathway as most of my test runs were on the 1.25 gauge, often 16L or 17.
In the past few months, I have been playing competitively with Poly Tour Pro 1.20 and ALU Power Feel 1.20. Both have been serving me well and I have yet to differentiate my preference for either one.
In terms of strings that I have on deck for testing, they are as follows, Pro Line II 1.20, Tour Bite 1.20, and Cyclone 1.20.
Will update when all testing is completed. Feel free to ask any questions if there are some curious string testers out there.
Just thought I'd post since it's been a while.
The only things I can update to the people who have been viewing this thread has been my new affinity to thinner polyesters. 1.20 seems to be the perfect gauge for me as I have never been a string breaker. My endless pursuit for the "perfect string" seemed to never start on the right pathway as most of my test runs were on the 1.25 gauge, often 16L or 17.
In the past few months, I have been playing competitively with Poly Tour Pro 1.20 and ALU Power Feel 1.20. Both have been serving me well and I have yet to differentiate my preference for either one.
In terms of strings that I have on deck for testing, they are as follows, Pro Line II 1.20, Tour Bite 1.20, and Cyclone 1.20.
Will update when all testing is completed. Feel free to ask any questions if there are some curious string testers out there.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Yeah. Thought it was too stiff and low powered with not enough feel. Very consistent feel, and I could sense that tension maintenance was excellent with it.
