Courier Gear Interview

realplayer

Semi-Pro
#DRAKULIE

Well, I tried to look it up but you are right. The only ones who advocates for poly is the luxilon expert(he is also against hybriding strings as it brings nothing) and John Elliot who is hardly objective otherwise he wouldn't sell his L-Tec monofilament strings anymore.

BTW I found this article and i'm very curious about your opinion and if it makes sense to string poly at low tension.



The Definitive Guide to Stringing Polys and Co-polys

Posted on March 17, 2011 by GGTennis
This entry was posted in Stringing and tagged proper way to string poly and co poly tennis string, stringing polys and copolys by GGTennis. Bookmark the permalink.
1
Okay students, time to take notes.

Qualitative analysis of tennis message boards, tennis twitter accounts, facebook pages, blogs and various discussions has convinced me that the vast majority of stringers are not well versed in the nature of poly and co-poly strings. As a result, many stringers, even those widely respected and much revered, do not install poly-based strings in a manner that optimizes their performance. In fact, it is not going out on much of a limb to estimate that 90% or more of stringers in the USA are UNINTENTIONALLY installing these strings in a manner which robs them of performance characteristics. I know because until late 2010 I was among this group of well-intentioned professional stringers who was unknowingly butchering these strings because I was not aware of how they needed to be handled.

First of all, and perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome, is to realize that poly-based strings are designed to perform best at lower tensions. We are talking a tension range in the 30′s – 40′s. The absolute top end of that range would be 52 pounds. Once you go beyond 52, you are entering the point of quickly diminishing returns. I realize this may represent a HUGE shift in thinking for many readers. In fact a majority of you are probably thinking of mailing me a care package of colorful Sharpies so that I can decorate the walls of my padded room, but it is not really that crazy. The fear of low tensions is loss of control. I can assure you from personal experience as well as experience with many local customers, that quality poly-based offerings, PROPERLY INSTALLED, give ample control at these low tensions. I PROMISE this is a true statement. In fact, when all elements are working together (strings/racquet/player) it becomes almost impossible to hit a ball long.

Installing poly-based strings requires one critical element that many stringers may find challenging. P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E! It is not possible to provide to a quality stringjob with poly-based strings using a rushed sequence. The 15 minute stringjob that may be just fine for synthetics and natural gut, just is not going to cut it with poly-based strings. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO RUSH THE STRINGING PROCESS WITH POLY BASED STRINGS. Some professional stringers may take issue with this statement. They will claim their stringing method is fine-tuned, precise and consistent. We take no issues with these claims. However, those elements without additional care are NOT good enough to produce the best outcomes for poly-based strings. What they produce is consistently mediocre (at best) results. We must remember that the majority of recreational and league players need their strings to last much longer than the pros who get a fresh string job every 9 games. They need to last for weeks and sometimes months.

Poly-based strings are oft criticized for being stiff, rapidly losing tension, contributing to elbow pain and failing to hold playing properties. Each of these claims can be true, except there is a huge BUT here that dwarfs even that of Ms. Kardashian. These statements are only true when the strings have been overtensioned and OVERSTRETCHED. When not overtensioned or overstretched poly-based strings are EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE, LOSE LESS TENSION THAN MOST SYNTHETICS, and HOLD PLAYING PROPERTIES for an extended period of time. (The last varies according to makeup of string).

How can this be? The literature, testimonials and even the USRSA data show that poly-based strings loose tension rapidly. Clearly the statement made in the above paragraph is nothing more than an outpouring of a deranged mind, right? Well, not necessarily. We are suggesting that all this data is gathered from and observed by individuals and groups who have overtensioned the poly-based strings…including the USRSA who test at 62 pounds! (This might give representative results with other strings, but it just ain’t gonna fly with poly-based offerings.)

Poly-based strings have a much lower level of resiliency than synthetics and natural gut. As such, when being installed, it must be handled with care. Even though it is a strong and durable string in the raquet, it takes a tender touch to install properly. The best analogy we have found comes from John Elliot. John compares poly-based strings to the spring that can be found in your average ball point pen. Just like the spring it offers resiliency and when properly used it will hold this resiliency for an extended period of time. However, just like the spring in the pen, it can be easily stretched out of shape if not handled properly. Once this stretching occurs, the spring is dead. It will continue to elongate, but will not retract back into it’s original form and shape. The exact same principle applies to a poly-based string. It CAN NOT be OVERSTRETCHED or OVERTENSIONED without suffering consequences.

Unfortunately in order to keep it in perfect form, there are 2 CRITICAL STEPS that must be taken during installation which are not necessary with strings of different constructions. These steps will without question slow the stringing process. However, it is necessary in order for the poly-based strings to give optimal performance.

1. If using a constant pull electronic machine, the machine’s pull speed needs to be set to the lowest possible speed. We use a Wilson Baiardo and the lowest pull speed is 30%. It is easily set to this level and this is where the Baiardo is most effective for stringing poly-based strings. The reason this step is necessary is because electronic machines overshoot tension and then back down to the desired level. The faster the pull speed the more dramatic and harsh the overshoot. Most machines will overshoot at least 10% – 18% over the set tension. (Remember we are trying not to exceed 52 pounds in order not to overstretch the string!)

2. Once tension is reached, the stringer needs to wait at least 5 seconds before clamping off. This allows the poly-based string to stretch PROPERLY. By failing to give poly-based strings this much time slack is not properly removed and the string will loose tension and the wonderous low-tension performance will never be realized.

By following this pulling procedure the end result will be a tighter stringbed that holds tension for a longer period of time than one with higher reference tensions not pulled with an eye toward end performance rather than speed. In the south we refer to this process as “Moseying.” You gotta take your time, mosey along and enjoy yourself while stringing poly-based strings. It’s really the only way to do it well.

At this point a summary is in order. To get the best possible performance from poly-based strings you need to make sure you or your stringer do the following:

1. Select a tension in the upper 30′s – 40′s. The tension will vary according to density of stringbed and head size. (Note: It can be easily adjusted through observational learning. We’ll cover this in a future blog entry.)

2. Set pull speed to lowest possible setting when using an electronic constant pull machine. If using drop weight, lower bar slowly. If using a crank machine once machine starts to resist crank very, very slowly until it locks.

3. Allow string to sit under tension at least 5 seconds before clamping so that it has sufficient time to properly stretch.

Keep an open mind, give it a try and you will be AMAZED at the results.
 
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Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
#DRAKULIE

Well, I tried to look it up but you are right. The only ones who advocates for poly is the luxilon expert(he is also against hybriding strings as it brings nothing) and John Elliot who is hardly objective otherwise he wouldn't sell his L-Tec monofilament strings anymore.

BTW I found this article and i'm very curious about your opinion and if it makes sense to string poly at low tension.



The Definitive Guide to Stringing Polys and Co-polys

Posted on March 17, 2011 by GGTennis
This entry was posted in Stringing and tagged proper way to string poly and co poly tennis string, stringing polys and copolys by GGTennis. Bookmark the permalink.
1
Okay students, time to take notes.

Qualitative analysis of tennis message boards, tennis twitter accounts, facebook pages, blogs and various discussions has convinced me that the vast majority of stringers are not well versed in the nature of poly and co-poly strings. As a result, many stringers, even those widely respected and much revered, do not install poly-based strings in a manner that optimizes their performance. In fact, it is not going out on much of a limb to estimate that 90% or more of stringers in the USA are UNINTENTIONALLY installing these strings in a manner which robs them of performance characteristics. I know because until late 2010 I was among this group of well-intentioned professional stringers who was unknowingly butchering these strings because I was not aware of how they needed to be handled.

First of all, and perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome, is to realize that poly-based strings are designed to perform best at lower tensions. We are talking a tension range in the 30′s – 40′s. The absolute top end of that range would be 52 pounds. Once you go beyond 52, you are entering the point of quickly diminishing returns. I realize this may represent a HUGE shift in thinking for many readers. In fact a majority of you are probably thinking of mailing me a care package of colorful Sharpies so that I can decorate the walls of my padded room, but it is not really that crazy. The fear of low tensions is loss of control. I can assure you from personal experience as well as experience with many local customers, that quality poly-based offerings, PROPERLY INSTALLED, give ample control at these low tensions. I PROMISE this is a true statement. In fact, when all elements are working together (strings/racquet/player) it becomes almost impossible to hit a ball long.

Installing poly-based strings requires one critical element that many stringers may find challenging. P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E! It is not possible to provide to a quality stringjob with poly-based strings using a rushed sequence. The 15 minute stringjob that may be just fine for synthetics and natural gut, just is not going to cut it with poly-based strings. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO RUSH THE STRINGING PROCESS WITH POLY BASED STRINGS. Some professional stringers may take issue with this statement. They will claim their stringing method is fine-tuned, precise and consistent. We take no issues with these claims. However, those elements without additional care are NOT good enough to produce the best outcomes for poly-based strings. What they produce is consistently mediocre (at best) results. We must remember that the majority of recreational and league players need their strings to last much longer than the pros who get a fresh string job every 9 games. They need to last for weeks and sometimes months.

Poly-based strings are oft criticized for being stiff, rapidly losing tension, contributing to elbow pain and failing to hold playing properties. Each of these claims can be true, except there is a huge BUT here that dwarfs even that of Ms. Kardashian. These statements are only true when the strings have been overtensioned and OVERSTRETCHED. When not overtensioned or overstretched poly-based strings are EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE, LOSE LESS TENSION THAN MOST SYNTHETICS, and HOLD PLAYING PROPERTIES for an extended period of time. (The last varies according to makeup of string).

How can this be? The literature, testimonials and even the USRSA data show that poly-based strings loose tension rapidly. Clearly the statement made in the above paragraph is nothing more than an outpouring of a deranged mind, right? Well, not necessarily. We are suggesting that all this data is gathered from and observed by individuals and groups who have overtensioned the poly-based strings…including the USRSA who test at 62 pounds! (This might give representative results with other strings, but it just ain’t gonna fly with poly-based offerings.)

Poly-based strings have a much lower level of resiliency than synthetics and natural gut. As such, when being installed, it must be handled with care. Even though it is a strong and durable string in the raquet, it takes a tender touch to install properly. The best analogy we have found comes from John Elliot. John compares poly-based strings to the spring that can be found in your average ball point pen. Just like the spring it offers resiliency and when properly used it will hold this resiliency for an extended period of time. However, just like the spring in the pen, it can be easily stretched out of shape if not handled properly. Once this stretching occurs, the spring is dead. It will continue to elongate, but will not retract back into it’s original form and shape. The exact same principle applies to a poly-based string. It CAN NOT be OVERSTRETCHED or OVERTENSIONED without suffering consequences.

Unfortunately in order to keep it in perfect form, there are 2 CRITICAL STEPS that must be taken during installation which are not necessary with strings of different constructions. These steps will without question slow the stringing process. However, it is necessary in order for the poly-based strings to give optimal performance.

1. If using a constant pull electronic machine, the machine’s pull speed needs to be set to the lowest possible speed. We use a Wilson Baiardo and the lowest pull speed is 30%. It is easily set to this level and this is where the Baiardo is most effective for stringing poly-based strings. The reason this step is necessary is because electronic machines overshoot tension and then back down to the desired level. The faster the pull speed the more dramatic and harsh the overshoot. Most machines will overshoot at least 10% – 18% over the set tension. (Remember we are trying not to exceed 52 pounds in order not to overstretch the string!)

2. Once tension is reached, the stringer needs to wait at least 5 seconds before clamping off. This allows the poly-based string to stretch PROPERLY. By failing to give poly-based strings this much time slack is not properly removed and the string will loose tension and the wonderous low-tension performance will never be realized.

By following this pulling procedure the end result will be a tighter stringbed that holds tension for a longer period of time than one with higher reference tensions not pulled with an eye toward end performance rather than speed. In the south we refer to this process as “Moseying.” You gotta take your time, mosey along and enjoy yourself while stringing poly-based strings. It’s really the only way to do it well.

At this point a summary is in order. To get the best possible performance from poly-based strings you need to make sure you or your stringer do the following:

1. Select a tension in the upper 30′s – 40′s. The tension will vary according to density of stringbed and head size. (Note: It can be easily adjusted through observational learning. We’ll cover this in a future blog entry.)

2. Set pull speed to lowest possible setting when using an electronic constant pull machine. If using drop weight, lower bar slowly. If using a crank machine once machine starts to resist crank very, very slowly until it locks.

3. Allow string to sit under tension at least 5 seconds before clamping so that it has sufficient time to properly stretch.

Keep an open mind, give it a try and you will be AMAZED at the results.

AMAZING READ.
makes perfect sense.
thanks!
i'm not sure how happy my stringer's gonna be trying to tell him that though... ;)
btw- i'm currently having a poly mains multi cross.. which feels fine for the past few months (restringing every 10 hours or so). it's 56/54.
what would you recommend doing for a first step towards your tip?
 
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D

decades

Guest
These are the specs of Nadal and Federer. Nadal is not playing a headlight racket with an almost even balance and an extreme high swingweight!!

Nadal = 335/33,8/365 sw

Federer = 360.5/31.6/330 sw

yeah I think he got that backwards didn't he?
 

realplayer

Semi-Pro
AMAZING READ.
makes perfect sense.
thanks!
i'm not sure how happy my stringer's gonna be trying to tell him that though... ;)
btw- i'm currently having a poly mains multi cross.. which feels fine for the past few months (restringing every 10 hours or so). it's 56/54.
what would you recommend doing for a first step towards your tip?

Find a good stringer.
 

realplayer

Semi-Pro
AMAZING READ.
makes perfect sense.
thanks!
i'm not sure how happy my stringer's gonna be trying to tell him that though... ;)
btw- i'm currently having a poly mains multi cross.. which feels fine for the past few months (restringing every 10 hours or so). it's 56/54.
what would you recommend doing for a first step towards your tip?

BTW, it is not a tip. I'm just curious about the performance of poly at low tension in this way and if it is an improvement over multi's or gut. If it's possible or not is a different story.
 
D

decades

Guest
i dont think he's recommending anyone who uses gut to switch to a full bed of poly. he goes on to say he doesn't like using a full bed of poly since it makes finishing a point harder with his already spinny strokes. he instead uses a cheap nylon/synthetic in the mains with a co-poly cross which is a pretty comfortable setup, IMO.

he also called his syn gut "nylon". these guys always confuse their terminology when they are interviewed. I give him credit for not pimping gosen, the brand of string he has used for decades.
 
D

decades

Guest
So recreational players can get tennis elbows?

I agree with drakulie. Recreational players have no business using polyester strings.

latest gen of co polys at low tension probably are fine.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
The Definitive Guide to Stringing Polys and Co-polys

Posted on March 17, 2011 by GGTennis


First of all, and perhaps the biggest obstacle to overcome, is to realize that poly-based strings are designed to perform best at lower tensions.

No they are not. Where did he come up with this nonsense?

I can assure you from personal experience as well as experience with many local customers, that quality poly-based offerings, PROPERLY INSTALLED, give ample control at these low tensions.

So if they are installed at 53 lbs they are not "PROPERLY INSTALLED" ? :roll:

I PROMISE this is a true statement. In fact, when all elements are working together (strings/racquet/player) it becomes almost impossible to hit a ball long.

More bull ****.

Installing poly-based strings requires one critical element that many stringers may find challenging. P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E! It is not possible to provide to a quality stringjob with poly-based strings using a rushed sequence. The 15 minute stringjob that may be just fine for synthetics and natural gut, just is not going to cut it with poly-based strings. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO RUSH THE STRINGING PROCESS WITH POLY BASED STRINGS.

LOL.


Poly-based strings are oft criticized for being stiff, rapidly losing tension, contributing to elbow pain and failing to hold playing properties. Each of these claims can be true, except there is a huge BUT here that dwarfs even that of Ms. Kardashian. These statements are only true when the strings have been overtensioned and OVERSTRETCHED.

Thats because when comparing poly to other synthetics such as multi's or natural guts, THEY ARE STIFF AND LOSE TENSION QUICKER, INCLUDING PLAYING CHARACTERISTSCS, regardless of tension.

When not overtensioned or overstretched poly-based strings are EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE, LOSE LESS TENSION THAN MOST SYNTHETICS, and HOLD PLAYING PROPERTIES for an extended period of time. (The last varies according to makeup of string).

OK, so now I know for a fact he has never completed any testing on dynamic tension or SBD. If he has, he wouldn't be writing this, cause it simply ain't true.


Poly-based strings have a much lower level of resiliency than synthetics

Poly-based strings ARE SYNTHETICS.

As such, when being installed, it must be handled with care. Even though it is a strong and durable string in the raquet, it takes a tender touch to install properly.

lmao! THIS IS SO EFFEN FUNNY.

1. If using a constant pull electronic machine, the machine’s pull speed needs to be set to the lowest possible speed. We use a Wilson Baiardo and the lowest pull speed is 30%. It is easily set to this level and this is where the Baiardo is most effective for stringing poly-based strings. The reason this step is necessary is because electronic machines overshoot tension and then back down to the desired level. The faster the pull speed the more dramatic and harsh the overshoot. Most machines will overshoot at least 10% – 18% over the set tension. (Remember we are trying not to exceed 52 pounds in order not to overstretch the string!)

The Wilson Baiardo doesn't overshoot tension. I would know, I own two of them, so by him holding tension before clamping, as he advocates below, he is basically killing and overstretching the string. The very thing he advocates not to do. LOL

2. Once tension is reached, the stringer needs to wait at least 5 seconds before clamping off. This allows the poly-based string to stretch PROPERLY.

Why not just set the machines pre-stretch function to 5% or whatever?

By failing to give poly-based strings this much time slack is not properly removed and the string will loose tension and the wonderous low-tension performance will never be realized.

How about not pre-strecth the string at all if it plays as well as he advocates at low tension without any pre-strecth?

By following this pulling procedure the end result will be a tighter stringbed that holds tension for a longer period of time

any string that is pre-strecthed will hold tension longer that one that is not. He is not re-inventing the wheel here. The reason is very simple, you have taken the elastity out of the string, and as a result, will end up with a tighter string bed, and also a string bed that has dead strings in it. Congratulations!! You just used a procedure that once you have tied off, you need to cut out and re-string PROPERLY without killing the string as you just advocated.


Horrible article.
 
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BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
So recreational players can get tennis elbows?

I agree with drakulie. Recreational players have no business using polyester strings.
Agree 100%.

Just like recreational drivers should not be driving 1,000 horsepower Formula One cars. The odds of hurting themselves is much greater.
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
Agree 100%.

Just like recreational drivers should not be driving 1,000 horsepower Formula One cars. The odds of hurting themselves is much greater.

There was a line out of an old Motor Trend article. The writers in the office had a standing joke:

What is the quickest way to kill a guy who drives a Volvo?





Buy him a Vette.

They also had a suggestion for a slogan for Volvo "It's floored and you're bored".


I should add that the WTA tier 2 event I string for every year is quite different. They all string poly, poly mains/mult or gut crosses. But I think this event is a rung or two up from the guys' event we had.
 

mikeler

Moderator
"it takes a tender touch to install properly"

C'mon Drakulie, I'm sure Dimitrov specified that his strings needed a little TLC!
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
Thanks drakulie and Mikeler. One other quick question. As a 3.5-4.0 non string breaking player, it sounds like full bed gut is the way to go. If one is using a "tweener," do you ever find that the full bed gut is just too powerful? Should one just increase the tension on the gut, or consider using a poly cross? Thanks in advance for your help/advice.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
"it takes a tender touch to install properly"

C'mon Drakulie, I'm sure Dimitrov specified that his strings needed a little TLC!

Yes, he asked if I could sleep with his poly string the night before and keep it warm before stringing his frames in the morning. LOL.

That article is absolutley horrible, and riddled with contradictions. Where people come up with this stuff is beyond me.

Thanks drakulie and Mikeler. One other quick question. As a 3.5-4.0 non string breaking player, it sounds like full bed gut is the way to go. If one is using a "tweener," do you ever find that the full bed gut is just too powerful? Should one just increase the tension on the gut, or consider using a poly cross? Thanks in advance for your help/advice.

You could use 15 gauge Babolat, or could pre-stretch the string to take out some of it's elasticity.
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
Yes, he asked if I could sleep with his poly string the night before and keep it warm before stringing his frames in the morning. LOL.

That article is absolutley horrible, and riddled with contradictions. Where people come up with this stuff is beyond me.



You could use 15 gauge Babolat, or could pre-stretch the string to take out some of it's elasticity.

Thanks again!!!
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
Yes, he asked if I could sleep with his poly string the night before and keep it warm before stringing his frames in the morning. LOL.

Bill Murray in Stripes said:
I want to party with you, cowboy.


drakulie said:
That article is absolutley horrible, and riddled with contradictions. Where people come up with this stuff is beyond me.

The only line that I really winced at was when Courier said that he tells club players they are really missing the boat if they aren't using a poly. Courier is using OG 16 in the mains and poly in the crosses which isn't going to make a dime's worth of difference to 90% of the club playing population.
 

realplayer

Semi-Pro
No they are not. Where did he come up with this nonsense?



So if they are installed at 53 lbs they are not "PROPERLY INSTALLED" ? :roll:



More bull ****.



LOL.




Thats because when comparing poly to other synthetics such as multi's or natural guts, THEY ARE STIFF AND LOSE TENSION QUICKER, INCLUDING PLAYING CHARACTERISTSCS, regardless of tension.



OK, so now I know for a fact he has never completed any testing on dynamic tension or SBD. If he has, he wouldn't be writing this, cause it simply ain't true.




Poly-based strings ARE SYNTHETICS.



lmao! THIS IS SO EFFEN FUNNY.



The Wilson Baiardo doesn't overshoot tension. I would know, I own two of them, so by him holding tension before clamping, as he advocates below, he is basically killing and overstretching the string. The very thing he advocates not to do. LOL



Why not just set the machines pre-stretch function to 5% or whatever?



How about not pre-strecth the string at all if it plays as well as he advocates at low tension without any pre-strecth?



any string that is pre-strecthed will hold tension longer that one that is not. He is not re-inventing the wheel here. The reason is very simple, you have taken the elastity out of the string, and as a result, will end up with a tighter string bed, and also a string bed that has dead strings in it. Congratulations!! You just used a procedure that once you have tied off, you need to cut out and re-string PROPERLY without killing the string as you just advocated.


Horrible article.

Thanks for your info.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
The only line that I really winced at was when Courier said that he tells club players they are really missing the boat if they aren't using a poly. Courier is using OG 16 in the mains and poly in the crosses which isn't going to make a dime's worth of difference to 90% of the club playing population.

What courier doesn't realize is that he is still getting the performance and feel from his gosen og micro, and the alu power mostly stiffens up the string bed for him, probably making it feel closer to the feel he had in his PS85.
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
What courier doesn't realize is that he is still getting the performance and feel from his gosen og micro, and the alu power mostly stiffens up the string bed for him, probably making it feel closer to the feel he had in his PS85.

EXACTLY. And for many club players who don't have supreme timing, doing that winds up making the string bed their enemy. I recently ditched poly in my frames, along with gut.

I've been playing with some ex college players from time to time (as a fill in). I noticed one of them uses poly and "whatever" in the crosses. The rest of them are still using synthetic. Plain old synthetic.

After 15 years or more of experimentation, I decided to experiment with synthetic. So far, so good. I was planning on a thread revealing this new wonder string. :)

Seriously though sometimes the best thing is the simplest thing. I don't mind string moving, I love stringing and synthetic performs, albeit for a smaller window, but it performs.

I was just plain floored when some 2 50-something year old 3.0 - 3.5 ladies came into a friend of mine's shop. The high-society club they play at had been giving them some new string to try. They were worried because their arms were hurting. My buddy spoke with them, took their frames and they left. He came over to me. The stringer at the club had talked them into Luxilon ALU at 60 pounds. He said "they aren't the first either..."

Just ridiculous.
 

realplayer

Semi-Pro
What courier doesn't realize is that he is still getting the performance and feel from his gosen og micro, and the alu power mostly stiffens up the string bed for him, probably making it feel closer to the feel he had in his PS85.

That sounds plausible. I also heard that most stringers advice the other way around. So in this case the alu power in the mains and the gosen micro in the crosses because the ball will be "catched" better in the stringbed. Whatever that means I don't know....
I always thought it was for durability and control but the opinions start to vary a little bit.

Anyway what is your opinion about reversing the strings and the effects?
 

jackcrawford

Professional
I think it's hilarious to think that Courier, former ATP #1 and current Davis Cup captain can't adjust his thinking to the average rec player and advise them on strings, frames and strokes, but the TW HOF who might work in a small tennis shop can:shock: sort of like saying a Nobel prize winner in physics can't multiply 6 x 9 but a high-school dropout can:mrgreen: Doug Adler, former Challenger tour player and current commentator for several outlets, does a great job with 3.5 players despite having played at a 7.0 level and Courier would as well.
 

ramos77

Semi-Pro
have you guys seen his on court interviews?

courier just likes the sound of his own voice, and talks a lot of crap IMO.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
I think it's hilarious to think that Courier, former ATP #1 and current Davis Cup captain can't adjust his thinking to the average rec player and advise them on strings, frames and strokes, but the TW HOF who might work in a small tennis shop can:shock: sort of like saying a Nobel prize winner in physics can't multiply 6 x 9 but a high-school dropout can:mrgreen:

Unfortunately, your analogy doesn't work.

For example, Courier, although a Hall of Famer, hasn't strung 5,000+ racquets in a year for the average weekend hack, and as a result, doesn't see the result of those weekend hacks playing with poly, which consists of many of them complaining of arm pain and having to stop playing sometimes for months at a time.

More-over, as is evidenced by his remarks, does not understand that poly is not as powerful as natural gut, nor does it provide more spin than natural gut, unless one is hitting like him, which no wekeend hack is doing.

Lastly, Courier himself does not take his own advice, as evidenced by the fact that he continues to use Gosen OG Micro in the mains of his current frame. Anyone who knows anything about string knows that the mains are what provides the performance (spin, power, etc).

And he did very well with that string in his PS85 while on tour, where he averaged 2500+ RPM's of spin on the forehand and could reach up to 3,200 RPM's. On the backhand averaged over 1600 RPM's of spin, and on serve could get up to 4000+ RPM's. All of which aren't far off from what current players are doing with larger frames and full poly beds as he is advocating.

http://www.advancedtennis.com/index.htm
gambil1.jpg



philservep.jpg
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
Jim Courier says Nadal plays with a very headlight racket compared to the norm because he needs to create head acceleration to do what he does and Federer on the contrary has a heavier racket in the head because he is driving the ball more through the court and he is an allcourt player so people at home can take a lesson from that.

Ok, can anybody explain what Jim is saying here cause Nadal has a racket with a much more higher swingweight(360 plus) than Federer(330 plus) and Federer has a much heavier and much more headlight racket than Nadal.

This sounds like the opposite of what Jim is describing??!!

Isn't Fed also 350+ in SW?
 

realplayer

Semi-Pro
#Drakulie

Lastly, Courier himself does not take his own advice, as evidenced by the fact that he continues to use Gosen OG Micro in the mains of his current frame. Anyone who knows anything about string knows that the mains are what provides the performance (spin, power, etc).

But if that is so why are using yourself gut in the mains and poly in the crosses and say that it provides much more spin as the mains provides the performance.

I mean how can gut in the mains provide more spin than poly in the mains when poly in the crosses only stiffens the feeling of the stringbed like you are saying now?? Yet you also have stated in another thread called: (Pros and Cons: Gut Mains vs Gut cross in hybrid) that Gut in the mains and Poly in the "crosses" gives more spin!!!

If strings in the mains provides the performance than poly in the mains should provide more spin. yet in this quote of you you are saying:

Gut in the mains with a good poly will offer much more power, spin, comfort, and as a result, ultimately more control.

This seems contradictory but hopefully you can explain what you meant.
 
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realplayer

Semi-Pro
^^^ how is that contradictory? :confused:

Because if the mains provide the performance than i conclude that poly in the mains would give you more spin than in the crosses but you said in the quote that you chose for a hybrid with gut in the mains because that gives more spin.(and also power,comfort and control)
 
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realplayer

Semi-Pro
^^^ yes. It provides just as much, if not more spin this way. How am I contradicting myself?

If mains provide the performance shouldn't it be more logical to put poly in the mains because it is commonly known that poly provides more spin and in the crosses it won't do much.
Yet you are saying that gut in the mains(which provide the performance) gives more or the same spin than poly in the mains.

gut-poly = same or more spin

poly-gut = same or less spin

If mains provide the performance than poly in the mains should give more spin than gut in the mains??

The contradiction lies in the phrase where you say that the alu in the crosses of courier mostly stiffens things up and does not much else but you also use a hybrid with gut in the mains and poly in the crosses because it gives more spin and comfort.
So i conclude with Courier the poly in the crosses does nothing and the poly in your crosses have all kinds of benefits(more spin, control, power and comfort)
 
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tguru

Rookie
He certainly seems a lot more into his gear than many other pros or former players.[/QUOTE]

And that's about it. It's amusing the credence some here give to his knowledge base. Just last week he made an ignorant tech comment at the Open. Yes, compared to Mac he's a genius but otherwise a pretentious legend in his own mind!
 

galain

Hall of Fame
#DRAKULIE



The Definitive Guide to Stringing Polys and Co-polys

Posted on March 17, 2011 by GGTennis
I can assure you from personal experience as well as experience with many local customers, that quality poly-based offerings, PROPERLY INSTALLED, give ample control at these low tensions. I PROMISE this is a true statement. In fact, when all elements are working together (strings/racquet/player) it becomes almost impossible to hit a ball long.

I PROMISE that what follows is also a true statement.

Give me a quality poly, 'properly installed' at whatever tension is recommended, and at more than one point during a match, I WILL hit the ball long.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
The contradiction lies in the phrase where you say that the alu in the crosses of courier mostly stiffens things up and does not much else but you also use a hybrid with gut in the mains and poly in the crosses because it gives more spin and comfort.
So i conclude with Courier the poly in the crosses does nothing and the poly in your crosses have all kinds of benefits(more spin, control, power and comfort)

You've misunderstood what I've stated. If Courier felt that poly has such great benefit, then he would put it on his mains where one gets the performance from the string (spin,power, etc). He doesn't. He puts it in the crosses. He doesn't understand that the performance he is getting is from his gosen og micro, not from his alu power in the crosses that is simply stiffening up the string bed for him. This is the same thing I'm getting when I hybrid with gut in mains and poly in crosses.
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
If mains provide the performance shouldn't it be more logical to put poly in the mains because it is commonly known that poly provides more spin and in the crosses it won't do much.
Yet you are saying that gut in the mains(which provide the performance) gives more or the same spin than poly in the mains.

gut-poly = same or more spin

poly-gut = same or less spin

If mains provide the performance than poly in the mains should give more spin than gut in the mains??

The contradiction lies in the phrase where you say that the alu in the crosses of courier mostly stiffens things up and does not much else but you also use a hybrid with gut in the mains and poly in the crosses because it gives more spin and comfort.
So i conclude with Courier the poly in the crosses does nothing and the poly in your crosses have all kinds of benefits(more spin, control, power and comfort)

Truthfully, I've been told by folks who've forgotten more about racquet technology and implementation than I'll ever know that the cross strings function is to hold the mains in place. I've also been told and it falls in line with my experience, that the mains account for about 80% of the feel of a stringbed.

Now, as to poly versus gut and spin. 99% of spin comes from one thing...technique. The pros can get some tweaks from their setups. And those tweaks probably have more impact to them because they are so good. But even with the pros, there are two really big factors: perception and feel. I can guarantee you that if it doesn't feel right, even though it may enhance a certain facet of their game, they aren't going to do it. And the perception the pro has of a certain item. James Blake has said he won't even try a string other than Luxilon ALU.

What Drakulie is saying is that Courier's preference for poly in the crosses doesn't really enhance his spin, rather it enhances the feel he gets. This means that the frame feels more like his old frame. In other words, the addition of poly in his crosses makes his new 102 feel more like his old 90. The poly does deaden the string bed compared to a full bed of synthetic so his feel is closer, and poly does take some of the power away as well. This assists him with control.
 

realplayer

Semi-Pro
Truthfully, I've been told by folks who've forgotten more about racquet technology and implementation than I'll ever know that the cross strings function is to hold the mains in place. I've also been told and it falls in line with my experience, that the mains account for about 80% of the feel of a stringbed.

Now, as to poly versus gut and spin. 99% of spin comes from one thing...technique. The pros can get some tweaks from their setups. And those tweaks probably have more impact to them because they are so good. But even with the pros, there are two really big factors: perception and feel. I can guarantee you that if it doesn't feel right, even though it may enhance a certain facet of their game, they aren't going to do it. And the perception the pro has of a certain item. James Blake has said he won't even try a string other than Luxilon ALU.

What Drakulie is saying is that Courier's preference for poly in the crosses doesn't really enhance his spin, rather it enhances the feel he gets. This means that the frame feels more like his old frame. In other words, the addition of poly in his crosses makes his new 102 feel more like his old 90. The poly does deaden the string bed compared to a full bed of synthetic so his feel is closer, and poly does take some of the power away as well. This assists him with control.

Well, I know that and I totally agree with you and drakulie. The only thing i don't get is that drakulie himself plays with gut in the mains and poly in the crosses because according to drakulie this will give more spin or at least the same amount.
That it gives better feel, more power and comfort i can understand except for the spin part.

In my book poly in the mains and gut in the crosses should give more spin than the other way around so that's why i ask drakulie why this set-up gives the same amount or even more spin.
 
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drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
In my book poly in the mains and gut in the crosses should give more spin than the other way around so that's why i ask drakulie why this set-up gives the same amount or even more spin.

Realplayer, this is where the confusion lies and where all the misinformation about poly and how it works to achieve more spin begins. For the most part, for a poly to create more spin a player has to hit the ball hard enough to literally crush the ball resulting in the ball covering more area of the string bed. The vast amount of recreational players aren't hitting the ball this hard.

Secondly, poly, compared to multis and other synthetics is much less powerful. Therefore, people have to swing harder/faster, and as a result get more spin. However, if they swung just as fast with any other string, they would get the same amount of spin, but with more power and comfort.

Lastly, there is the myth that natural gut doesn't provide spin, which simply isn't true. Gut is an excellent string for spin. Just look at the data I provided of pro players. Most of them were using gut. Sampras was able to obtain over 5000 rpms of spin using a ps85 with a full be of gut strung in the 70's.
 
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realplayer

Semi-Pro
Realplayer, this is where the confusion lies and where all the misinformation about poly and how it works to achieve more spin begins. For the most part, for a poly to create more spin a player has to hit the ball hard enough to literally crush the ball resulting in the ball covering more area of the string bed. The vast amount of recreational players aren't hitting the ball this hard.

Secondly, poly, compared to multis and other synthetics is much less powerful. Therefore, people have to swing harder/faster, and as a result get more spin. However, if they swung just as fast with any other string, they would get the same amount of spin, but with more power and comfort.

Lastly, there is the myth that natural gut doesn't provide spin, which simply isn't true. Gut is an excellent string for spin. Just look at the data I provided of pro players. Most of them were using gut. Sampras was able to obtain over 5000 rpms of spin using a ps85 with a full be of gut strung in the 70's.

So what you are actually saying is that recreational players might even get more spin for natural gut cause they don't swing hard enough.
So that explains why you choose for gut in the mains as it actually gives you more spin because you don't have enough swingspeed to get the most out of it.
Which brings me to the question what kind of level you need to take advantage from the poly as I assume that you as a stringer for the pros will have a fairly high level yourself.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Realplayer, the reason I went back to gut is simple, and it has nothing to do with generating enough swing speed, which I have plenty of. The string performs better than poly for a longer period of time. When I use poly I have to cut it out after two days, because of the enormous loss in tension and it's ability to perform. It dies too quickly. With gut, it holds tension much longer and performs great until it breaks.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Realplayer, the reason I went back to gut is simple, and it has nothing to do with generating enough swing speed, which I have plenty of. The string performs better than poly for a longer period of time. When I use poly I have to cut it out after two days, because of the enormous loss in tension and it's ability to perform. It dies too quickly. With gut, it holds tension much longer and performs great until it breaks.


I tried a full job of Wilson Natural Gut 16 earlier this year and I felt that the spin was equivalent with the Weiss Cannon B5E hybrids I was using before that. It was kind of surprising but nobody really talks about gut as a spin string. Everyone raves about the comfort and power but not many talk about the spin.
 

realplayer

Semi-Pro
I tried a full job of Wilson Natural Gut 16 earlier this year and I felt that the spin was equivalent with the Weiss Cannon B5E hybrids I was using before that. It was kind of surprising but nobody really talks about gut as a spin string. Everyone raves about the comfort and power but not many talk about the spin.

I read somewhere that Navratilova was raving about the black code string which did wonders for her game.
It seems that psychology plays a big part as Navratilova with her somewhat compact strokes and continental forehand grip is not the kind of player who would benefit from the poly.
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
I read somewhere that Navratilova was raving about the black code string which did wonders for her game.
It seems that psychology plays a big part as Navratilova with her somewhat compact strokes and continental forehand grip is not the kind of player who would benefit from the poly.

Exactly. Navratilova is drinking the Kool Aid. She sees Nadal hit 40000 RPM forehands and she thinks it'll boos her game as well. As I posted earlier, she said poly is like a new toy...it opens up the court, places you couldn't hit before. I'd like to hear her explain exactly how poly has improved the scope of her slice backhand and how poly helps her backhand hit new spots in the court. Likewise, as McEnroe has noted, poly is definitely not good around the net. Does it help or hurt her net game?

I think Navratilova and Courier and McEnroe are just trying to stay relevant. IMO they could better accomplish this by speaking to the game and not the gear.
 

realplayer

Semi-Pro
You've misunderstood what I've stated. If Courier felt that poly has such great benefit, then he would put it on his mains where one gets the performance from the string (spin,power, etc). He doesn't. He puts it in the crosses. He doesn't understand that the performance he is getting is from his gosen og micro, not from his alu power in the crosses that is simply stiffening up the string bed for him. This is the same thing I'm getting when I hybrid with gut in mains and poly in crosses.

Courier said he got too much spin from poly in the mains. Anyway, you got just as much spin from gut in the mains so it probably would not make that much different anyway. Maybe it is a bit overhyped to sell more poly strings.
 

Klatu Verata Necktie

Hall of Fame
Realplayer, the reason I went back to gut is simple, and it has nothing to do with generating enough swing speed, which I have plenty of. The string performs better than poly for a longer period of time. When I use poly I have to cut it out after two days, because of the enormous loss in tension and it's ability to perform. It dies too quickly. With gut, it holds tension much longer and performs great until it breaks.

Drak,

I haven't posted here in years, but I see that not a lot has changed. You are still making friends and Breakpoint is looking to log internet victories using 90" racquets.

How's life these days?
 
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