Looking for a more control oriented string, I just strung a racquet with Forten Thin Blend. The stringing experience was different from "normal" string so I thought I'd share it with anyone interested.
Thin Blend is a hybrid string with 18 gauge kevlar for the mains and then a soft synthetic for the crosses. When stringing, you can't help but notice the huge differences between the two strings. The kevlar is stiff and has almost no give while the crosses were so elastic and soft (a lot more than "normal" nylon) that it felt like a rubber band in comparison. When tensioning the kevlar, my spring tensioner would "lock in" right away with a short pull while the crosses took a really loooooooong pull.
It's funny to string one racquet with a hybrid with two types of string so far different on opposite ends of the spectrum than the normal nylon and polyester strings I've used in the past.
Also worth noting is that the kevlar was pretty delicate as far as tying the knot was concerned. The first knot I tied snapped the string at the knot with only moderate pressure applied (it wasn't cut by a sharp corner). Fortunately I had enough slack to go back and redo the mains. So pull easy on those kevlar knots.
From what I've read, you're also suppose to string the crosses at a higher tension than the mains. Technically, I think you're stringing the crosses at your normal reference tension, but you need to drop the tension of the mains to accommodate for the stiffer and better tension holding characteristics of the kevlar mains. The package recommended tensioning at 15 percent less on the kevlar. I went with a 59/63 setup.
Thin Blend is a hybrid string with 18 gauge kevlar for the mains and then a soft synthetic for the crosses. When stringing, you can't help but notice the huge differences between the two strings. The kevlar is stiff and has almost no give while the crosses were so elastic and soft (a lot more than "normal" nylon) that it felt like a rubber band in comparison. When tensioning the kevlar, my spring tensioner would "lock in" right away with a short pull while the crosses took a really loooooooong pull.
It's funny to string one racquet with a hybrid with two types of string so far different on opposite ends of the spectrum than the normal nylon and polyester strings I've used in the past.
Also worth noting is that the kevlar was pretty delicate as far as tying the knot was concerned. The first knot I tied snapped the string at the knot with only moderate pressure applied (it wasn't cut by a sharp corner). Fortunately I had enough slack to go back and redo the mains. So pull easy on those kevlar knots.
From what I've read, you're also suppose to string the crosses at a higher tension than the mains. Technically, I think you're stringing the crosses at your normal reference tension, but you need to drop the tension of the mains to accommodate for the stiffer and better tension holding characteristics of the kevlar mains. The package recommended tensioning at 15 percent less on the kevlar. I went with a 59/63 setup.
Your main/cross tension differential is inline with the norm; however, stringing kevlar at 59 could be crazy tight! I use this hybrid too and string the kevlar at 47 lb and syn gut cross at 51lb (on head prestige pro). It was nice and soft with monster spin and crazy control but power is lowered.
