Good string for Pro Staff 97

[Gadz]

Hi all,

I have just got my Pro Staff 97 strung with head sonic pro (black) and am finding the racket to feel quite harsh since. It could be strung too tight also. I was wondering if anyone has found a good string for it? In the TW review they said maybe messing with certain strings will help the erratic string bed also?

 

[cknobman]

Well I am currently playing with this racquet so here is my opinion:

Ytex Quadro Twist - I am currently participating in this playtest. While I am not finished and have not written a review I will go ahead and tell you I hate this string. Low spin, high power, but at least comfortable for a poly. Full details will be in my review.

For me I have found that (see my sig) using a gut/syn gut in the mains and a poly in the crosses is a great setup.
The poly in the crosses allow the mains to slide around and help with spin production.
The gut/syn gut in the mains give you the power, comfort, and feel needed without being stiff and harsh.

Ultimately I would say use a natural gut in the mains but that can be really expensive. I am pretty happy with Prince syn gut there.
As for the poly in the crosses make sure it is a smooth poly and not a textured or hexagonal type poly. You need it to be smooth to allow the mains to slide across it.

If you go with that setup keep the gut/syn in the mains ~5lbs higher than the poly in the crosses.
A lower tension cross will give the main more freedom to move.
A higher tension main will help it snap back after ball contact.

Hope this helps!

 

[Gadz]

Well I am currently playing with this racquet so here is my opinion:

Ytex Quadro Twist - I am currently participating in this playtest. While I am not finished and have not written a review I will go ahead and tell you I hate this string. Low spin, high power, but at least comfortable for a poly. Full details will be in my review.

For me I have found that (see my sig) using a gut/syn gut in the mains and a poly in the crosses is a great setup.
The poly in the crosses allow the mains to slide around and help with spin production.
The gut/syn gut in the mains give you the power, comfort, and feel needed without being stiff and harsh.

Ultimately I would say use a natural gut in the mains but that can be really expensive. I am pretty happy with Prince syn gut there.
As for the poly in the crosses make sure it is a smooth poly and not a textured or hexagonal type poly. You need it to be smooth to allow the mains to slide across it.

If you go with that setup keep the gut/syn in the mains ~5lbs higher than the poly in the crosses.
A lower tension cross will give the main more freedom to move.
A higher tension main will help it snap back after ball contact.

Hope this helps!

That's great help thanks, but if I was to just have the same string throughout would a syn gut be okay? I have never really used two separate strings in a racket

 

[LiquidWhip]

That's great help thanks, but if I was to just have the same string throughout would a syn gut be okay? I have never really used two separate strings in a racket

You're missing out in that case.

Using a hybrid (using two seperate strings) is a great way to get the best qualities of the two strings while elminating some of the perceived disadvantages.

Take gut for example. It offers great elasticity, tension maintenance, comfort and power. However some people find a full bed of natural gut too powerful.

Then take a co-poly for example. It often offers great spin potential, control and durability. However, the flipside is that for some people it can be harsh or uncomfortable and can lose tension or go dead very quickly.

By combining the two in a hybrid setup you can get the best of both/augment the feeling of your string job to your preference.

 

[neverstopplaying]

That's great help thanks, but if I was to just have the same string throughout would a syn gut be okay? I have never really used two separate strings in a racket

I agree with the above response and will string one of my ps97s with gut/ poly. However the demo that I used before I bought had a full bed of synthetic gut 16ga and I played very well with it. It was probably at about 6olbs. Felt tight but was quite comfortable.

 

[Kal-El 34]

ive been playing it with Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough 17 on the mains and Tour Bite regular 18g on the crosses and its money

 

[neverstopplaying]

ive been playing it with Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough 17 on the mains and Tour Bite regular 18g on the crosses and its money

What tension?

 

[Matt_May]

I use MSV Focus hex 1.18 for the whole string bed, strung around-the-world (box pattern) strung at 53.5 on a babolat star 5, and I love it. I use a TW leather grip, overgrip, ru

 

[eaglesburg]

Go the gut/poly route if you can afford it. There is a thread dedicated to these hybrids.

 

[Matt_May]

I use MSV Focus hex 1.18 for the whole string bed, strung around-the-world (box pattern) strung at 53.5 on a babolat star 5, and I love it. I use a TW leather grip, overgrip, ru

Oops..hit send by mistake...

I use a rubber band damper, and have 2g lead at 12 and 1g at 3 and 9. Comes in right at 350g.

It's more solid feeling than the Pro Staff 95 I was using previously.

 

[neverstopplaying]

Go the gut/poly route if you can afford it. There is a thread dedicated to these hybrids.

My goto string bed is pacific tough gut/4g ( or beast) but sometimes i do like a full poly string bed.

If youre playing with a ps97 you are probably aware of many comments regarding the string sensitivity of it. What are your string brand , thickness and tenson suggestions?

 

[mk3alex10]

I use the PS97 and have tried full syn gut @ 55 (OGSM), full multi @ 55 (NRG & Hexyfiber), full poly @ 45 (cyclone), and gut/poly @ 50/45 (global gut/isospeed baseline). The gut/poly was by far the best combo for me and I what I have continued to use. It's not too expensive either considering you can get global gut for $10 a pack, which strings 2 racquets, and a tell of baseline is $35. Yes GG will break faster than top line gut, but it still lasts longer than multi and feels way better.

Hope this helps.

 

[zack77070]

My PS97 is actually closer to an RF97 at 12.2oz but anyways I'm using a full bed of Tecnifibre Black Code and am loving it. It has some power but I'd only recommend it if you can comfortably generate pace as it is still dead

 

[TennisManiac]

I use the PS97 and have tried full syn gut @ 55 (OGSM), full multi @ 55 (NRG & Hexyfiber), full poly @ 45 (cyclone), and gut/poly @ 50/45 (global gut/isospeed baseline). The gut/poly was by far the best combo for me and I what I have continued to use. It's not too expensive either considering you can get global gut for $10 a pack, which strings 2 racquets, and a tell of baseline is $35. Yes GG will break faster than top line gut, but it still lasts longer than multi and feels way better.

Hope this helps.

Global Gut is located in India correct? Where do you get yours? The stuff they sell on evilbay is crap.

 

[mk3alex10]

I misspoke, I meant natural gut warehouse, not global gut. They're a seller on e**y as well and have their own site. Based in Cali I believe. I don't have much experience with many high end gut brands so my comparison may be biased, but I get good results and enjoy playing with this gut brand, especially given the cost.

 

[mk3alex10]

I misspoke, I meant natural gut warehouse, not global gut. They're a seller on e**y as well and have their own site. Based in Cali I believe. I don't have much experience with many high end gut brands so my comparison may be biased, but I get good results and enjoy playing with this gut brand, especially given the cost.

Apologies, I meant natural gut wholesale, not warehouse.

 

[Caveat]

Well I am currently playing with this racquet so here is my opinion:

Ytex Quadro Twist - I am currently participating in this playtest. While I am not finished and have not written a review I will go ahead and tell you I hate this string. Low spin, high power, but at least comfortable for a poly. Full details will be in my review.

For me I have found that (see my sig) using a gut/syn gut in the mains and a poly in the crosses is a great setup.
The poly in the crosses allow the mains to slide around and help with spin production.
The gut/syn gut in the mains give you the power, comfort, and feel needed without being stiff and harsh.

Ultimately I would say use a natural gut in the mains but that can be really expensive. I am pretty happy with Prince syn gut there.
As for the poly in the crosses make sure it is a smooth poly and not a textured or hexagonal type poly. You need it to be smooth to allow the mains to slide across it.

If you go with that setup keep the gut/syn in the mains ~5lbs higher than the poly in the crosses.
A lower tension cross will give the main more freedom to move.
A higher tension main will help it snap back after ball contact.

Hope this helps!

How's the durability using a syngut in the mains?

 

[TennisManiac]

Apologies, I meant natural gut wholesale, not warehouse.

I just checked out there site. They seem professional enough to do business with. How long does their gut last you in a hybrid?

 

[mk3alex10]

So far 4 hours of 5.0 dubs and 9 hours of teaching (feeding and intermittent ground strokes, volleys, etc). No noticeable notching. I bought the 16g natural color.

 

[Kal-El 34]

What tension?

58 both ways

 

[Hnefi]

I just checked out there site. They seem professional enough to do business with. How long does their gut last you in a hybrid?

Notice they just copy pasted the "about natural gut" section from TW.... I am guessing this is similar quality to global gut (which I've never used but people on here seem to hate).

 

[neverstopplaying]

Thanks. I had also asked the TW playtesters what their preferred setup was and it was also full poly at fairly high tension (56).

I may have to string up one with full poly and see for myself. Never tried 18ga either. Hmmm.

Is 58 your usual poly tension or was this specifically for the PS97?

 

[cknobman]

How's the durability using a syngut in the mains?

Better than expected.

I get about 10 hours before it breaks.

 

[shamaho]

Well I am currently playing with this racquet so here is my opinion:

Ytex Quadro Twist - I am currently participating in this playtest. While I am not finished and have not written a review I will go ahead and tell you I hate this string. Low spin, high power, but at least comfortable for a poly. Full details will be in my review.

For me I have found that (see my sig) using a gut/syn gut in the mains and a poly in the crosses is a great setup.
The poly in the crosses allow the mains to slide around and help with spin production.
The gut/syn gut in the mains give you the power, comfort, and feel needed without being stiff and harsh.

Ultimately I would say use a natural gut in the mains but that can be really expensive. I am pretty happy with Prince syn gut there.
As for the poly in the crosses make sure it is a smooth poly and not a textured or hexagonal type poly. You need it to be smooth to allow the mains to slide across it.

If you go with that setup keep the gut/syn in the mains ~5lbs higher than the poly in the crosses.
A lower tension cross will give the main more freedom to move.
A higher tension main will help it snap back after ball contact.

Hope this helps!

I am going to try syn gut with poly as well.

Which polys have you tried slick enough for price syn gut ? One that doesn't get high friction after playing some time.

When new I guess any round poly will do, the problem is after a little while, some will continue sort of slippery while others will make the mains start to stick

Excuse my brevity, sent from mobile on puny keyboard and rocking public transport

 

[cknobman]

I am going to try syn gut with poly as well.

Which polys have you tried slick enough for price syn gut ? One that doesn't get high friction after playing some time.

When new I guess any round poly will do, the problem is after a little while, some will continue sort of slippery while others will make the mains start to stick

Excuse my brevity, sent from mobile on puny keyboard and rocking public transport

I've found the cheap ISO Speed Basline (control and power) to be pretty good.

If you have the money then I would recommend RPM blast.

But any of these polys will go dead for me after ~3-4 matches and require me to restring if I have not already broke the mains.

 

[JBH]

Thanks. I had also asked the TW playtesters what their preferred setup was and it was also full poly at fairly high tension (56).

I may have to string up one with full poly and see for myself. Never tried 18ga either. Hmmm.

Is 58 your usual poly tension or was this specifically for the PS97?

While I have great respect for the play testers, they are incorrect here. The PS97 has high string density at the top and bottom, and the overall shape is quite oval. With stiff strings and/or high tension, the sweet zone is significantly reduced. The optimal solution IME is a hybrid with a multi cross and a round poly main. My favorite has been Head Lynx and Prince Premier Control or Power. This setup lasts a very long time as well, as the multi doesn't tend to break and supports the poly main from stretching to the point of failure as well.

 

[shamaho]

I've found the cheap ISO Speed Basline (control and power) to be pretty good.

If you have the money then I would recommend RPM blast.

But any of these polys will go dead for me after ~3-4 matches and require me to restring if I have not already broke the mains.

I have a free set of signum pro Hyperion which I'll try with Prince synth gut DF 18 which will go on the mains at lowish tensions.

On another will try same synth gut crossed with Tourna BHB.

Will report after putting it on the racket and after some play time.

Excuse my brevity, sent from mobile on puny keyboard and rocking public transport

 

[shamaho]

I've found the cheap ISO Speed Basline (control and power) to be pretty good.

If you have the money then I would recommend RPM blast.

But any of these polys will go dead for me after ~3-4 matches and require me to restring if I have not already broke the mains.

Oh and thanks for your recommendation, I'll keep it in mind if I don't like the ones I'll try


Excuse my brevity, sent from mobile on puny keyboard and rocking public transport

 

[Frans Bleker]

I use a hybrid in it now. In the mains I've got Völkl Cyclone Tour and in the crosses I've got a multi; Völkl Power Fibre 2. Really nice setup, decent power, good control and loads of spin.

 

[mainandcrosses]

I play with Diadem Solstice Power 16g on the mains @ 52 and Impulse 17g on the crosses @ 50.
i love it!

 

[Dominic]

I find the PS97 quite a powerfull racket and got some success when using a full bed of stiff polys. 4G or STB at the 50lns mark seemed to tame this racket just the right amount.

 

[shamaho]

I find the PS97 quite a powerfull racket and got some success when using a full bed of stiff polys. 4G or STB at the 50lns mark seemed to tame this racket just the right amount.

Although that feeling should not be generalised imho just because I would only say that as you stated for say a pure drive type of racket.

I find PS97 more powerful than the K90 types and much much less than pure drive types, but not quite requiring that much taming

Excuse my brevity, sent from mobile on puny keyboard and rocking public transport

 

[shamaho]

I find the PS97 quite a powerfull racket and got some success when using a full bed of stiff polys. 4G or STB at the 50lns mark seemed to tame this racket just the right amount.

I would describe the PS97 as a somewhat powerful but mostly control oriented racket.

Excuse my brevity, sent from mobile on puny keyboard and rocking public transport

 

[Dimcorner]

Ashaway Kevlar main and ZX cross. No complains so far.
I think i put it at 50, 48.

 

[powerrangers]

I'm using natural gut / 4g rough. Had it strung up as 57/55 . It's been in three racquet for some time now and is now very mushy very powerful and control has gone out the window. I'm considering moving to a full bed of 4g around 50 pounds, anybody tried this ?

 

[happycamperjack]

I'm using natural gut / 4g rough. Had it strung up as 57/55 . It's been in three racquet for some time now and is now very mushy very powerful and control has gone out the window. I'm considering moving to a full bed of 4g around 50 pounds, anybody tried this ?

You should try smooth 4g in your cross, it lasts longer. Or perhap Wilson Revolve? Suppose to last even longer than 4G with a slippery coating for good slide. If you go full 4g, the main will die a lot faster than gut. So might not be worth the money in the long run if you don't break gut main that often.

 

[Emkay]

I'm using natural gut / 4g rough. Had it strung up as 57/55 . It's been in three racquet for some time now and is now very mushy very powerful and control has gone out the window. I'm considering moving to a full bed of 4g around 50 pounds, anybody tried this ?

I've used a full bed of 4G soft with good results. Excellent spin and control. I usually don't have arm issues with stiff setups, though I prefer the feel of softer ones.

 

[shamaho]

Posted some quick impressions using Hybrid PSGD + Hyperion & Fullbed Hyperion on the Hyperion thread...

 

[Dartagnan64]

I use a PD which is a bit more powerful than the PS97. I find gut/poly hybrid to be the best for longevity of playability, comfort, spin potential and muted power.

Go to setup has been Tonic+ 15 with 4G in the crosses. Recently tried Tonic with Alu power rough but found the poly goes dead a bit too soon for my liking. I'm going to try Revolve as I've heard nice things about that combo with gut. Typically go 58/52 lbs and would probably go 57/50 in a PS97.

I'm a big fan of the gut/poly hybrid. Full bed of poly is too harsh and short lasting. Full gut or multi is not spinny enough and too bouncy. poly/multi hybrids still go dead too quickly and the stringbed locks too quickly reducing spin.

 

[powerrangers]

You should try smooth 4g in your cross, it lasts longer. Or perhap Wilson Revolve? Suppose to last even longer than 4G with a slippery coating for good slide. If you go full 4g, the main will die a lot faster than gut. So might not be worth the money in the long run if you don't break gut main that often.

I've previously tried 4g cross with vs touch in a pro staff 90 however I think I strung it too tight as it was still qute harsh. I'm going to give smooth 4g cross a go again but this time on the ps97. I'll be stringing up pacfic gut this time
with 4g. I'll report back on the difference.

 

[SpinToWin]

I've previously tried 4g cross with vs touch in a pro staff 90 however I think I strung it too tight as it was still qute harsh. I'm going to give smooth 4g cross a go again but this time on the ps97. I'll be stringing up pacfic gut this time
with 4g. I'll report back on the difference.

4G as a cross makes for the most poly like stringbed of all gut/poly hybrids I tried, I wouldn't be surprised with the results.

 

[powerrangers]

4G as a cross makes for the most poly like stringbed of all gut/poly hybrids I tried, I wouldn't be surprised with the results.

I'm looking for stiffer feel , I also believe 4g rough tension maintenance is not as good as 4g smooth

 

[shamaho]

Posted some quick impressions using Hybrid PSGD + Hyperion & Fullbed Hyperion on the Hyperion thread...

Although it clearly seems that I can get better directional control hmmm ie placement precision with Weiss cannon scorpion than with Hyperion.

Excuse my brevity, sent from mobile on puny keyboard and rocking public transport

 

[powerrangers]

My arm and shoulder isn't in the best of shape atm, newly strung set up of gut and 4g is hurting my arm. I think I strung up 4g too tight, I'm getting a horrible pinging sound hopefully it loosens up soon.

 

[moon shot]

My arm and shoulder isn't in the best of shape atm, newly strung set up of gut and 4g is hurting my arm. I think I strung up 4g too tight, I'm getting a horrible pinging sound hopefully it loosens up soon.

4G is among the stiffest strings and also holds tension quite well which indicates it probably doesn't soften up much. You might find Tourna Black Zone, 4G Soft, or even Big Banger Original better on the arm. Regardless I would count on poly to lose control and crispness after 20-30 hours if you arn't breaking it. Being the cross just masks its death, it would be more obvious in the mains.

If you go full bed do it with caution for your arm. I'd string around 44-48lbs full bed with a less stiff poly than 4G.

 

[SpinToWin]

My arm and shoulder isn't in the best of shape atm, newly strung set up of gut and 4g is hurting my arm. I think I strung up 4g too tight, I'm getting a horrible pinging sound hopefully it loosens up soon.

As I said, 4G in the crosses makes for the most poly like stringbed and is not advisable for arm problems. Look for a different setup.

 

[shamaho]

I find the PS97 quite a powerfull racket and got some success when using a full bed of stiff polys. 4G or STB at the 50lns mark seemed to tame this racket just the right amount.

It's really weird, while some find it actually very powerful needing some taming, others feel it as very much control oriented with decent power.

I have a friend which I play very often and our matches are most of the time quite even, and he found it very powerful.

So it must be some sort of technique thing making all the difference. I tend more to the classic technique and try to have my contract point more in front or forward while he is more up to date and hits closer to the body

Excuse my brevity, sent from mobile on puny keyboard and rocking public transport

 

[moon shot]

It's really weird, while some find it actually very powerful needing some taming, others feel it as very much control oriented with decent power.

I have a friend which I play very often and our matches are most of the time quite even, and he found it very powerful.

So it must be some sort of technique thing making all the difference. I tend more to the classic technique and try to have my contract point more in front or forward while he is more up to date and hits closer to the body

Excuse my brevity, sent from mobile on puny keyboard and rocking public transport

Yeah, it depends on what you are switching to it from. I would hazard a guess that some may find it to be a more control oriented APD, or a spinnier blade 98. The swingweight and stiffness are closer to what a Six One has been than any Pro Staff 95 or greater since the last time both names were on one stick.

If you came from the last PS95 I could see it being unexpectedly powerful.

 

[shamaho]

Yeah, it depends on what you are switching to it from. I would hazard a guess that some may find it to be a more control oriented APD, or a spinnier blade 98. The swingweight and stiffness are closer to what a Six One has been than any Pro Staff 95 or greater since the last time both names were on one stick.

If you came from the last PS95 I could see it being unexpectedly powerful.

Actually he's coming from PD type rackets hence my utter amazement at his assessment...

 

[powerrangers]

As I said, 4G in the crosses makes for the most poly like stringbed and is not advisable for arm problems. Look for a different setup.

My stubbornness told me I needed more control so I strung it up a little tighter, I guess I'm just going to have to get used to it again. The gut/4g rough set up I was using previously was so soft and had a lot of pocketing so it feels like a big change.