Gut Main, Poly Cross Question??

[struggle]

I've tried all three, and probably the most extreme examples helped me to see what is happening. I'll try to be brief.

1) typical lower poly cross setup: 56/53, 60/57, 52/49, and also 61/54. In these tests, the initial playability was great. Spin was easy, and 'snapback' was good. Over time, snapback was not as, well, "snappy", as using my fingers to slide the mains over (when fresh), the mains did *click* back into place. After a few matches, the *quick click back* was replaced by a "gradual slide back".

2) unorthodox (to some), higher crosses: 60/61, 59/60, 52/57, and 51/59. Didn't really notice a difference in playability, and spin was just as easy as when crosses were looser. Perhaps a slightly more crisp feel, but in all, same ol gut/poly.
In the 51/59, the *quick click back* persisted for many more matches. This one felt a little more crisp overall, but spin was still easy peasy, and perhaps a slight loss of power due to tighter mains. But, as someone who likes low power setups, I was really digging the 51/59 racquet.

If comfort is your main priority, you probably won't want to do this, but if you want your snapback to be longer lasting and "snappy", you may want to try adding a few pounds to your crosses.

3) same tension 53/53, 59/59, etc.
Best of both worlds; snapback lasts well, feel is good, etc etc etc.

If you want pure softness, power and comfort, with no break-in, then lower crosses are fine.
If you want longevity, control and crispness, then higher crosses do work.
If you want the best of both worlds, then hit the courts with equal tensions. :mrgreen:

So.....just go out and play. Say it ain't so!! That's quite degrading and inflammatory on your part.

 

[JT_2eighty]

^^ I couldn't resist :lol:

 

[ChicagoJack]

On a side note, has anybody else noticed that the OP, Swedish9, hasn't responded to his/her own thread in almost a month? Maybe he/she has "stopped worrying about the little things and hit the courts"...

I noticed.

 

[cartel]

i used to do the crosses 3-4lb higher and just went the reversed way as another stringer thought that the lower crosses helped snap back-- still testing but i havent noticed better longevity from the higher cross tension.. (my old rackets are the EP's i havent tried the higher cross on the new Q5x yet)

i dont really expect/use a string for more than 15-20 hours (if its gut main) and other hybrids usually 10-15 hrs max.. and 10 or less if full poly ..

this is the main reason i bought a stringer so i could play with tensions and have a couple rackets strung 2-3 lb differential at the same time to compare-

so i agree with Drak in that most should just string it the same and go hit-- were splitting a fine line +/- 4lb tension on crosses and being able to distinguish the difference isnt very noticeable

 

[Eightmarky]

What's the purpose of a poly cross here? Is it $$? Does whatever reasoning here apply to multi/poly hybrids too?

 

[Cup8489]

What's the purpose of a poly cross here? Is it $$? Does whatever reasoning here apply to multi/poly hybrids too?

More control and additional spin. It also seems to be reasonable durable, as the gut slides without much friction.

Great setup.