Hybrid: Tension Difference between Mains and Crosses?

[TripleB]

I just ordered a pair of Gamma T-7 racquets but am still waiting for one of the two to arrive at T-W.

I'm getting one strung with Yonex Tour Super 850 16g string at 60 pounds (middle of recommended tension...will adjust up or down from there if I need to).

In order to compare a full multi with a hybrid set up I'm ordering the second racquet with Luxilon BB ALU Power mains and Yonex Tour Super 850 16g crosses.

When you string your racquet with a poly and multi/mono hybrid, how do you set up your tensions?

ie: poly mains 2 pounds more than crosses? poly mains the same tension as the crosses? poly mains 3 pounds less than the crosses? etc.

Thanks for any input.

TripleB

 

[Rexking]

I usually string poly mains 5-10% lower than multi crosses, since polys are stiffer and you want the string bed to feel even, not stiff mains and soft crosses.

 

[TripleB]

I usually string poly mains 5-10% lower than multi crosses, since polys are stiffer and you want the string bed to feel even, not stiff mains and soft crosses.

That's what I thought too. But reading in the Stings and Striging Section of T-W it states under mono-polyester: "Durability-oriented monofilament string. All currently available monofilament strings are polyester. Good alternative to Kevlar hybrids because it’s less stiff but it has a dead feel and high initial tension loss. Recommended for frequent string breakers who don’t want to resort to Kevlar hybrids. String 3-5 lbs. higher than nylon to compensate for tension loss."

Strange...I had always heard string poly 5%-10% less because of the stiff feel...this says string higher because of the tension loss.

I think when I've did a hybrid in the past I've gone 2 pounds higher on the mains (poly)...but I never new what you were supposed to do when stringing with a hybrid.

Thanks for your input.

TripleB

 

[Steve Huff]

I'd go 5# less on the poly mains, and keep the crosses the same.

 

[Matchball]

TripleB,

just happened to see your post.

I think that what you found about poly strings is right.

At the luxilon site, in regards to hybrid stringjobs, they suggest:

Question : - What is the recommended tension for a hybrid string job?

Answer : - Tension in your tennis racquet is very personal choice, and should be based upon what feels good to you. However, as a rule of thumb if you currently are playing:

i) with polyester or monofilament strings, you should keep your Luxilon monofilament strings at the same tension in the mains, and install the crosses 5-10% higher. Most people prefer an increase of 5%.

ii) If you currently are playing with gut strings, multifilaments, or synthetic gut, you should keep you normal tension on the crosses with your multifilament string, and install the mains 5-10% lower with a Luxilon Monofilament. Most people prefer a 10% drop in tension.

Of course this doesn't tell you what you should do when luxilon does not come into play, BUT it does confirm the thing about high initial loss with poly strings.

I use 55 pounds luxilon fluoro mains with 59.5 pounds technifibre biphase crosses on my dunlop. I also add some elastocross (slight tension increase).

I hope this helps a bit

 

[2020estonia]

I will attach an image of string tension and also string names and professionals.

You will find that they are almost all different. (IT IS NOT ONE RECIPE)

I have seen many pros with hybrid setup go higher tension in the mains than the crosses.


my favorite players Alcaraz has higher tensions in the mains!

Yes it is German: but they always mention main tension first then crosses.