In praise of Kevlar/ZX hybrid!!!

[lucieisland]

Durability and Control

durability and tension stability ...
When I use a natural gut / poly hybrid, I don't often break my strings, the weak point of this hybrid is the durability of poly (tension stability) and rigidity.

the first solution I had was to use soft poly, low gauge (hightech polyfibre 1.10mm)

but after 6 hours it dies, and that makes it impossible to use natural gut! ..

the kevlar option in 1.10mm cross makes this assembly very durable over time, with a little control and without too much power.

 

[USPTARF97]

durability and tension stability ...
When I use a natural gut / poly hybrid, I don't often break my strings, the weak point of this hybrid is the durability of poly (tension stability) and rigidity.

the first solution I had was to use soft poly, low gauge (hightech polyfibre 1.10mm)

but after 6 hours it dies, and that makes it impossible to use natural gut! ..

the kevlar option in 1.10mm cross makes this assembly very durable over time, with a little control and without too much power.

Polyfibre is one of the worst poly strings in terms of tension maintenance.
We use a slick poly cross that has good tension maintenance and then it is 8-10hrs of the best playability for my game. Some pre-stretch the poly. Anyway, comparing Gut/poly to Kevlar is like comparing a Ferrari to a Honda.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

 

[USPTARF97]

How about a Ferrari Enzo to a Honda Accord.

 

[lucieisland]

Anyway, comparing Gut/poly to Kevlar is like comparing a Ferrari to a Honda.

it is enough to see Pierre Gasly winning a F1 Grand Prix some time ago at the wheel of a car .. with Honda engine! .. and Ferraris far, but behind ...

they are always wary of turtles, rabbits are not always faster ... the 24 hours du Mans .. it is not Italians or Germans who won the race, but a Japanese !.

I think a lot of times people have a hard time accepting new things. remember, when I was 12, I played with a Major Bullit ... and brought out the very first babolat rackets. my brother had one, and everyone was laughing at him back then, babolat couldn't make serious rackets ... a brand that "braids" beef intestines couldn't be able to make something so highly technological with carbon fibers, kevlar and other high-tech materials ...

I wonder if these people are still laughing today?

things are changing.
at one time i played with over 28 to 29kg in 90 frames .. at one time we played with poly / gut hybrids, then one st switched to gut / poly at 22/21 with 107 frame.

we should perhaps ask the question why do we use a poly in the crosses? I think we have to try.

I find that using a poly that dies after 4 hours is wasting natural gut that does not die. maybe we should find a rigid string, control, and which has superb tension stability .. like kevlar.

one will answer me, that kevlar locks the strings, yes, of course, you think that the tringsavers used by Sampra at the time locked the strings? or not? that prevented him from playing? or not?

things are changing. All the time. what used to be absurd yesterday is perhaps becoming the norm today.

I think some people are registered in obsolete concepts. and because they have known certain things think it will never change.

when I switched to FB poly, I once asked a 17/16 tournament stringer with a power poly mantis on a prestige youtek S, he looked at me with big eyes explaining to me that no one was playing with such low tension. that it was coming out, that it was unplayable.

Some me later, my brother who was a mulhouse stringer, knew well the stringer who strung Nishikori's racket at 18kg!

 

[Shroud]

it is enough to see Pierre Gasly winning a F1 Grand Prix some time ago at the wheel of a car .. with Honda engine! .. and Ferraris far, but behind ...

they are always wary of turtles, rabbits are not always faster ... the 24 hours du Mans .. it is not Italians or Germans who won the race, but a Japanese !.

I think a lot of times people have a hard time accepting new things. remember, when I was 12, I played with a Major Bullit ... and brought out the very first babolat rackets. my brother had one, and everyone was laughing at him back then, babolat couldn't make serious rackets ... a brand that "braids" beef intestines couldn't be able to make something so highly technological with carbon fibers, kevlar and other high-tech materials ...

I wonder if these people are still laughing today?

things are changing.
at one time i played with over 28 to 29kg in 90 frames .. at one time we played with poly / gut hybrids, then one st switched to gut / poly at 22/21 with 107 frame.

we should perhaps ask the question why do we use a poly in the crosses? I think we have to try.

I find that using a poly that dies after 4 hours is wasting natural gut that does not die. maybe we should find a rigid string, control, and which has superb tension stability .. like kevlar.

one will answer me, that kevlar locks the strings, yes, of course, you think that the tringsavers used by Sampra at the time locked the strings? or not? that prevented him from playing? or not?

things are changing. All the time. what used to be absurd yesterday is perhaps becoming the norm today.

I think some people are registered in obsolete concepts. and because they have known certain things think it will never change.

when I switched to FB poly, I once asked a 17/16 tournament stringer with a power poly mantis on a prestige youtek S, he looked at me with big eyes explaining to me that no one was playing with such low tension. that it was coming out, that it was unplayable.

Some me later, my brother who was a mulhouse stringer, knew well the stringer who strung Nishikori's racket at 18kg!

sadly the stinging industry is rife with dogma and those guys guarding the past...

 

[tomato123]

So I'm thinking about the idea of multiple pulls on a lockout to get the prestretch effect based on @graycrait's method, and I'm also looking at Irvin's video on the topic. I wonder if pulling 3 or so times using this method with the ZX (while giving yourself a bit more of a gap on the first pull) will be a good way to prestretch the string?

 

[travlerajm]

So I'm thinking about the idea of multiple pulls on a lockout to get the prestretch effect based on @graycrait's method, and I'm also looking at Irvin's video on the topic. I wonder if pulling 3 or so times using this method with the ZX (while giving yourself a bit more of a gap on the first pull) will be a good way to prestretch the string?

I wouldn’t recommend multiple pulls on zx while stringing. The reason is that the string is most fragile when pulling tension on a bend. Pulling multiple times moves the bend where it exits the frame, risking a break while stringing. In my experience, it’s best to prestretch the whole length in advance using a method similar to what @TypeRx or @graycrait have described.

Kevlar is a bit different. For a good prestretch, I like to pound it into submission while all the mains are tensioned but, but before tying off the last main, then remove the slack created. This simulates the break-in period so that there is no break-in period needed when you hit the court.

 

[USPTARF97]

it is enough to see Pierre Gasly winning a F1 Grand Prix some time ago at the wheel of a car .. with Honda engine! .. and Ferraris far, but behind ...

they are always wary of turtles, rabbits are not always faster ... the 24 hours du Mans .. it is not Italians or Germans who won the race, but a Japanese !.

I think a lot of times people have a hard time accepting new things. remember, when I was 12, I played with a Major Bullit ... and brought out the very first babolat rackets. my brother had one, and everyone was laughing at him back then, babolat couldn't make serious rackets ... a brand that "braids" beef intestines couldn't be able to make something so highly technological with carbon fibers, kevlar and other high-tech materials ...

I wonder if these people are still laughing today?

things are changing.
at one time i played with over 28 to 29kg in 90 frames .. at one time we played with poly / gut hybrids, then one st switched to gut / poly at 22/21 with 107 frame.

we should perhaps ask the question why do we use a poly in the crosses? I think we have to try.

I find that using a poly that dies after 4 hours is wasting natural gut that does not die. maybe we should find a rigid string, control, and which has superb tension stability .. like kevlar.

one will answer me, that kevlar locks the strings, yes, of course, you think that the tringsavers used by Sampra at the time locked the strings? or not? that prevented him from playing? or not?

things are changing. All the time. what used to be absurd yesterday is perhaps becoming the norm today.

I think some people are registered in obsolete concepts. and because they have known certain things think it will never change.

when I switched to FB poly, I once asked a 17/16 tournament stringer with a power poly mantis on a prestige youtek S, he looked at me with big eyes explaining to me that no one was playing with such low tension. that it was coming out, that it was unplayable.

Some me later, my brother who was a mulhouse stringer, knew well the stringer who strung Nishikori's racket at 18kg!

Keep searching for anyone playing high level competitive tennis using Kevlar in any form or fashion. It is very rare and I haven’t seen anyone in in the last 20+ years. Worked with a D1 team recently and asked these guys from all over the world if they see anyone using Kevlar strings. Their response was either no or you could tell they had no idea what I was talking about. In the past before the pandemic was able to go in the stringing room of ATP and WTA events. No one using Kevlar. This thread has been here for around 5 years. Not exactly catching on.

 

[TypeRx]

Kevlar is a bit different. For a good prestretch, I like to pound it into submission while all the mains are tensioned but, but before tying off the last main. This simulates the break-in period so that there is no break-in period needed when you hit the court.

Please explain your process -- I am envisioning a heavy rubber mallet hitting the sweet spot area before tying off that final main

 

[travlerajm]

Please explain your process -- I am envisioning a heavy rubber mallet hitting the sweet spot area before tying off that final main

A rubber mallet would be a good refinement!

I am using my bare fist as the mallet. First I beat the half-strung stringbed into submission with a couple dozen fist blows (using the soft part of my fist - it doesn’t hurt because the stringbed is soft with no crosses). I try to hit every main.

The pounding loosens up the kevlar quite a bit (each impact delivers a concentrated high-tension impulse). To replace the lost tension, I pull up on the second to last main on the opposite side of the tensioned end, and then transfer the extra slack to the next string, working my way across the stringbed by walking with alternating fingers toward the tensioned end. The extra slack will cause the dropweight to fall a bit when I reach the last main. I relevel the dropweight, and repeat the pounding and slack removal cycle. Once I stop seeing any extra slack, I call it good.

 

[graycrait]

I wouldn’t recommend multiple pulls on zx while stringing.

I agree with this statement.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

I wouldn’t recommend multiple pulls on zx while stringing. The reason is that the string is most fragile when pulling tension on a bend. Pulling multiple times moves the bend where it exits the frame, risking a break while stringing. In my experience, it’s best to prestretch the whole length in advance using a method similar to what @TypeRx or @graycrait have described.

Kevlar is a bit different. For a good prestretch, I like to pound it into submission while all the mains are tensioned but, but before tying off the last main, then remove the slack created. This simulates the break-in period so that there is no break-in period needed when you hit the court.

Should I hit the string bed with a rubber mallet to break it in? Serious question

 

[TypeRx]

Should I hit the string bed with a rubber mallet to break it in? Serious question

LOL - I agree some of the methods employed in this thread are laughable (and I'm guilty as well!). haha

I'll just stick to hitting for an hour or so after I restring to get everything nice and settled.

 

[graycrait]

I'll just stick to hitting for an hour or so after I restring to get everything nice and settled.

I have placed the racket head flat on a piece of wood so the entire hoop was supported and stepped on the fresh string bed repeatedly. Later I thought, "Come on, in the end it is just a tennis string bed." Of course this from a guy who has a winch system to prestretch I have convinced myself that pulling tension 3x on my lockout is enough for the Ash Kev mains. I also think a slow pull on the ZX is enough on the crosses.

Tomorrow or the next day I have another Radical OS coming and I am going to pull tension on the ZXP crosses 3x as well. I just got another reel of ZXP If things go badly...

 

[tomato123]

Synthetic gut crosses seem interesting as well. For those who have tried the non-zx crossfire, or any synthetic gut on the crosses, what does that setup play like?

 

[travlerajm]

Synthetic gut crosses seem interesting as well. For those who have tried the non-zx crossfire, or any synthetic gut on the crosses, what does that setup play like?

Kevlar/syn gut is not as as spin friendly as poly. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. What you lose in spin, you gain back in more precise control of the launch angle as long as you string at the right tension.

In fact, I’ve had my best competitive results using kevlar/syn gut strung up tight and boardy in OS frames.
It worked ok for Agassi too.

I’m currently using kevlar/syn gut in open pattern OS strung tight for the doubs season. Precision volleys and slices, but still gives me plenty of spin for twisty spin serving where the attack angle is steeper than for groundies.

 

[graycrait]

@travlerajm , Do your OS racket stringbeds with Ash Kev x Syn Gut lock up quickly?

 

[travlerajm]

@travlerajm , Do your OS racket stringbeds with Ash Kev x Syn Gut lock up quickly?

If the pattern is open enough (as in my Titanium Hammer 5.0 or O3 Red), and I string at medium-high tension in mid 60s, it never fully locks. There is a lot of friction, but the mains still snap back and stay straight as they wear. Then crosses wear flatter as a ribbon. I get poly-like spin on high-attack-angle shots like kick serves, and significantly less spin coupled with significantly better launch angle control compared to poly on groundies and volleys. I can’t hit spinny angled groundies as well, but I win more.

 

[graycrait]

@travlerajm ,
Being over 65 and playing a wide variety of skill sets and age groups makes my racket choice quite varied. Last week I thought the 11+oz Ncode Nblade 106 18x19 was the bees knees. But Saturday I played a developing 40 yr old 4.0 tennis player who was a college badminton and volleyball player from another continent. We played in 10-15mph wind. That Nblade was letting me get pushed around. Switched over to 12+oz Rad Tour OS and won the set. The only thing consistent about my "play" rackets right now is the Ash Kev x ZX stringbeds.

I do try and maintain pairs or triplets and in some cases quartets and quintuplets of some rackets. In the case of of multiple favorite rackets I try to have a racket strung in Nat Gut, Syn Gut, Multi and Ash Kev. If all I have is a pair - one in Multi and one in Ash Kev x ZX seems best.

Current play rackets in order of preference: Rad Tour OS Candy Cane, Rad OS LM, Rad OS MGx4, Nblade 106, '08 C10 Prox3, Chang Ti OS cut to 27.3" x2 and Volkl Quantum Tour 10 Midx2 (93", 1st Gen), Ncode NPS 95x2. Rackets I like to hit besides aforementioned are Babalot Pure Storm 95 LTD" GT and Chang Ti 95x4. One racket bugs me. I have a mint Dunlop Aerogel 2hundred 95". Spec wise I should love that racket but can't. Right now I have NG x round poly in it and still find it off putting.

I probably should clear out the other 50 or so on the wall. I have so many strung with Ash Kev x ZX. That stringbed allows me to hang the racket up for a year or two or... and grab it for a hit and it plays decent. I have a quite a few OS rackets hanging waiting for that day I need a "serious" granny racket.

 

[Shroud]

Should I hit the string bed with a rubber mallet to break it in? Serious question

my 2 cents is to hit with it and see. if you need to just stand on the stringbed to stretch it a bit...using one foot of course.

Synthetic gut crosses seem interesting as well. For those who have tried the non-zx crossfire, or any synthetic gut on the crosses, what does that setup play like?

Its more precise on the launch angle because it locked. Flat hitters might dig that vs. kev/zx. Not as durable and less spin and harsher if you are a spin player. Cheaper and a TW best seller. Even Problend isn't listed as a best seller on TW.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

Looks like one hour of hitting is about 800 hits. Easy peasy with the mallet

 

[skydog]

Tried an experiment yesterday when I was stringing up my Pro Kennex Black Ace 315. I increased the prestretch % on my machine from 15% up to 25% using the Kev/ZX hybrid. For the PK BA, I chose to start out at 60 lbs x 48 lbs with its 16x19 pattern/100 sq in headsize as a starting point.

By kicking up the prestretch percentage, it brought the ZX closer to 60 lb limit Ashaway recommends as its maximum so I was prepared to redo the crosses if things went south. The increased percentage on the Kevlar worked out better than expected, after the prestretch and settling to the target of 60 lb it stayed locked in the target number without any small changes I normally see in the fractions of a pound on my Wise. Switching over to the ZX crosses, things progressed relatively smoothly. No issues with the prestretch phase of the pull, but I did see an improvement in the number of times the tension head had to readjust to target after the beep. Normally, it’s 5 or 6 readjustments as the ZX continues to stretch, but with the 25% prestretch I was averaging only 3 to 4 before the tension stabilized. It would have reduced my stringing time, but as I was working with a new racquet and grommet pattern I was learning where my blocked hole issues were going to be and the tie off mechanics, it took me a bit longer.

I will not know for sure how successful the change will be until I get to hit which likely be a couple of weeks away due to scheduling issues, but from the stringing standpoint, I was pleased with the results.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

Got to hit with Kev/ZX today for the first time. Wrote my impressions on this thread:

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/in-praise-of-kevlar-zx-hybrid-spinoff-unofficial-review.679880/

 

[bleno567]

I ordered a pack of the 17g for my prestiges. I really like dead-feeling strings, but full hyper g did a number on my elbow.

Can anyone recommend me a good tension for an ultra low powered response in an 18x20 pattern?

 

[TypeRx]

I ordered a pack of the 17g for my prestiges. I really like dead-feeling strings, but full hyper g did a number on my elbow.

Can anyone recommend me a good tension for an ultra low powered response in an 18x20 pattern?

I have Wilson Blade v7 98 in both the 16x19 and 18x20 variant. I have them both strung with Kevlar 17 g (62 lbs) and ZXP 17 g (42 lbs) and it's amazing how much more free power I get from the 16x19 frame, even though the swing weight on it is less. THe 18x20 even at 62/42 is low powered for me, but of course personal preference plays a big role here. But, if you really want low power, inch up on the ZXP tension. My recommendation would be to try 62-65 lbs on the Kevlar and 50-53 lbs on the ZXP.

I hate hyper G -- it is SO uncomfortable and is not even spin friendly (compared to Volkl Cyclone or Tier One Firewire) in my experience.

 

[Username_]

TL;DR of past 10s of pages:

kevlar is pain
kevlar is comfy

use at ur own risk

 

[tennisboy2121]

What is the benifit of stringing with such a difference in tension. Like 60+/40+. I use Prince Problend. For the last couple years I have been stringing about 45/52. So I seem to be doing the opposite of most people and way lower. Before I changed to that tension I was just string around 58. No matter what tension I have played with, the first two hours is not my favorite. It definitely takes me till hit number two to gain the power and spin and lose the boardy feeling.

 

[skydog]

TL;DR of past 10s of pages:

kevlar is pain
kevlar is comfy

use at ur own risk

One person claiming Kevlar is the devil over and over an over again.
Vs.
Everyone else who actually uses Kevlar.

If you follow the useful advice from those who actually use this hybrid, there is not a lot of risk.

 

[Username_]

One person claiming Kevlar is the devil over and over an over again.
Vs.
Everyone else who actually uses Kevlar.

If you follow the useful advice from those who actually use this hybrid, there is not a lot of risk.

lol I put that last comment there in jest of the constant back and forth. Pay no heed to it if it was taken seriously (not just you specifically but anyone who has)

 

[skydog]

lol I put that last comment there in jest of the constant back and forth. Pay no heed to it if it was taken seriously (not just you specifically but anyone who has)

No worries. It’s hard to tell sometimes as there are gaps in the context since I ignored someone.

 

[Shroud]

lol I put that last comment there in jest of the constant back and forth. Pay no heed to it if it was taken seriously (not just you specifically but anyone who has)

whew. I was on a chair about to jump till I saw this was in jest.

 

[Username_]

whew. I was on a chair about to jump till I saw this was in jest.

feel free to jump
make sure you're safe in the end or else ill be involved in assisted suicide

 

[Shroud]

feel free to jump
make sure you're safe in the end or else ill be involved in assisted suicide

welcome to the club. I have apparently been involved in many suicided arms.

 

[AceyMan]

A rubber mallet would be a good refinement!

I am using my bare fist as the mallet. First I beat the half-strung stringbed into submission with a couple dozen fist blows (using the soft part of my fist - it doesn’t hurt because the stringbed is soft with no crosses). I try to hit every main.

To borrow from another "hot" thread, I have to ask:

Does 'pounding Kevlar' make one into an alpha stringer <thinking_face>?

/Acey

to the point: a deadblow hammer turned crossways would work nicely for this method; they are usually smooth plastic castings and won't nick the string bed (not like you can actually *hurt* kevlar. Have you heard about those vests they make!?).

And as hammers go, they're just about the cheapest kind. (No, you don't need Snap-On™.)

 

[AceyMan]

So,

Since we know all the Kevlar lovers hang out in this thread ...

I write seeking any TTW feedback / experience on Pro's Pro Pure Aramid.

From what pics I can see, it looks like the Kevlar half of the Gamma TNT Fusion hybrid set which would be fine by me.

Any reports appreciated!

/Acey

 

[travlerajm]

So,

Since we know all the Kevlar lovers hang out in this thread ...

I write seeking any TTW feedback / experience on Pro's Pro Pure Aramid.

From what pics I can see, it looks like the Kevlar half of the Gamma TNT Fusion hybrid set which would be fine by me.

Any reports appreciated!

/Acey

I haven’t tried Pro’s Pro.

Tried Gamma TNT Fusion 19g a few times. It’s really thin and really light weight, so need to take mass into account. It also has stretchy polyurethane embedded in the fibers, so it plays a little more like a rubber band and less like a rope.

 

[McLovin]

Tried Gamma TNT Fusion 19g a few times. It’s really thin and really light weight, so need to take mass into account. It also has stretchy polyurethane embedded in the fibers, so it plays a little more like a rubber band and less like a rope.

I used to use that all the time, except I bought it as TNT Extreme Spin 19, which was basically a full set of the Kevlar. I'd cut it in half & use w/ gut crosses. Was great in my HPS 6.1 stretch as I was using a 19g main and 17g cross in a tight 18x20 pattern. Wish they had never discontinued it.

 

[travlerajm]

I used to use that all the time, except I bought it as TNT Extreme Spin 19, which was basically a full set of the Kevlar. I'd cut it in half & use w/ gut crosses. Was great in my HPS 6.1 stretch as I was using a 19g main and 17g cross in a tight 18x20 pattern. Wish they had never discontinued it.

I think I still have a few sets of Fusion 19 from 15 years ago.

 

[Shroud]

I have sets of Forten, Gamma and Wilson kevlar strings if not others too. I never strung them up after one of the Fortens (18g) broke on the stringer. Ashaway is just superior IMHO.

 

[El_Yotamo]

So,

Since we know all the Kevlar lovers hang out in this thread ...

I write seeking any TTW feedback / experience on Pro's Pro Pure Aramid.

From what pics I can see, it looks like the Kevlar half of the Gamma TNT Fusion hybrid set which would be fine by me.

Any reports appreciated!

/Acey

I have it in the 1.10 mm gauge. It's nowhere near as good as the stuff made in the USA ('Murica, f*** yeah!) but it's playable to a reasonable extent. More fragile than Ashaway as well, so choosing a cross that won't hurt it + stringing that cross low are important.

 

[Brian H]

I restrung with Kev16/ZX16 at 60lb/55lb (no prestretch because I'm lazy and prefer to let the ZX loosen up on the string bed). I much prefer this over the 35/40 with Crossfire ZX. I find the string bed to offer a crisper feel and better control. Spin is insane and that's compared to Cyclone at very low tensions... So far (3hrs of hitting) it hasn't turned into a rocket launcher like before. It's actually cheaper to buy Crossfire ZX over reels though, so I might try that again but with the higher tensions. Should I stick with 60/55 for Crossfire ZX or up the tension by 5lbs to adjust for gauge?

Also, are there any significant differences between ZX and ZXpro? My impression is ZXpro is more powerful and loosens up faster.

 

[408tennisguy]

Just strung up my BA 315 with Prince Kevlar 16G mains and ZX Black 16G crosses at 55/47. Hoping the playability of the Prince Kevlar is similar to the Ashaway Kevlar but after reading some of the threads the Prince Kevlar may play stiffer. Hopefully there is not too much of a difference in playability otherwise I regret going so high on the mains.

 

[tennisbike]

For a good prestretch, I like to pound it into submission while all the mains are tensioned but, but before tying off the last main, then remove the slack created. This simulates the break-in period so that there is no break-in period needed when you hit the court.

Just to be certain I understand you clearly, you finish pulling the last main, with one end clamped, and the other on the tensioner, perhaps. Then you "pound" the stringbed.. while the racket is mounted on the stringer.

I push on the main strings to "equalize" the tension from #2 and out. Not the same, I am sure. But the goal is to pull the slack on the outside of the frame to be closer to the rest of the string and equalize the main across the string bed.

 

[travlerajm]

Just to be certain I understand you clearly, you finish pulling the last main, with one end clamped, and the other on the tensioner, perhaps. Then you "pound" the stringbed.. while the racket is mounted on the stringer.

I push on the main strings to "equalize" the tension from #2 and out. Not the same, I am sure. But the goal is to pull the slack on the outside of the frame to be closer to the rest of the string and equalize the main across the string bed.

Yes. I like to get all the extra slack pounded out and get all the mains tensioned after this before tying off.

I strung one of my open-patterned OS doubles sticks this weekend, but forgot the prestretch step before tying off. I did the pounding step anyway after tying off the mains, but before installing the crosses. We shall see if this effects how it plays and wears over time...

 

[treo]

I did a ball machine session with my interesting kevlar hybrid setup on my Gamma Bubba RZR 137, shortened to 27" and an ounce added to the handle. Normally I would string at 60 but this time at 50 with 18g poly and uncoated kevlar non tennis string, 100lb test. Both strings have to be thin to fit through the grommets. Yes, double strung. It takes twice the time to string. Pull the poly through, then the kevlar and twirl it around the poly so they both will clamp. Very comfy and vibration damper not needed. Lots of spin and control and I will have to try it on a smaller frame.

 

[djNEiGht]

Pictures please

 

[ron schaap]

I have sets of Forten, Gamma and Wilson kevlar strings if not others too. I never strung them up after one of the Fortens (18g) broke on the stringer. Ashaway is just superior IMHO.

i doubt tennis strings are made to widstand your kind of tensions. so dont blame the strings

 

[Shroud]

i doubt tennis strings are made to widstand your kind of tensions. so dont blame the strings

the forten was KEVLAR. No other 18g kevlar broke on me while stringing. Even the string that I handmade from kevlar reels on the internet didnt break. Those reels are rated at least 100lbs tensile strength and that is for a 1mm gauge:

https://www.amazon.com/emma-kites-Braided-Creative-Projects/dp/B088PT4KKG/ref=sr_1_19?dchild=1&keywords=emma%2Bkites%2B100~2000lb%2BBraided%2BKevlar%2BString&qid=1601579006&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-19&th=1&psc=1

Forten should have held up.

 

[tennisbike]

... I handmade from kevlar reels on the internet .. reels are rated at least 100lbs tensile strength and that is for a 1mm gauge:

https://www.amazon.com/emma-kites-Braided-Creative-Projects/dp/B088PT4KKG/ref=sr_1_19?dchild=1&keywords=emma%2Bkites%2B100~2000lb%2BBraided%2BKevlar%2BString&qid=1601579006&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-19&th=1&psc=1

Interesting! You stated you made string from Kevlar reel. Do you mean you strung racket using the Kevlar reel?

I purchased and strung once with something similar. The claimed strength was 250lb, but super thin. Forgot what was the claimed thickness. No did not break, but I only strung it at 50 lb. or so. But I worked hard to press on the string to pull out the slacks on the outside of the frame. No, it did not break.