Is it possible to stabilize the loss in String Tension?

[the_real_madridista]

I have been experimenting quite a lot with different string tensions with my existing setup- Wilson RF97A strung with Solinco Hyper-G 16 @55 lbs (25 kgs) and I absolutely love that setup. I have tried to venture to the lower tension range with the string tension set at 50 lbs on my RF97A, but I couldn't really connect with any of the lower tension options. I wish I could maintain my string tension longer at 55 lbs or at the very least have it stabilized close to 55 lbs (around 52-53 lbs) BUT WITHOUT CHANGING MY STRINGS.

I know that the strings will lose tension over time, with the most significant tension loss coming in the first 24 hours as they settle after stringing. This loss is natural and will happen regardless of the tension anyone usually strings. Also, polyester strings loose more tension at the beginning but then hold tension very well. They don't keep on loosing tension forever, but I can be wrong on this.

Does stringing at a higher tension (57 lbs) helps to maintain the string tension at 55 lbs (or closer to that around 52-53 lbs) a little longer?

I have an All-Court control-oriented game, a One hand backhand and play heavy topspin with moderate power.

 

[esgee48]

Do you string yourself? If yes, what machine? If no, go to a shop and try 26 Kg with 10% pre-stretch on an eCP. I don't think anything will really help since all the gauges of HG have similar tension losses.

Question about how you came to think 55-52# [25-24 Kg] is your sweet spot for tension. How did you determine this? HG will normally fall below your range just sitting 12 hours later and certainly within 30 minutes of hitting.

You can minimize static tension losses if you pre-stretch or use factory pre-stretch strings. But then you would not be using HG.

 

[the_real_madridista]

No, I have a friend who strings mine. I've never really thought about pre-stretched strings but it's a good idea and definitely worth trying. But, can a shaped poly like the Hyper-G be pre-stretched?

I use a string tension meter- ERT 300, to get an approximate tension value, I have always measured the sweet spot for my tension with the same set up and it's usually between 52-55 lbs. I second that, the tension loss in Hyper-G is 25%, with that in mind I thought if I were to increase the tension, when I get my rackets strung, from 55 lbs to say 57-58 lbs, then even after the 24 hr tension loss, it'll actually fall somewhere close to my sweet spot.

But, I'm not sure if what I think holds true.

 

[Dartagnan64]

String tension vs time curve shows that string tension loss does flatten out over time and is steepest at the beginning. So if you are a non string breaker that keeps strings in for a while it's probably best to start out a slightly higher tension than ideal, break in the strings a bit with a hit or two and then use in a match.

 

[aaron_h27]

Pre-stretching and waiting a day before hitting (might be placebo) have seemed to help for me.

 

[Karma Tennis]

Imho, the quickest way to ruin Hyper-G 16 is to pre-stretch it. Might as well use SG instead

I concur with @Dartagnan64 ... string at a slightly higher tension and leave the racquet to settle for 24 to 48 hours before hitting.

Alternatively, seriously consider hybriding Hyper-G mains with a medium stiff round Poly in the crosses. Works very well for me in a tight 16x19 pattern stick.

 

[Deleted member 776614]

My first RF has FB poly in it (Alu Power at 60lbs), which I loved at first but the tension loss changes it. I strung the second one with a hybrid using a syn gut with really good tension maintenance (Prince lightning pro.) It's a different feel on contact but I have all the control of the poly, it's low powered when I need it to be, but also crisp and lively when I swing out. The point of the story is that hybrid with a string with good tension maintenance can give you the best of both worlds. I'm stringing at 60/57 and really like it. Also the syn gut isn't locking up so the added spin is fun.

 

[the_real_madridista]

String tension vs time curve shows that string tension loss does flatten out over time and is steepest at the beginning. So if you are a non string breaker that keeps strings in for a while it's probably best to start out a slightly higher tension than ideal, break in the strings a bit with a hit or two and then use in a match.

I agree. I think this will be the best course of action for anyone who wants to try to stabilize their string tension after the initial 24 hour tension loss.

 

[the_real_madridista]

Pre-stretching and waiting a day before hitting (might be placebo) have seemed to help for me.

I thought about it too, but have never heard many people pre-stretching polys, usually it has always been gut to undergo that process.

 

[the_real_madridista]

Imho, the quickest way to ruin Hyper-G 16 is to pre-stretch it. Might as well use SG instead

I concur with @Dartagnan64 ... string at a slightly higher tension and leave the racquet to settle for 24 to 48 hours before hitting.

Alternatively, seriously consider hybriding Hyper-G mains with a medium stiff round Poly in the crosses. Works very well for me in a tight 16x19 pattern stick.

Yes, I second that. I was concerned if the poly, especially a shaped poly, like Hyper G might get ruined because of pre-stretching. I will string at 57 lbs than the usual 55 lbs to minimize the initial 24 hour string tension loss. If that works out then great, otherwise will go for a hybrid setup.

 

[the_real_madridista]

My first RF has FB poly in it (Alu Power at 60lbs), which I loved at first but the tension loss changes it. I strung the second one with a hybrid using a syn gut with really good tension maintenance (Prince lightning pro.) It's a different feel on contact but I have all the control of the poly, it's low powered when I need it to be, but also crisp and lively when I swing out. The point of the story is that hybrid with a string with good tension maintenance can give you the best of both worlds. I'm stringing at 60/57 and really like it. Also the syn gut isn't locking up so the added spin is fun.

Most of the string issues can be solved by going for a hybrid setup! If raising tension doesn't help, I will definitely go for the Hybrid setup.

 

[Irvin]

@the_real_madridista do like the pros do, string your rackets as soon as possible to the same time before you play and restring every 9 games. If you don’t play with a freshly strung racket one day cut the strings out and string it again. $$$ ding-ding-ding $$$ Your friend will love you, or if he is stringing at no charge he’ll tell you what you can do with your (#@“&+$ rackets.

 

[Arak]

Stringing higher is the best option. You should let the string settle for one or two days so that you don’t injure your arm with the higher tension. That’s what I do.

 

[aaron_h27]

I thought about it too, but have never heard many people pre-stretching polys, usually it has always been gut to undergo that process.

I just buy a pre-stretched poly. I use Kirshbaum Max Power. Luxilon 4G is also pre-stretched.

 

[the_real_madridista]

@the_real_madridista do like the pros do, string your rackets as soon as possible to the same time before you play and restring every 9 games. If you don’t play with a freshly strung racket one day cut the strings out and string it again. $$$ ding-ding-ding $$$ Your friend will love you, or if he is stringing at no charge he’ll tell you what you can do with your (#@“&+$ rackets.

Haha I guess I better break the bank!

 

[the_real_madridista]

Stringing higher is the best option. You should let the string settle for one or two days so that you don’t injure your arm with the higher tension. That’s what I do.

Yes, I am trying that for sometime to see if I can really work with the system. I have strung the mains at 57 lbs and the crosses at 55 lbs with Hyper-G 16.
I've tried tension differential with full bed poly but have tried the differential with poly-gut hybrid.

 

[the_real_madridista]

I just buy a pre-stretched poly. I use Kirshbaum Max Power. Luxilon 4G is also pre-stretched.

Do you think pre-stretching a poly is worth enough? I have had a pre-stretched natural gut crossed with poly at the mains.

 

[tennisbike]

I know that the strings will lose tension over time, with the most significant tension loss coming in the first 24 hours as they settle after stringing. This loss is natural and will happen regardless of the tension anyone usually strings. Also, polyester strings loose more tension at the beginning but then hold tension very well.

Does stringing at a higher tension (57 lbs) helps to maintain the string tension at 55 lbs (or closer to that around 52-53 lbs) a little longer?

Actually loosing more tension at the beginning is incidental. The only real law in tennis strings is that at higher tension, it creeps more. Different string does it at a different rate but all follow this trend. Thus the only way a string would creep at slower rate is, keep it tensioned at lower stretch.
What I recommend is that pre-stretch your poly, and the string will become "stiffer" and you can string it at lower tension, thus it will hold the "tension" longer.

 

[Karma Tennis]

What I recommend is that pre-stretch your poly, and the string will become "stiffer" and you can string it at lower tension, thus it will hold the "tension" longer.

Pre-Stretching Tennis strings

Lately, I went to my local tennis shop to restring my Pure Drive with Hyper-G. No biggie. I had a friend come with me, and he was stringing with Nat Gut mains and Wilson Revolve crosses (he reads these forums but never comments), and he asked the stringer to pre-stretch the Gut. With a thread...

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