Kobayashi Maru String Scenario

[spanky]

Hi Folks -

Update: So far now been going 4.5 weeks with the GW 1.27 (Cross) / VS 1.30 (Main) - Blade v8 16x19 frame - last two matches I played I started to feel the response as unpredictable in the 2nd/3rd set - that absolutely could be me, as I'm still building stamina - but when I switched to my Blade v7 16x19 frame with YPTP - I played much more consistently. This morning, first set was great, spin - feel - touch - power, but 2nd set as I wore down, it was much harder to play with consistently. 3rd set, had to switch.

Question - how long does a GW/VS hybrid like mine last? I've probably got 25+ hrs on this one (6 hrs/week) and the gut is not frayed but the crosses are definitely sticking out of place occasionally. The bed still feels comfy. Should I restring at this point? What should I be looking for as an indication that the string bed is "done". I'm not a string breaker currently, pre-surgery I'd break strings well before they wore out, so I'm not sure what to look for, exactly.

cheers!

 

[jmacdaununder2]

I think once the gut is gone, it’s gone for good - it’s unlikely to bounce back for the first set the next day before again giving up the ghost.

 

[g4driver]

Hi Folks -

Update: So far now been going 4.5 weeks with the GW 1.27 (Cross) / VS 1.30 (Main) - Blade v8 16x19 frame - last two matches I played I started to feel the response as unpredictable in the 2nd/3rd set - that absolutely could be me, as I'm still building stamina - but when I switched to my Blade v7 16x19 frame with YPTP - I played much more consistently. This morning, first set was great, spin - feel - touch - power, but 2nd set as I wore down, it was much harder to play with consistently. 3rd set, had to switch.

Question - how long does a GW/VS hybrid like mine last? I've probably got 25+ hrs on this one (6 hrs/week) and the gut is not frayed but the crosses are definitely sticking out of place occasionally. The bed still feels comfy. Should I restring at this point? What should I be looking for as an indication that the string bed is "done". I'm not a string breaker currently, pre-surgery I'd break strings well before they wore out, so I'm not sure what to look for, exactly.

cheers!

I have two high level 4.0 players (one appealed down from 4.5 two years agp) who each have two frames.. the former 4.5A uses a Prince Textreme Warrior 100 (16x18) and the other guy a 2019 Pure Aero (16x19)

both players are playing 2 to 3 times a week doubles and getting nearly 90 days out of two frames.. so about 45 days or 6 weeks per frame)

I am using 1.35mm Klip Gut mains (M) / 1.27 mm GW crosses (X) in their frames as they break the 1.30mm gut in less than 6 weeks. I expect one maybe both are bumped back to 4,5.

Just an observation : when you post your strings you list the cross first and not the main. I have never seen a stringer list crosses first. It is quite odd. When j first read your post I had to read the setup twice to understand you are using gut mains / GW crosses.. my .02 it is easier for the reader if you list the mains first as that is how 99.9999999999999999999% of posters write and how stingers think..

when I client tells me : string at. 50/48 there is no question in my mind 50 is the main and 48 is the cross.

 

[spanky]

Sorry - not a stringer - will list mains first from now on - so it sounds like I should wait a bit longer on the strings as it's probably my conditioning. I am playing 100% singles right now - doubles is too fast and I worry about hitting volleys quickly with a weak wrist

 

[SlowTiger]

@g4driver my friend has some wrist issues. Not related to tennis but as of right now I have him using nylon mains and poly crosses in a mg radical mp. It's working out ok but he wants more spin. I'm going to give him a 1/2 set of hdx tour 17g for the mains. Would you advise a poly cross or syn guy cross for comfort and playability? I don't know how stiff hdx tour is compared to reg nylon and worry about his wrist.

 

[Trip]

@SlowTiger - Before @g4driver replies, one permutation you could try would be Dunlop Silk Spin 16 mains, IsoSpeed Cream 1.28 crosses. Silk Spin (formerly Hexy Fiber) is one of the only *shaped* multi's (hexagonal) and generates exceptional spin. You don't want to full-bed it because it's string-to-string friction is high enough that it will likely lock up pretty quickly, but combined with a soft and slick poly cross, namely Cream, you'll get a nice and gummy, deep-pocketing, forgiving string bed that is spinny and will hold its snapback for a long time. Give it a shot!

 

[SlowTiger]

@SlowTiger - Before @g4driver replies, one permutation you could try would be Dunlop Silk Spin 16 mains, IsoSpeed Cream 1.28 crosses. Silk Spin (formerly Hexy Fiber) is one of the only *shaped* multi's (hexagonal) and generates exceptional spin. You don't want to full-bed it because it's string-to-string friction is high enough that it will likely lock up pretty quickly, but combined with a soft and slick poly cross, namely Cream, you'll get a nice and gummy, deep-pocketing, forgiving string bed that is spinny and will hold its snapback for a long time. Give it a shot!

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind in the future but I'm looking to use the hdx tour as I have it on hand now. Just thinking about what the best cross for him would be

 

[nov]

Hi Folks -

Update: So far now been going 4.5 weeks with the GW 1.27 (Cross) / VS 1.30 (Main) - Blade v8 16x19 frame - last two matches I played I started to feel the response as unpredictable in the 2nd/3rd set - that absolutely could be me, as I'm still building stamina - but when I switched to my Blade v7 16x19 frame with YPTP - I played much more consistently. This morning, first set was great, spin - feel - touch - power, but 2nd set as I wore down, it was much harder to play with consistently. 3rd set, had to switch.

Question - how long does a GW/VS hybrid like mine last? I've probably got 25+ hrs on this one (6 hrs/week) and the gut is not frayed but the crosses are definitely sticking out of place occasionally. The bed still feels comfy. Should I restring at this point? What should I be looking for as an indication that the string bed is "done". I'm not a string breaker currently, pre-surgery I'd break strings well before they wore out, so I'm not sure what to look for, exactly.

cheers!

At the moment im playing VS Touch Black 1.30 mains / GW 1.27 crosses at 24/24kg in my Speed Pro 2022 racquet. I already got 30 hours of play which is my record time for a string job in long time. My observations: first like 2 sessions i wasnt very impressed but after that it played decent till 20 hours. Then it played good also for most shots, but i start to get less spin. Maybe its in my head, but it felt like sometimes strings didnt bite the ball and it sails, but not everytime. Then after 28 hours of use i waxed my strings and played a doubles match. Played fantastic, spin was awesome, everything perfect. So even strings snap back good, wax did help to get more spin and control. If anyone wants to try Gut/poly, i only recommend you to use VS Touch/GW 1.27 combo, i think its best out there.

 

[spanky]

Maybe its in my head, but it felt like sometimes strings didnt bite the ball and it sails, but not everytime.

Then after 28 hours of use i waxed my strings and played a doubles match. Played fantastic, spin was awesome, everything perfect. So even strings snap back good, wax did help to get more spin and control. If anyone wants to try Gut/poly, i only recommend you to use VS Touch/GW 1.27 combo, i think its best out there.

Interesting. That's *exactly* what I sense. What did you wax them with?

 

[g4driver]

@g4driver my friend has some wrist issues. Not related to tennis but as of right now I have him using nylon mains and poly crosses in a mg radical mp. It's working out ok but he wants more spin. I'm going to give him a 1/2 set of hdx tour 17g for the mains. Would you advise a poly cross or syn guy cross for comfort and playability? I don't know how stiff hdx tour is compared to reg nylon and worry about his wrist.

HDX Tour isn't the most spin friendly strinh as it is more multi than poly, but if you want more spin, launch angle and RHS are the two biggest variables with spin. Increase those and you get more spin.

If HDX Tour is the main, the slickest cross is your best bet for more spin. Yonex PT Fire (YPTF) is a great choice, but stiffer than of other rubber infused polys, like Cream and YPT AIR

 

[nov]

Interesting. That's *exactly* what I sense. What did you wax them with?

Bow wax, i think any wax would work.

 

[g4driver]

If anyone wants to try Gut/poly, i only recommend you to use VS Touch/GW 1.27 combo, i think its best out there.

@nov

VS Touch is certainly a nice natural gut and I've used many natural gut strings including the "Made in France Wilson Natural Gut" which was made by Babolat and discontinued several years ago when Luxilion began making Wilson's current Natural Gut.

Of the three Natural Guts that are generally readily available, VS Touch is the softest, Lux is the stiffest, and Klip Legend Uncoated absolutely the best deal for players who don't want to drop $54 MSRP USD a set on VS Touch. I stock and string all three of those guts and my personal preference is Luxilion NG as is a bit stiffer than VS Touch. I have clients who have tried all three and they don't seem to notice the difference in play and prefer Klip Legend Uncoated for $30 a pack MSRP.

Lots of opinions on Natural Gut, but the general opinion of lots of stringers and posters on this forum is simply to stick to a quality gut like Babolat, Lux, or Klip and stay away from the no-name brands on the bay.

 

[nov]

Played again with VS 1.30/Gw 1.27 setup with already 30++ hours and i was right about spin. This time i didnt wax strings and spin was meh. But i could not understand why spin potential is low, because strings snap back perfectly. In my experience if strings snap back, spin potential is always good but with Gut/Poly is somehow different. Can anybody explain why is that?

 

[spanky]

@nov - how "notched" are your mains? Mine are notched about 30% of the way through in the sweet spot, and I wonder if the sidewalls are "binding" the gut, thus less snapback.

 

[nov]

@nov - how "notched" are your mains? Mine are notched about 30% of the way through in the sweet spot, and I wonder if the sidewalls are "binding" the gut, thus less snapback.

Notched around 60-70% around sweetspot, but snap back is still there.

 

[spanky]

Played another 3 set match tonight - something is def off with my VS/GW hybrid. Launch angle was all over the place and spin on groundstrokes was unpredictable. Felt zero snapback on any shot except serves (which were still quite good). I'd say after returning my partner's 100+ MPH serves for 2 hrs, I'm at 50% - 60% notched. Gut frayed now. I did not wax the strings.

 

[nov]

Played another 3 set match tonight - something is def off with my VS/GW hybrid. Launch angle was all over the place and spin on groundstrokes was unpredictable. Felt zero snapback on any shot except serves (which were still quite good). I'd say after returning my partner's 100+ MPH serves for 2 hrs, I'm at 50% - 60% notched. Gut frayed now. I did not wax the strings.

For me launch angle good, much better than last time i used VS/Revolve 1.25. For flat shots i had no complaints. But spin kind of inconsistent.

 

[d-quik]

are YTPA and Cream really polys or simply half polys?

Pardon? Are they not polyester?

 

[SlowTiger]

Pardon? Are they not polyester?

They are a copoly with some kind of rubber in them that help soften them up

 

[Jouke]

Tried triax/cream today. Spin was crazy! Not sure how long the Triax will last me, but it was sweeet!

 

[Arzivu]

Tried triax/cream today. Spin was crazy! Not sure how long the Triax will last me, but it was sweeet!

How long did it last eventually?

 

[spanky]

Update after another 10 days - did finally wax the stringbed (used a clear shoe polish) and it simply jumped back to life. Now have over 40 hours on this stringbed and this morning it was by far the best its ever been (temps were in the 40s, so that too could have had something to do with it). Control, spin, comfort, pace - all there. Gut mains are frayed but still look like they have a bit of life in them.

 

[Jouke]

How long did it last eventually?

Initial notching happened real fast. Within one hour maybe. Since have played around 6 hours without apparent further notching. Still plays great!

 

[Arzivu]

I have tested triax 1.38mm on the mains with msv swift 1.30mm on the crosses, strung at 22 kilos on a prokennex q+tour 315 (2019). For reference, I am an intermediate to advanced level player with a heavy spin oriented game. Here are my thoughts:
- stiffness: The stringbed is soft, not buttery soft but comfortable enough to play consecutive days without any arm soreness or discomfort. I played 10 days out of two weeks (1.5 hour per session) and my sensitive arm (wrist, elbow and shoulder) did not complain at all.
-feel: The feel is nice, not the addictive one you get with some classic multis like x-one biphase but pleasant and quite crisp for a multi. In addition, I have to mention that being for many years an exclusive poly user, I was surprised that the stringbed response had a bit of a poly taste and it was not overly muted.
-power/control: I have observed added power in comparison to a full bed poly setup, not by a high margin though. I suppose the thickness of the triax helps to tame the power of the frame. Of course you cannot get the accuracy and the control of a firm poly and I could not swing with the same confidence. I felt that in certain shots (high balls from the back of the baseline or forehands on the run) I had to adjust my strokes in order to avoid commiting an error. Next time I will definitely bump up the tension at least to 24 kilos.
-spin: I think that I produced around 80 to 85% of the top spin I can normally generate with a full poly setup. The slick and soft nature of the msv crosses helped the main strings to snap back quite well. Slices were decent although not as sharp and controllable as they usually are. Kick serves were good but not penetrating on an optimal degree.
-durability: The stringbed lasted around 15 hours. I snapped two crosses (that is usually the case with me, -no surprise there- even though triax mains had frayed considerably). Snapback was ideal till the 6 hour mark, then the fraying started and gradually the string movement became more intense. My racket has quite an open pattern so I guess that in other rackets with denser patterns and smaller headsizes the life expectancy will be extended.
Overall, I would say that the string combo mentioned above is a very helpful and efficient way to keep tennis as a frequent activity in your life without undermining your arm health, plus giving you some added durability and snapback that plain multifilaments cannot guarantee.

 

[PRChicago]

Initial notching happened real fast. Within one hour maybe. Since have played around 6 hours without apparent further notching. Still plays great!

I would think that with poly on the cross and multi on the main, this would be the ideal use of string savers for those that like those things.

 

[Rogael Naderer]

Initial notching happened real fast. Within one hour maybe. Since have played around 6 hours without apparent further notching. Still plays great!

How are you getting on with this setup?

What gauge of Triax / Cream did you use and in which frame?

Thanks!

 

[Trip]

Just wanted to post an anecdotal testimonial to this thread, with another thanks to @g4driver.

So the same 3.5 male I converted from full-bed Addixion to RPX 1.30 / Cream 1.28 (in a crispy G360 Radical MP no less), sent me this shot a couple weeks ago, after finally breaking an RPX main at the 70-hour mark -- yes, you read that right -- SEVENTY:

​

He said playability remained excellent the entire time, snapback was pretty much as good as off the stringer, and -- most importantly -- his arm feels great.

For those who see that hour count and are freaking out, a gentle reminder: we're dealing with a partial-poly that is ~50% rubber and a multiester that is >50% non-poly, combining to make a string bed that doesn't suffer from full plasticization.

Hope that helps someone who may be wondering what kind of longevity can you get from a setup such as this.

 

[tobi9008]

Just wanted to post an anecdotal testimonial to this thread, with another thanks to @g4driver.

So the same 3.5 male I converted from full-bed Addixion to RPX 1.30 / Cream 1.28 (in a crispy G360 Radical MP no less), sent me this shot a couple weeks ago, after finally breaking an RPX main at the 70-hour mark -- yes, you read that right -- SEVENTY:

​

He said playability remained excellent the entire time, snapback was pretty much as good as off the stringer, and -- most importantly -- his arm feels great.

For those who see that hour count and are freaking out, a gentle reminder: we're dealing with a partial-poly that is ~50% rubber and a multiester that is >50% non-poly, combining to make a string bed that doesn't suffer from full plasticization.

Hope that helps someone who may be wondering what kind of longevity can you get from a setup such as this.

This is absolutely gorgeous! I wanted to try this out immediately in my blade 98 v8, but RPX is not commercially available in Germany. Is Triax the most comparable I could use for mains, as per @g4driver's recommended setup with cream crosses?

 

[Trip]

@tobi9008 - It is a great setup, no doubt about it. And yes, Triax would be your best bet as an RPX alternative; in all actuality, they're both very close in playability, with RPX being only slightly more crisp/stiff in my opinion, but it's so close that many players would probably not be able to tell the difference. FYI, I strung that Radical with RPX 1.30 / Cream 1.28 at 57/55 lbs (~26/25 kg) on a lockout stringer, so the equivalent on an electronic constant-pull or drop-weight would be ~54/52 (~24.5/23.5 kg). For a Blade v8, presuming it's a 16x19, a tension somewhere around there would probably work well. If it's the 18x20, then perhaps a 2-3 pounds (~1-2kg) lower on mains and crosses to open it up a bit. Hope that helps!

 

[tobi9008]

@tobi9008 - It is a great setup, no doubt about it. And yes, Triax would be your best bet as an RPX alternative; in all actuality, they're both very close in playability, with RPX being only slightly more crisp/stiff in my opinion, but it's so close that many players would probably not be able to tell the difference. FYI, I strung that Radical with RPX 1.30 / Cream 1.28 at 57/55 lbs (~26/25 kg) on a lockout stringer, so the equivalent on an electronic constant-pull or drop-weight would be ~54/52 (~24.5/23.5 kg). For a Blade v8, presuming it's a 16x19, a tension somewhere around there would probably work well. If it's the 18x20, then perhaps a 2-3 pounds (~1-2kg) lower on mains and crosses to open it up a bit. Hope that helps!

Thanks for all the details and for sharing your expertise @Trip very much appreciated. I have a 16x19 blade and will then go for Triax 1.33 in the mains. I hope it is even a bit softer than my current fullbed ghostwire 1.16, which still gives me some elbow tweaks now and then. A never ending riddle.

 

[TennisJrDad]

@Trip Do you have firsthand experience between HDMX and Triax? Was curious how those two compared to one another.

 

[mctennis]

@nov

VS Touch is certainly a nice natural gut and I've used many natural gut strings including the "Made in France Wilson Natural Gut" which was made by Babolat and discontinued several years ago when Luxilion began making Wilson's current Natural Gut.

Of the three Natural Guts that are generally readily available, VS Touch is the softest, Lux is the stiffest, and Klip Legend Uncoated absolutely the best deal for players who don't want to drop $54 MSRP USD a set on VS Touch. I stock and string all three of those guts and my personal preference is Luxilion NG as is a bit stiffer than VS Touch.

I REALLY liked the " Made in France" Wilson gut when it was made by Babolat. I agree with you about the gut evaluations you mentioned. My preference is also the Lux gut. plays really nice. I have a question about the Klip uncoated gut. I tried Klip guts over the years and I thought Klip played the stiffest of all. How do you think the Klip gut feels when you have played with it compaired to the other guts?

 

[Trip]

Thanks for all the details and for sharing your expertise @Trip very much appreciated. I have a 16x19 blade and will then go for Triax 1.33 in the mains. I hope it is even a bit softer than my current fullbed ghostwire 1.16, which still gives me some elbow tweaks now and then. A never ending riddle.

Very welcome. Triax 1.33 actually has a USRSA stiffness rating of 222, compared to Ghostwire 1.17 at 167, it's noticeably stiffer per unit tension -- HOWEVER -- you have to remember that you're also dealing with a string in Triax that is >50% polyurethane -- a WAY better shock absorber than most copoly, so while the blunt impact force at equal tension may feel more noticeable than with GW 1.17, the actual vibratory comfort level stands a pretty good chance of being better. Give it a shot and report back how it goes!

@Trip Do you have firsthand experience between HDMX and Triax? Was curious how those two compared to one another.

Yes, with both. If RPX is a 10 on stiffness/crispness, I'd say Triax would be an 8-9, HDMX a 6-7. HDMX is a bit stretchier/snappier/gummier, Triax a bit more crisp and low-powered. Hope that helps!

 

[TennisJrDad]

@Trip Very much so ... Thanks

Very welcome. Triax 1.33 actually has a USRSA stiffness rating of 222, compared to Ghostwire 1.17 at 167, it's noticeably stiffer per unit tension -- HOWEVER -- you have to remember that you're also dealing with a string in Triax that is >50% polyurethane -- a WAY better shock absorber than most copoly, so while the blunt impact force at equal tension may feel more noticeable than with GW 1.17, the actual vibratory comfort level stands a pretty good chance of being better. Give it a shot and report back how it goes!

Yes, with both. If RPX is a 10 on stiffness/crispness, I'd say Triax would be an 8-9, HDMX a 6-7. HDMX is a bit stretchier/snappier/gummier-ier, Triax a bit more crisp and low-powered. Hope that helps!

 

[g4driver]

I REALLY liked the " Made in France" Wilson gut when it was made by Babolat. I agree with you about the gut evaluations you mentioned. My preference is also the Lux gut. plays really nice. I have a question about the Klip uncoated gut. I tried Klip guts over the years and I thought Klip played the stiffest of all. How do you think the Klip gut feels when you have played with it compaired to the other guts?

I got an email today from TW with a May 31. 2023 ETA for KLIP Gut I ordered in August of last year so pretty sure KLIP NG is histor.

TW hasn't had it in stock since July 2022

 

[mctennis]

I got an email today from TW with a May 31. 2023 ETA for KLIP Gut I ordered in August of last year so pretty sure KLIP NG is histor.

TW hasn't had it in stock since July 2022

And another gut string bites the dust. Only a few good ones to choose from. Thanks for the update.

 

[tobi9008]

Very welcome. Triax 1.33 actually has a USRSA stiffness rating of 222, compared to Ghostwire 1.17 at 167, it's noticeably stiffer per unit tension -- HOWEVER -- you have to remember that you're also dealing with a string in Triax that is >50% polyurethane -- a WAY better shock absorber than most copoly, so while the blunt impact force at equal tension may feel more noticeable than with GW 1.17, the actual vibratory comfort level stands a pretty good chance of being better. Give it a shot and report back how it goes!

Yes, with both. If RPX is a 10 on stiffness/crispness, I'd say Triax would be an 8-9, HDMX a 6-7. HDMX is a bit stretchier/snappier/gummier, Triax a bit more crisp and low-powered. Hope that helps!

I tried triax(1.33)/cream(1.28) now in the blade 98 v8 (338g static, 7HL) at 23kg/22kg, the playtest was really fun and control very good but my arm notices a bit after 45 min play. Maybe better when the string bed is more settled.
I then picked up my leaded up clash 100 v2 static weight at 335g, which I like less because of superior control of the blade. Clash was strung with GW 1.17 at 23kg because I hated multi in this frame and it seems to allow me some dose of poly with elbow being ok.
My arm feels less soreness with it but I'm not fully confident swinging out, lacking ball bite for the power level of the racket to avoid error rate going up.
I'm a 4.5 (~) all court type player mostly relying on spin and slice control strokes, not a flat hitter ...
I'm thinking VCT 1.30 as per @g4driver could be a good alternative in the clash, any recommendations around tension?
I would like to keep arm comfort comparable to the clash/gw 1.17 combo, so I'm a bit concerned of going significantly thicker gauge. The experience seems to tell us that VCT 130 is a positive outlier after reading so many posts especially in this thread
Alternatively, I also have a set of quadro twist at home, but I believe VCT is considered softer.

To reach that clash/GW 1.17 comfort level maybe in the blade, possibly a good idea to exchange triax with Prince tournament pro tough gut 1.30? Keeping crosses with cream 1.28. This gut string It's reasonably priced in Germany with 40€ a set I think, klip is gone unfortunately as pointed out above.

Besides all theory, For sure I need to continue exercising daily and will do so now that the season starts. Sorry for bothering with so much theory but I don't yet have similar second frames of the new clash, blade and phantom 100x and not stringing my self

 

[nov]

Recently i tried Restring Zero 1.23 strings (octagonal shaped poly) and liked it. I just cant understand how Restring Zero 1.23 strung at 21/20kg has more power than Technifibre Triax 1.33 sturng at 22/21kg. Is it because great snapback and strings move easily, octagonal shape or Restring Zero being thinner strings?

 

[Trip]

@tobi9008 - USRSA dynamic stiffness on GW 1.17 is 181 lbs/in, whereas VCT 1.30 is 200, and is lower powered, so I would string VCT 1.30 ~5% lower. That said, it will experience a larger initial tension drop after the first session or two, but then settle in for a decently long ride of pretty good consistency. Give it a shot and report back.

@nov - Zero is hexagonal (6 sides), not octagonal (8 sides), per their website (and from carefully looking at the string itself):

​

As for power of Zero vs Triax, that's actually understandable. Triax (and RPX and HDMX) likely have higher elasticity but lower peak resilience, meaning they tend to cup/pocket the ball longer and deeper, but don't send it sling-shotting out of the string bed as quickly or with quite as much return energy / rebound. This the case with many polys versus RPX/Triax/HDMX, and it stems from the base material difference.

 

[Power Player]

@tobi9008 - USRSA dynamic stiffness on GW 1.17 is 181 lbs/in, whereas VCT 1.30 is 200, and is lower powered, so I would string VCT 1.30 ~5% lower. That said, it will experience a larger initial tension drop after the first session or two, but then settle in for a decently long ride of pretty good consistency. Give it a shot and report back.

@nov - Zero is hexagonal (6 sides), not octagonal (8 sides), per their website (and from carefully looking at the string itself):

​

As for power of Zero vs Triax, that's actually understandable. Triax (and RPX and HDMX) likely have higher elasticity but lower peak resilience, meaning they tend to cup/pocket the ball longer and deeper, but don't send it sling-shotting out of the string bed as quickly or with quite as much return energy / rebound. This the case with many polys versus RPX/Triax/HDMX, and it stems from the base material difference.

RPX is very interesting. I am currently using the polar opposite in string setups - 1.15 full poly beds. But when I get a second frame I would like to try other setups. I am using the 23 Pure Aero and I hit with heavy spin. I tend to hit longer than shorter, but I get good targeting and feel with 1.15 solinco polys once they settle in at around 40#s. I find that I really like that feeling of low tension snd always gravitate towards that.

I can get ~6 hours of play out of this setup and it really delivers for me in matches as I have a lot of confidence due to the higher rate of spin and control I can get from the stringbed. I typically string it at 46#s but enjoy it the most after the tension drop to around 40#s.

So I guess I would ask if someone like myself (full poly user for years, SW grip, more of a spin based game) would benefit from the RPX setup. Or is this setup more for people who just want their stringbed to last forever? Also, how is the feel? I ask because at some point I may revisit gut/poly in the PA, and I am just looking at other alternatives.

 

[veelium]

I tried triax(1.33)/cream(1.28) now in the blade 98 v8 (338g static, 7HL) at 23kg/22kg, the playtest was really fun and control very good but my arm notices a bit after 45 min play. Maybe better when the string bed is more settled.
I then picked up my leaded up clash 100 v2 static weight at 335g, which I like less because of superior control of the blade. Clash was strung with GW 1.17 at 23kg because I hated multi in this frame and it seems to allow me some dose of poly with elbow being ok.
My arm feels less soreness with it but I'm not fully confident swinging out, lacking ball bite for the power level of the racket to avoid error rate going up.
I'm a 4.5 (~) all court type player mostly relying on spin and slice control strokes, not a flat hitter ...
I'm thinking VCT 1.30 as per @g4driver could be a good alternative in the clash, any recommendations around tension?
I would like to keep arm comfort comparable to the clash/gw 1.17 combo, so I'm a bit concerned of going significantly thicker gauge. The experience seems to tell us that VCT 130 is a positive outlier after reading so many posts especially in this thread
Alternatively, I also have a set of quadro twist at home, but I believe VCT is considered softer.

To reach that clash/GW 1.17 comfort level maybe in the blade, possibly a good idea to exchange triax with Prince tournament pro tough gut 1.30? Keeping crosses with cream 1.28. This gut string It's reasonably priced in Germany with 40€ a set I think, klip is gone unfortunately as pointed out above.

Besides all theory, For sure I need to continue exercising daily and will do so now that the season starts. Sorry for bothering with so much theory but I don't yet have similar second frames of the new clash, blade and phantom 100x and not stringing my self

For comfort, going gut/cream will definitely give you a lot more. You should up the tension though imo.
I haven't tried prince gut but recently there was a sale on babolat vs gut for 40 per set too.
If you don't string yourself and you don't break strings like crazy, gut offers a very long lasting option.

 

[Winners or Errors]

So @g4driver, did you ever solve the Kobyashi Maru problem? I hadn't read this when you originally posted it, but it popped up because of the repost. I'm thinking there was no way, because the player’s injuries and desires don’t seem to have added up.

 

[g4driver]

So @g4driver, did you ever solve the Kobyashi Maru problem? I hadn't read this when you originally posted it, but it popped up because of the repost. I'm thinking there was no way, because the player’s injuries and desires don’t seem to have added up.

Yes, everything was solved until Will, a USTA 4.5C player cracked all of his Yonex Ai 98 frames. He got about 12-13 hours per frame with the 1.38mm Triax / 1.25mm YPTA. He never had surgery and that was his choice. He was able to play with the Triax / YPTA set up in the Ai 98 setup pain free. He had six Ai98 frames when I started this thread, and was down to two when he switched frames this winter.

Unfortunately, he didn't take my advice and switch to the 18x20 Yonex Pro 97HD. Instead went the opposite way and went to a more powerful EZONE 100 and was breaking the Triax 1.38mm much quicker to the point that what worked in the Ai 98 isn't feasible in the more open, and more powerful EZONE 100. Hoping he tries the Pro 97HD, otherwise, he is going to have to use something like Ghostwire 1.22mm / 1.25mm YPTA.

It's either:
a) switch to a denser pattern with a lower RDC
b) string the Triax/YPTA more frequently
c) hit with something like GhostWire 1.22/YPTA 1.25 in the EZONE 100 frames and see if he can handle the poly

My rec:

Yonex VCORE PRO 97D 320 Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

His choice:

Yonex EZONE 100 Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[Trip]

@g4driver - Puzzling why he wouldn't consider just moving to the current Ezone 98... Obviously I presume he wanted even more easy power / error tolerance?

Considering where he's coming from, I would also think he'd be ripe for something like a ProKennex... the 100" 16x20 pattern in the Ki Q+ 5 series might be the ideal compromise between string longevity, spin and power.

 

[g4driver]

@g4driver - Puzzling why he wouldn't consider just moving to the current Ezone 98... Obviously I presume he wanted even more easy power / error tolerance?

Considering where he's coming from, I would also think he'd be ripe for something like a ProKennex... the 100" 16x20 pattern in the Ki Q+ 5 series might be the ideal compromise between string longevity, spin and power.

Not sure. I and others told him to get a denser Yonex since was used to Yonex frames. I have no idea why he went up to a 100, when he could have gone with a 16x19 EZONE 98 or 18x20 DH PRO 97. I know I can't keep Triax / YPTA in the 100 as he was breaking quickly. I doubt he was getting 10 hours out of it.

I gave him two EXZONE 100 with GW 1.27mm / YPTA 1.25mm and asked him to try it

 

[mctennis]

Unfortunately, he didn't take my advice and switch to the 18x20 Yonex Pro 97HD.

He should have taken your advice. The HD is a great racquet. I switched to that racquet when it first came out and have had great results.
Using HDMX/YPTA with very good results and feel as well.

 

[Airspun]

back to original topic I just have to say that Star Trek Picard season 3 is the goat next generation movie.

 

[nov]

@tobi9008 - USRSA dynamic stiffness on GW 1.17 is 181 lbs/in, whereas VCT 1.30 is 200, and is lower powered, so I would string VCT 1.30 ~5% lower. That said, it will experience a larger initial tension drop after the first session or two, but then settle in for a decently long ride of pretty good consistency. Give it a shot and report back.

@nov - Zero is hexagonal (6 sides), not octagonal (8 sides), per their website (and from carefully looking at the string itself):

​

As for power of Zero vs Triax, that's actually understandable. Triax (and RPX and HDMX) likely have higher elasticity but lower peak resilience, meaning they tend to cup/pocket the ball longer and deeper, but don't send it sling-shotting out of the string bed as quickly or with quite as much return energy / rebound. This the case with many polys versus RPX/Triax/HDMX, and it stems from the base material difference.

Yes, my mistake, its hexagonal. Thanks for explanation. But for example if you take Technifibre X-one biphase typical multi strings, it should have more power than poly?

 

[Fintft]

Yes, everything was solved until Will, a USTA 4.5C player cracked all of his Yonex Ai 98 frames. He got about 12-13 hours per frame with the 1.38mm Triax / 1.25mm YPTA. He never had surgery and that was his choice. He was able to play with the Triax / YPTA set up in the Ai 98 setup pain free. He had six Ai98 frames when I started this thread, and was down to two when he switched frames this winter.

Unfortunately, he didn't take my advice and switch to the 18x20 Yonex Pro 97HD. Instead went the opposite way and went to a more powerful EZONE 100 and was breaking the Triax 1.38mm much quicker to the point that what worked in the Ai 98 isn't feasible in the more open, and more powerful EZONE 100. Hoping he tries the Pro 97HD, otherwise, he is going to have to use something like Ghostwire 1.22mm / 1.25mm YPTA.

It's either:
a) switch to a denser pattern with a lower RDC
b) string the Triax/YPTA more frequently
c) hit with something like GhostWire 1.22/YPTA 1.25 in the EZONE 100 frames and see if he can handle the poly

My rec:

Yonex VCORE PRO 97D 320 Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

His choice:

Yonex EZONE 100 Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

How did he crack frames? Not by playing, right?

 

[Trip]

I gave him two EXZONE 100 with GW 1.27mm / YPTA 1.25mm and asked him to try it

If GW/YPTA doesn't offer enough comfort, how about Gamma Marathon DPC 1.40 (strung a tad higher, as it is a syn gut) / Cream 1.28 or MSV Swift 1.30?