Low powered string with a high tension vs a High powered string with a low tension

[Frans Bleker]

Hello Folks,

A brief introduction of the problem. I used to play with a Graphene Prestige MP and used quiet powerful strings like Diadem Solistice power 1.20 and Head lynx 1.25 on low tension mostly 22/21 kg (48/46). The control was really great, I could take full cuts and the ball without worrying about hitting it wide. I recently picked up a Graphene Radical Pro because it is a bit more forgiving. I started out with the same same strings on the same tensions as with the Prestige MP. This turned out to be a big mistake, it acted like a rocket launcher, I really have to work to keep the ball within the lines. This being the case I need more control. My question is now: Should I try the same strings on higher tensions (something like 25/24 kg=55/53 ibs) or should I try more low powered strings like Alu Power or Gamma zo verve on the same tension as I used to (22/21kg)? Does anyone know, or can anyone estimate what the difference would be between both options in terms of power and control?

Advice would be appriciated!

 

[CopolyX]

Well spec wise, they are very close but naturally the biggie is your are coming from an 18 x 20 and going to 16 x 19. So naturally your normal swing for a shot deep to baseline will be different. Yes the Racial Pro will put the ball a little further out. You have a bunch of otions but you alway want to make changes in small / minimum steps. First, yes you can increase your tension in phases. Or next you change the gauge of a string or strings to a thicker gauge/rope. Again in steps.. I would not change to new strings yet...But that is what I go...patients and yes, time and money...no one button solution is available... Estimates are just somewhat assumed: going up with tension should lower the power / going a one or two thicker ropes should also lower the power . Lower power equals more control.
If you have a good spin swing (channel rafa) , that will also throttle back the ball ...keeping it in the court. Now that you have a 16 x 19, start adding some spin to your same, never to late.....

 

[Frans Bleker]

Well spec wise, they are very close but naturally the biggie is your are coming from an 18 x 20 and going to 16 x 19. So naturally your normal swing for a shot deep to baseline will be different. Yes the Racial Pro will put the ball a little further out. You have a bunch of otions but you alway want to make changes in small / minimum steps. First, yes you can increase your tension in phases. Or next you change the gauge of a string or strings to a thicker gauge/rope. Again in steps.. I would not change to new strings yet...But that is what I go...patients and yes, time and money...no one button solution is available... Estimates are just somewhat assumed: going up with tension should lower the power / going a one or two thicker ropes should also lower the power . Lower power equals more control.
If you have a good spin swing (channel rafa) , that will also throttle back the ball ...keeping it in the court. Now that you have a 16 x 19, start adding some spin to your same, never to late.....

Thanks for the reaction! Yea, the Prestige is also smaller with a 95 sq inch head and my radical happens to be really head heavy. I measured the swingweight at 341 with dampener against the 330 SW prestige (also with dampener). Overal I think my spin is moderate which has proven to be quiet effective in combination with fast forehands with reasonable placement. I try to adjust my footwork and stroke to generate a bit more spin but at the moment I apperently miss the technique to do that consistantly. I think i'm gonna try some options as you suggested. I also might try to place some lead at 3 and 9 on my prestige mp to increase the twistweight and make it more forgiving.

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

I prefer low powered and predictable with low tension.

 

[Frans Bleker]

I prefer low powered and predictable with low tension.

I still got some high powered strings which im gonna string at a higher tension. Also ordered low powered strings like Gamma Zo Verve and Alu Power and going to try them on lower tensions. I might also order the comfortable version of Alu Power; Luxilon Element.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Hello Folks,
This turned out to be a big mistake, it acted like a rocket launcher, I really have to work to keep the ball within the lines.

Advice would be appriciated!

If you're describing the result as acting like "a rocket launcher," then a different string is in order.

Trying to go real high on tension really robs feel/touch/pocketing with only minimal gains in control.

 

[Readers]

Gut at high tension is the best for me.

 

[Frans Bleker]

So I wanted to play with a more low powered string in my graphene radical pro, I cut out the Diadem Solstice power and strung it up with the Gamma Zo Verve 17 based on @Mareqnyc his good review. The control was amazing, spin was good, and I also found that it was great on slices and dropshots. The power was ok, I maby would have liked a bit more free power but it wasn't too low powered either, it was in any case better the rocket launcher setup I used before. I also bought a set of Alu Power. Hope to find similair control but with a bit more free power.