New (2-21-2012) TWU: Spin and Ball Friction

[TW Professor]

How string-to-ball friction affects spin is explored in the following new TWU experiment:

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/stringballfriction.php

Coefficient of friction measurements for string-to-ball friction are presented for about 50 strings.

The conclusion is that maximizing string-to-ball friction and minimizing string-to-string friction will maximize spin.

String-to-string friction was previously studied on these pages:
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/COF.php
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/slidingCOF.php

The String Friction Tool will be helpful in comparing string-to-ball and string-to-string friction and find strings that optimize both types of friction:

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/COFreporter.php

 

[Up&comer]

Cool. So dynamite soft takes the cake?

 

[pvaudio]

These results are curious. This then means that the adage that natural gut/poly hybrids would not yield the greatest spin. By these findings, Barb Wire and a smooth poly cross will yield the greatest spin. Hmm, sounds like a new playtest for me.

 

[travlerajm]

This agrees with what I've found.

I have found Kevlar/Poly combos (at the right tension, with very smooth and dent-resistant poly crosses) to be by far the most spin-friendly string combinations. The kevlar bites the ball but slides smoothly over the poly crosses.

In my experience, full poly cannot compete with Kevlar/Poly for spin unless the poly is shaped. But shaped poly's get smoother over time, while Kevlar actually gets rougher over time (as the outer coating wears off). The spin level on a kevlar/poly combo increases over time (it doesn't necessarily help control though, because the stringbed eventually gets too soft).

 

[fortun8son]

Good ol' PSGO and PSGD17! Who'd a thunk it up there with Xcel and natty?

 

[scotus]

Ok, since I don't have the patience to go through all these, suggest a few hybrid combos that would be great.

* pvaudio suggests : Barb Wire + smooth poly

* travelrejm suggests : kevlar + poly

What else? How about something that involves the Dynamite Soft?

 

[travlerajm]

Ok, since I don't have the patience to go through all these, suggest a few hybrid combos that would be great.

* pvaudio suggests : Barb Wire + smooth poly

* travelrejm suggests : kevlar + poly

What else? How about something that involves the Dynamite Soft?

The key with kevlar/poly is to go a little bit lower tension than you are used to. And if it feels too stiff, be patient -- it softens up over time.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

So, it would seem - for the money - a hybrid of all MSV (Focus Hex mains and perhaps smooth Co-Focus crosses) would be a great set-up for about $8.

 

[fortun8son]

Or Focus Hex/PSGD17?

 

[Hi I'm Ray]

Interesting.

Good ol' PSGO and PSGD17! Who'd a thunk it up there with Xcel and natty?

Hmm, I tried PSGO 17 in the mains and Polylon 17 in the crosses 56/56lbs, and spin was awful. Most of my shots were consistently landing a few feet behind the baseline. I had to cut it out after 2 days. Yes, polylon is not so great but Polylon 17 in Mains and PSGO 17 in the crosses 52/52lbs had plenty of spin and control.

 

[pvaudio]

Ok, since I don't have the patience to go through all these, suggest a few hybrid combos that would be great.

* pvaudio suggests : Barb Wire + smooth poly

* travelrejm suggests : kevlar + poly

What else? How about something that involves the Dynamite Soft?

My point was based on their results. They said Barb Wire 16 had the most bite of any string they tested.

 

[Hi I'm Ray]

deleted, double post

 

[Litespeeds]

So, it would seem - for the money - a hybrid of all MSV (Focus Hex mains and perhaps smooth Co-Focus crosses) would be a great set-up for about $8.

I have been using this setup for awhile now and it is nice. I string the mains with MSV Focus Hex 1.18 and MSV Co-Focus 1.18 on the crosses at 50 lbs. Seems to be a little better than an all Focus Hex job.

I am also experimenting with MSV Focus Hex 1.18 main with Gosen OG Micro 17 synthetic gut on the crosses at 50 lbs.

Also trying out Kirschbaum Proline 2 1.20 main with Gosen OG Micro 17 cross at 50 lbs.

Will post my evaluation once I hit some more balls. All string on Babolat Aeropro Drive Cortex.

 

[alidisperanza]

Definitely bookmarked for tomorrow... 3:04AM here...

 

[TimothyO]

I've really enjoyed this spin research but its missing a crucial component: how long do these strings maintain their high spin characteristics?

I've tried some strings with really high initial spin potential but they lock up over time as they become dented or scuffed. RPM is a good example and Luxilon is even worse.

 

[TW Professor]

I've really enjoyed this spin research but its missing a crucial component: how long do these strings maintain their high spin characteristics?

I've tried some strings with really high initial spin potential but they lock up over time as they become dented or scuffed. RPM is a good example and Luxilon is even worse.

TimothyO:
My reply is under your other thread asking the same question:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=414541

 

[alidisperanza]

Really interesting read. I'm content that my findings followed my general logic but was shocked at some of the "rankings!"

Anyone want to do a statistical study of the increase of sales of Ashaway Dynamite Soft 17 :razz: I can't lie, I've passed over the ashaway page hundreds of time without a glance. After reading I went to double check + was hoping stringforum had pictures of a sample haha.

"Immediate examples meeting our requirements on both lists are MSV Hepta-Twist 17, Babolat Hurricane Feel 16, Klip K-Boom 16, Alien Black Diamond 16 and SuperString Viper V2 Rough 16L."


These too!