NEW POLL ~ Natural Gut Players

[LaZeR]

Hi, I'm pretty NEW to playing with Natural Gut strings so please post your comments & opinions, and also, remember to complete the Poll.

I've been playing mostly with Natural Gut in the Mains at around 50 lbs +/- and (co)Poly in the Crosses at around 46 lbs +/-. This affords great feel, but sometimes more of a softer game (does that make sense?), and I put (a bit) more effort into spin. Power is also pretty good, but at the expense of control.

Recently I put (co)Poly in the Mains at around 46 lbs +/-, and Natural Gut in the Crosses at around 50 lbs +/-. This also affords a great game, but more so, I feel like my game is even more powerful, more controlled, strokes use LESS effort, and I get great spin.

But if using (co)Poly in the Mains, isn't it a WASTE of MOOLA $$$, and a waste of expensive Natural Gut to put it in the Crosses, and good quality Synthetic Gut in the Crosses is satisfactory & sufficient??

Which Hybrid should I stick with when it comes to Natural Gut strings?

Once again, ALL comments & opinions are welcome, but REMEMBER to also complete the Poll. Thanks!!

PS >>> also mention what tensions you string up at!!

 

[MixedMaster]

I've been playing with nat gut/poly hybrid for a couple of years now and I think I'm pretty hooked on it. I don't buy expensive nat gut although I've tried it and didn't see enough of a difference to warrant the extra money. I use KLIP legend and I'm very happy with it. My favorite string for the crosses is Gamma iO. It's a long lasting poly and and has good speed and spin. It's priced in the middle of the poly's so I find it affordable. I've tried gut crosses and poly mains, but didn't like it that much.

 

[mctennis]

I can ditto MM statement above here about gut crosses and poly mains. I did not like it at all. It was a wa$te of gut. The gut mains make this setup a lot more playable. I've been using either a full bed of gut ( probably 75% of the time) or a gut mains/ poly crosses. When I do use a poly cross I liked Mamba Discho Iontec and Mosquito Bite. Before those newer polys I like Lux TiMO 17. I am not sure if the formula for the TiMO is thev same but last time I used it I thought it didn't feel or play the same. Normal tensions I use 58# mains 53# crosses.

 

[SpinToWin]

Always gut mains, you can change the characteristics sufficiently by using the appropriate cross string.

 

[McLovin]

I've said this many times before here, but if curious, the best approach is to do a 'blind taste test', and string two identical frames up: one w/ gut crosses, and one w/ multi crosses.

Take both on the court with you and grab one at random (try not to look at the frame so you don't know if you have gut or not). Hit with it for 5-10 minutes, then walk back and grab the other (again, try not to look at the frame). If after hitting you can't tell a difference, then save yourself some $ and use multi in the cross. If you can tell a difference...well, you'll have the answer in which one you like better.

Obviously you can try the same test w/ gut & multi in the mains, but IMO don't bother: There will be a considerable difference, and gut mains will most certainly win out.

 

[kramer woodie]

Hi, I'm pretty NEW to playing with Natural Gut strings so please post your comments & opinions, and also, remember to complete the Poll.

I've been playing mostly with Natural Gut in the Mains at around 50 lbs +/- and (co)Poly in the Crosses at around 46 lbs +/-. This affords great feel, but sometimes more of a softer game (does that make sense?), and I put (a bit) more effort into spin. Power is also pretty good, but at the expense of control.

Recently I put (co)Poly in the Mains at around 46 lbs +/-, and Natural Gut in the Crosses at around 50 lbs +/-. This also affords a great game, but more so, I feel like my game is even more powerful, more controlled, strokes use LESS effort, and I get great spin.

But if using (co)Poly in the Mains, isn't it a WASTE of MOOLA $$$, and a waste of expensive Natural Gut to put it in the Crosses, and good quality Synthetic Gut in the Crosses is satisfactory & sufficient??

Which Hybrid should I stick with when it comes to Natural Gut strings?

Once again, ALL comments & opinions are welcome, but REMEMBER to also complete the Poll. Thanks!!

PS >>> also mention what tensions you string up at!!

LaZeR

Check out Spin To Win's thread on gut/poly hybrids. Tons of info from STW plus others choices. I have been playing gut mains ploy crosses for the last 2 years. Plus I only use Bab
VS 16 gauge black in the mains and to add control use Krischbaum 18 gauge Max Power to tame the gut. Great setup for the 2 different frame I play: 1) SI98 weighted up to
12.2 ounces and 330 Duel G's at now 12.8 ounces. They both play great using STW's recommended tension differential of stringing the Max Power 9 pounds lower than the gut.

I highly recommend you preview STW's thread.

Aloha

 

[LaZeR]

LaZeR Check out Spin To Win's thread on gut/poly hybrids. ... I highly recommend you preview STW's thread.

Hi, where is "Spin To Win's thread on gut/poly hybrids" or what's the Title of it, or some key words ?

This is a bit surprising >>> MANY Pros on the tour put Natural Gut on the Crosses with Poly Mains. Having recently tried this I can understand where these pros are coming from... AND the gut I put on the Crosses was in pretty bad shape... BUT of course it's easier for pros to afford this setup, or ANY natural gut setup for that matter! See here >>>

http://www.colinthestringer.com/pros-strings/ - and - http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-string-reviews/atp-and-wta-tennis-strings/

Thanks!!

 

[Mareqnyc]

Always gut mains, you can change the characteristics sufficiently by using the appropriate cross string.

I've been reading your extensive gut/poly thread. What are your top 3 setups as of now? Racquets and tensions would be helpful as well thanks!

 

[LaZeR]

I've said this many times before here, but if curious, the best approach is to do a 'blind taste test', and string two identical frames up: one w/ gut crosses, and one w/ multi crosses. ...

Hi @ McLovin, I did do what you suggested however NOT the "blind taste test". I played one set with Gut/Poly, and the second set with Poly/Gut. The results are in the OP but I'll paste them again here::

I've been playing mostly with Natural Gut in the Mains at around 50 lbs +/- and (co)Poly in the Crosses at around 46 lbs +/-. This affords great feel, but sometimes more of a softer game (does that make sense?), and I put (a bit) more effort into spin. Power is also pretty good, but at the expense of control.

Recently I put (co)Poly in the Mains at around 46 lbs +/-, and Natural Gut in the Crosses at around 50 lbs +/-. This also affords a great game, but more so, I feel like my game is even more powerful, more controlled, strokes use LESS effort, and I get great spin.

 

[LaZeR]

Always gut mains, you can change the characteristics sufficiently by using the appropriate cross string.

Hi @ SpinToWin, not certain exactly ~ what do ya mean by "Always gut mains"?

If ya consider the Pros on the Tour who HYBRID Natural Gut with Poly, you'll notice that a majority of them put Poly on the Mains and Natural Gut on the Crosses. Having recently tried this I can understand where these pros are coming from... BUT of course it's easier for pros to afford this setup, or ANY natural gut setup for that matter!

See here >>> http://www.colinthestringer.com/pros-strings/ - and - http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-string-reviews/atp-and-wta-tennis-strings/

Thanks!!

 

[ultradr]

I use mostly full bed nat gut. main benefit is to enjoy the feel of it. I string them 62-68 lbs.

I occasionally use gut main/poly cross. nat gut at 62+ lbs mains and ~48 lbs on poly crosses. It feels horrible compared to full bed gut but it wins the matches.
the spin is enormous (tight gut mains and loose crosses. snap-back last and last). it still volleys great due to gut mains. it's a horrible feeling evil zombie string bed.

 

[oble]

Gut in the mains, poly in the cross for me. Can't wait for this wet winter season to be over so that I can go back to gut/poly.

 

[Nostradamus]

what is the BEST poly to use in the mains if you want maximum spin ?

 

[LaZeR]

... I occasionally use gut main/poly cross. nat gut at 62+ lbs mains and ~48 lbs on poly crosses. It feels horrible compared to full bed gut but it wins the matches. ...

Isn't WINNING the MOST important?!? You can't win if it's THAT horrible!!

 

[McLovin]

Hi @ McLovin, I did do what you suggested however NOT the "blind taste test". I played one set with Gut/Poly, and the second set with Poly/Gut. The results are in the OP but I'll paste them again here:

Yes, I read that. However, the whole idea of doing it blind is to remove any pre-conceived notions you may have. You may feel as if "(your) game is even more powerful, more controlled, strokes use LESS effort, and (you) get great spin" with poly mains + gut crosses, but in reality you don't know if you're just telling yourself that. You might get the same response w/ a multi in the cross, but because gut is known to be a better string, you're already expecting more, and could be 'manufacturing' qualities that really aren't there.

Just my $0.02.

 

[Frost5541]

Hi, I'm pretty NEW to playing with Natural Gut strings so please post your comments & opinions, and also, remember to complete the Poll.

I've been playing mostly with Natural Gut in the Mains at around 50 lbs +/- and (co)Poly in the Crosses at around 46 lbs +/-. This affords great feel, but sometimes more of a softer game (does that make sense?), and I put (a bit) more effort into spin. Power is also pretty good, but at the expense of control.

Recently I put (co)Poly in the Mains at around 46 lbs +/-, and Natural Gut in the Crosses at around 50 lbs +/-. This also affords a great game, but more so, I feel like my game is even more powerful, more controlled, strokes use LESS effort, and I get great spin.

But if using (co)Poly in the Mains, isn't it a WASTE of MOOLA $$$, and a waste of expensive Natural Gut to put it in the Crosses, and good quality Synthetic Gut in the Crosses is satisfactory & sufficient??

Which Hybrid should I stick with when it comes to Natural Gut strings?

Once again, ALL comments & opinions are welcome, but REMEMBER to also complete the Poll. Thanks!!

PS >>> also mention what tensions you string up at!!

i would suggest, since the thor-like power of Natty gut, go with a poly/nat or (CRAZIER) kev/nat. i personally prefer a full bed at 60 Lbs. for control purposes.

 

[SpinToWin]

I've been reading your extensive gut/poly thread. What are your top 3 setups as of now? Racquets and tensions would be helpful as well thanks!

Seeing as I ceased using gut/poly...

I'm not sure I can speak of top setups, I'd change the exact setup for pretty much any different racquet based on the characteristics I desire.

 

[SpinToWin]

Hi @ SpinToWin, not certain exactly ~ what do ya mean by "Always gut mains"?

If ya consider the Pros on the Tour who HYBRID Natural Gut with Poly, you'll notice that a majority of them put Poly on the Mains and Natural Gut on the Crosses. Having recently tried this I can understand where these pros are coming from... BUT of course it's easier for pros to afford this setup, or ANY natural gut setup for that matter!

See here >>> http://www.colinthestringer.com/pros-strings/ - and - http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-string-reviews/atp-and-wta-tennis-strings/

Thanks!!

I answered your question of how I string up gut hybrids... "Gut always in the mains".

Gut crosses has a terrible playability duration due to rapidly increasing friction and tension loss of mains, which makes it a inferior setup for rec players. Pro players get a new stringjob every few games, it's a bad comparison to make.

 

[LaZeR]

i would suggest, since the thor-like power of Natty gut, go with a poly/nat or (CRAZIER) kev/nat. i personally prefer a full bed at 60 Lbs. for control purposes.

Hi @ Frost5541, how long usually does a full bed of nat gut last on your racquet? This might be too soft for me but I'll try it... Thanks!!

 

[ultradr]

Isn't WINNING the MOST important?!? You can't win if it's THAT horrible!!

yeah, winning feels all right but nothing can replace the sensation of hitting sweet spot on full gut bed.

i think that's why i play tennis.
i keep wanting to perfectly time the sweet spot to feel that sensation.
my best memory with tennis is still when I got connected with gut 1st time and had a zoning episode with it.
i don't remember if i won the match or not. probably i did. but i don't care much...

 

[CopolyX]

whatever works best first, sure a full bed may last longer. but if the copoly works better for you game in the string bed, done. sacrifices cost can cost...one way or another., period. We should all know that. But does it mean it limits to your game, good!.....can't wait to play against ya....

 

[TadDavis]

yeah, winning feels all right but nothing can replace the sensation of hitting sweet spot on full gut bed.

i think that's why i play tennis.
i keep wanting to perfectly time the sweet spot to feel that sensation.
my best memory with tennis is still when I got connected with gut 1st time and had a zoning episode with it.
i don't remember if i won the match or not. probably i did. but i don't care much...

I know what you mean. I'm trying to convince myself that I'm fine with synthetic, but I hit with my Vacuum Pro strung with full gut over the weekend, and every time I hit a clean shot, it was the most satisfying feeling. I also couldn't care if I win or lose when I get to experience that.

 

[Mareqnyc]

Seeing as I ceased using gut/poly...

I'm not sure I can speak of top setups, I'd change the exact setup for pretty much any different racquet based on the characteristics I desire.

Agree here, different racquets require different setups. Can you share what are your current setups?

 

[SpinToWin]

Agree here, different racquets require different setups. Can you share what are your current setups?

I'm currently using a full bed of Kirschbaum Black Shark 17, usually between 50 and 55 lbs (I have four racquets that I string up with different tensions so that I can adjust to different exterior conditions more easily).

If I were to use a more forgiving racquet with good power I would either use Max Power or 4G in the crosses. What exactly depends on which setup harmonises best with the specific racquet, though I'd pick Max Power for more predictability and 4G for more ball grab.

If I were to use a lower powered racquet I would probably go for Revolve or Lynx in the crosses. Revolve for when I want a slightly more controllable response and Lynx when I want a very lively response with good ball grab and a crisper feel.

For racquets in between I would probably go for either Hawk or Black Fire, where Hawk is the more predictable setup with a lower launch angle and Black Fire is a baseliner's dream, offering good spring on shorter swings yet becoming significantly more controllable and spinny on long and fast strokes.

Truthfully, there are many setups out there that I have not tested, hence why I made and manage that behemoth of a thread. I am not sure which setup would suit the 97S at this point, though my starting point would be Tonic + Longevity / Max Power 16 at around 26/24kg.

 

[Mareqnyc]

I'm currently using a full bed of Kirschbaum Black Shark 17, usually between 50 and 55 lbs (I have four racquets that I string up with different tensions so that I can adjust to different exterior conditions more easily).

If I were to use a more forgiving racquet with good power I would either use Max Power or 4G in the crosses. What exactly depends on which setup harmonises best with the specific racquet, though I'd pick Max Power for more predictability and 4G for more ball grab.

If I were to use a lower powered racquet I would probably go for Revolve or Lynx in the crosses. Revolve for when I want a slightly more controllable response and Lynx when I want a very lively response with good ball grab and a crisper feel.

For racquets in between I would probably go for either Hawk or Black Fire, where Hawk is the more predictable setup with a lower launch angle and Black Fire is a baseliner's dream, offering good spring on shorter swings yet becoming significantly more controllable and spinny on long and fast strokes.

Truthfully, there are many setups out there that I have not tested, hence why I made and manage that behemoth of a thread. I am not sure which setup would suit the 97S at this point, though my starting point would be Tonic + Longevity / Max Power 16 at around 26/24kg.

Black Shark is an interesting string, I have another set and will definitely come back to it. I would string it 50 lbs or less next time since it is so low powered. I am testing Yonex Poly Tour Spin (the blue one) and it reminded me of Black Shark from the first hit. Same super low power, amazing control and outstanding spin - but crispier and a bit stiffer which I like. You might wanna give it a shot.

Max Power is also one of my favorite performers. Never tried Black Fire. I tried 97s with 4g and it played ok but I can see gut/poly work in it even better.

 

[SpinToWin]

Black Shark is an interesting string, I have another set and will definitely come back to it. I would string it 50 lbs or less next time since it is so low powered. I am testing Yonex Poly Tour Spin (the blue one) and it reminded me of Black Shark from the first hit. Same super low power, amazing control and outstanding spin - but crispier and a bit stiffer which I like. You might wanna give it a shot.

Max Power is also one of my favorite performers. Never tried Black Fire. I tried 97s with 4g and it played ok but I can see gut/poly work in it even better.

I actually prefer the slightly more muted feel of Black Shark to be honest (and I hate the blue color of PTS, call me vain if you like LOL)

 

[Mareqnyc]

I actually prefer the slightly more muted feel of Black Shark to be honest (and I hate the blue color of PTS, call me vain if you like LOL)

no I get it, I like my gear to match somewhat. It looks ok in the Babolat PO7 (white stick, blue string)

 

[danmartis]

I've said this many times before here, but if curious, the best approach is to do a 'blind taste test', and string two identical frames up: one w/ gut crosses, and one w/ multi crosses.

Take both on the court with you and grab one at random (try not to look at the frame so you don't know if you have gut or not). Hit with it for 5-10 minutes, then walk back and grab the other (again, try not to look at the frame). If after hitting you can't tell a difference, then save yourself some $ and use multi in the cross. If you can tell a difference...well, you'll have the answer in which one you like better.

Obviously you can try the same test w/ gut & multi in the mains, but IMO don't bother: There will be a considerable difference, and gut mains will most certainly win out.

This is impossible. How can you not look at the racquet and hit balls?

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

 

[McLovin]

This is impossible. How can you not look at the racquet and hit balls?

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Because you're supposed to be watching the ball, not the racquet...

But seriously, I said 'try not to look at the frame', and what I meant was 'try to not notice which type of string you have'. Its really not that hard as you should only be looking at the string/frame at the point of contact, and at that point the racquet is moving and it would be hard to notice if you have natural gut or a natural colored multi.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

This is impossible. How can you not look at the racquet and hit balls?

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

I'm curious about your preparation and take back if you have to look at your racquet every time you hit the ball... How far back do you stay back?

 

[Frost5541]

Because you're supposed to be watching the ball, not the racquet...

But seriously, I said 'try not to look at the frame', and what I meant was 'try to not notice which type of string you have'. Its really not that hard as you should only be looking at the string/frame at the point of contact, and at that point the racquet is moving and it would be hard to notice if you have natural gut or a natural colored multi.

or you can just stencil the whole string, or ask your stringer to do that for you.