Oh boy, I have done it now...need some help

M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
So I decided to try a hybrid of tonic and cream. My TT100P was aggravating my sensitive elbow a bit even with cream and velocity...plus and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about anyway. I am going back and forth a bit between my old tour 100s and my new TTs so I decided to string a tour with the hybrid. Barely had enough to string the mains cutting the tonic in half. Well, I can say that after breaking the string bed in I was wowed. No doubt my tours had more power than I am used to and the launch angle seemed to increase a bit. Damn, the spin....and, of course, they are comfy with most anything so that goes without saying. I tried to string one of my TT100ps with the other half and I did not have enough. I guess the mains in that stick are slightly longer (and the head shape tells me that as well. So my question is, do I have to buy a hybrid set (which I do not want to do) or can I get a set of nat gut that is slightly longer? I really like cream as a cross.

By the way, I decided to string one of my TTs up with a full bed of velocity as I have several sets laying around. That MUST be the best multi for the price. Not too powerful and very good with spin. I will keep one of my TTs with a full bed of this at mid tension for sure.
 
loosegroove

loosegroove

Hall of Fame
How short were you? You could use a starting clamp as a bridge to pull tension on the last mains as long as there was enough string left to tie a knot (which I assume there was based on my experience). Or you could even tie some scrap string to the gut as an extension to the tensioner, though that's not a good long term solution.

Another option, is to string the mains without cutting the gut in half. String it like you normally would, measuring the appropriate length for the short side. When you cut the string after tying the knot on the long side, you'll have saved all that string that is normally cut/wasted, as it remains part of the string you'll use for the second set of mains. The only caveat is you'll be dealing with more string on one side which is a bit cumbersome, particularly when tying off with 20+ feet of string for the first time.
 
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K

Kevo

Legend
How far off were you on the mains? Were you able to get the last main out the frame with enough string to tie a knot? If so, you can use a starting clamp and a spare length of string to tension from the clamp. I've had to do that a couple times before. It's rare these days that I need a full 20ft for most frames, but it can happen.
 
ba4x

ba4x

New User
Just curious - what tensions did you go for in the TT100p?

I've always been quite relieved with splitting natural gut packs, the string stretches so much that ~20' is enough. Worked for me even in an 18x20 Head Radical Ti Overisize. You just have to be crafty, using starting clamps to extend if the string doesn't reach the tension head on the last pull, and ensure you're starting the string completely centered (if you pull one side first, then account for the stretch that occurs).
 
Traffic

Traffic

Hall of Fame
markwillplay said:
So I decided to try a hybrid of tonic and cream. My TT100P was aggravating my sensitive elbow a bit even with cream and velocity...plus and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about anyway. I am going back and forth a bit between my old tour 100s and my new TTs so I decided to string a tour with the hybrid. Barely had enough to string the mains cutting the tonic in half. Well, I can say that after breaking the string bed in I was wowed. No doubt my tours had more power than I am used to and the launch angle seemed to increase a bit. Damn, the spin....and, of course, they are comfy with most anything so that goes without saying. I tried to string one of my TT100ps with the other half and I did not have enough. I guess the mains in that stick are slightly longer (and the head shape tells me that as well. So my question is, do I have to buy a hybrid set (which I do not want to do) or can I get a set of nat gut that is slightly longer? I really like cream as a cross.

By the way, I decided to string one of my TTs up with a full bed of velocity as I have several sets laying around. That MUST be the best multi for the price. Not too powerful and very good with spin. I will keep one of my TTs with a full bed of this at mid tension for sure.
Click to expand...
Like others have mentioned, if you are just a little short for your last pull, then a starting clamp can be used to bridge the shortfall.

If you like Velocity/Cream, you may like Gut/Velocity.

It's lower powered than Gut/Cream, slightly less spin, but more predictable and comfortable.
 
M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
I never thought about using a multi in the crossesw with it. Hmmm. Might try it. Well, I was just a weeeee bit short. Literally I could get the end to my clamp on my drop weight but it needed a bit more to really grab it well. I need to see what a staring clamp is.

BTW what tension would you string velocity at if I used it in crosses? I usually string it at around 52 and it is good there. I would string the gut up to like 55 (which is what I was doing). The velocity does notch pretty quickly but I have some string savors to help it lat longer. I really like that string.

The recommended tension on the TTP is 45-55. The tour is 50-60. I strung the gut at 57 in my tour (57/52). I figured 55 would be good for the TT. I was going to string 55/50.
 
esgee48

esgee48

G.O.A.T.
I am waiting for @ByeByePoly to call OP a 'Gut Snob.' :happydevil:

Post #2 is my way to ensure I get 2 string jobs out of a pack of natural gut. You have to go slow anyway with NG to avoid kinks and burns, so it is not a big deal.
 
Traffic

Traffic

Hall of Fame
markwillplay said:
I never thought about using a multi in the crossesw with it. Hmmm. Might try it. Well, I was just a weeeee bit short. Literally I could get the end to my clamp on my drop weight but it needed a bit more to really grab it well. I need to see what a staring clamp is.

BTW what tension would you string velocity at if I used it in crosses? I usually string it at around 52 and it is good there. I would string the gut up to like 55 (which is what I was doing). The velocity does notch pretty quickly but I have some string savors to help it lat longer. I really like that string.

The recommended tension on the TTP is 45-55. The tour is 50-60. I strung the gut at 57 in my tour (57/52). I figured 55 would be good for the TT. I was going to string 55/50.
Click to expand...
I found Velocity to help deaden the gut. It's an amazingly comfortable setup. Very predictable. A touch down on spin and power compared with Cream. 55/50 would be a good start.

Are you pre-stretching the gut?
 
ByeByePoly

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Traffic said:
Gut is perfect for absorbing harsh comments and shaping the return.:cool:
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So your tennis and ttw jousting skills have improved. The only loser is the cow.

Have you noticed @esgee48 enjoys my harshness. He is always sending me the harshness bat signal. :unsure: He is probably hoping for another Ginger vs Mary Ann debate. Sick. :p
 
M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
I could stretch more maybe. I usually pull the string from a stair rail to give it a stretch but not too much. I could maybe use the idea of tying another string to the last little bit. Weird because I had enough for fone side but not quite enough for the other. I may also be able to move my racket closet to the clamp.
 
G

gmatheis

Hall of Fame
markwillplay said:
I could stretch more maybe. I usually pull the string from a stair rail to give it a stretch but not too much. I could maybe use the idea of tying another string to the last little bit. Weird because I had enough for fone side but not quite enough for the other. I may also be able to move my racket closet to the clamp.
Click to expand...

That sounds like it was not centered when you started, it may not have been much but that inch or two could make the difference.

When I string the mains I usually just pull the two ends together to get it centered but if I'm doing NG I actually walk the ends all the way out to guarantee I have half on each side.
 
M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
I demoed it and liked the tt100p better in every category. The Pro 100 felt clumsy to me. My tours felt much better to swing even weighted up and with a stock higher twist weight. The 93P was as easy to play with and was also much better to me. If it had been a 98 I would own 3. I am finding the launch angle and power to my liking with the TT100p.

Also, I have heard that the new tours will be a bit more stiff. Maybe they will and maybe they won't. I think that this particular model prince has is a very good compromise for all the things I like in a stick. I believe it gives me a little extra on my serve and I still like the 18/20 pattern. If I wanted that wider head shape, I would just stay with my tours. I think that I like volleying better with these TT's because of the more oval headshape and being just a smidge narrower. Maybve it reminds me of a bit smaller head size...but hell, play enough and I can volley well with either
 
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M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
Could you elaborate more on the difference between Gut/Cream and Gut/Velocity? I have just always heard that a smooth poly was best for the gut to really shine. If you have experience with both I would love to hear about it. I have several packs of velocity here as well as cream.
 
liftordie

liftordie

Hall of Fame
markwillplay said:
I demoed it and liked the tt100p better in every category. The Pro 100 felt clumsy to me. My tours felt much better to swing even weighted up and with a stock higher twist weight. The 93P was as easy to play with and was also much better to me. If it had been a 98 I would own 3. I am finding the launch angle and power to my liking with the TT100p.

Also, I have heard that the new tours will be a bit more stiff. Maybe they will and maybe they won't. I think that this particular model prince has is a very good compromise for all the things I like in a stick. I believe it gives me a little extra on my serve and I still like the 18/20 pattern. If I wanted that wider head shape, I would just stay with my tours. I think that I like volleying better with these TT's because of the more oval headshape and being just a smidge narrower. Maybve it reminds me of a bit smaller head size...but hell, play enough and I can volley well with either
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Your real problem is your elbow...... Say adios to it. ;)
 
M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
Naaaa. I had surgery 20 years ago for tennis elbow and a few bouts with it since and I am not there. I think the TT is pretty soft really. Cream in a full bed bothered me even with my tours and there is no more comfy stick out there. I like the way cream plays so I am a bit stubborn but not in the chronic camp. I am pretty sure I could go back to my tours and it would vanish. When I first got the TT's I was pain free for a while. Started experimenting and here we go. After hitting last night with a full bed of velocity it already feels better. I will freely admit that the reason I did not sell the tours was so I could have a drop back and punt plan. Like my nipple, just in case....

I had actually hoped that the pro 100 would be my way of keeping the same flex with a stick that had grommets (hate stringing the ports) but I did not love it. If these TT's don't work I may try it again but my first taste of that fruit was not so great. I liked the pro 100p even less. I think that the ports in my tours, as much as I hate stringing them, give it an advantage through the air. I have them weighted up a bit and I can play all day with them. I have always believed that the ports were one of the "real" techno advances. The TTs offer a different feel and not as flexy but do not feel at all stiff to me. I was looking for a little more free power and remembered that I had demoed the TT100P and liked it. Bout a pair and sold them fairly quicly because I was so used to that flexy port feel. I decided to try it again in a demo with the other Phantoms and liked it much more than I remembered. I had a small affair with the 93P but thought that I played better, more easily with my tours so let them go. The tours are like gum on my shoe, can't quite get away from them. I am committing this time.

Now watch, Prince will come out with a flexy thin beam 98 with an 18/20 and I will have to eat this entire post...hahahaha
 
ByeByePoly

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
markwillplay said:
Naaaa. I had surgery 20 years ago for tennis elbow and a few bouts with it since and I am not there. I think the TT is pretty soft really. Cream in a full bed bothered me even with my tours and there is no more comfy stick out there. I like the way cream plays so I am a bit stubborn but not in the chronic camp. I am pretty sure I could go back to my tours and it would vanish. When I first got the TT's I was pain free for a while. Started experimenting and here we go. After hitting last night with a full bed of velocity it already feels better. I will freely admit that the reason I did not sell the tours was so I could have a drop back and punt plan. Like my nipple, just in case....

I had actually hoped that the pro 100 would be my way of keeping the same flex with a stick that had grommets (hate stringing the ports) but I did not love it. If these TT's don't work I may try it again but my first taste of that fruit was not so great. I liked the pro 100p even less. I think that the ports in my tours, as much as I hate stringing them, give it an advantage through the air. I have them weighted up a bit and I can play all day with them. I have always believed that the ports were one of the "real" techno advances. The TTs offer a different feel and not as flexy but do not feel at all stiff to me. I was looking for a little more free power and remembered that I had demoed the TT100P and liked it. Bout a pair and sold them fairly quicly because I was so used to that flexy port feel. I decided to try it again in a demo with the other Phantoms and liked it much more than I remembered. I had a small affair with the 93P but thought that I played better, more easily with my tours so let them go. The tours are like gum on my shoe, can't quite get away from them. I am committing this time.

Now watch, Prince will come out with a flexy thin beam 98 with an 18/20 and I will have to eat this entire post...hahahaha
Click to expand...

"Like my nipple, just in case" Huh? :oops:
 
M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
Would it make more sense to use the Tonic 15L with velocity as a cross? Would I get a little more out of a string job? By the way, I am still barely able to use a half set in this frame. I now have a TT strung up with tonic/velocity. Can;t wait to see how it plays. Went 55/52

Also, what about Lip Legend gut? Looks like it is much less expensive. I know it is supposed to be a little more stiff but relative to other non gut strings isn't it still way better for arm? I might be tempted to try a full bed of that...although the going rate for velocity is soooo sweet.
 
ByeByePoly

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
markwillplay said:
Would it make more sense to use the Tonic 15L with velocity as a cross? Would I get a little more out of a string job? By the way, I am still barely able to use a half set in this frame. I now have a TT strung up with tonic/velocity. Can;t wait to see how it plays. Went 55/52

Also, what about Lip Legend gut? Looks like it is much less expensive. I know it is supposed to be a little more stiff but relative to other non gut strings isn't it still way better for arm? I might be tempted to try a full bed of that...although the going rate for velocity is soooo sweet.
Click to expand...

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/legend-velocity.619149/
 
M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
I have some velocity here in 16 gauge. Even in 18/20 I like it for longevity. Are you using coated or uncoated legend gut? I am planning to get a couple sets and I guess I will go 16 gauge. I will go 55/52 maybe. I string V at 52 in these frames (both tours and TT's. Thanks again. M
 
M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
I like the volkl sun gut a lot. I have not used it in a while. Velocity feels more muted. They both provide really good spin. I have some in an old stick here and I will certainly say that it holds tension well. If I were to go back to that string I would use in a full bed for sure. It is also really soft to string. Even softer to hold than velocity.
 
Traffic

Traffic

Hall of Fame
markwillplay said:
I have some velocity here in 16 gauge. Even in 18/20 I like it for longevity. Are you using coated or uncoated legend gut? I am planning to get a couple sets and I guess I will go 16 gauge. I will go 55/52 maybe. I string V at 52 in these frames (both tours and TT's. Thanks again. M
Click to expand...
I'm really grooving with Legend/Velocity. I've been in search of a gut/poly for a while and finally landed on this combo.
I've tried VS Team gut. And it plays crisper than Legend. Legend also seems to be a bit more powerful. But also more comfortable? This may be an illusion of the deader feeling.

I've been trying Legend/Cream for a while and I just can't groove with it. There is an inconsistency in the stringbed response for me that I can't deal with.

Velocity does a nice job at taming gut.

You don't get quite as much spin with Velocity as a slick poly. But it is more comfortable, less powerful, and more predictable. I use 17g for both strings. I play about 15-20hrs, then cut out Velocity and string the cross again but flip the weave pattern. I can get another 15hrs out of the half set of gut. So it actually is quite economical for me.

BTW @ByeByePoly, I tried playing Velocity/Cream again. And I think I must be used to L/V now. V/C is a bit down on power and the launch angle is lower. So I was hitting into the net so often. Also, it has a bit easier access to spin and that probably contributed to a lot of shots going into the net. It's official, I'm a gut snob and Mary Ann sits in the bag only for emergencies.
 
ByeByePoly

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Traffic said:
I'm really grooving with Legend/Velocity. I've been in search of a gut/poly for a while and finally landed on this combo.
I've tried VS Team gut. And it plays crisper than Legend. Legend also seems to be a bit more powerful. But also more comfortable? This may be an illusion of the deader feeling.

I've been trying Legend/Cream for a while and I just can't groove with it. There is an inconsistency in the stringbed response for me that I can't deal with.

Velocity does a nice job at taming gut.

You don't get quite as much spin with Velocity as a slick poly. But it is more comfortable, less powerful, and more predictable. I use 17g for both strings. I play about 15-20hrs, then cut out Velocity and string the cross again but flip the weave pattern. I can get another 15hrs out of the half set of gut. So it actually is quite economical for me.

BTW @ByeByePoly, I tried playing Velocity/Cream again. And I think I must be used to L/V now. V/C is a bit down on power and the launch angle is lower. So I was hitting into the net so often. Also, it has a bit easier access to spin and that probably contributed to a lot of shots going into the net. It's official, I'm a gut snob and Mary Ann sits in the bag only for emergencies.
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Poor Mary Ann ... but Ginger you go girl. (L/V was Ginger right ... lost the plot at this point ) If Fed changed his strings as much as us, he wouldn't have cracked the top 100. 8-B
 
M

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
I now have one stick with Tonic/Vel and the other with Legend/cream. I played with the tonic/V the other day and really liked it. Arm not bothered at all. I am going to play with the Leg/Cream stick for thge next few outings to see if I notice a big difference in anything (spin, pain, whatever. Strung them both up at 55/52
 
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