Poll: What string pattern do you use?

[Mareqnyc]

I created a thread about dying out 18x20 string pattern and racquet makers clearly favoring open patterns these days.
Would like to see which pattern recreational players use currently.

Post a note about your playing style/history if you like

Thank you for your time and your vote

 

[Chingoo1255]

I'm a 46 year old just started to play 3.0- so take it with a grain is salt. I play only doubles socially now. I tried mixed with the SO (plays better than I do) but won't play again until I can start holding my own. I've tried 16x19, 16x15, 18x19, 18x20, 16x18. I'm a consummate racquetholic and I like to play around. I'm currently back to my 95s after a stint with the 18x20.

 

[Mareqnyc]

I'm a 46 year old just started to play 3.0- so take it with a grain is salt. I play only doubles socially now. I tried mixed with the SO (plays better than I do) but won't play again until I can start holding my own. I've tried 16x19, 16x15, 18x19, 18x20, 16x18. I'm a consummate racquetholic and I like to play around. I'm currently back to my 95s after a stint with the 18x20.

Slowly recovering racquetholic myslef I narrowed things down to 18x20. M wife is happy cause as I explained to her there is not that many left so they will stop coming. HAHA
now seriously I think I settled on Prestige MP after couple of years of trying. Now I am testing strings... ohh snap!

 

[joohan]

Mostly 16x20 in a 98sq.inch head + I have one 16x18(95sq.inch), one 16x19(105sq.inch) and one 18x20(97sq.inch head).

All courter with one hander.

 

[movdqa]

I was able to get a set of four match and customized pro stocks so the string pattern didn't matter to me. I'd rather have consistency in frames than a string pattern. I have a matched set of 16x19s too - the string pattern doesn't matter to me. Lead tape matters the most.

 

[Mareqnyc]

I was able to get a set of four match and customized pro stocks so the string pattern didn't matter to me. I'd rather have consistency in frames than a string pattern. I have a matched set of 16x19s too - the string pattern doesn't matter to me. Lead tape matters the most.

Interesting reasoning. There is a big difference in performance of various string patterns, I don't think it can be ignored. I would even say it has bigger impact than few grams of led here and there. Are you saying that you can play just as well with 16x19 as with 18x20?

 

[jm1980]

16x19 for the win

 

[movdqa]

Interesting reasoning. There is a big difference in performance of various string patterns, I don't think it can be ignored. I would even say it has bigger impact than few grams of led here and there. Are you saying that you can play just as well with 16x19 as with 18x20?

My racquets have more than just a few grams of lead and silicone.

 

[skydog]

18 X 20

I was using 16 X 20 for a while prior to my switch, just found the 18 X 20 more controllable power and placement wise.

 

[lwto]

Where's 18x18? What I use

other wise, 18x20

 

[Shroud]

The assumption is the 16x19 is the same in all rackets. 16x19 is just a number, and some 16x19 patterns can be as dense as some 18x20s and vice versa. Its really important how dense the middle part of the pattern is. Trav did a whole thread on this:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/racquet-stringbed-density-rankings.504151/

 

[GBplayer]

16 / 21

 

[beltsman]

You should allow multiple votes. While I love 18x20, I currently roll with 16x18, 16x19, and 16x20. Hm I think there's a pattern...

 

[avocadoz]

I went from 16x19 (V1 Pro) to 18x20 (Blade 98) to 16x20 (PCT) and now back to 16x19 (TT95) interchangeably with 18x20 (100P). I will play with whatever string pattern EXCEPT spin-effect racquets.

 

[realplayer]

An 18x20 string pattern can be more open than a 16x19. My TC95 16x19 for example is much more open than the pure drive 100 16x19. String density is relevant, not string pattern.

 

[Chuonfood]

Been experimenting with full bed of natural gosen og sheep micro 18 on all my racquets, so far so good. Tons of pop, control, comfort, spin, and decent durability.

 

[Mareqnyc]

An 18x20 string pattern can be more open than a 16x19. My TC95 16x19 for example is much more open than the pure drive 100 16x19. String density is relevant, not string pattern.

Have not seen 16x19 denser than 18x20. Some 16x19 have middle mains as close as 18x20 but that still leaves more room on the sides

 

[Mareqnyc]

Where's 18x18? What I use

other wise, 18x20

Which racquet is 18x18?

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

I dont seem to be pattern sensitive. I played with 18x20 for a majority of the last 41 years but have played 16x19 for the past 4. Before that it was 3 years of using the prestige mp and pro interchangeably... even in the same match. My reason for switching was to enhance my american twist second serve and the more extreme topspin from my groundstrokes with poly strings.

 

[lwto]

Which racquet is 18x18?

Well this one, old Wilson Npro 98 18x18

 

[Mareqnyc]

if a had to date a racquet thats the one. Beautiful!

 

[Shroud]

Have not seen 16x19 denser than 18x20. Some 16x19 have middle mains as close as 18x20 but that still leaves more room on the sides

Exactly. Since most of your shots should be in the middle you really need to look at density and not pattern.

 

[Mareqnyc]

Exactly. Since most of your shots should be in the middle you really need to look at density and not pattern.

Sure but even with denser middle the prestige pro (16x19) for instance performs very different than the mp (18x20). The overall density that comes from 3 extra strings creates a completely different response

 

[Shroud]

Sure but even with denser middle the prestige pro (16x19) for instance performs very different than the mp (18x20). The overall density that comes from 3 extra strings creates a completely different response

Not sure you can conclude its the string pattern specifically. Dont those rackets have different stiffnesses and weights and sw and balance?? You would have to control for all the other variables to see the affect of pattern.

Not saying a denser pattern isnt different but that the pattern numbers are pretty meaningless.

I have two rackets with 16x20 patterns. Are they the same?

 

[lwto]

All I know is that I can put so much more topspin on my Blade 98 18x20 than my 18x18 racquet.
When I dry swing them, I notice that the blade 98 cuts through the air a lot easier than the 18x18 racquet does.
THis makes me think and believe that top spin, side spin and underspin has nothing to do with string, string patterns and everything to do with the speed in which you brush the ball.

I Use the 18x18 racquet cause it has massive plow through and crushes the ball.

 

[The_Racketeer]

Was using the 16x18 Prince Graphite 100 with great success, switched to 16x19 95sq" head without much trouble.

Can't stand tight 18x20 patterns.

 

[Mareqnyc]

Not sure you can conclude its the string pattern specifically. Dont those rackets have different stiffnesses and weights and sw and balance?? You would have to control for all the other variables to see the affect of pattern.

Not saying a denser pattern isnt different but that the pattern numbers are pretty meaningless.

I have two rackets with 16x20 patterns. Are they the same?

They are not. Too many variables to consider!

 

[Mareqnyc]

All I know is that I can put so much more topspin on my Blade 98 18x20 than my 18x18 racquet.
When I dry swing them, I notice that the blade 98 cuts through the air a lot easier than the 18x18 racquet does.
THis makes me think and believe that top spin, side spin and underspin has nothing to do with string, string patterns and everything to do with the speed in which you brush the ball.

I Use the 18x18 racquet cause it has massive plow through and crushes the ball.

True story. I keep repeating myslef but according to Playsight stats 16x19 or 18x20 - same spin, sometimes even more with 18x20 when intended

 

[Mareqnyc]

Twice as much 16x19 as 18x20. Shout out to pure drives and aeros

 

[Mareqnyc]

Well this one, old Wilson Npro 98 18x18

Where did you find this unicorn? I googled the name and nothing like that pops up...custom paintjob?

 

[struggle]

18x20

BUT, just switched (or trying to at least) 16x20 100in.

Gotta say, I really like an 18x20 for the nice pocketing
but I'm trying the PK for arm health (yet it's a way stiffer racket).

 

[movdqa]

Well this one, old Wilson Npro 98 18x18

They painted all of the fire hydrants in my town with these two colors about a decade ago. It makes it really easy to spot them.

Are those inside stripes or lead tape?

 

[Mareqnyc]

18x20

BUT, just switched (or trying to at least) 16x20 100in.

Gotta say, I really like an 18x20 for the nice pocketing
but I'm trying the PK for arm health (yet it's a way stiffer racket).

Which PK?

 

[Matthew Lee]

I play high school tennis as a sophomore. I tried out a variety of string patterns, of which included the standard 16 x 19, 18 x 20, and went on to include the less known 16 x 20, 16 x 15, 16 x 16, 18 x 17, and 18 x 16. I was also really lucky to try out a 16 x 21.

For me, I feel like the 16 x 19 is best, because it's not as wide open as 16 x 16 or 16 x 15, but it still feels lively and still maintains a decent amount of control.
I think I'm a 4.5 player which a two-handed backhand.

 

[Mareqnyc]

I play high school tennis as a sophomore. I tried out a variety of string patterns, of which included the standard 16 x 19, 18 x 20, and went on to include the less known 16 x 20, 16 x 15, 16 x 16, 18 x 17, and 18 x 16. I was also really lucky to try out a 16 x 21.

For me, I feel like the 16 x 19 is best, because it's not as wide open as 16 x 16 or 16 x 15, but it still feels lively and still maintains a decent amount of control.
I think I'm a 4.5 player which a two-handed backhand.

I tend to hit out with 16x19 far more often than 18x20. I take that 18x20, put in a thin soft skinny poly and hit as fast as I can. great results.

 

[Mareqnyc]

You should allow multiple votes. While I love 18x20, I currently roll with 16x18, 16x19, and 16x20. Hm I think there's a pattern...

Makes sense. Just changed that, thanks!

 

[lwto]

They painted all of the fire hydrants in my town with these two colors about a decade ago. It makes it really easy to spot them.

Are those inside stripes or lead tape?

Lead tape on the inside.. and LOL uhhh.. faux carbon-fibre duct tape on the outside.. hate scratches on my sides.

 

[Mareqnyc]

Lead tape on the inside.. and LOL uhhh.. faux carbon-fibre duct tape on the outside.. hate scratches on my sides.

carbon-fibre print duct tape

 

[lwto]

Where did you find this unicorn? I googled the name and nothing like that pops up...custom paintjob?

This is the original, I decided to use this racquet and since there isn't a lot there I purchased several to last me. I use them on a rotational method after the string breaks I switch to another, I have 4 in rotation. Trouble was I got confused which one was next so I painted the side bars and since I don't use a grip(I use a buildup sleeve and a OG) I have so much space between the handle and the frame so I decided to paint both that space and the white sidebars to identify them better. I thought it came out pretty good.




Older picture as I've since replaced the leather grips. (I replaced the leather grips cause I could never get the grip feeling the same, with just a Build up sleeve and a OG, it's perfect, it has better feel and extremely responsive without feeling too harsh.

Yeah, there's not much about it, it was probably last produced in 2k6, some loved it, some didn't, most thought it was an exceptional doubles racquet.

 

[Mareqnyc]

This is the original, I decided to use this racquet and since there isn't a lot there I purchased several to last me. I use them on a rotational method after the string breaks I switch to another, I have 4 in rotation. Trouble was I got confused which one was next so I painted the side bars and since I don't use a grip(I use a buildup sleeve and a OG) I have so much space between the handle and the frame so I decided to paint both that space and the white sidebars to identify them better. I thought it came out pretty good.



Older picture as I've since replaced the leather grips. (I replaced the leather grips cause I could never get the grip feeling the same, with just a Build up sleeve and a OG, it's perfect, it has better feel and extremely responsive without feeling too harsh.

Yeah, there's not much about it, it was probably last produced in 2k6, some loved it, some didn't, most thought it was an exceptional doubles racquet.

cool thanks for the pics

 

[Mareqnyc]

Surprisingly decent amount of 16x20 users..... Yonex and ProKennex ?

 

[lwto]

carbon-fibre print duct tape

 

[Mareqnyc]

Cheater!lol

 

[Shroud]

True story. I keep repeating myslef but according to Playsight stats 16x19 or 18x20 - same spin, sometimes even more with 18x20 when intended

I still think the idea an open pattern gives more spin is mostly due to the increased launch angle and higher trajectory....

 

[Joonas]

18x20. But played a lot recently 16x19 in PD+.
When I tried to go lighter with Strike ans Blade I preferred both 18x20.
Now back to Prestige MP.

I like to play low balls and go flat also. 18x20 suits that well.

Spin seems to be related to weight distribution a lot too. Graphene Prestige MP allows so much spin vs some earlier iterations.

 

[Mareqnyc]

I still think the idea an open pattern gives more spin is mostly due to the increased launch angle and higher trajectory....

Spot on I think.

 

[coolschreiber]

18x20 IG MP

 

[lwto]

Using a 18x20 stick is like pulling out a 1 iron on the golf course, your opponent knows they are going to have a long day.

 

[Mareqnyc]

18x20 IG MP

One of the best sticks ever

 

[Mareqnyc]

18x20. But played a lot recently 16x19 in PD+.
When I tried to go lighter with Strike ans Blade I preferred both 18x20.
Now back to Prestige MP.

I like to play low balls and go flat also. 18x20 suits that well.

Spin seems to be related to weight distribution a lot too. Graphene Prestige MP allows so much spin vs some earlier iterations.

Is that related to the polarized setup in the graphene version?