Poly/syn gut hybrid

[ClownCar96]

Stringing a poly/syn gut hybrid. Haven’t used syn gut much before. Poly main, Lynx tour 1.25, am stringing at 53 lbs. what would you recommend the syn gut cross 1.25 tension? Normally I drop a pound or two for a full bed of poly on the cross, but maybe go higher with syn gut like 55?

 

[Wes]

Naturally (as you've suggested), one could do the crosses a bit higher due to the SG crosses being a more elastic string (as compared to the poly mains).

However, I typically suggest that most folks try the same tension on the mains & crosses - regarding their first trial run using a new/unfamiliar string(s).

In other words, don't just arbitrarily use a tension differential merely for the sake of using a tension differential.

I'm an advocate for having a good reason/reasoning for employing a differential.
If one hasn't at least tried the 2 different strings at the same tension, then one really has no "baseline" to compare against.
After trying the hybrid set-up with the same tensions, then one can test/compare differentials against that "baseline" test.

After all, should someone modify a brand new frame - placing lead tape all around the hoop & putting silicone inside the handle - before they have ever hit with the frame in it's stock form?
How would one then be able to compare the difference in feel?

 

[ClownCar96]

Thanks Wes. I guess the reason for the differential as you mention is syn gut being a more elastic string. Syn Gut is typically strung tighter than poly in full bed setups, right? I'm employing the same logic as a gut poly hybrid, where the gut in mains is usually strung 3+ pounds tighter than the poly cross... just didn't know if the same was recommended in reverse and with syn gut as opposed to gut.

 

[Wes]

Nothing "wrong" with going your route.

I was just providing my rationale for having a "baseline" to compare against.

Obviously, you can just roll with your initial idea... and then, maybe, try those same strings, later, at equal tensions.

As Bob Ross always said... it's your world... you can do anything you want.

 

[Irvin]

Stringing a poly/syn gut hybrid. Haven’t used syn gut much before. Poly main, Lynx tour 1.25, am stringing at 53 lbs. what would you recommend the syn gut cross 1.25 tension? Normally I drop a pound or two for a full bed of poly on the cross, but maybe go higher with syn gut like 55?

You cross string tension will always be less than the main string tension because of the friction loss. Poly is well Known for it fast tension loss. Raising the SG cross string tension increases the difference in tension between the mains and crosses for 2 reasons. 1 - the poly will lose tension faster the tighter it is string, and 2 - the crosses will maintain tension longer because of the strings characterists and lower tension.

I think players that use hybrid string should restring the rackets more often. If you want a softer string bed I would suggest using a softer poly full bed or dropping the tension. Especialy if you play until the string break.

 

[ClownCar96]

You cross string tension will always be less than the main string tension because of the friction loss. Poly is well Known for it fast tension loss. Raising the SG cross string tension increases the difference in tension between the mains and crosses for 2 reasons. 1 - the poly will lose tension faster the tighter it is string, and 2 - the crosses will maintain tension longer because of the strings characterists and lower tension.

I think players that use hybrid string should restring the rackets more often. If you want a softer string bed I would suggest using a softer poly full bed or dropping the tension. Especialy if you play until the string break.

so to translate, what would be your strategy with regard to tension for poly/syn gut hybrid? Are you saying to go same tension or lower on cross compared to mains if using a syn gut cross? I'll try to steer him away from syn gut cross, but if that's what my customer requests that's what I need to do especially for a new customer. Thanks @Irvin!

 

[Irvin]

so to translate, what would be your strategy with regard to tension for poly/syn gut hybrid? Are you saying to go same tension or lower on cross compared to mains if using a syn gut cross? I'll try to steer him away from syn gut cross, but if that's what my customer requests that's what I need to do especially for a new customer. Thanks @Irvin!

I would use the same tension on (poly) mains and (synthetic) crosses.

 

[shug]

I string "my" racquets with Kevlar/SynGut and have always strung both mains and crosses the same.

 

[Rabbit]

To supplement what @Wes has posted, I for a time played poly/syn gut. I used Luxilon Ace in the mains and synthetic gut in the crosses. My tension was 48 on the mains and 52 on the crosses. The setup was pretty good but I still prefer the other way with syn gut mains and poly crosses. My recommendation to the OP then would be a 4 pound difference -- 4 pounds tighter on the crosses.

 

[fritzhimself]

I certainly wouldn't string +4 pounds across if you don't want a "stretched" frame.

 

[Rabbit]

@fritzhimself - ???
My normal set up is 51/47. There is no deformation.

 

[sovertennis]

I would use the same tension on (poly) mains and (synthetic) crosses.

Irvin--After a major shoulder injury followed by surgery to my dominant arm this spring, I wanted a softer string bed as I returned to play this fall so I tried the poly mains, sg crosses but was advised (by the long time stringer at my club) to string the sg 6-8# higher than the mains. The string bed never felt right, and seemed to become harder/stiffer after 4-5 hours. So I tried stringing at the same tension (50#) and it resulted in a much more comfortable and consistent string bed. Many thanks for your comment.

 

[ichaseballs]

put the syn gut in the mains and then go 3 or 4 lbs higher than crosses.

 

[shug]

You may want to think about having a base (crosses & mains the same). Then start experimenting from the base tension wise.

 

[dmtree]

Lynx Tour is a stiff shaped string and will eat soft syngut crosses and quickly lock up, after it plays like a dream for about 20 minutes. Use a slick round poly in the crosses, at +/- 2lbs of the mains tension.

 

[ErMoro1976]

I'm testing poly synt gut Hybrid as I've experienced some pain on shoulder when full poly goes dead.
I try to choose best synth gut and best one imho are TNT2 React Pro, AK Pro CX.
I've tried for now with round average poly like the Yonex PTP 125, Little muted for my Boom Pro but good feeling and comfort. PTP die before the TNT2 and Stuck in place after hit. Now I'm tring something with better tension mantainence like lynx tour 125.
My to go tension is 22/22 or 21/21 but with a 10% prestrech on synth gut.

 

[pegcity]

i have been playing full poly bed for years. the last couple years i have developed golfers elbow. the string i have been using for the past season is mach-10 (17g). i love this string and hit the ball well with a full bed.

i am going to start experimenting with syn gut in the crosses to soften the bed a bit.

i tried putting head syn gut (16g) in the crosses with the mach-10 (17g). i didnt like it as much as full bed of poly as the poly mains would move and stick out of place. the trajectory was a little low for me and i had trouble keeping my cross court shots in play. but with my elbow situation i could deal with it.

i do not have a lot of selection of syn gut where i live. here is a list of the syn gut i have available.

topspin syn gut durability
head syn gut
babolat syn gut
wilson syn gut power
prince lightning pro

i am just wondering out of these syn gut strings, which one would be my best bet for a slick surface for my poly main to slide on and/or will have the best durability and/or comfort?

 

[Jpipes8787]

i have been playing full poly bed for years. the last couple years i have developed golfers elbow. the string i have been using for the past season is mach-10 (17g). i love this string and hit the ball well with a full bed.

i am going to start experimenting with syn gut in the crosses to soften the bed a bit.

i tried putting head syn gut (16g) in the crosses with the mach-10 (17g). i didnt like it as much as full bed of poly as the poly mains would move and stick out of place. the trajectory was a little low for me and i had trouble keeping my cross court shots in play. but with my elbow situation i could deal with it.

i do not have a lot of selection of syn gut where i live. here is a list of the syn gut i have available.

topspin syn gut durability
head syn gut
babolat syn gut
wilson syn gut power
prince lightning pro

i am just wondering out of these syn gut strings, which one would be my best bet for a slick surface for my poly main to slide on and/or will have the best durability and/or comfort?

Prince lightning pro all day and twice on sunday

 

[pegcity]

prince lightning pro 16 or 17g? i am thinking probably the 16g?

 

[pegcity]

sorry. another question. i am new to using syn gut as a cross.

am i better off using a round poly main to increase the snapback. or do you think mach-10 is a soft and slick enough poly to work well?

 

[mixtape]

i do not have a lot of selection of syn gut where i live. here is a list of the syn gut i have available.

topspin syn gut durability
head syn gut
babolat syn gut
wilson syn gut power
prince lightning pro

i am just wondering out of these syn gut strings, which one would be my best bet for a slick surface for my poly main to slide on and/or will have the best durability and/or comfort?

Lightning Pro. 16g (1.30) preferably for durability.

 

[ErMoro1976]

I'll go for Prince too in that selection. I'm using 2 different Syngut as cross Gamma TNT React Pro 127 or 132 and Gosen AK PRO CX 125

React is my first pick as is keeping the snapback for longer time and have a good durability and tension maintenance compared to a poly. I've used both Round and Shaped poly. Probably shaped poly may work fine but you loose grip on ball compared to a full bed. Mach-10 is something that I willing to try as I'm looking for comfort like you. Lynx Tour work fine in hybrid but are pretty stiff and IMO are not working the best as main hybrid, work best in full bed even at low tension (20/19kg).

As round I've tried the Yonex PTP grey with React pro but after 8hrs PTP drop in elasticity and snapback is over. It's worth a try with mach10 and prince as a cross IMHO, I suggest to pre-stretch the syngut to have balanced tension between main and crosses.

My following setup I'll test is Gosen Tour 3 123 and the Gosen AK PRO CX 125. I willing to verify how good are the Tour 3, I'm expecting additional comfort similar to PTP but with additional tension maintenance and spin potential.
Let us know if Mach10 works for you as main hybrid.