Prince Synthetic Gut Fan Club

[BorderLine]

Okay...I have probably driven some folks crazy on my string journey so my apologies, but I am pumped now and maybe this string thing is winding down and I can move on to the game.

I finally hit Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex 17 White at 60. It is great at 4 hours in. I can't wait to see how long it performs. I hear it hangs in there well and then snaps. I hope that is the case. It has moved and notched like no other string I have hit (30+).

Wow - love the stiffness, control, spin, power, sound, and feel

Was great at everything for me.

Now my questions:

Seems like gold and white are the stocked inventory with some yellow and maybe black out there. What color should I buy if I like crisp?

Is Wilson Extreme Octane really the same - any differences between the colors?

I have heard rumors about patents, etc. I assume Prince will continue to produce this exact string.

 

[struggle]

likely the most popular string of all time (PSG/PSGD)

i doubt it's going anywhere.

good all around string, both versions.

i always prefer natural color in synthetic guts.

 

[lynnbart]

I keep Prince Original Synthetic Gut on hand all the time. Hard to go wrong with it. It's also one of the best cross strings in hybrid set ups. I prefer the white.

 

[KaiserW]

I keep Prince Original Synthetic Gut on hand all the time. Hard to go wrong with it. It's also one of the best cross strings in hybrid set ups. I prefer the white.

Ever use gut main with it as cross? I also prefer the original and white.

 

[BorderLine]

I will try Forten Sweet and RIP Control as the cross with PSGD as the main just to see and maybe to take a little of the power down and slight stiffness edge off.

But that will be my only testing and experimenting - ready to settle.

There is a nice thread out there on Forten and PSG that I need to post the link to

 

[KaiserW]

Try Original PSG I think you might like it better than duraflex version.

 

[ace0001a]

My favorite will always be Prince Synthetic Gut Original in Gold.

 

[BorderLine]

Why gold and why original?

 

[max]

My favorite will always be Prince Synthetic Gut Original in Gold.

So true. It's the real classic of them all.

I don't care for the harsher feel I get from duraflex stuff; I'm not a "stringbreaker" who really needs the added wraps.

The original syn gut is great, but I prefer by far the Prince Synthetic Gut Soft, now packaged as Ektelon Power Play. It retains the good aspects of the original syn gut, but is a tad softer, more multi=feeling. It's just great stuff, and I've used packs and packs and packs of it over the years.

If ever Prince stops making it, I'll swipe the recipe and mix up a batch of it in my garage.

 

[Triskadekaphilia]

Psgd

I find the platinum 16G to be crisp. It does feel a little plasticky but generates nice spin and a wonderful sound. It tends to die around 10 hours (give or take, depending on the amount of abuse).

The natural 16G feels softer to me but less crisp.

Anyone played with them all?

 

[Imago]

I like better PSGD made in USA than the gold and silver ones made in Japan, the latter are too elastic and you have to string them @ 30 kg in order to get 20 kg final tension.

 

[ace0001a]

Why gold and why original?

So true. It's the real classic of them all.

I don't care for the harsher feel I get from duraflex stuff; I'm not a "stringbreaker" who really needs the added wraps.

The original syn gut is great, but I prefer by far the Prince Synthetic Gut Soft, now packaged as Ektelon Power Play. It retains the good aspects of the original syn gut, but is a tad softer, more multi=feeling. It's just great stuff, and I've used packs and packs and packs of it over the years.

If ever Prince stops making it, I'll swipe the recipe and mix up a batch of it in my garage.

Pretty much what max said... I would add that I liked any of the translucent Prince Synthetic Gut Original because of the crisp feel they have. I've found that most white painted or dyed synthetic guts to me feel "plasticky" for lack of a better description. The first time I tried Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex, I thought it was stiff and plasticky compared to the original. Klip used to make a string called Kicker, was translucent gold as well and I thought it felt very much like PSGO.

 

[ricki]

Mmmm crispy as KFC... Dont buy black as its only painted with black color and it leaves marks on balls

 

[Rabbit]

You know, I have to say that PSG Original is pretty dadgum hard to beat. I have some very fond memories of the string myself. It was a simpler time, when I didn't second guess everything I did in tennis!!!!!

 

[KaiserW]

You know, I have to say that PSG Original is pretty dadgum hard to beat. I have some very fond memories of the string myself. It was a simpler time, when I didn't second guess everything I did in tennis!!!!!

I hear ya!!! I probably would not have started experimenting with strings if not for this message board. I was perfectly happy with POSG. May go back to it still.

 

[Rabbit]

I hear ya!!! I probably would not have started experimenting with strings if not for this message board. I was perfectly happy with POSG. May go back to it still.

I have the exact same experience.

 

[BorderLine]

Wish I would have started with PSG at my return...I have spent some money and time experimenting.

I have to tell myself at least I know now and that I got it out of my system.

I totally don't get multis now and I thought I liked some of them.

The forum is interesting - helpful, true, funny, great marketing, never ending, and dangerous all at the same time.

I am surprised TW doesn't carry more colors and specify U.S.A or Japan. Also surprised Prince didn't push the price up. I guess the market and competition kept them in check. I would pay more for it. It is so good!!!

 

[Booger]

Who makes prince strings? Gosen?

 

[BorderLine]

Doubtful that they are manufactured in the U.S.

Probably designed in the U.S. on some packaging so US versus Japan manufacturing is probably a myth

Maybe someone has a picture and maybe someone will know who produces

I hear there are only a few manufacturers

 

[logrock]

Darn it, you guy's got me thinking too!
Wasted so much time & money on Poly's, Multi's Hybrids, etc.
Probably played my best with POSG 16 a long time ago strung at mid tension and just forgot about it. Way too many options out there now.
Let's just face it, we are all tennis equipment junkies!

 

[ace0001a]

Just checked my string stash: I have a set of PSOG Gold in mostly green colored packaging that says "Manufactured in Japan to Prince quality standards" and I have a set of (clear or translucent with white Duraflex swirl) PSGD in mostly white colored packaging that says the same thing. The reason I'm hanging on this this PSGD one I have is because it says it's made in Japan and is translucent, so I'm curious if it feels more crispy than the set of PSGD I tried many years ago that was white in color and I remember the packaging saying it was manufactured in Taiwan.

 

[BorderLine]

Multi - too flaky and no performance life

PSGD = best of both worlds = combo of control, power, and spin - serves great, slices well, solid/plows, and great trajectory from baseline and mid-court - let's see on performance life duration

Poly - no feel, too harsh, lame volleys for me, dies, too risky, overpriced

How much was PSG in its hay day (the 90s)? Has there been any price increases and decreases?

 

[Rabbit]

As I remember it was $2.90 for the longest.

 

[mctennis]

Darn it, you guy's got me thinking too!
Wasted so much time & money on Poly's, Multi's Hybrids, etc.
Probably played my best with POSG 16 a long time ago strung at mid tension and just forgot about it. Way too many options out there now.
Let's just face it, we are all tennis equipment junkies!

The first step is always admitting you have a problem, junkie. I've admitted it more than once.

 

[Imago]

By "made in USA". I mean this package

 

[Muppet]

I don't have much experience with synth guts. I've used POSG 16 and Dunlop S-gut 16. I liked the dampened quality and spin of the S-gut 16 in my Head LM Radical OS. I practiced my serve with S-gut 17 once in my MW 200G 95, but I didn't like it with the Yusuki stringing. Has anyone had more extensive use of S-gut 17? I'm thinking of going all-in with this string in my four Dunlop 200 racquets. I've devised a method for starting the mains with nylon strings that I like better than the Yusuki method. Not to knock Yusuki; I prefer that method for starting polyester mains.

My game is counterpunching, while coming to net when I can. I usually play doubles and my level is 3.0. I only play once per week, so I guess I won't be advancing anytime soon.

Thanks in advance

 

[BorderLine]

Biggest hit and contributor in tennis equipment history?

Prince Synthetic Gut
Wilson Pro Staff
Prince Graphite
Nike shoes
Rubico
Tourna Grip
Sugarpova (joke)

Might need a poll/survey for this

My vote is Prince Synthetic Gut

 

[nickkk]

How long will it last in yonex ai 98, break poly tour pro in 10-12 hours or so...

 

[YarikA99]

Biggest hit and contributor in tennis equipment history?

Prince Synthetic Gut
Wilson Pro Staff
Prince Graphite
Nike shoes
Rubico
Tourna Grip
Sugarpova (joke)

Might need a poll/survey for this

My vote is Prince Synthetic Gut

Wilson Pro Staff is the BIGGEST and BEST thing to happen to tennis. I could not live without using a Pro Staff.

 

[BorderLine]

Hit PSGD more today

9+ hours in and still going strong - best of any string yet for me

The performance is still high and they feel taught

I am very surprised at the plow through, spin, control, power, and consistency of these strings

No string for me even close in all around peformance

 

[David Valencia]

So true. It's the real classic of them all.

I don't care for the harsher feel I get from duraflex stuff; I'm not a "stringbreaker" who really needs the added wraps.

The original syn gut is great, but I prefer by far the Prince Synthetic Gut Soft, now packaged as Ektelon Power Play. It retains the good aspects of the original syn gut, but is a tad softer, more multi=feeling. It's just great stuff, and I've used packs and packs and packs of it over the years.

If ever Prince stops making it, I'll swipe the recipe and mix up a batch of it in my garage.

Max, where can you find Ektelon Power Play?

 

[ricki]

I spent lot of cash on multifilament strings over time and I can tell that PSG-DF is still the best of ANY multi string. Plays so crispy with great predictability - even better than poly strings, you simply feel the ball on stringbed on slices for example.

If you dont have money to play with fresh poly every two weeks (if luxilon Alu costed 5$ a set nobody would care for synguts) and you dont break it too fast then you cant get better string for the money.

 

[BorderLine]

Is Prince Topspin basically the same string as Prince Synthetic Gut just with an additional band of exterior wrap for some extra spin?

How does Topsin compare to Prince Synthetic Gut?

 

[ace0001a]

Is Prince Topspin basically the same string as Prince Synthetic Gut just with an additional band of exterior wrap for some extra spin?

How does Topsin compare to Prince Synthetic Gut?

From what I remember, Prince Topspin felt much more muted and kind of plasticky compared to Prince Original Synthetic Gut.

 

[BorderLine]

I have played with two more sets of PSGD 17. I really like it overall. I am getting about 10 good hours out of it.

Sometimes I might be tired with bad form or the balls might be dead, but I have experienced a tough time with hitting some harder rally shots and offensive mid-court shots. Sometimes it seems to be from the strings not giving enough spin.

I have been wondering if anyone knows of a good non-poly main to try that might add spin and that works well.

RIP Control, Prince Premier Control/Attack, or NXT Tour Power?

Any other thoughts?

 

[KaiserW]

I have played with two more sets of PSGD 17. I really like it overall. I am getting about 10 good hours out of it.

Sometimes I might be tired with bad form or the balls might be dead, but I have experienced a tough time with hitting some harder rally shots and offensive mid-court shots. Sometimes it seems to be from the strings not giving enough spin.

I have been wondering if anyone knows of a good non-poly main to try that might add spin and that works well.

RIP Control, Prince Premier Control/Attack, or NXT Tour Power?

Any other thoughts?

You are coming full circle haha. Seriously though try gut/poly if you have not already. It is the best setup I have found. Spin is very good.

 

[BorderLine]

I heard that emphasized the other day by a local shop. Seems so expensive...

What gut do you like and is there a cheaper gut that you like?

Also, what poly do you like with it?

I need something that is crisp, on the stiffer side feel wise, and that has decent to high power.

Thanks for help.

 

[KaiserW]

Right now I am using Global Gut 16g out of India. I find it to be good for mains. It costs between $15-$18 for a full set. So in a hybrid it is not bad cost wise. I also have some Pacific Classic in another racquet. I cannot really tell the difference between the two. For the poly I am using Yonex Poly Tour Pro 16L. Have only hit with it a couple of times but so far I like it. This setup has plenty of power.

 

[prestigeww]

does tw not sell the PSG in natural color? I hate playing with colored synthetic guts!

 

[bulldawg]

PSGD is one of my favorites. I'm using it now in a hybrid with Signum Pro Poly-Plasma. Great spin and comfort.

 

[BorderLine]

Is there a poly or another string that feels and plays similar to PSGD?

Wondering if I could find something similar to PSGD but might have a bit more spin...I haven't hit many poly strings and I wondered if something like Cyclone Tour, Tourna BHB, SPPP, B5E, etc. have any type of similar feel and performance to PSGD.

Maybe a bad question, but just wondering before I spend time and money.

 

[ace0001a]

Is there a poly or another string that feels and plays similar to PSGD?

Wondering if I could find something similar to PSGD but might have a bit more spin...I haven't hit many poly strings and I wondered if something like Cyclone Tour, Tourna BHB, SPPP, B5E, etc. have any type of similar feel and performance to PSGD.

Maybe a bad question, but just wondering before I spend time and money.

You could always try one of your above mentioned poly strings for the mains in a hybrid setup with the PSGD for the crosses.

 

[Povl Carstensen]

I do not need duraflex for durability (string breaking), and found it a bit stiff. But what about the difference in PSG between 17 and 16 gauge? I often like to use 17 on 18/20 string patterns and 16 on 16/19.

 

[hoodjem]

Okay...I have probably driven some folks crazy on my string journey so my apologies, but I am pumped now and maybe this string thing is winding down and I can move on to the game.

I finally hit Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex 17 White at 60. It is great at 4 hours in. I can't wait to see how long it performs. I hear it hangs in there well and then snaps. I hope that is the case. It has moved and notched like no other string I have hit (30+).

Wow - love the stiffness, control, spin, power, sound, and feel.

I'd like to form an Anti-PSGD fan club.

Hate this string: hard, stiff, dull, no spin, no ball-pocketing, no feel. Durability: none against my scissors--I could not cut it out fast enough.

A piece of crap, and a waste of money.

 

[KaiserW]

I'd like to form an Anti-PSGD fan club.

Hate this string: hard, stiff, dull, no spin, no ball-pocketing, no feel. Durability: none against my scissors--I could not cut it out fast enough.

A piece of crap, and a waste of money.

Have you tried Original? I like it much better than Duraflex version.

 

[SpinToWin]

I heard that emphasized the other day by a local shop. Seems so expensive...

What gut do you like and is there a cheaper gut that you like?

Also, what poly do you like with it?

I need something that is crisp, on the stiffer side feel wise, and that has decent to high power.

Thanks for help.

Cheaper gut usually is softer (Global Gut is very soft and powerful). The crispest natural gut I know of is Babolat Tonic (the additives do that). Power will not be a problem since gut is pretty much the most powerful string around. To get the crisp feel, you will need to use a quite stiff string in the crosses. A few strings that come to mind are L-Tec Premium 4S, Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour, Kirschbaum Super Smash and Luxilon 4G.

 

[Imago]

Is there a poly or another string that feels and plays similar to PSGD?

Pro's Pro Top Spin

 

[Povl Carstensen]

I'd like to form an Anti-PSGD fan club.

Hate this string: hard, stiff, dull, no spin, no ball-pocketing, no feel. Durability: none against my scissors--I could not cut it out fast enough.

A piece of crap, and a waste of money.

Yes well I gave the reel (17) I bought away too. Stiff as a board in my PS 85.

 

[skraggle]

I'd like to form an Anti-PSGD fan club.

Hate this string: hard, stiff, dull, no spin, no ball-pocketing, no feel. Durability: none against my scissors--I could not cut it out fast enough.

A piece of crap, and a waste of money.

Necessary?

 

[BorderLine]

Necessary?

That is how I feel about Hexy Fiber and TNT, but for the opposite reasons.

Some like soft and some like crisp...to each his own