Pros/Cons on using thinner crosses

[WJ155]

Hi all,

I’m in the tennis offseason, looking to maybe check out a different string setup or two. I’m currently using Diadem Solstice Black 1.20 in a Pro Staff Six.One 95, and my thoughts first ventured to putting Diadem Flash in the crosses (Diadem sponsors my school, if you’re wondering why it’s a Diadem setup). Since I know little compared to a lot of players and other tennisnerds in the community, I’m asking the forum this. What are the pros and cons of using a cross the same gauge vs. a smaller gauge?

 

[Trip]

Smaller gauge cross will typically increase the launch angle off the string bed ever-so-slightly. It will also likely increase the level of pocketing, as it typically will elongate/stretch slightly more on impact.

Many would also say it would promote greater levels of spin, but IMHO that is more debatable, as not everyone subscribes to the notion of thinner strings equaling more spin, at least not in every case.

On the potentially negative side, thinning out your strings will provide less mass in the string bed and thus a lower level of plow-through from the racquet face itself. That may be a bad thing, or a good thing, depending on what you're ultimately looking for from a feel and/or weight distribution perspective (ie. more or less weight/stability derived from the frame/hoop itself, versus however much from the central face / string bed).

Hope that helps.

 

[LOBALOT]

I actually like a thinner cross with poly for a lot of those ^^^ reasons. I get a tad higher launch angle, more pocketing, more spin.

I don't really care how long a setup lasts assuming thinner lasts less as I can restring whenever I want and usually with a full bed of poly that is each time I play.

 

[maksp]

Thinner cross gave me more action on my forehand ,from the less string to string friction. Other thing I felt was less plow on my one hand backhand..serves also had more action but less control

 

[rustyy]

On your specific request, solstice FB -> solstice mains / flash crosses (18G), you’re combining thinner AND round crosses, both contributing to more mains movement.
If you string the crosses 1-2kg lowert, you’ll get more power and touch, with the only downside of more stress on the mains so lower durability, and less stringbed consistency if you constantly hit heavy spin. No increase in spin or launch angle.

 

[VanDerVaart23]

I've felt thinner gauge gives you more spin from more snapback, better comfort, and higher launch angle.

I don't know but I also feel that the ball slides more on the stringbed rather than pocketing