Questionable string advice from Nikola(intuitive tennis)

[tennislover2]

Nikola has posted a video

I like Nikola, I found his intuitive approach to tennis fundamentals very good and helpful and has helped me improve my game. I have contributed $ to him for that. I appreciate most of his other rants related to who is a great player, what it means to be a competitive 5.0 player etc.

However, I feel like he is quite off when he talks about strings. In this video he says natural gut is 7 out of 10 in terms of responsiveness ( and when he says responsiveness he means power). What string is more powerful than natural gut under similar tension and other similar circumstances? LOL

The next thing I disagree with him was he said RPM blast is significantly more responsive than LXN ALU power?!? I have tried many strings, ALU power is one of the most powerful polys out there. It is more powerful/responsive/lively than RPM blast. RPM blast is the more deader string, presumably there are more dead strings like Hyper G, Volkl Cyclone etc.

I do think his advice on stringing at lower tensions is sound advice especially for Polys.

One of the strings he recommended for rec players was 4G. I have never played with 4G for long periods of time. I may have briefly hit with it using my friend's racket. That feels very similar to ALU power and not sure why he recommends that but not ALU power to rec players. I hear 4G is a stiff string and remember reading some news that Tsitsipas who uses 4G wanted to move to some kind of a softer hybrid setup after his elbow surgery or something like that.

Except for his string advice, every thing else Nikola talks about is great!

 

[MinDango]

4g is possibly the lowest powered string out there. How is he recommending that to rec players XD

 

[ey039524]

He also suggested the pure drive if you have TE.

 

[naturalexponent]

4g is possibly the lowest powered string out there. How is he recommending that to rec players XD

He also suggested the pure drive if you have TE.

He must have a side gig as an orthopedic surgeon

 

[brn10]

He also suggested the pure drive if you have TE.

Yikes …….

 

[aaron_h27]

I would trust his recommendations as a high level player and coach over most of the 3.5's here.

 

[austintennis2005]

I would trust his recommendations as a high level player and coach over most of the 3.5's here.

There’s lots of higher level players and coaches that know basically nothing about equipment. There are some 3.5 that know most everything

 

[aaron_h27]

There’s lots of higher level players and coaches that know basically nothing about equipment. There are some 3.5 that know most everything

True but he's talked about equipment in several videos and has to give recommendations to his students ranging from beginner level to D1 college/professional. There are some high level players who don't care to know what string and tension they play with. To each their own

3.5 player advice for TE - "Play with the wilson clash 100, it has a 55 RA. Then string it with Multi at 45 lbs"

That racket would play like absolute hot garbage.

 

[brn10]

True but he's talked about equipment in several videos and has to give recommendations to his students ranging from beginner level to D1 college/professional. There are some high level players who don't care to know what string and tension they play with. To each their own

3.5 player advice for TE - "Play with the wilson clash 100, it has a 55 RA. Then string it with Multi at 45 lbs"

That racket would play like absolute hot garbage.

Fair point. I literally met someone today stringing high forties with synthetic , with the clash , because of his elbow problems . 4.0 guy

 

[aaron_h27]

Fair point. I literally met someone today stringing high forties with synthetic , with the clash , because of his elbow problems . 4.0 guy

LOL, you literally can't make this stuff up!

 

[tennislover2]

I would trust his recommendations as a high level player and coach over most of the 3.5's here.

However the problem is Nikola's tennis string recommendations conflict with many experts (not just the folk who do string reviews on TW). Also, just because he is a coach (great one), doesn't mean he has knowledge on all the different kind of strings and how they affect your elbow after months of hitting.

 

[Tronco20]

I heard a lot of knowledgeable people advise Pure Drive to prevent tennis elbow. A PD enables you to swing freely because you get easy power and don't have to muscle your strokes. If you play with a loose arm, forearm, with the help of a PD it will be much more relieving for your tendons etc.
But if you keep your awful technique and muscle the shots even with a PD, your elbow will suffer much quicker and harsher.
You have to let the PD do its job, develop good technique and the racquet won't hurt you just like it doesn't hurt millions of people on this planet of different levels playing with this racquet

 

[Tronco20]

However the problem is Nikola's tennis string recommendations conflict with many experts (not just the folk who do string reviews on TW). Also, just because he is a coach (great one), doesn't mean he has knowledge on all the different kind of strings and how they affect your elbow after months of hitting.

I think most of his weird advice videos come from his ambition to be different/ say something controversial, get attention.
Some of his videos make sense, others not so much

 

[Honza]

True but he's talked about equipment in several videos and has to give recommendations to his students ranging from beginner level to D1 college/professional. There are some high level players who don't care to know what string and tension they play with. To each their own

3.5 player advice for TE - "Play with the wilson clash 100, it has a 55 RA. Then string it with Multi at 45 lbs"

That racket would play like absolute hot garbage.

He has D1 students? Never seen him coach anyone good. Maybe i have to watch more of his vids. From what i saw, he is an avarage coach for rec players and i wouldnt count too much on his opinion.

 

[Happi]

I heard a lot of knowledgeable people advise Pure Drive to prevent tennis elbow. A PD enables you to swing freely because you get easy power and don't have to muscle your strokes. If you play with a loose arm, forearm, with the help of a PD it will be much more relieving for your tendons etc.
But if you keep your awful technique and muscle the shots even with a PD, your elbow will suffer much quicker and harsher.
You have to let the PD do its job, develop good technique and the racquet won't hurt you just like it doesn't hurt millions of people on this planet of different levels playing with this racquet

This Is total BS

Pure Drive gave me TE and I only played with it for 1 hour, I have a pretty decent technique.

We are all very different players and some might be fine with a PD. But stating that PD is a racquet that can prevent TE is just plan and simple Fake News.

 

[K1Y]

Nik his advice is mostly based on making the string work for you. So a powerful string is better because you dont have to exert so much energy. Where he is losing me is when he says Head Hawk is a very responsive/powerful string (is it??) and multi's and soft polys are not as good as stiff responsive strings because soft strings lose their power.. ?

 

[veelium]

He has no clue about equipment, that's just a fact.

 

[chazz]

Recommending a stiff racquet and poly string to rec level players is just wrong. He's a great coach when it comes to stroke mechanics but his equipment advice is all over the place. He's a high level player with excellent mechanics so what works for him is entirely different than many of the beginner players he's giving lessons to.

 

[aaron_h27]

You guys are getting lost in the minute details about everything he says, the main point he is making is that 95% of rec players don’t have the technique or strength to use a heavy flexible frame which is what is always recommended here for some reason. How are stiff rackets causing tennis elbow when women and juniors generally are using stiffer rackets and poly with no issues. Work on your technique.

 

[Happi]

.

 

[Happi]

How are stiff rackets causing tennis elbow when women and juniors generally are using stiffer rackets and poly with no issues. Work on your technique.

I am afraid that there is plenty of arm issues among juniors.

 

[aaron_h27]

He has D1 students? Never seen him coach anyone good. Maybe i have to watch more of his vids. From what i saw, he is an avarage coach for rec players and i wouldnt count too much on his opinion.

He was coaching someone not too long ago who wad trying to return to the pro tour. There was a video series on his chanel i believe

 

[Happi]

Here is a quote from someone who knows his stuff:

Collaborative Effort By Bob Patterson:

When it comes to poly strings, we all need to make sure adult recreational players and juniors know the facts. I speak to many manufacturers, coaches, and racquet technicians, and the consensus is that recreational adult players and junior players are using the wrong type of string, tension—or both.

Stiff polyester strings are prevalent in the marketplace and dominate the pro tours, but are they suited for the average club or league player? Most in this industry don’t think so.

First, the very benefit of poly strings is their ability to bend and snap back faster than other materials. This snapback enhances spin on the ball. A pro can swing out and get more spin on the ball while generating a heavier shot. You might think that would be the same for your average junior or club player, but it is most definitely not the case. Most players can’t generate enough racquet-head speed to bend stiff poly strings in the first place. If the string doesn't bend, it can’t snap back, and there is little or no spin enhancement. Many recreational players who switch to a poly never adjust their tension.

I’m always amazed to hear of a 3.5 adult or junior using a full poly set-up at high tensions. This is a surefire way for a player to hurt his or her arm.

Second, monofilament poly strings lose their elasticity—or the ability to snap back—much faster than nylon or other string materials. Since poly strings have a fairly dead feeling, to begin with, their decline is less noticeable for recreational players, who tend to not restring as often as they should, which only makes the problem worse.

Not only is poly string wrong for most recreational and junior players, it can be harmful. The stiffer string coupled with stiffer, lighter racquet creates much more shock to the player when the ball impacts the stringbed. In recent years, we’ve seen arm and wrist injuries sideline many top pros, and these athletes train and take every precaution to prevent injury. If we all know it is a problem, how do we fix it?

It starts with education: inform players about why they should alter their string set-up. It is better for their health and for their game. Manufacturers need to step up, too. It is easy to market a string their top sponsored player is using, but companies need to make rec players aware that string may not be best for everyone. Then they need to offer a softer, better-suited string.

The bottom line is that we all need to address this issue. Injured players play less, and may stop playing altogether.
And that’s not good for anyone. •

Bob Patterson:

Executive Director of

the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association.

Tennis Industry: Nov/Dec 2017

 

[aaron_h27]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/intuitivetennis-misinformation-about-stiff-rackets-etc.732902/

I forgot there was already an outrage thread. His advice is always making waves on here lol

 

[naturalexponent]

You guys are getting lost in the minute details about everything he says, the main point he is making is that 95% of rec players don’t have the technique or strength to use a heavy flexible frame which is what is always recommended here for some reason. How are stiff rackets causing tennis elbow when women and juniors generally are using stiffer rackets and poly with no issues. Work on your technique.

What’s his main point/rationale in recommending poly to rec players?

 

[TBM]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/intuitivetennis-misinformation-about-stiff-rackets-etc.732902/

I forgot there was already an outrage thread. His advice is always making waves on here lol

I never get why some people blindly defend everything he says. I watch and enjoy his instructional videos, but that doesn't make him an expert on strings and equipment. In a previous video he said that synthetic strings were worse for your arm than polys. It's laughable stuff.

 

[GodlessEndeavor]

Nikola strikes me as the kind of guy who knows a lot, but also overestimates how much he knows.

 

[K1Y]

You guys are getting lost in the minute details about everything he says, the main point he is making is that 95% of rec players don’t have the technique or strength to use a heavy flexible frame which is what is always recommended here for some reason. How are stiff rackets causing tennis elbow when women and juniors generally are using stiffer rackets and poly with no issues. Work on your technique.

Yeah thats all fine, we have another thread for that. In this thread its more about the details in this video and figuring out if theres any truth to that. Why is Head hawk so much better than alu or multis, or soft polys for rec players?

 

[Happi]

Yeah thats all fine, we have another thread for that. In this thread its more about the details in this video and figuring out if theres any truth to that. Why is Head hawk so much better than alu or multis, or soft polys for rec players?

Yes, and he is also stating that multies are more durable than nat gut

 

[aaron_h27]

Yeah thats all fine, we have another thread for that. In this thread its more about the details in this video and figuring out if theres any truth to that. Why is Head hawk so much better than alu or multis, or soft polys for rec players?

He explained why he recommends that string in the video.

I don't understand why people are upset about one person's personal experience with strings/frames because it doesn't align with the circlejerk of information presented here.

I personally don't string below 50, I actually string my poly's around 52-55. That works for me, I understand some people can use lower tensions and be ok. Am I in uproar because he suggested that people should string poly below 50?

People should use whatever they feel comfortable with but enough with all the fear mongering about certain frames and poly. Most people can use a pure drive with poly and be fine.

 

[veelium]

You guys are getting lost in the minute details about everything he says, the main point he is making is that 95% of rec players don’t have the technique or strength to use a heavy flexible frame which is what is always recommended here for some reason.

Not that he says that anywhere in this video.

Yes, and he is also stating that multies are more durable than nat gut

Made me laugh too.

 

[aaron_h27]

Not that he says that anywhere in this video.


Made me laugh too.

He's stated in multiple videos that he recommends stiffer frames and poly strings so that rec players can get help from the frame instead of having to generate it themselves. This is just a continuation of the philosophy.

People are upset that he's not recommending multi's, syn guts and flexible rackets for rec players.

 

[naturalexponent]

I don’t understand how poly “helps” a rec player who struggles with using syn gut or multi in the same racquet, other than as a crutch for deadening the string bed.

 

[Happi]

He's stated in multiple videos that he recommends stiffer frames and poly strings so that rec players can get help from the frame instead of having to generate it themselves. This is just a continuation of the philosophy.

People are upset that he's not recommending multi's, syn guts and flexible rackets for rec players.

No we are not upset, we just know it is BS.

have a look at post #23 there is a man who knows what he is talking about

Quote: “Not only is poly string wrong for most recreational and junior players, it can be harmful. The stiffer string coupled with stiffer, lighter racquet creates much more shock to the player when the ball impacts the stringbed. In recent years, we’ve seen arm and wrist injuries sideline many top pros, and these athletes train and take every precaution to prevent injury.”

 

[kunos]

Nikola strikes me as the kind of guy who knows a lot, but also overestimates how much he knows.

I was really baffled by this video to be honest.

It looks to me like he has a ton of data points available because of vast experience with a lot of recreational players but he lacks the ability to turn all this data into logical and coherent conclusions.. the video made no sense at all, and the final part about multifilament strings was.... I can't even.

 

[aaron_h27]

No we are not upset, we just know it is BS.

have a look at post #23 there is a man who knows what he is talking about

Quote: “Not only is poly string wrong for most recreational and junior players, it can be harmful. The stiffer string coupled with stiffer, lighter racquet creates much more shock to the player when the ball impacts the stringbed. In recent years, we’ve seen arm and wrist injuries sideline many top pros, and these athletes train and take every precaution to prevent injury.”

Please stop fear mongering, Almost every local junior uses hyper-g. I've seen 10 year old girls use hyper-g. They don't have tennis elbow. Thin poly strung low can be comfortable and perform for high level players.

 

[naturalexponent]

Please stop fear mongering, Almost every local junior uses hyper-g. I've seen 10 year old girls use hyper-g. They don't have tennis elbow. Thin poly strung low can be comfortable and perform for high level players.

obviously poly works for a lot of people. I suspect those high level people are not the ones watching these videos.

 

[aaron_h27]

obviously poly works for a lot of people. I suspect those high level people are not the ones watching these videos.

High level players as in those playing tournaments, leagues, etc...

If you are just hitting for fun against a ball machine, who gives a flying crap what you use. Use a frying pan

I've seen juniors as young as 9 years old ( UTR 4+) use poly because they have proper technique and footwork.

UTR 4-6 is equivalent to a 3.5-4.0 rec player. Obviously the junior has better technique and footwork but the strength isn't there yet.

 

[K1Y]

He explained why he recommends that string in the video.

I don't understand why people are upset about one person's personal experience with strings/frames because it doesn't align with the circlejerk of information presented here.

I personally don't string below 50, I actually string my poly's around 52-55. That works for me, I understand some people can use lower tensions and be ok. Am I in uproar because he suggested that people should string poly below 50?

People should use whatever they feel comfortable with but enough with all the fear mongering about certain frames and poly. Most people can use a pure drive with poly and be fine.

First of all Im not upset. I am very open to the possibility that Nik is right on this one. I just wonder how much he actually played with those other strings to give it a good judgement. I dont believe alot I read on here but I have experienced myself that soft polys and multis are more powerful or responsive than a very controlled head Hawk. So thats why I am moreso asking what I am missing and if more people have experienced truth it what he said. I am not looking to bash Nik..

 

[Happi]

Please stop fear mongering, Almost every local junior uses hyper-g. I've seen 10 year old girls use hyper-g. They don't have tennis elbow. Thin poly strung low can be comfortable and perform for high level players.

But you dont see the ones who are not there anymore, who got injured and gave up tennis, We are lucky to have a forum like this where we can share informationa among each other, and not have to rely on videos like the one in question.

 

[TBM]

High level players as in those playing tournaments, leagues, etc...

If you are just hitting for fun against a ball machine, who gives a flying crap what you use. Use a frying pan

I've seen juniors as young as 9 years old ( UTR 4+) use poly because they have proper technique and footwork.

UTR 4-6 is equivalent to a 3.5 rec player. Obviously the junior has better technique and footwork but the strength isn't there yet.

Are you on Nick's pay roll?

No one is saying Nick is a bad guy or a bad coach.

I just trust the opinion of people that have tested all the various gear and know how to describe the differences in feel and performance from one racket / string to the next.

Nick is the only person I've seen recommend stiff rackets for arm injuries anywhere, and is the only person I've seen describe the properties of synthetic strings wrong.

I also think it's crazy to put poly in an absolute beginners racket when it needs to be restrung so often. A beginner would probably get a year out of a good multi in any racket.

 

[naturalexponent]

High level players as in those playing tournaments, leagues, etc...

If you are just hitting for fun against a ball machine, who gives a flying crap what you use. Use a frying pan

I've seen juniors as young as 9 years old ( UTR 4+) use poly because they have proper technique and footwork.

UTR 4-6 is equivalent to a 3.5-4.0 rec player. Obviously the junior has better technique and footwork but the strength isn't there yet.

Ok glad to know for the skilled 9 year olds on this forum and on YouTube who are getting their equipment advice from him vs their coaches or teammates or parents.

For the majority of his audience it may not the best advice. Besides even if you don’t agree with the majority opinion, it seems fine to me to discuss the accuracy of the information underlying that advice.

 

[aaron_h27]

1) Are you on Nick's pay roll?

No one is saying Nick is a bad guy or a bad coach.

I just trust the opinion of people that have tested all the various gear and know how to describe the differences in feel and performance from one racket / string to the next.

Nick is the only person I've seen recommend stiff rackets for arm injuries anywhere, and is the only person I've seen describe the properties of synthetic strings wrong.

2) I also think it's crazy to put poly in an absolute beginners racket when it needs to be restrung so often. A beginner would probably get a year out of a good multi in any racket.

1. I wish I was on his payroll, I'm sure the youtube royalties are nice for a channel of his size. I actually disagree with some of his points, for example I don't string poly below 50 because I can't control it, I think it's fine to string poly above 50 depending on the stiffness and gauge of said poly. He thinks poly should stay below 50.

2. Absolute beginner =/ average rec player.

 

[aaron_h27]

Ok glad to know for the skilled 9 year olds on this forum and on YouTube who are getting their equipment advice from him vs their coaches or teammates or parents.

For the majority of his audience it may not the best advice. Besides even if you don’t agree with the majority opinion, it seems fine to me to discuss the accuracy of the information underlying that advice.

He states many times that USE WHATEVER works for you. If you've tried stiff frames and they don't work then use flexible ones and vice versa. There are so many options on the market. I just don't agree with the poly gatekeepers and people trying to steer everyone away from anything with an RA>62.

I heard many times on the forum you shouldn't use poly until you can break synthetic gut in 2 hours and other ridiculous crap yet no one questions it

 

[Happi]

1. I wish I was on his payroll, I'm sure the youtube royalties are nice for a channel of his size. I actually disagree with some of his points, for example I don't string poly below 50 because I can't control it, I think it's fine to string poly above 50 depending on the stiffness and gauge of said poly. He thinks poly should stay below 50.

2. Absolute beginner =/ average rec player.

So you would actually string Hyper G to a 9 year old junior player with 50+ In tension

 

[aaron_h27]

So you would actually string Hyper G to a 9 year old junior player with 50+ In tension

If I were to give a junior poly I'd start with a super thin gauge either 1.10 or 1.15 and start them at 40 lbs and work their way up to their desired level of control.

Soft poly's are the most popular poly's anyway (Hyper-G, Yonex Poly Tour Pro, Alu Power) these are all <200/lb stiffness

 

[TBM]

He states many times that USE WHATEVER works for you. If you've tried stiff frames and they don't work then use flexible ones and vice versa. There are so many options on the market. I just don't agree with the poly gatekeepers and people trying to steer everyone away from anything with an RA>62.

I heard many times on the forum you shouldn't use poly until you can break synthetic gut in 2 hours and other ridiculous crap yet no one questions it

You have a habit of taking what everyone says, then arguing a completely different point.

No one said don't use poly. No one said dont use stiff rackets. I think if you have no issues using them, then it makes total sense to benefit from their performance. However, saying that stiff setups are better to prevent injuries is false. Saying that polys are more comfortable on your arm then synthetic strings is false. That doesn't mean that people cannot use them pain free. Of course lots of people can.

And Nick giving false info then saying "but you do you" is the biggest get out of jail free card ever

 

[Happi]

Here is a good old thread by @J011yroger with a lot of good info,

The J011yroger guide to strings​

The J011yroger guide to strings.

OK TWers, the time has come, for the long awaited and much ballyhooed J011yroger guide to strings. Please read, discuss and feel free to ask questions. All I ask is that you keep it respectful, and thoughtful. Firstly, we begin with a disclaimer. This guide is my opinion, entirely. It...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[aaron_h27]

You have a habit of taking what everyone says, then arguing a completely different point.

No one said don't use poly. No one said dont use stiff rackets. I think if you have no issues using them, then it makes total sense to benefit from their performance. However, saying that stiff setups are better to prevent injuries is false. Saying that polys are more comfortable on your arm then synthetic strings is false. That doesn't mean that people cannot use them pain free. Of course lots of people can.

And Nick giving false info then saying "but you do you" is the biggest get out of jail free card ever

There are plenty of fear mongering people saying don't use poly, don't use stiff rackets, don't string above X lbs, etc.... I didn't just make that up or imagine that in my head. A quick google search gets you...

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/some-people-should-not-be-using-poly-strings.577614/

Anyways these topics have been debated back and forth ad nauseam. I agree with some of Nik's points, I don't agree with all of them. I took what I needed and discarded the rest of the advice in his video. Happy playing folks!

 

[veelium]

More on topic:

I can't bother to watch all of that but if someone more interested could summarise it, that would be swell