Questions on Natural Gut Strings!?

[LaZeR]

Hello, Can you address this as it pertains to Natural Gut tennis strings?

1) Natural Gut is apparently & evidently the ultimate Holy Grail in terms of tennis strings but also the most expensive. If money is no object for pros, why are so many of them NOT using Natural Gut (full bed or hybrid)? See here - http://www.colinthestringer.com/pros-strings/ - and -http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-string-reviews/atp-and-wta-tennis-strings/

2) Do Poly Crosses cut into Gut Mains too fast thereby having to re-string and wasting expensive Natural Gut?

3) Do Multi or Syn Gut Crosses die or shred much faster than Gut Mains resulting in having to cut out the entire string bed, again thereby having to re-string, and wasting expensive Natural Gut?

4) What Hybrid combination (Multi or Syn Gut or Poly) will preserve Gut Mains the longest?

5) For USTA rated 4.5, playing 10 hours per week, and NOT a string breaker, how long will a full bed of natural gut last?

THANKS!!

EDIT - Thanks for all the responses ~ Here's some NEW questions.

* Do you PRE-STRETCH natural gut before stringing?

* Are thinner gauge or thicker gauge (co)Poly Crosses better in order to preserve Natural Gut Mains for the longest possible playability?

* Given normally stringing Poly Mains @ 46 lbs and Syn Gut or Multi Crosses @ 50 lbs, what is your tension recommendation for Gut Mains and Poly Crosses?

Thanks Again!!

 

[Cobra Tennis]

1) some of them hybrid gut. just about every player used natural gut pre-1995ish. Poly gives so much more spin and you can really take some big swings at the ball
2) in short, yes
3) multi or syn dies, and will generally pop faster than NG
4) Gut mains and a synthetic / multi cross are your best bet for durability.

 

[BlueB]

1) some of them hybrid gut. just about every player used natural gut pre-1995ish.

Well... Lots of guys used Kevlar or hybrids (Agassi), some used syngut too.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

 

[graycrait]

VS Touch in the mains and Zyex Pro in the crosses plays well a long time. A little coconut oil on the strings keeps the gut moving nicely against the Zyex.

 

[Dartagnan64]

1) what the pros use and what rec players should use are very different. Pros get strings and string jobs for free. They switch their rackets every few sets. So they are never concerned about longevity and tension maintenance. And yet several pros (Federer, Serena) still use gut hybrids.

2) depends on the poly cross. A low string-to-string friction poly will wear down the gut slower than a higher friction or shaped poly. Eventually the snapback effect will wear down any string but its much slower with a smooth poly cross like 4G.

3) Multi or Syn gut crosses will not shred faster but will offer inferior spin potential to a poly cross because of higher string to string friction. They also will give more power to the stringbed over a poly cross. So you'll get more power and less spin which isn't ideal for most modern players with full swings. If lowering the power of gut isn't a concern, then there are some spinny multis out there like Babolat origin (but you might as well go full gut then).

4) I find Babolat Tonic+ Longevity and Lux 4G to be the best combo for durability and tension maintenance while providing excellent power and spin control.

5) No idea as I'm not that person. I'm a 3.5 playing 6-8 hours a week and my gut hybrids last 1-2 months on average.

 

[LaZeR]

... I'm a 3.5 playing 6-8 hours a week and my gut hybrids last 1-2 months on average.

Thanks @ Dartagnan64 ~ have you EVER played a full bed of natural gut ~ and if so how long did it last? Thanks Again!!

 

[Doc Hollidae]

Hello, Can you address this as it pertains to Natural Gut tennis strings?

1) Natural Gut is apparently & evidently the ultimate Holy Grail in terms of tennis strings but also the most expensive. If money is no object for pros, why are so many of them NOT using Natural Gut (full bed or hybrid)? See here - http://www.colinthestringer.com/pros-strings/ - and -http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-string-reviews/atp-and-wta-tennis-strings/

2) Do Poly Crosses cut into Gut Mains too fast thereby having to re-string and wasting expensive Natural Gut?

3) Do Multi or Syn Gut Crosses die or shred much faster than Gut Mains resulting in having to cut out the entire string bed, again thereby having to re-string, and wasting expensive Natural Gut?

4) What Hybrid combination (Multi or Syn Gut or Poly) will preserve Gut Mains the longest?

5) For USTA rated 4.5, playing 10 hours per week, and NOT a string breaker, how long will a full bed of natural gut last?

THANKS!!

1) Pros often aren't equipment junkies like we are. They like something and tend to stick with it. Also tennis is feel based sport. While Natural Gut can be considered a holy grail of strings, its feel and characteristics aren't for everyone.

2) IME, the poly crosses break before the gut mains.

3) I think Gut crossed with Multi is kinda pointless, might as well go with a full bed. Between Syn Gut and Poly, I'd say poly probably would last longer.

4) Just depends on the amount of spin you hit, the amount of spin your opponent hits, and the weather. It's rare for people to string up full gut these days.

 

[Franklin_B]

Hello, Can you address this as it pertains to Natural Gut tennis strings?

1) Natural Gut is apparently & evidently the ultimate Holy Grail in terms of tennis strings but also the most expensive. If money is no object for pros, why are so many of them NOT using Natural Gut (full bed or hybrid)? See here - http://www.colinthestringer.com/pros-strings/ - and -http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-string-reviews/atp-and-wta-tennis-strings/
Individual preference
2) Do Poly Crosses cut into Gut Mains too fast thereby having to re-string and wasting expensive Natural Gut?
Use a smooth poly and the gut will be fine; shaped or textured poly can cut into the gut quickly.
3) Do Multi or Syn Gut Crosses die or shred much faster than Gut Mains resulting in having to cut out the entire string bed, again thereby having to re-string, and wasting expensive Natural Gut?
Yes, multi crosses break quickly. A syn gut would last longer though.
4) What Hybrid combination (Multi or Syn Gut or Poly) will preserve Gut Mains the longest?
Use a smooth poly like revolve, outlast, black fire, hawk, lynx, black zone, max power etc.
5) For USTA rated 4.5, playing 10 hours per week, and NOT a string breaker, how long will a full bed of natural gut last?

THANKS!!

Answers in bold

 

[eelhc]

Where did you read/hear pros get strings/string jobs for free? This is misinformation...

Most Pros have to pay for stringing and/or strings.

P1 (Priority 1) service (not the tournament string service) I've read can cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $60K/year for the top touring pros. When a touring pro pull out their racquet from that snappy p/1 bag... they're paying big bucks for it.

According to this article... tournament stringers can charge $30/racquet.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/29/s...y-argentine-strings-her-own-rackets.html?_r=0

The top players may get strings from their sponsors but why would Babolat and Wilson (Luxilon) provide Djoker with free strings just to have a big head logo stenciled on them? They may provide free strings for their sponsored players but no way they give away strings to touring pros who are sponsored by competing companies as courtesy.

Edit... In the old days before Babolat made racquets... sometimes there were both the racquet logo and babolat logo stenciled on the racquets. Now it's just the racquet manufacturer logo.

1) what the pros use and what rec players should use are very different. Pros get strings and string jobs for free. They switch their rackets every few sets. So they are never concerned about longevity and tension maintenance. And yet several pros (Federer, Serena) still use gut hybrids.

2) depends on the poly cross. A low string-to-string friction poly will wear down the gut slower than a higher friction or shaped poly. Eventually the snapback effect will wear down any string but its much slower with a smooth poly cross like 4G.

3) Multi or Syn gut crosses will not shred faster but will offer inferior spin potential to a poly cross because of higher string to string friction. They also will give more power to the stringbed over a poly cross. So you'll get more power and less spin which isn't ideal for most modern players with full swings. If lowering the power of gut isn't a concern, then there are some spinny multis out there like Babolat origin (but you might as well go full gut then).

4) I find Babolat Tonic+ Longevity and Lux 4G to be the best combo for durability and tension maintenance while providing excellent power and spin control.

5) No idea as I'm not that person. I'm a 3.5 playing 6-8 hours a week and my gut hybrids last 1-2 months on average.

 

[markwillplay]

Well, full bed is expensive..that is the main difference of using multi. However, my experience is that full gut produces a ton of spin, but that is just me. Poly loses so much tension...a decent synthetic that maintains tension well might work well. I love full gut and find it plays better than anything else...but expensive. Althoguh thick gut lasts a long time depending on the stick.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Thanks @ Dartagnan64 ~ have you EVER played a full bed of natural gut ~ and if so how long did it last? Thanks Again!!

No I have played full beds of multis and syn guts in my less serious tennis days. Problem with full gut is that gut doesn't slide on gut like it does on poly. What you get with full gut is plush feel, great tension maintenance, good combo of power and control but and less spin. I prefer getting the added spin with a poly cross. You still get 80% of the other characteristics of gut and then throw in much more spin. I'd never go full gut unless I was seriously having arm issues.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Where did you read/hear pros get strings/string jobs for free? This is misinformation...

Most Pros have to pay for stringing and/or strings.

P1 (Priority 1) service (not the tournament string service) I've read can cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $60K/year for the top touring pros. When a touring pro pull out their racquet from that snappy p/1 bag... they're paying big bucks for it.

According to this article... tournament stringers can charge $30/racquet.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/29/s...y-argentine-strings-her-own-rackets.html?_r=0

The top players may get strings from their sponsors but why would Babolat and Wilson (Luxilon) provide Djoker with free strings just to have a big head logo stenciled on them? They may provide free strings for their sponsored players but no way they give away strings to touring pros who are sponsored by competing companies as courtesy.

Edit... In the old days before Babolat made racquets... sometimes there were both the racquet logo and babolat logo stenciled on the racquets. Now it's just the racquet manufacturer logo.

Well fine. It's a business expense for them then. And its more than compensated for by their endorsement contract. It's still different than how a rec player operates where everything comes out of his post tax income.

 

[McLovin]

5) For USTA rated 4.5, playing 10 hours per week, and NOT a string breaker, how long will a full bed of natural gut last?

EDIT: I misread the 'full bed' part, thinking you were asking about a gut/poly hybrid, which is what I answered below...

The real answer here is 'it depends'. Are you indoors or out? Clay or hard? Humid conditions?

I am a 4.5/5.0 level player who rarely breaks strings. Indoors I will get 18-20 hours of play from my Pacific Tough Gut 17g/Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25mm setup before the poly goes 'dead'. Similar on outdoor hard (although I don't play on outdoor hard very much). On clay, it depends. In Virginia (where I live), I can get ~15 hours before it breaks. However, when I visit Florida, I'll get maybe 10 before it breaks.

Note that indoors I can probably get even more time out of it, but I'm picky, and once the gut stops 'snapping back' (e.g., I have to straighten the strings), I cut it out & restring.

Of course, stringing my own it is much cheaper, and I'd probably play them until they broke if I had to pay full price...

 

[ultradr]

1) Natural Gut is apparently & evidently the ultimate Holy Grail in terms of tennis strings but also the most expensive. If money is no object for pros, why are so many of them NOT using Natural Gut (full bed or hybrid)? See here - http://www.colinthestringer.com/pros-strings/ - and -http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-string-reviews/atp-and-wta-tennis-strings/

Because pros can restring polys frequently. I've seen pros practicing just 30 minutes and switching to fresh new string bed !
2) Do Poly Crosses cut into Gut Mains too fast thereby having to re-string and wasting expensive Natural Gut?

Somewhat yes but not to the point you feel its "wasted". Plus you only use half set. And you get more life if you string polys loose.

3) Do Multi or Syn Gut Crosses die or shred much faster than Gut Mains resulting in having to cut out the entire string bed, again thereby having to re-string, and wasting expensive Natural Gut?

Not for me. Mains always pop first.

4) What Hybrid combination (Multi or Syn Gut or Poly) will preserve Gut Mains the longest?

They all about same to me. But polys interesting. It loses resilience fast (~8 hours max for me) but then after that its deadness kinda mix well with gut's liveliness and I learned to play with it and enjoy that zombie state.

5) For USTA rated 4.5, playing 10 hours per week, and NOT a string breaker, how long will a full bed of natural gut last?

It depends on your set up. For the dense 18x20 string bed of my prestige mp, it can last 100++ hours of playing time.
(generally 2-3 times longer than any type of nylons)
On an open pattern string bed, much shorter like 10s of hours.
You might accidentally shear it within 30 minutes (but that's same for any string).

Good luck.

 

[eelhc]

Think the OP is a bit of an anomaly given how long these strings keep their playability for the OP.

• Golden Set Power Cord (5 to 6 months.)
• Signum Pro Poly Plasma (at least 3 months)
• Discho Iontec (at least a month ~40-50 hours).

Of course, playability is extremely personal. If the OP is able to play at a high level with 6 month old poly... no reason to experiment with natural gut or any other string.

 

[LaZeR]

Think the OP is a bit of an anomaly given how long these strings keep their playability for the OP.

• Golden Set Power Cord (5 to 6 months.)
• Signum Pro Poly Plasma (at least 3 months)
• Discho Iontec (at least a month ~40-50 hours).

• I THINK my long string life is due to: 1) the string brands/models I've been using, 2) tensioning poly mid-40s in the Mains, and using nice Syn Gut or Multi crosses, and 3) focusing on a more control-feel-placement-spin-touch game as opposed to slamming the ball, even against hard hitters ~ I make them run all over the court instead. I played the same way when I got my USTA 4.5 rating.

Keep this in mind ~ USTA will rate you higher if you hit DEEP & HIGH balls ~ they like to see that.

Of course, playability is extremely personal. If the OP is able to play at a high level with 6 month old poly... no reason to experiment with natural gut or any other string.

The reason is simply just to experience natural gut, however I was going to order a few sets. At the same time I'd like to get value for $$$, plus I don't want to get spoiled by nat gut!!


PS >>> there are a lot of varying comments & differences of opinion in this thread!!

 

[ONgame]

It depends on your set up. For the dense 18x20 string bed of my prestige mp, it can last 100++ hours of playing time.
On an open pattern string bed, much shorter like 10s of hours.

This frightens me, just to make sure I'm reading this right, are you saying a closed pattern makes natural gut TEN TIMES as durable compared to open pattern?

 

[TennisCJC]

I think the new "holy grail" of string beds at pro level is gut mains with smooth or lightly textured poly cross. Exception might be if you are a baseline basher or baseline power player like a rec version of Nadal or Blake, then all poly might be your "holy grail". If you play all court tennis, volley and mix spins; gut/poly is the new holy grail.

I am 4.0 level almost all doubles old guy. I play all court style and get about 20-25 hours of playability from gut/poly in the past. I use 16G gut with smooth poly cross. Ruff poly crosses tend to cut the gut so avoid that. I also look for poly crosses that are very stiff as stiffer poly tends to hold tension better - kirshbaum max power, ltec 0s, or lux 4g are examples of smooth, stiff poly that hold tension. I use a 4 or 5 lb differential mains 55 lbs/crosses 50 lbs.

I now use 16g multi mains like TF NRG2 or MultiFeel with smooth poly cross. Not as good as gut/poly but almost for a lot less $. Might be worth a try.

 

[LaZeR]

EDIT - Thanks for all the responses ~ Here's some NEW questions.

* Do you PRE-STRETCH natural gut before stringing?

* Are thinner gauge or thicker gauge (co)Poly Crosses better in order to preserve Natural Gut Mains for the longest possible playability?

* Given normally stringing Poly Mains @ 46 lbs and Syn Gut or Multi Crosses @ 50 lbs, what is your tension recommendation for Gut Mains and Poly Crosses?

Thanks Again!!

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

EDIT - New Question: Thanks for all the responses ~ I now have a NEW question ~

Are there any things to keep in mind, or special considerations, or instructions, or "handle with care" notes, if stringing Natural Gut (for the first time)?

Thanks!!

Don't do the following:
- Bend them (especially around the outer edges while pulling them)
- Kink them (same as above)
- Step on the slack
- Pinch them too hard when tensioning
- Clamp them down too hard with your clamps
- Basically if you think whatever it is you're doing will hurt your hands, it'll hurt the gut too.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

1) Natural Gut is apparently & evidently the ultimate Holy Grail in terms of tennis strings but also the most expensive. If money is no object for pros, why are so many of them NOT using Natural Gut (full bed or hybrid)? See here - http://www.colinthestringer.com/pros-strings/ - and -http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-string-reviews/atp-and-wta-tennis-strings/
- Feel is entirely subjective. You're not going to hit anymore winners or have any less unforced errors just because you're playing with gut.
2) Do Poly Crosses cut into Gut Mains too fast thereby having to re-string and wasting expensive Natural Gut?
- Yes, but some people prefer that perfect blend of gut softness and poly deadness. Apply string savers on your sweetspot to help alleviate some of the sawing.

3) Do Multi or Syn Gut Crosses die or shred much faster than Gut Mains resulting in having to cut out the entire string bed, again thereby having to re-string, and wasting expensive Natural Gut?
- Neither will provide as smooth of a surface for the gut mains to glide and snap back on.

4) What Hybrid combination (Multi or Syn Gut or Poly) will preserve Gut Mains the longest?
- String Savers

5) For USTA rated 4.5, playing 10 hours per week, and NOT a string breaker, how long will a full bed of natural gut last?
- I don't like a full bed of gut, way too soft and not crisp enough. My hybrid of gut/poly lasts me about 10-15hours w/string savers. 4.5 here. If I do mostly drills for that particular week, probably 10 hours. If I do mostly match plays, probably 15hours.

 

[ultradr]

This frightens me, just to make sure I'm reading this right, are you saying a closed pattern makes natural gut TEN TIMES as durable compared to open pattern?

nope. "10s" meaning anywhere between 10 and 99. honestly, i do not have much data on it. my limited experiences vary a lot on open pattern. other people might have more experiences with nat guts on open pattern.

 

[LaZeR]

THANKS ALL -- it seems like most people say that Natural Gut Mains hybrid with (co)Poly Crosses adds a bit of bite, control, spin, etc, and a full bed of nat gut might be a bit boring for 4.5++ players... Thanks Again!!

 

[Doc Hollidae]

THANKS ALL -- it seems like most people say that Natural Gut Mains hybrid with (co)Poly Crosses adds a bit of bite, control, spin, etc, and a full bed of nat gut might be a bit boring for 4.5++ players... Thanks Again!!

I don't think boring would be the right word.

 

[McLovin]

THANKS ALL -- it seems like most people say that Natural Gut Mains hybrid with (co)Poly Crosses adds a bit of bite, control, spin, etc, and a full bed of nat gut might be a bit boring for 4.5++ players... Thanks Again!!

I don't think boring would be the right word.

Agreed. It all depends on your style of play & preference. I string for a guy who is full gut, all the time. He's a 4.5/5.0, and has classic strokes. I had him try gut/poly once and he hated it.

What you need to do is a side-by-side 'taste test' w/ same frames, one strung full-gut, the other a hybrid. Hit a bit w/ each and decide for yourself.

 

[LaZeR]

... What you need to do is a side-by-side 'taste test' w/ same frames, one strung full-gut, the other a hybrid. ...

Generally speaking, the full bed of natural gut should feel fresher & last longer correct?

 

[MixedMaster]

Generally speaking, the full bed of natural gut should feel fresher & last longer correct?

In short, yes! But again, everyone's strokes and feel is different. I've been using gut/poly for a few years now and really love it. I have a second racket strung with poly only and like that when it's wet or damp out. With the price of my racket, strike 100, a lot lower these days, I'm thinking about getting a 3rd stick for full gut. I haven't done that in years now.

 

[Midas Rex]

Don't do the following:
- Bend them (especially around the outer edges while pulling them)
- Kink them (same as above)
- Step on the slack
- Pinch them too hard when tensioning
- Clamp them down too hard with your clamps
- Basically if you think whatever it is you're doing will hurt your hands, it'll hurt the gut too.

If stringing a full bed of natural gut, I'd probably string it as a two piece rather than one piece. Less chance of kinking or damage to the gut since you don't have worry about managing the excess length on the long side that you do when stringing one piece.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

If stringing a full bed of natural gut, I'd probably string it as a two piece rather than one piece. Less chance of kinking or damage to the gut since you don't have worry about managing the excess length on the long side that you do when stringing one piece.

Right, but less knots, less places for potential tension loss. (not that it matter a whole lot with a full be of natural gut)

 

[LaZeR]

... I'm thinking about getting a 3rd stick for full gut. I haven't done that in years now.

When you did do that years ago how was it ~ performance wise & stringbed life ~ as compared to hybrid gut/poly?

 

[LaZeR]

I think the new "holy grail" of string beds at pro level is gut mains with smooth or lightly textured poly cross. ... I play all court style and get about 20-25 hours of playability from gut/poly in the past. I use 16G gut with smooth poly cross. ... I use a 4 or 5 lb differential mains 55 lbs/crosses 50 lbs.

Hey Guys, when stringing natural gut on the Mains hybrid with (co)poly Crosses, how big or important a factor is the tension DIFFERENTIAL, or is there such a thing as "TOO MUCH", or too great a difference?

For EXAMPLE, hypothetically speaking, is a differential of 6 lbs to 8 lbs OK, or is that too much ~ eg gut mains @ 52 lbs, and (co)poly crosses @ 46 lbs? Thanks Again!!

btw good post @ TennisCJC!

 

[BlueB]

I went as high as 60/40 with prestretched poly. It's nice.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

 

[MixedMaster]

When you did do that years ago how was it ~ performance wise & stringbed life ~ as compared to hybrid gut/poly?

Well, when I say years ago, I'm talking about 35 years ago. The gut was a lot different then it seems to me. I don't remember anything wearing as well as gut does today and I think the playability is better today. Back then I don't think anyone used a hybrid to my knowledge. I don't remember the gut being coated as many of them are today and I used to wax mine all the time, even during change overs, to help with the longivity. I believe most of us more "mature" players would agree that the string is much better today. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[LaZeR]

I went as high as 60/40 with prestretched poly. It's nice.

OK cool That's good to hear and also good news... Thanks!!

 

[LaZeR]

EDIT - Thanks for all the responses ~ Here's some NEW questions.

* Do you PRE-STRETCH natural gut before stringing?

* Are thinner gauge or thicker gauge (co)Poly Crosses better in order to preserve Natural Gut Mains for the longest possible playability?

* Given normally stringing Poly Mains @ 46 lbs and Syn Gut or Multi Crosses @ 50 lbs, what is your tension recommendation for Gut Mains and Poly Crosses?

Thanks Again!!

 

[LaZeR]

VS Touch in the mains and Zyex Pro in the crosses plays well a long time. A little coconut oil on the strings keeps the gut moving nicely against the Zyex.

Hi @ graycrait, what KIND of Coconut Oil? Do you mean Coconut Oil for hair, or cooking, or ...?

Also, are there OTHER TYPES OF OIL you can use on Natural Gut like ARGAN Oil, or BABY Oil, or Olive Oil?? What about WD-40 ~ can ya spray on that stuff? Thanks!!

 

[graycrait]

LaZeR,

DON'T Blame me for ruining a string job.

I've only used cooking coconut oil and it seems to work well. Plus I have FrogLube around the house for firearms, which is non-toxic and is allegedly based on coconut oil. I've used Froglube as well on gut I have not used any other oils. WD-40 is not a lube but a water displacer. Now you have me wondering looking at my small collection of non-hazardous biodegradable lubricants. For instance Ballistol has been around for a 100 yrs and is a non toxic plant based lube/cleaner and you can use it on wood, leather, as well as to clean your firearms. I can't imagine it would hurt gut or other strings.

 

[LaZeR]

... Now you have me wondering looking at my small collection of non-hazardous biodegradable lubricants. ...

MAYBE I might START with Baby Oil and see how that works, BUT then again, I searched this website and it seems like MOST peeps are saying "Coconut Oil".

At the cost & expense of Natural Gut I'd like to MAXIMIZE its longevity... Thanks!!

 

[McLovin]

* Do you PRE-STRETCH natural gut before stringing?

Yes. I do a 10% machine pre-stretch since I have an electronic machine, but a sure-fire method if you don't have that option is to tie one end to a door know, slowly walk out the length (being careful not to kink it), then gently lean back a bit & hold for ~ 5 seconds.

* Are thinner gauge or thicker gauge (co)Poly Crosses better in order to preserve Natural Gut Mains for the longest possible playability?

Not sure if it makes much of a difference. More deciding factors will be: (1) playing style, (2) surface (clay/hard/etc.), (3) weather conditions (humid or dry).

* Given normally stringing Poly Mains @ 46 lbs and Syn Gut or Multi Crosses @ 50 lbs, what is your tension recommendation for Gut Mains and Poly Crosses?

I'd stick close to your original tensions. Personally I like doing a 2lb difference between mains & crosses, so my recommendation would be for 50lb mains, 48lb crosses. This way, if it feels too tight, you can gently stand on the string bed (or set a 50lb weight on it) to loosen it up a bit and get it closer to 48/46.

And one more thing...don't listen to anyone here giving you actual tension numbers. Everyone strings differently, and your '46/50' could actually be closer to 50/54 or 42/46, depending on what type of machine they use and how they string. Stick close to your numbers (assuming your stringer is consistent), and adjust up/down accordingly.

 

[eelhc]

MAYBE I might START with Baby Oil and see how that works, BUT then again, I searched this website and it seems like MOST peeps are saying "Coconut Oil".

At the cost & expense of Natural Gut I'd like to MAXIMIZE its longevity... Thanks!!

Forget the messy, wet oils and just use paraffin wax (unscented candle will do). Just rub down the string bed once in a while with it.

That said, string savers probably do more to extend the life of gut than any lubricant.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LaZeR]

* Given normally stringing Poly Mains @ 46 lbs and Syn Gut or Multi Crosses @ 50 lbs, what is your tension recommendation for Gut Mains and Poly Crosses?

...I'd stick close to your original tensions. Personally I like doing a 2lb difference between mains & crosses, so my recommendation would be for 50lb mains, 48lb crosses. ... And one more thing...don't listen to anyone here giving you actual tension numbers. Everyone strings differently, and your '46/50' could actually be closer to 50/54 or 42/46, depending on what type of machine they use and how they string. Stick close to your numbers (assuming your stringer is consistent), and adjust up/down accordingly.

Well I read lots of posts on this website saying Natural Gut plays with much more power than (co)Poly, so since I started stringing Nat Gut in the Mains, I tension it at around 50 to 52, and (co)Poly on the Crosses at around 46 ~ yes the REVERSE of my usual I know ~ however this is supposed to afford a bit more control, and allow the strings to better slide, and snap back.

I've also tried keeping (co)Poly on the Mains and Natural Gut on the Crosses at my normal tension and this is also a very nice game ~ control, power, exceptional spin. Many pros on the tour do this also ~ see here >>> http://www.colinthestringer.com/pros-strings/ - and - http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-string-reviews/atp-and-wta-tennis-strings/

I think I might keep a racquet of EACH in my bag...or is that a BAD idea?? Thanks again!!

btw did you guys complete my poll here? http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/new-poll-natural-gut-players.569828/

 

[Fintft]

Well I read lots of posts on this website saying Natural Gut plays with much more power than (co)Poly, so since I started stringing Nat Gut in the Mains, I tension it at around 50 to 52, and (co)Poly on the Crosses at around 46 ~ yes the REVERSE of my usual I know ~ however this is supposed to afford a bit more control, and allow the strings to better slide, and snap back.

I've also tried keeping (co)Poly on the Mains and Natural Gut on the Crosses at my normal tension and this is also a very nice game ~ control, power, exceptional spin. Many pros on the tour do this also ~ see here >>> http://www.colinthestringer.com/pros-strings/ - and - http://www.tennisthis.com/tennis-string-reviews/atp-and-wta-tennis-strings/

I think I might keep a racquet of EACH in my bag...or is that a BAD idea?? Thanks again!!

btw did you guys complete my poll here? http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/new-poll-natural-gut-players.569828/

1. So how many hours you get from each setup?
2. Do you agree that you may get 10 times longer life out of closed string patterns 18X20, compared to open string patterns, 16X18?
   • B/c I don't really agree and I do prefer open patterns for increased spin, to tame some of the gut's power.
3. Have you tried full bed natural gut, such as VS Team 17?
   • This is what I use and I play about 6 times per week, probably 8-10h, but I'm only 3.5.
   • I get about 50-100h out of each, but I use two rackets, alternating on each service change.
4. Yes, natural gut should be pre-stretched manually, by a stringer that knows his job. Mine even waxes it before feeding it through the grommets.
5. I also wax it, in order to clean it/remove the stone chips, to prevent fraying.
6. My crosses are 2 LBs lower than the mains, in order to limit movement.
7. Do not store your natural gut in the bag (even in the so called thermal compartment) and transport it in the trunk of your car, but rather in a locker at the club (in said bag).
8. Do you want to have two different string setups? I don't do that but:
   • The only hybrids I've tried was with gut in the crosses and besides more control and durability, it wasn't much I liked about it (have not tried with gut in mains though)
   • I have two spare racquets with full bed multi, for rainy days or serve practice (one in my bag at the club and one at home to be used on public courts nearby, i.e. for serve practice on a wet court).

 

[LaZeR]

1. So how many hours you get from each setup?
   • Can't answer precisely right now, and it's a bit of an anomaly coz: (1) I'm pretty new to Natural Gut and experimenting with different hybrids & setups, and (2) I use Tier 2 quality Natural Gut. However, so far my experience is Natural Gut DOES NOT LAST VERY LONG.
   • One snapped after around only 6 hours playing sets over 3 different days, and other hybrids are starting to get stale after only a few sets.
   • There's different threads on this website with a huge variance of comments & opinions so that's WHY I decided to buy a whole bunch of Natural Gut, coz SOME people say it LASTS A LONG TIME. Maybe my experience is based on the fact that I got Tier 2 quality Natural Gut.
2. Do you agree that you may get 10 times longer life out of closed string patterns 18X20, compared to open string patterns, 16X18? B/c I don't really agree and I do prefer open patterns for increased spin, to tame some of the gut's power.
   • Ya well I think that "10 times longer life" is a HUGE STRETCH, but I hope longevity is better considering I use 18 x 19.
3. Have you tried full bed natural gut, such as VS Team 17? This is what I use and I play about 6 times per week, probably 8-10h, but I'm only 3.5. I get about 50-100h out of each, but I use two rackets, alternating on each service change.
   • I think I'm a solid 4.5+ because USTA rated me 4.5 in Northern California.
   • So far I've refused to spend so much moola $$$ on Natural Gut like VS, but if you're getting 50 to 100 hours (!!!!) I might give it a try.
   • So far I really like the control, feel, hardening, & play that a (co)Poly hybrid affords, whether it's on the Crosses or Mains. Haven't tried a full bed of Natural Gut yet but will try soon.
   • Please Note & Remember: when ya go to get USTA rated they LIKE to see High & Long shots which results in higher ratings. And, usually they rate you based on playing Doubles, NOT Singles.
4. My crosses are 2 LBs lower than the mains, in order to limit movement.
   • With (co)Poly on the Crosses I heard that 4 to 6 lbs lower is better as this allows MORE sliding & snap-back, as well as LESS notching (+/- 52/46 +/-).
   • I reverse the same tension with (co)Poly in the Mains (+/- 46/52 +/-).
5. Do you want to have two different string setups?
   • NOT SURE ~ that's why I ASKED this Q >>> "I think I might keep a racquet of EACH in my bag...or is that a BAD idea??". Thanks again!!

 

[bigdaddyps]

My full bed of vs 16 in my Aeropro Drive was strung in January of this year. Still going strong in the 7 th month! I only play 3.5-4 doubles and I'm not dinking every shot either. Play 2-3 times a week for 2 1/2 hours in the South Florida heat. It must be the clean living!

 

[LaZeR]

My full bed of vs 16 in my Aeropro Drive was strung in January of this year. Still going strong in the 7 th month! I only play 3.5-4 doubles and I'm not dinking every shot either. Play 2-3 times a week for 2 1/2 hours in the South Florida heat. It must be the clean living!

OK OK FINE!! If I win the lottery I'll buy some sets of Babolat VS Touch Natural Gut 16!

 

[ONgame]

I started having serious thoughts about trying natural gut like you about 2 months ago, I too had a lot of questions and did a lot of research.
I chose tonic+ 15L in the end because I still want the most for my money. Had a blast with full bed @57lbs in my K90!
Once you start seriously considering trying natural gut, you owe it to yourself to go full bed at least once. There is no other way, your curiosity will kill you.

Since you are not a string breaker, there is no better value than natural gut. I have a thread on how much value theoretically you can get from each type of string
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/inde...-of-strings-cost-of-stringing-service.566604/
Basically, if you don't string your own racquets, natural gut actually has the best value to playability ratio, unless you like showering your stringer playing synthetic gut or poly.

I've been looking at gut/poly hybrids since then, the added spin and control would probably fit me better than full bed, hybriding would bring the cost down further as well.
In terms of playability, there are plenty of poly with good tension maintenance, check out SpinToWin's gut/poly thread.