Valjean
Hall of Fame
Would you cite some of your figures so we can have a common reference point to comment on?
Rabbit's Cavalcade of Natural Gut
- Thread starter Rabbit
- Start date
JT_2eighty
Hall of Fame
Found a picture I took of the 17L copper
I found a picture I had saved when I used this stuff last year.
If you ever find a string that plays like this but isn't $100, heh, let us know!
I bought three sets a while ago. Strung up the first, and it broke after 2 matches iirc. It was the best full gut experience I've had. Second time, loaded up all these string savers to make it last. Those really did the trick and I got a few weeks out of it, maybe more.
I still have one unopened set, not sure if I should use it now, or wait a few years for the perfect time? Heh. Use it if you got it, I guess?
I wonder if Klip 18 Gut compares? Anyone try that one?
Great thread, loving it!
I found a picture I had saved when I used this stuff last year.
If you ever find a string that plays like this but isn't $100, heh, let us know!
I bought three sets a while ago. Strung up the first, and it broke after 2 matches iirc. It was the best full gut experience I've had. Second time, loaded up all these string savers to make it last. Those really did the trick and I got a few weeks out of it, maybe more.
I still have one unopened set, not sure if I should use it now, or wait a few years for the perfect time? Heh. Use it if you got it, I guess?
I wonder if Klip 18 Gut compares? Anyone try that one?
Great thread, loving it!
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yes, I've tried the Klip 18 and it doesn't compare. I haven't seen the Klip 18 around for quite some time either. I still have like 12 sets of the Pacific 17L left. And mine looks identical to the one pictured above.
IMO, the Pacific Prime is closest so far. I'm going to order some 17 gauge Prime and try it. I will say, and I was saving this for when I finished my Pacific sojourn, the best of the bunch in my opinion is Tough. It has a little bit of Prime's feel and a little bit of Classic's durability which is a nice compromise with your court time and wallet. I'm very tempted to try Prime in 16 and see if that's the overall winner.
Yes, I've tried the Klip 18 and it doesn't compare. I haven't seen the Klip 18 around for quite some time either. I still have like 12 sets of the Pacific 17L left. And mine looks identical to the one pictured above.
IMO, the Pacific Prime is closest so far. I'm going to order some 17 gauge Prime and try it. I will say, and I was saving this for when I finished my Pacific sojourn, the best of the bunch in my opinion is Tough. It has a little bit of Prime's feel and a little bit of Classic's durability which is a nice compromise with your court time and wallet. I'm very tempted to try Prime in 16 and see if that's the overall winner.
JT_2eighty
Hall of Fame
Nice. I did compare full Prime 16 side by side to this 17L back when I was using the Prestige Pro. Aside from the major durability differences, the Prime felt more plush in comparison, with a minor drop in control and spin, compared to the Copper 17L. I did feel more confident hitting flat winners with Prime 16, as spin was not as effortless as the 17L. Power and comfort: Prime 16 had it. Spin, feel and control: Copper 17L.
In addition, the pure controlled power and crisp yet comfy feel of the Copper 17L was unlike any gut. The thin gauge and perfect blend of feel, bite and controlled power made spin or flat shots a breeze. Even the full VS 17 I tried recently fell short to the copper 17L. VS17 was way too powerful in comparison to both Prime & copper. It's surprising that Pacific changed a good thing moving away from the copper formula, but maybe it just was overshadowed by the VS formula of those days. If they came back to copper now, it would be huge IMO. Kind of like VS changing to BT7, it was probably for durability's sake.
If I hadn't strayed into full poly last summer, I may have tried out the Prime and Tough in 17 gauge to try and get as close to Copper 17L feel. Perhaps Prime 17 a few pounds higher would do the trick? Looking forward to how that compares for you. My go-to gut/poly backup is Tough 16L, as I've found it to be the best price/performer over the last few years. It's one of those rare strings that gets better over time.
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Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
OK, I just ordered
The plan is now to do a side by side of Prime 17 and VS 17. Then I'll do a side by side of Klip Legend Tour (Black) 17 and Pacific Classic 17. I guess I'll do a winner of each - IMO of course.
And then, for my own edification, I'm going to play with the Tough 17.
OK, I just ordered
- Pacific Classic 17 - 1 set
- Pacific Tough 17 - 1 Set
- Pacific Prime 17 - 2 Sets
The plan is now to do a side by side of Prime 17 and VS 17. Then I'll do a side by side of Klip Legend Tour (Black) 17 and Pacific Classic 17. I guess I'll do a winner of each - IMO of course.
And then, for my own edification, I'm going to play with the Tough 17.
Chotobaka
Hall of Fame
And when you finish your Down Under/Kiwi tests, you can move on to Bow Brand Championship 16, 17 and 18g.
SleepyCoffee
New User
Really loving this thread. I'll give the pacific guts a try.
I've been testing Wilson 16g. It's slightly firmer than I thought it would be at 62/61. I probably should have done 61/60.
I've been testing Wilson 16g. It's slightly firmer than I thought it would be at 62/61. I probably should have done 61/60.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
No way Jose! I've been playing with full bed natural gut for 3-4 years now...Mainly Babolat VS. The lower the tension, more the power, less control.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Pacific 17L
February 6th, 2014
Some time ago, I acquired a grab bag of gut. In the mix were sets of 17L Pacific. The gut appears to be about 20 or more years old. I mention this only to re-enforce the idea that string really doesn't have a shelf life. In the case of gut, it it's sealed up, it's good.
This gut is copper colored. The only gauge indication is 17L, there is no metric gauge. From a playability standpoint, it is just sublime. It truly doesn't get any better than this. The string has incredible cupping of the ball. As one would expect, comfort is off the charts as well as touch and feel. Also as one would wholly expect, durability isn't this string's long suit. I get about 4 hours out of a set which really isn't bad. Note that I have been playing indoors.
I have gone through three sets of this string and it is very consistent. Stringing was not a problem, after a manual pre-stretch it was docile and strung up very nicely. As with any natural gut, I strongly recommend using a paraffin wax on the mains before stringing the crosses.
Durability - 3
Touch - 10
Power - 9
Control - 10
Bang for $ - 8
Overall - 9.999
Updates
2/10/14 - It will be a sad day when I use my last set of this gut. I've only played 2 sets of it, and I can say that it is without a doubt the best natural gut I've ever used. The feel is just incredible. I played with this gut Saturday until it broke. The feel, power, and control were just fantastic. I wish Pacific would bring this back! If they did, I'd probably go to the 6.1 18 X 20.
February 6th, 2014
Some time ago, I acquired a grab bag of gut. In the mix were sets of 17L Pacific. The gut appears to be about 20 or more years old. I mention this only to re-enforce the idea that string really doesn't have a shelf life. In the case of gut, it it's sealed up, it's good.
This gut is copper colored. The only gauge indication is 17L, there is no metric gauge. From a playability standpoint, it is just sublime. It truly doesn't get any better than this. The string has incredible cupping of the ball. As one would expect, comfort is off the charts as well as touch and feel. Also as one would wholly expect, durability isn't this string's long suit. I get about 4 hours out of a set which really isn't bad. Note that I have been playing indoors.
I have gone through three sets of this string and it is very consistent. Stringing was not a problem, after a manual pre-stretch it was docile and strung up very nicely. As with any natural gut, I strongly recommend using a paraffin wax on the mains before stringing the crosses.
Durability - 3
Touch - 10
Power - 9
Control - 10
Bang for $ - 8
Overall - 9.999
Updates
2/10/14 - It will be a sad day when I use my last set of this gut. I've only played 2 sets of it, and I can say that it is without a doubt the best natural gut I've ever used. The feel is just incredible. I played with this gut Saturday until it broke. The feel, power, and control were just fantastic. I wish Pacific would bring this back! If they did, I'd probably go to the 6.1 18 X 20.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Pacific Classic 16L
February 6th, 2014
This one I'm doing from memory. Classic has long been my "go to" gut. For the price, this one cannot be beat, IMO. It plays firmer than some other guts, plays great from start to finish and is very consistent in all areas. In other words, it doesn't excel at any one thing, but covers everything very well. IME, this gut doesn't fray and get natty, it notches and finally breaks. But it is, before all are reviewed, my declared favorite.
I would never describe Classic as buttery. It is very firm for a natural gut and you can string this gut looser than you normally would other guts because of the firmness. Comfort is good and touch and playability are excellent. The 16L is a perfect gauge as well. Stringing this gut is about as easy as stringing any stiffer multifilament.
Durability - 9
Touch - 7
Power - 6
Control - 9
Bang for $ - 10
Overall - 8
February 6th, 2014
This one I'm doing from memory. Classic has long been my "go to" gut. For the price, this one cannot be beat, IMO. It plays firmer than some other guts, plays great from start to finish and is very consistent in all areas. In other words, it doesn't excel at any one thing, but covers everything very well. IME, this gut doesn't fray and get natty, it notches and finally breaks. But it is, before all are reviewed, my declared favorite.
I would never describe Classic as buttery. It is very firm for a natural gut and you can string this gut looser than you normally would other guts because of the firmness. Comfort is good and touch and playability are excellent. The 16L is a perfect gauge as well. Stringing this gut is about as easy as stringing any stiffer multifilament.
Durability - 9
Touch - 7
Power - 6
Control - 9
Bang for $ - 10
Overall - 8
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Pacific Tough 16L
Started playing with this gut Sunday. The immediate difference between this gut and the 17L (from above) is that it plays much firmer. I think it is more attributable to the gauge than it being Tough Gut. In contrast, this plays well, but certainly doesn't have the cupping that the 17L did. I again imagine that this is due to a thicker gauge. I have already re-strung the 17L frame with my next test, Prime 16L. Just spit balling, I may back the tension down for thicker string. I will make that decision as I get a bit more familiar with the current set.
Durability - 10
Touch - 8
Power - 4
Control - 9
Bang for $ - 8
Overall - 8
Updates
Feb 13th, 2014
I've been playing the Tough gut for over a week now. I have as many sets on it as I did the 17L for its life. The Tough Gut shows no fraying and very little wear or notching.
From a playing standpoint, Tough Gut is very different than the 17L. If I were to go to this full-time, I'd probably back the tension down to the low 50s. This string plays very firm, but is not uncomfortable at all. The power level is down from the 17L and the biggest drop off is in spin. While the 17L made the racquet feel like a virtual extension of my arm, I have to dial in my strokes a bit with this. There's less confidence with this string. Hopefully, more experience with it will alter this. Please note that this assessment is very subjective and more to do with my strokes than anything else. Overall, this is a fine string: comfortable, very durable, and delivers big bang for the buck overall. It's just not that Copper 17L
I'll continue to play with it and note how long it lasts.
Feb 17th, 2014
Tough Gut is hanging in there. There is some definite notching and a few crosses in the upper 3rd of the hoop have begun to fray. It is still playing very well. I have acclimated myself to the thicker gauge, in comparison to what I was using before.
Comfort is still very very good, control, spin, power and touch are very good as well. So far, durability is really really impressive.
Feb 22, 2014
This gut is like wine. It just gets better with age. Zero complaints. It is starting to fray and I suspect it'll break in the next match But it has been a great ride.
Feb 28, 2014
Broke today. Played really good until it broke. $ for $, this is a great option. Played firm, yet soft the whole way through. Spin, control, durability, and above all comfort were superb the whole way through. Started playing with this on the 2nd, it broke on the 28th. I have been playing almost exclusively indoors 3 - 5 times a week. Durability is awesome.
Started playing with this gut Sunday. The immediate difference between this gut and the 17L (from above) is that it plays much firmer. I think it is more attributable to the gauge than it being Tough Gut. In contrast, this plays well, but certainly doesn't have the cupping that the 17L did. I again imagine that this is due to a thicker gauge. I have already re-strung the 17L frame with my next test, Prime 16L. Just spit balling, I may back the tension down for thicker string. I will make that decision as I get a bit more familiar with the current set.
Durability - 10
Touch - 8
Power - 4
Control - 9
Bang for $ - 8
Overall - 8
Updates
Feb 13th, 2014
I've been playing the Tough gut for over a week now. I have as many sets on it as I did the 17L for its life. The Tough Gut shows no fraying and very little wear or notching.
From a playing standpoint, Tough Gut is very different than the 17L. If I were to go to this full-time, I'd probably back the tension down to the low 50s. This string plays very firm, but is not uncomfortable at all. The power level is down from the 17L and the biggest drop off is in spin. While the 17L made the racquet feel like a virtual extension of my arm, I have to dial in my strokes a bit with this. There's less confidence with this string. Hopefully, more experience with it will alter this. Please note that this assessment is very subjective and more to do with my strokes than anything else. Overall, this is a fine string: comfortable, very durable, and delivers big bang for the buck overall. It's just not that Copper 17L
I'll continue to play with it and note how long it lasts.
Feb 17th, 2014
Tough Gut is hanging in there. There is some definite notching and a few crosses in the upper 3rd of the hoop have begun to fray. It is still playing very well. I have acclimated myself to the thicker gauge, in comparison to what I was using before.
Comfort is still very very good, control, spin, power and touch are very good as well. So far, durability is really really impressive.
Feb 22, 2014
This gut is like wine. It just gets better with age. Zero complaints. It is starting to fray and I suspect it'll break in the next match But it has been a great ride.
Feb 28, 2014
Broke today. Played really good until it broke. $ for $, this is a great option. Played firm, yet soft the whole way through. Spin, control, durability, and above all comfort were superb the whole way through. Started playing with this on the 2nd, it broke on the 28th. I have been playing almost exclusively indoors 3 - 5 times a week. Durability is awesome.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Pacific Prime 16L
Feb 28, 2014
Started with this gut today. Only hit with it for about 15 minutes, more in the next two days. This gut plays softer than Tough and has a really nice feel. More to come.
Strung up Saturday after I broke the set of 17L above.
Durability - 7
Touch - 9
Power - 8
Control - 9
Bang for $ - 7
Overall - 9
Updates
Mar 01, 2014
Played a match today with the Prime. It is very consistent, not jumpy at all. Around the net it is awesome. At first hit, it is definitely worth +$4 over Tough. Simply supple with no complaints. Control, touch, power, and comfort are all 10's at this point. The only question is durability and how it will hold up.
Mar 11, 2014
Prime broke tonight. I have to say that this gut played the same from start to near finish. Toward the end, it felt like it was pocketing really nicely, then on a put away at net, it broke. Unlike Tough which took a bit to loosen up, this set of gut played really close to the 17L albeit not quite as much feedback.
The Prime had a different wear than Tough, it frayed just a tad on the crosses where the Tough didn't at all. I also noticed some notching in the center of the string bed, but all was good. Durability wasn't quite as good as Tough, but it played cradle to grave as well as any gut I've used. This gut reminds me more of old school gut than any other I've used.
Feb 28, 2014
Started with this gut today. Only hit with it for about 15 minutes, more in the next two days. This gut plays softer than Tough and has a really nice feel. More to come.
Strung up Saturday after I broke the set of 17L above.
Durability - 7
Touch - 9
Power - 8
Control - 9
Bang for $ - 7
Overall - 9
Updates
Mar 01, 2014
Played a match today with the Prime. It is very consistent, not jumpy at all. Around the net it is awesome. At first hit, it is definitely worth +$4 over Tough. Simply supple with no complaints. Control, touch, power, and comfort are all 10's at this point. The only question is durability and how it will hold up.
Mar 11, 2014
Prime broke tonight. I have to say that this gut played the same from start to near finish. Toward the end, it felt like it was pocketing really nicely, then on a put away at net, it broke. Unlike Tough which took a bit to loosen up, this set of gut played really close to the 17L albeit not quite as much feedback.
The Prime had a different wear than Tough, it frayed just a tad on the crosses where the Tough didn't at all. I also noticed some notching in the center of the string bed, but all was good. Durability wasn't quite as good as Tough, but it played cradle to grave as well as any gut I've used. This gut reminds me more of old school gut than any other I've used.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Pacific Orange Bull 16L
Feb 28, 2014
Strung this gut up today after breaking the Tough 16L. Stringing impressions: this gut strings up like butter. It is very supple from the get go and coil memory is virtually non-existent. I didn't pre-stretch this gut at all. I will also say that while marked as a 16L, this gut feels thinner like a 17 in other brands. I will play with this after I break the Prime.
Mar 11, 2014
Played half a match, 1 set, with this gut. I have to say that my initial impression is that this is identical in feel and response to Prime. However, if you dig the spiral, it's worth the extra $4. We'll see how it goes, but first impression is that it is as good as the Prime.
Durability - 7
Touch - 9
Power - 8
Control - 9
Bang for $ - 7
Overall - 9
Updates
Mar 14, 2014
Practiced on clay for a little over 2 hours today. My initial impression of Bull being Prime-like hasn't changed. The gut is comfortable, control and spin are really nice and around the net is where it (as all guts) shine.
Mar 21, 2014
Practiced again today on clay. I also played 3 matches between this Friday and last. This gut plays and has a wear pattern identical to Prime. I do like the spiral and $4 additional isn't a killer. For all intents and purposes, IMO this gut is identical to Prime!
Feb 28, 2014
Strung this gut up today after breaking the Tough 16L. Stringing impressions: this gut strings up like butter. It is very supple from the get go and coil memory is virtually non-existent. I didn't pre-stretch this gut at all. I will also say that while marked as a 16L, this gut feels thinner like a 17 in other brands. I will play with this after I break the Prime.
Mar 11, 2014
Played half a match, 1 set, with this gut. I have to say that my initial impression is that this is identical in feel and response to Prime. However, if you dig the spiral, it's worth the extra $4. We'll see how it goes, but first impression is that it is as good as the Prime.
Durability - 7
Touch - 9
Power - 8
Control - 9
Bang for $ - 7
Overall - 9
Updates
Mar 14, 2014
Practiced on clay for a little over 2 hours today. My initial impression of Bull being Prime-like hasn't changed. The gut is comfortable, control and spin are really nice and around the net is where it (as all guts) shine.
Mar 21, 2014
Practiced again today on clay. I also played 3 matches between this Friday and last. This gut plays and has a wear pattern identical to Prime. I do like the spiral and $4 additional isn't a killer. For all intents and purposes, IMO this gut is identical to Prime!
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Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Pacific Bull 16L
Mar 11, 2014
Ladies and gentlemen, the test has begun.
I strung this up tonight after breaking the set of Prime. The gut is 16L, but i swear it's thinner. It is beautiful. I almost didn't string it up as I just don't think I'm worth a $100 set of gut. But then again, I still have some Cohiba Esplindidos in my humidor that have been there for 7 or so years.
Anyway, the string went in without incident, as easy as the Prime and Orange Bull. It is beautiful to say the least.
Durability - 10
Touch - 10
Power - 10
Control - 10
Bang for $ - 5
Overall - 6
Updates
Mar 21, 2014
I could stand it no longer. I warmed up in practice today with this gut. I couldn't believe it, but this gut even sounds different. It sounds more like what you hear on TV! The gut is sublime, but as anal as I am, i didn't want to hit too long with it so I bagged it. But first hit was kind of an "OH YEAH!". Everybody deserves to treat themselves occasionally and this is my treat. More to come.
March 22, 2014
I started playing with this gut. Everyone, at least once in their life, should splurge on something like this. The gut is simply sublime. It is hard to describe, but it is firm while still playing buttery. The string bed moves through the ball with ease and while you feel the ball, there is zero shock. I am really liking the feel of this string. It does everything as well as you could expect a gut to.
April 6, 2014
The Bull broke today. I hated to see it go, it did really well from start to finish. There was just a slight break in with this gut, and toward the end, I was wishing it never would break. Overall, this is a serious guilty pleasure and one I'll probably never ever get to try again! I rate is 6 Overall based only on the cost. And that is more a comment on my game than anything else. I just cannot justify $100 a stringing. But if I could.....this is the gut I'd use.
Mar 11, 2014
Ladies and gentlemen, the test has begun.
I strung this up tonight after breaking the set of Prime. The gut is 16L, but i swear it's thinner. It is beautiful. I almost didn't string it up as I just don't think I'm worth a $100 set of gut. But then again, I still have some Cohiba Esplindidos in my humidor that have been there for 7 or so years.
Anyway, the string went in without incident, as easy as the Prime and Orange Bull. It is beautiful to say the least.
Durability - 10
Touch - 10
Power - 10
Control - 10
Bang for $ - 5
Overall - 6
Updates
Mar 21, 2014
I could stand it no longer. I warmed up in practice today with this gut. I couldn't believe it, but this gut even sounds different. It sounds more like what you hear on TV! The gut is sublime, but as anal as I am, i didn't want to hit too long with it so I bagged it. But first hit was kind of an "OH YEAH!". Everybody deserves to treat themselves occasionally and this is my treat.
More to come.March 22, 2014
I started playing with this gut. Everyone, at least once in their life, should splurge on something like this. The gut is simply sublime. It is hard to describe, but it is firm while still playing buttery. The string bed moves through the ball with ease and while you feel the ball, there is zero shock. I am really liking the feel of this string. It does everything as well as you could expect a gut to.
April 6, 2014
The Bull broke today. I hated to see it go, it did really well from start to finish. There was just a slight break in with this gut, and toward the end, I was wishing it never would break. Overall, this is a serious guilty pleasure and one I'll probably never ever get to try again! I rate is 6 Overall based only on the cost. And that is more a comment on my game than anything else. I just cannot justify $100 a stringing.
But if I could.....this is the gut I'd use.
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Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
Based on your reviews, every except for the Bull gut from Pacific sounds identical with minimum differences. I'll stick with Pacific Classic then.
I found a picture I had saved when I used this stuff last year.
If you ever find a string that plays like this but isn't $100, heh, let us know!
I bought three sets a while ago. Strung up the first, and it broke after 2 matches iirc. It was the best full gut experience I've had. Second time, loaded up all these string savers to make it last. Those really did the trick and I got a few weeks out of it, maybe more.
I still have one unopened set, not sure if I should use it now, or wait a few years for the perfect time? Heh. Use it if you got it, I guess?
I wonder if Klip 18 Gut compares? Anyone try that one?
Great thread, loving it!
I have had a few sets of Pacific 17L in copper. Don't remember if I used them up or not. If memory serves right, I may have even had an 18 gauge Pacific at one point.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Based on your reviews, every except for the Bull gut from Pacific sounds identical with minimum differences. I'll stick with Pacific Classic then.
Funny that because I'm thinking of moving from Classic to a higher end Pacific gut. There is definitely a difference.
SleepyCoffee
New User
I'm looking forward to your comparison of this to Babolat vs. Even though it's changed with the bt7, I think it's probably still the standard for gut?
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Yes, it is so they say
which pacific gut is best for hybrid job with Luxilon poly ?
rectoralex
Rookie
Question, does a sealed package of natural gut ever go bad? I found some for super cheap on ****, but it looks easily 20 years old.
McLovin
Legend
As it was explained to me by a rep from Bow Brand, it depends on how it was stored. If truly sealed and stored in a somewhat temp-controlled area (e.g., basement), then it should be good for many years.
Personally I haven't held any packages more than 2 years, but that doesn't mean it was sitting around in a warehouse for a couple more.
rectoralex
Rookie
Gotcha, thank you for the help. I just got outbid so I figure I'll just let someone else take the risk. I have a set of Wilson NG setting around the house anyways...
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
which one has Better Power while maintaining or having Better Control too ?
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
I've got some gut that has to be 25 - 30 years old. It plays great. There is absolutely no drop off in its performance. As noted in this thread, the best gut I have is some Pacific 17L Copper that has to be 25 - 30 years old. I'm telling you there is nothing better.
Prime be your huckleberry!
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
look at this. If you compare pacific Classic natural gut to pacific Tough gut. TW saids Classic natural gut has actually more power.....hard to understand.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/PTG17/PTG17Review.html
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Rabbit. this Pacific Tough gut might be worth a try in my opinion. it is for guys that think Prime gut is too powerful and want a slightly stiffer and control oriented natural gut string.....
Sounds great for guys that hybrid.
Sounds great for guys that hybrid.
JT_2eighty
Hall of Fame
It is perfect for hybrids. I've used tough gut mains for a few years now. Stiffer than other gut, and very durable. It pairs with poly very well. Even though i use full poly most of the time, I still have one stick with ToughGut/poly always as a 'feel' backup / doubles racquet.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
TW reviews say tough gut is less powerful than Classic gut. is this true ?
rectoralex
Rookie
One more question about natural gut.
1. I just bought a Volkl Organix 10 325. I have a prokennex ki q5 295 and wanted to try a heavier racket. The PK is strung with a full bed of Babolat VS 17 and has about 30 hours on it. If I wanted to get the tensions as close as possible, should I string at what I got the PK strung at, or a few pounds lower?
1. I just bought a Volkl Organix 10 325. I have a prokennex ki q5 295 and wanted to try a heavier racket. The PK is strung with a full bed of Babolat VS 17 and has about 30 hours on it. If I wanted to get the tensions as close as possible, should I string at what I got the PK strung at, or a few pounds lower?
rectoralex
Rookie
Also,
I know tighter=more control, loose=power, but is there any added spin effect with natural gut for going tighter or looser? Or do I need to add a poly to get more spin?
I know tighter=more control, loose=power, but is there any added spin effect with natural gut for going tighter or looser? Or do I need to add a poly to get more spin?
you're comparing apples and oranges.
you'll likely need to string both rackets if you want to get accurate comparison.
or just string the new stick how you would normally. gut holds tension very well. it's a different racket anyway.
ALSO, if all you wanted to try was a heavier racket, just add some lead to your PK.
JT_2eighty
Hall of Fame
String at same tension, same string. Gut holds tension well, so as you play the new frame, you should get a good enough feel for the difference between the racquets. Once you log in about 30 hours on the new one, you'll really be able to compare them side by side. Otherwise it's true the best way to compare is to string them both as close as possible to each other, but with gut you have some breathing room, not like comparing sticks strung with poly where time really affects the string.
I've had racquets with gut sit for weeks and months and then picking them up they played the same as before, and the tension readings didn't drop over time like poly either.
JT_2eighty
Hall of Fame
Yes, but the differences are small. You still have ample power with all the guts. For me, the main difference is feel. Tough is the most "crisp", while Classic is slightly less crisp and maybe a tad more powerful, but still crisp in comparison to Wilson gut or Pacific Prime. Prime is like pre-BT7 VS, it is a plush, velvety ride. The new BT-7 VS feels a slight bit softer than Classic, IMO, but not as soft as Prime.
Based on current prices and durability of guts, I prefer Tough for the long-term value and playability.
If I had to rank feel from firm (crisp) to soft (plush):
Tough Gut
Classic Gut
VS BT7 Gut
Prime Gut
Wilson Gut (& pre-BT7 VS)
I have not tried Prince or Klip at all, or Wilson lately. The few Wilson packs I have currently are still pre-BT7... softer than butter.
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rectoralex
Rookie
Gotcha, thank you guys for all of your help.
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
Love this thread full of gut enthusiasts, valued opinions, and fruit. Seriously, there are references to huckleberries, apples and oranges on this page. I am hungry all of a sudden.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Say Chi Sin Lo
G.O.A.T.
That was a peach of a post.
It needs more gravy.
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
Haha, good ones, fellas.
Prime,
Grade A
...beef
intestine reviewers
And
Word players.
Prime,
Grade A
...beef
intestine reviewers
And
Word players.
Twin Youtek IG Prestige Pros, one with Pacific Tough 16, the other for damp clay courts with Cherry red X1 Biphase 16......SWEET.......
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Klip Legend Tour 17
I strung this gut up in both frames. Stringing was no biggie, this gut does need waxing in a serious way. It is very, very sticky when stringing the crosses. Initial play was very good, it was probably a bit more responsive than it's counterpart Pacific Classic. After 2 - 3 matches though I started having trouble with feel and control. I thought it may have been me, but when i switched frames to a new string job with Legend in it, the problem seemed to go away. After 3 matches with the new string, the erratic play returned. I wound up cutting string out of both racquets and restringing both with Babolat Tonic. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. Also, the color came off in the center of the frame the first time I played.
The above was shared with one of the guys I string for. He had been using Pacific Classic and Babolat RPM crosses. I bought some Klip Legend Tour for him mainly for aesthetic reasons (black on black). He loved it the first couple or three times out, but then said something wasn't right. I wound up cuttnig those strings out for him and he is now trying Babolat Team 17.
Personally, I won't be buying Klip again.
Durability - 1
Touch - 6
Power - 6
Control - 2
Bang for $ - 0
Overall - 3
I strung this gut up in both frames. Stringing was no biggie, this gut does need waxing in a serious way. It is very, very sticky when stringing the crosses. Initial play was very good, it was probably a bit more responsive than it's counterpart Pacific Classic. After 2 - 3 matches though I started having trouble with feel and control. I thought it may have been me, but when i switched frames to a new string job with Legend in it, the problem seemed to go away. After 3 matches with the new string, the erratic play returned. I wound up cutting string out of both racquets and restringing both with Babolat Tonic. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. Also, the color came off in the center of the frame the first time I played.
The above was shared with one of the guys I string for. He had been using Pacific Classic and Babolat RPM crosses. I bought some Klip Legend Tour for him mainly for aesthetic reasons (black on black). He loved it the first couple or three times out, but then said something wasn't right. I wound up cuttnig those strings out for him and he is now trying Babolat Team 17.
Personally, I won't be buying Klip again.
Durability - 1
Touch - 6
Power - 6
Control - 2
Bang for $ - 0
Overall - 3
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Babolat Tonic
I strung this up in two frames after I cut out the Klip. My initial hit with this string one thing was very apparent. It hit stiffer than Pacific Tough or Classic. I did, since it was a bit thicker and I had read it was stiffer, change the tension a bit. I installed the mains at 58 and the crosses at 55 to soften the response up. I agree with some others who commented in threads that you can string this up looser (maybe -5 pounds) than you were stringing.
After the break in, this string performs really well as you would expect. Touch, power, and control are all on par with what you would expect out of a natural gut. I am about 4 hours in on the first set and there is some fraying/notching but it is still playing great. This is a nice gut so far.
Durability - 2
Touch - 7
Power - 7
Control - 8
Bang for $ - 2
Overall - 4
Updates
4/22/2014
Hit last night for about an hour and a quarter. I don't know if it's because we've moved outside or what, but this string is definitely showing more wear than the Tough. After about 6 hours on court, I'm about to hit through one of the sets I strung.
Played doubles indoors tonight. Tonic broke. It did play great, but durability isn't it's strong suit.
As I indicated, I strung two frames with Tonic <1.35. The 2nd frame broke today after only 8 sets. I was very disappointed.
I strung this up in two frames after I cut out the Klip. My initial hit with this string one thing was very apparent. It hit stiffer than Pacific Tough or Classic. I did, since it was a bit thicker and I had read it was stiffer, change the tension a bit. I installed the mains at 58 and the crosses at 55 to soften the response up. I agree with some others who commented in threads that you can string this up looser (maybe -5 pounds) than you were stringing.
After the break in, this string performs really well as you would expect. Touch, power, and control are all on par with what you would expect out of a natural gut. I am about 4 hours in on the first set and there is some fraying/notching but it is still playing great. This is a nice gut so far.
Durability - 2
Touch - 7
Power - 7
Control - 8
Bang for $ - 2
Overall - 4
Updates
4/22/2014
Hit last night for about an hour and a quarter. I don't know if it's because we've moved outside or what, but this string is definitely showing more wear than the Tough. After about 6 hours on court, I'm about to hit through one of the sets I strung.
Played doubles indoors tonight. Tonic broke. It did play great, but durability isn't it's strong suit.
As I indicated, I strung two frames with Tonic <1.35. The 2nd frame broke today after only 8 sets. I was very disappointed.
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Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Rabbitt, how do you like the KLIP legend gut ? do you think it is as good as Pacific guts ?
McLovin
Legend
Interesting. I did hybrid gut playtest last year, and this was one of the strings I used. If you look at my review, it pretty much follows your's, ending w/ this comment:
I served incredibly well, and the power & placement were still there. However, at times there seemed to be a bit too much power. I overhit many shots, but also hit a few more winners than I normally do.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=450710&page=3#44I picked up a couple sets last week since they were 10% off through the TW Facebook VIP discount. Play was similar, in that it started out great, then started to lose control. But I bought it for the clay season (which should have started last week, except that the Mid-Atlantic region still thinks its February), so I'm not that concerned about longevity. Gut/poly hybrids, for me, are good for 4 matches tops on clay.
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