Removing top cross to soften stringbed

[klu375]

Will this work as opposed to dropping string tension? BLX Tour 95, 16x20, tension range 50-60lb. PHT 17g main, Isospeed Energetic 16g cross, strung at 57lb. To soften string bed I can do something like 53lb or can I just remove top cross making this racket 16x19? Top cross sits pretty close to the top of the racket. What are pros and cons? Thanks.

 

[bsandy]

I think I would be more inclined to do something like Davydanko does and string the first 2 or 3 crosses looser.

. . . Bud

 

[Irvin]

I would be more inclined to stringing the racket lower or better yet using another softer string. How would you like to send a new racket back cracked at 2 o'clock and the top cross missing?

Irvin

 

[klu375]

Actually it was TW that strung this racket incorrectly. Mu junior player claimed that it was less stiff and played much better than his other correctly strung racket. We changed crosses to 16x20 setup and he was not happy - it seems he wants softer stringbed. So my question is what is the difference between lowering tension and always removing this string? TW confirmed that warranty is not affected if we keep it at 16x19.
Interesting idea to lower tension for a few top crosses but will the tension eventually equalize among all crosses? I hope that rackets/stringing gurus here will chime in and share their experience. How does manufacturer decide on stringing pattern for a racket? For example Yonex has a competitive offering with 16x18 pattern on 95 face.

 

[Autodidactic player]

OK, I'll bite. How will eliminating the top cross "soften the string bed"?

 

[pvaudio]

Just lower the tension of the poly mains and use a softer cross string. You don't want uneven force being exerted on the frame.