Soft poly at high tension - my thoughts and questions

[ba4x]

Hi Folks,

I've settled on a favorite string setup through trial and error and following my nose, but I wonder if I'm missing out on some better / more canonical solutions. Maybe I worked myself into a corner and need to reconceptualize things.

The string is Yonex PTP 1.20, a pretty soft poly.
The frame is the Prince 93p 18x20, a pretty dense pattern.
The tension I use is 50 lbs.

(Note: Actually, I set 45lbs into my electric tensioner, but RacquetTune shows it's 49-50lbs coming directly off the stringer. I think due to the differences in stringing machines, stringing procedures, clamps, etc, the RacquetTune number is better choice when stating tension in online discussions like this, instead of the number set on the tensioner. It removes the variation. I know for example my machine produces a tighter stringbed than others, by approx 5 lbs.)

With the dense pattern, high-ish tension, and soft string material, the stringbed has a tendency to lock up pretty quickly. Doesn't even require playing, just 24 hours later and the strings are starting to sink into each other, and moving the mains takes real force. It's not "notching" exactly, but there is some plastic deformation happening which creates little "ramps" and eventually dents in the strings.

Here is what I'm experiencing over 3 weeks:

Time 0 hours - String the racket

Time 1 hour - Play immediately after stringing. Stringbed feels perfect, tight, yet somehow also soft and plush. Explanation: The strings are at their highest tension, but still fresh and they are moving/sliding, which results in the soft feeling on impact.

Time 24 hours (with or without playing) - The stringbed has started to lock up. That great fresh feeling is gone. Feels stiffer and a bit boardy. Explanation: The strings are still pretty high on tension, but they have locked in and the sliding is reduced. This is the worst of both worlds.

Time 3 weeks (with ~15 hours playing) - Stringbed feels softer again, good pocketing sensation. Feels great. Explanation: The stringbed has softened up due to tension loss. But the strings are still locked in. We are now in the inverse situation from 'Time 1 hour'.

In a crude way, I model the stringbed with two factors: tension, which drops over time, and string movement (snap back), which gets worse over time. It has been my experience that the plushness/softness on impact is a result of lower tension or the ability of the strings to slide (snap back). Either one of these factors can result in a soft/plush/pocketing sensation. But if you remove both, it definitely gets boardy. It is this boardiness being seen at 'Time 24 hours'.

This results in a perfect racket fresh off the stringer, or a nice ripe racket a few weeks later. In between it's a bit stiffer than I'd like. Spin potential for me is adequate at all times, but seems to decline following the ability of the strings to snap-back.

The reason I landed at this configuration is because I like a low launch angle. If I lower the tension, the strings move more, and the balls pops up off the racket higher. I like to feel more in control of what's happening with the racket. I've heard others say "string the lowest tension you can handle" so I wonder about the untold treasures of lower tension (ie, dealing with the launch angle allows you access to more spin, pocketing, better stringbed longevity, etc).

It is quite odd that the racket plays great fresh off the stringer, and significantly worse 24 hours later. Also odd that I like the racket 3 weeks later, on full poly. Alarms going off - something isn't right.

So here are my questions:
-Is my conceptual model off?
-Does anybody else enjoy high tension soft poly, specifically taking advantage of the string lockup to tame launch angle?
-Is it possible to keep a low launch angle, low power, and get more pocketing?
-Should I just man-up, lower the tension, and deal with higher launch angle?

I'll end this post by admitting that I really do enjoy my current set up, even at its "worst" moments. It's the right combination of softness, low-power, and ample spin. I'm just a nerd trying to optimize things further, and a bit curious if I've gone wrong in my journey. Hoping some folks here will enjoy the discussion even though the topic is so trivial.

 

[TforTommy]

I'd absolutely try stringing abit lower. When I string my racquets off the stringer I like it to be exactly what I like. I'd never string it higher to make it more durable down the line.

I think 48 with poly tour pro in a 16x19 98 inch headsize frame is great for me. It's soft with the more open string pattern however I find that If I try and hit something flatter it may sail, but you'll absolutely get used to it from sailing.

I feel like the lower launch angle and taming the power is something you'll get used to.

Comfort is really imo what's most important, with a couple of days you'll get used to it. String lower, don't string boardy. You'll get some great snapback and string movement

(I hope this was answering what you were asking)

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Soft polys at high tension do tend to notch quickly (both m&c) but then maybe wear that notch down for more easy movement until tension maintenance bags out.

I find syngut/poly hybrids to be more consistent.

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk

 

[TforTommy]

^ Also with the launch angle I think that your body will naturally adjust. With a lower tension you'll experience better ball pocketing, better comfort and better playability (much less notching)

When I went from 55 pounds to 48 I found that I naturally adjusted and would close my racquet face slightly more which really helped me tame. 48 isn't that high. Some people string at 40-42

With such a dense stringbed and small headsize try out 45. It may sound low but remember that you have a 93 inch headsize and a dense string pattern

 

[hurworld]

If you prefer low launch angle / locked stringbed, I believe @travlerajm can help shed some light on how to set it up.

Personally I always think in tension differentials
- high main / low cross = increased main snapback = higher launch angle
- low main / high cross = decreased main snapback = lower launch angle

 

[Hansen]

if you want a softer feeling stringbed with a low launch angle, just use a sticky multi like isospeed control in the cross strings.

 

[Muppet]

if you want a softer feeling stringbed with a low launch angle, just use a sticky multi like isospeed control in the cross strings.

I agree. Poly/multi gives you a lower launch angle, lower power due to a higher CoF, and it's softer than full bed poly. Because it is lower power, you can lower your tensions for even more comfort.

 

[aaron_h27]

45 lbs is considered high tension?

 

[kblades]

I play with PTP 1.20 as well in my PS 16x19. I previously used it in a 2015 PD. In my PD, I used to string it at 52lbs and experienced the same issue with it notching within an hour or two. Since switching to the PS, I’ve been stringing it at 48lbs and no longer have issues with it notching. After the first couple hours of play, tension drops to ~44, then by 7-8 hours it drops down to around 40. Once it gets below 40, I start struggling to keep the ball in so I end up cutting it out around the 8-10 hr mark.

 

[tlm]

This is hilarious, 50lbs. is high tension? This low tension craze is over the top. The average pro tension is around mid 50’s and they change rackets every half hour.

 

[RayPS97]

Hi Folks,

I've settled on a favorite string setup through trial and error and following my nose, but I wonder if I'm missing out on some better / more canonical solutions. Maybe I worked myself into a corner and need to reconceptualize things.

The string is Yonex PTP 1.20, a pretty soft poly.
The frame is the Prince 93p 18x20, a pretty dense pattern.
The tension I use is 50 lbs.

(Note: Actually, I set 45lbs into my electric tensioner, but RacquetTune shows it's 49-50lbs coming directly off the stringer. I think due to the differences in stringing machines, stringing procedures, clamps, etc, the RacquetTune number is better choice when stating tension in online discussions like this, instead of the number set on the tensioner. It removes the variation. I know for example my machine produces a tighter stringbed than others, by approx 5 lbs.)

With the dense pattern, high-ish tension, and soft string material, the stringbed has a tendency to lock up pretty quickly. Doesn't even require playing, just 24 hours later and the strings are starting to sink into each other, and moving the mains takes real force. It's not "notching" exactly, but there is some plastic deformation happening which creates little "ramps" and eventually dents in the strings.

The RT program itself is "fudged" in a way to give tension values close to the set tensions. Do not be surprised that your racquet strung at 50 lbs is actually about a third lower at 33 lbs. RT roughly scales values by 1.5...more of a legacy issue going back to familiarity with tension feel going back to wooden racquet days. If you scale your SF (string factor) by 45/50, you can perfect agreement between set and RT tension value.

Here is what I'm experiencing over 3 weeks:

Time 0 hours - String the racket

Time 1 hour - Play immediately after stringing. Stringbed feels perfect, tight, yet somehow also soft and plush. Explanation: The strings are at their highest tension, but still fresh and they are moving/sliding, which results in the soft feeling on impact.

Time 24 hours (with or without playing) - The stringbed has started to lock up. That great fresh feeling is gone. Feels stiffer and a bit boardy. Explanation: The strings are still pretty high on tension, but they have locked in and the sliding is reduced. This is the worst of both worlds.

Time 3 weeks (with ~15 hours playing) - Stringbed feels softer again, good pocketing sensation. Feels great. Explanation: The stringbed has softened up due to tension loss. But the strings are still locked in. We are now in the inverse situation from 'Time 1 hour'.

Interesting observations lining up with some of mine over the last litte while.
The typical brush up on topspin shots definitely leads to strings sliding and adding to the softness/plushness during first period.

In the second period( 24 hours < play 3 weeks ), I've notice some strings partially locking up and some still somewhat "slidy". It is this uneveness across the string bed which leads to an unpredictable feels/"dwell time". Interesting experiments is try lightly rubbing a little furniture polish on your strings.

In the third period, I gather your strings are fully locked up (compared to limited topspiness of your shots) and that predictable string bed and added softness from loss of tension makes you happy.

In a crude way, I model the string bed with two factors: tension, which drops over time, and string movement (snap back), which gets worse over time. It has been my experience that the plushness/softness on impact is a result of lower tension or the ability of the strings to slide (snap back). Either one of these factors can result in a soft/plush/pocketing sensation. But if you remove both, it definitely gets boardy. It is this boardiness being seen at 'Time 24 hours'.

This results in a perfect racket fresh off the stringer, or a nice ripe racket a few weeks later. In between it's a bit stiffer than I'd like. Spin potential for me is adequate at all times, but seems to decline following the ability of the strings to snap-back.

.​

.​

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agree!!!

 

[USPTARF97]

I agree. Poly/multi gives you a lower launch angle, lower power due to a higher CoF, and it's softer than full bed poly. Because it is lower power, you can lower your tensions for even more comfort.

Playing TBZ 1.25/Sensation 1.30 @ 48/48. Plays excellent. Hit with it 3hrs and looks like minimal wear. Could go lower tension. Great control.
Wilson 6.1 95 18x20.

 

[USPTARF97]

This is hilarious, 50lbs. is high tension? This low tension craze is over the top. The average pro tension is around mid 50’s and they change rackets every half hour.

See the lower tensions on the ATP typically with the 18x20 frames. Upper 40’s fairly common. Upper 40’s to lower 50’s very common in Division 1 tennis. If pro players average tension was mid 50’s that would indicate a percentage are strung in the 60’s. There are very few players strung at that tension these days.

 

[aaron_h27]

See the lower tensions on the ATP typically with the 18x20 frames. Upper 40’s fairly common. Upper 40’s to lower 50’s very common in Division 1 tennis. If pro players average tension was mid 50’s that would indicate a percentage are strung in the 60’s. There are very few players strung at that tension these days.

So soft poly at average tension, not high

 

[Sander001]

I love low tensions, if I were using an 18x20 93, I’d string in the 30’s! For years I used full poly in a 16x18 in the 60lbs but have used much lower since and I’d never string that tight again.

The launch angle is something I acclimated to very quickly and love it because it’s almost like additional automatic spin you get.

 

[tlm]

See the lower tensions on the ATP typically with the 18x20 frames. Upper 40’s fairly common. Upper 40’s to lower 50’s very common in Division 1 tennis. If pro players average tension was mid 50’s that would indicate a percentage are strung in the 60’s. There are very few players strung at that tension these days.

Here is the most modern pro tension chart that I could find. Which shows that they would easily average in the mid 50’s. Very few stringing in the 40’s. Plus like I have tried to point out many times they only use their racket for a half hour and then change to a new string job. There is no comparison to a racket strung at 53lbs fresh compared to one that has been hit with for a few hours or days, they play completely different.

ESSIONAL RACKET STRINGER | COLIN THE STRINGER


Tennis Pros & Their Strings
Here are the strings the world’s top tennis players, (and a few recently retired players), are using in their rackets, together with the rackets they’re using thrill spin slot, and the tensions, (in lbs), they most commonly string at. These tensions are known as ‘Reference Tensions’, and are the tensions the pros will hit with when they arrive at a tournament. Having seen how the racket feels at the Reference Tension, they’ll then, if necessary, take the tension up or down a couple of pounds at a time until the get the feel they’re looking for. Things such as court surface, temperature, altitude, as well as their next opponent, will all contribute to any change required, but everything will start from the Reference Tension. Where two tensions are shown the first is the tension of the main strings, and the second is the tension of the cross strings. Where hybrid stringing is shown, the first named string is used for the main strings, and the second named is used for the cross strings. For example, Roger Federer uses Wilson Natural Gut for his main strings, and Luxilon Alu Power Rough for his cross strings, whereas Andy Murray uses Luxilon Alu Power for his main strings, and Babolat VS Touch for his cross strings, try it out for free.
Latest Update: Shanghai Masters 1000 – October 2016 Nicolas Almagro
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[Dartagnan64]

Not very modern. But nonetheless, the 93P is a very low powered frame compared to anything the pros use. Low tensions work well and for that racket i'd consider anything over 50 as high tension. Compared to my POG where I start and 60lbs and often go higher in the mains.

Anyways, if you want to avoid stringbed locking, getting a softer main / firmer cross might help. I use gut/poly in my 93P and the crosses notch into the gut but the gut still slides nicely and doesn't notch the poly. So I still get snap back until the gut breaks.

Also using lower gauge reduces friction and might help your problem.

 

[USPTARF97]

Thi

Here is the most modern pro tension chart that I could find. Which shows that they would easily average in the mid 50’s. Very few stringing in the 40’s. Plus like I have tried to point out many times they only use their racket for a half hour and then change to a new string job. There is no comparison to a racket strung at 53lbs fresh compared to one that has been hit with for a few hours or days, they play completely different.

ESSIONAL RACKET STRINGER | COLIN THE STRINGER


Tennis Pros & Their Strings
Here are the strings the world’s top tennis players, (and a few recently retired players), are using in their rackets, together with the rackets they’re using thrill spin slot, and the tensions, (in lbs), they most commonly string at. These tensions are known as ‘Reference Tensions’, and are the tensions the pros will hit with when they arrive at a tournament. Having seen how the racket feels at the Reference Tension, they’ll then, if necessary, take the tension up or down a couple of pounds at a time until the get the feel they’re looking for. Things such as court surface, temperature, altitude, as well as their next opponent, will all contribute to any change required, but everything will start from the Reference Tension. Where two tensions are shown the first is the tension of the main strings, and the second is the tension of the cross strings. Where hybrid stringing is shown, the first named string is used for the main strings, and the second named is used for the cross strings. For example, Roger Federer uses Wilson Natural Gut for his main strings, and Luxilon Alu Power Rough for his cross strings, whereas Andy Murray uses Luxilon Alu Power for his main strings, and Babolat VS Touch for his cross strings, try it out for free.
Latest Update: Shanghai Masters 1000 – October 2016 Nicolas Almagro
Volkl Super G10 Mid 320 Luxilon Big Banger Original Kevin Anderson Srixon Revo 2.0 Tour Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 49lbs
Tomas Berdych
Head Graphene XT Instinct MP Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 55lbs
Belinda Bencic
Yonex Ezone DR 100 Yonex Poly Tour HS 125
Simone Bolleli
Babolat Aero Storm Babolat RPM Team 61/58lbs
Eugenie Bouchard
Babolat Pure Aero Babolat RPM Blast 49lbs
Bob Bryan
Prince Tour 95 Prince Natural Gut/Prince Beast XP 56/52lbs
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Dominika Cibulkova
Babolat Pure Drive Luxilon Big Banger AluPower/Babolat VS Team 46/44lbs
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Wilson Blade 98 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 62lbs
Gaël Monfils
Prince Wilson Blade 98 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 57/55lbs
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Babolat Pure Drive Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 60lbs
Andy Murray
Head Graphene XT Radical Pro Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power/Babolat VS Touch 62lbs
Li Na Babolat Pure Drive GT Babolat Pro Hurricane/Babolat Xcel 55lbs
Rafael Nadal
Babolat Pure Aero Play Babolat RPM Blast 55lbs
David Nalbandian
Yonex VCore 98D Luxilon Big Banger Original 64lbs
Kei Nishikori
Wilson Burn 100 Luxilon 4G/Wilson Natural Gut 49/51lbs
Flavia Pennetta
Wilson Blade 98 Pink BLX Wilson Natural Gut 63lbs
Agnieska Radwanska
Babolat Pure Drive Lite Babolat RPM Blast/Babolat VS Team
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Wilson Blade 98 18/20 Luxilon 4G 44/46lbs
Tommy Robredo
Dunlop 4D 300 Luxilon Big Banger Original 52lbs

Laura Robson
Wilson Blade 98Â Â Â Luxilon Big Banger TiMo/Wilson Natural Gut
Andreas Seppi
Pro Kennex Kinetic 5G Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Maria Sharapova Head Graphene XT Instinct MP Babolat VS Team/Babolat RPM Blast 62lbs
Robin Soderling
Head YouTek IG Radical MP Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 56lbs
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Head Graphene XT Speed Pro Pacific Tournament Pro Natural Gut 55/53lbs
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Babolat Pure Storm Babolat RPM Blast 49lbs
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Bernard Tomic
Head Graphene XT Radical Pro Babolat VS Team/Head Sonic Pro 53lbs
Jo-Wilfrid Tsonga
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aroline Wozniacki
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Those tensions aren’t current or correct. Federer hasn’t strung at 48/45 since he went to a 97 years ago. Hewitt plays in the 30’s now with Gut/poly. Del Portro plays poly/gut at 55 and the mistakes with this go on and on. The higher tensions you see on there are players like Klisters playing full Gut that retired years and years ago. Nalbandian? Pennetta? Li Na?
You need to go to a pro tournament now and speak with the stringers. There has been a huge shift to lower tensions in the last 5 years.

 

[ba4x]

I appreciate all the replies and tips, thanks a lot guys! I strung the racket 5 pounds lower (45lbs per RacquetTune) and played 5-6 hours, it feels fine. Will probably try lower again next time. Strings still aren't moving/snapping like I've seen on my other frames, maybe I need to go even lower, or it's just not to be expected in this frame.

To those discussing tension on absolute terms - I think you're missing the point. You can't have a conversation about string tension without stating the frame size and string pattern. 50 lbs in a 93" 18x20 is tight! Tight enough that the strings lock up in a few hours, without even playing. In another 100" 18x20 racket, I have to get up near 58 or 60 lbs before the strings behave the same way. The number itself, stated in isolation, is meaningless. The discussion I started is about the interaction between the strings, what's normal and preferable. This involves tension but only within the context of the frame and string, it can't be addressed by discussing tension alone.

Saying one pro or another uses a higher tension brings nothing to the conversation. It's all relative.

 

[aaron_h27]

I appreciate all the replies and tips, thanks a lot guys! I strung the racket 5 pounds lower (45lbs per RacquetTune) and played 5-6 hours, it feels fine. Will probably try lower again next time. Strings still aren't moving/snapping like I've seen on my other frames, maybe I need to go even lower, or it's just not to be expected in this frame.

To those discussing tension on absolute terms - I think you're missing the point. You can't have a conversation about string tension without stating the frame size and string pattern. 50 lbs in a 93" 18x20 is tight! Tight enough that the strings lock up in a few hours, without even playing. In another 100" 18x20 racket, I have to get up near 58 or 60 lbs before the strings behave the same way. The number itself, stated in isolation, is meaningless. The discussion I started is about the interaction between the strings, what's normal and preferable. This involves tension but only within the context of the frame and string, it can't be addressed by discussing tension alone.

Saying one pro or another uses a higher tension brings nothing to the conversation. It's all relative.

45 lbs is not considered a "high tension" no matter what frame it's in. That's on the lower side. High tensions are 60+. We're just trying to correct you. You like poly at normal/low tensions. Not high.

The recommended range for your racket is 50-60 lbs. You're stringing at 45 lbs. How is that a "high" tension?

At the end of the day it doesn't matter, but 45 lbs is not a high tension.

 

[ba4x]

45 lbs is not considered a "high tension" no matter what frame it's in. That's on the lower side. High tensions are 60+. We're just trying to correct you. You like poly at normal/low tensions. Not high.

The recommended range for your racket is 50-60 lbs. You're stringing at 45 lbs. How is that a "high" tension?

At the end of the day it doesn't matter, but 45 lbs is not a high tension.

OK, got it. Based off the tension number I stated (50), you think I'm not stringing at a "high" tension, and my using that word somehow grabbed your attention and spurred you on to reply and correct me. Thank you, I understand. Maybe I should go back and edit my post, using different words to describe the tension. You've haven't addressed any of the questions or concepts I brought up in my post. What I'm concerned with is the intended action between the strings, the life of the stringbed over time, the imparted launch angle and spin, how this relates to the tension, what's expect and optimal, and what's past optimal resulting from excessive tension. I was suggesting that my tension is high enough to produce non-standard and sub-optimal results in those areas. Even after explaining the relative nature of tension among rackets and stringbeds, you're still stuck on the word "high". Your point is only de-railing the subject of the thread.

 

[tlm]

Thi


Those tensions aren’t current or correct. Federer hasn’t strung at 48/45 since he went to a 97 years ago. Hewitt plays in the 30’s now with Gut/poly. Del Portro plays poly/gut at 55 and the mistakes with this go on and on. The higher tensions you see on there are players like Klisters playing full Gut that retired years and years ago. Nalbandian? Pennetta? Li Na?
You need to go to a pro tournament now and speak with the stringers. There has been a huge shift to lower tensions in the last 5 years.

Those tensions r from 2016. So I guess everything has changed drastically since then beings that is such a long time ago.lol.

That is as new of a stringing chart as I could find. There are still pro players stringing in the 60’s and many in the 50’s. I noticed nobody addresses the point of the pro’s changing rackets every half hour and rec players using the same strings for days if not weeks.

 

[aaron_h27]

OK, got it. Based off the tension number I stated (50), you think I'm not stringing at a "high" tension, and my using that word somehow grabbed your attention and spurred you on to reply and correct me. Thank you, I understand. Maybe I should go back and edit my post, using different words to describe the tension. You've haven't addressed any of the questions or concepts I brought up in my post. What I'm concerned with is the intended action between the strings, the life of the stringbed over time, the imparted launch angle and spin, how this relates to the tension, what's expect and optimal, and what's past optimal resulting from excessive tension. I was suggesting that my tension is high enough to produce non-standard and sub-optimal results in those areas. Even after explaining the relative nature of tension among rackets and stringbeds, you're still stuck on the word "high". Your point is only de-railing the subject of the thread.

Okay and 2+2 = 5, I guess. Let's just make up whatever and call it a fact. I'm not sure why you're getting defensive, 45 lbs is not a high tension and is below the recommended range for your racket. If you want to keep believing that 45 lbs is a high tension then so be it. I don't care. I just thought it was interesting people are now believing 45 lbs is a high tension.

 

[USPTARF97]

Those tensions r from 2016. So I guess everything has changed drastically since then beings that is such a long time ago.lol.

That is as new of a stringing chart as I could find. There are still pro players stringing in the 60’s and many in the 50’s. I noticed nobody addresses the point of the pro’s changing rackets every half hour and rec players using the same strings for days if not weeks.

Those tensions and many of those players are not from 2 years ago. Soderling? Hasn’t played a match since 2011. Many of the higher tensions you see on the list do not reflect tensions those players are using now. The Williams, Bryan’s and many of those players on the list have dropped their tension significantly.
Visited two division 1 teams in the last month. Those guys string the same and play until the strings break. There’s no switching frames every 30min except at the top of the game.

 

[tlm]

Those tensions and many of those players are not from 2 years ago. Soderling? Hasn’t played a match since 2011. Many of the higher tensions you see on the list do not reflect tensions those players are using now. The Williams, Bryan’s and many of those players on the list have dropped their tension significantly.
Visited two division 1 teams in the last month. Those guys string the same and play until the strings break. There’s no switching frames every 30min except at the top of the game.

Like I said that was all I turned up when I searched for pro string tension. But at least I do show a chart unlike you who just talks about tensions but doesn’t show any proof. I know some players are using lower tensions but there are still many using around mid 50’s. If you can find a string tension chart from this year I would be glad to see it.

 

[tlm]

45 lbs is not considered a "high tension" no matter what frame it's in. That's on the lower side. High tensions are 60+. We're just trying to correct you. You like poly at normal/low tensions. Not high.

The recommended range for your racket is 50-60 lbs. You're stringing at 45 lbs. How is that a "high" tension?

At the end of the day it doesn't matter, but 45 lbs is not a high tension.

This low tension craze is over the top. 5lbs under the recommended lowest tension on the racket can be considered high tension? This is hilarious I would suggest that why not go lower yet hey like 10 lbs, actually you guys could save a lot of money by avoiding purchasing a stringing machine you could just string the racket by hand you should be able to pull around 20lbs by hand stringing.

 

[USPTARF97]

Delete

 

[Sander001]

OK, got it. Based off the tension number I stated (50), you think I'm not stringing at a "high" tension, and my using that word somehow grabbed your attention and spurred you on to reply and correct me. Thank you, I understand. Maybe I should go back and edit my post, using different words to describe the tension. You've haven't addressed any of the questions or concepts I brought up in my post. What I'm concerned with is the intended action between the strings, the life of the stringbed over time, the imparted launch angle and spin, how this relates to the tension, what's expect and optimal, and what's past optimal resulting from excessive tension. I was suggesting that my tension is high enough to produce non-standard and sub-optimal results in those areas. Even after explaining the relative nature of tension among rackets and stringbeds, you're still stuck on the word "high". Your point is only de-railing the subject of the thread.

Yeah, sorting through reading comprehension issues, personal insecurities, etc seems to be a right of passage on these boards, get accustomed to tip toeing in a room full of clown shoes
Definitely stay away from the pro players section and use the ignore feature liberally

 

[tlm]

So you put out some bogus information to try to make a point and then claim we need to provide you with proof..Strange way of going about things.

How did I put out bogus information? I found the newest pro stringing chart that I could find. Are you saying that all those tensions are wrong?
No what’s strange is me doing some searching and posting some information on pro players string tension and you providing nothing but what you think is right or what you have heard.

 

[ba4x]

Yeah, sorting through reading comprehension issues, personal insecurities, etc seems to be a right of passage on these boards, get accustomed to tip toeing in a room full of clown shoes
Definitely stay away from the pro players section and use the ignore feature liberally

Ha! Thanks, good to know. It is fascinating how threads grow up and take their own direction. I should learn to let them go.

 

[USPTARF97]

Delete

 

[tlm]

Looking at the players on that list you must not follow pro tennis with the number of them that are retired and the numerous ones that play with much different tensions now.

I’m still waiting for your list.

 

[USPTARF97]

Delete

 

[tlm]

Don’t have a list, don’t need a list. Don’t care what you believe. As a matter of fact what they play with has no bearing on what I use or many of the high level juniors and collegiate players I’ve worked with in the past. Believe it or not there has been a trend toward lower tensions with poly. Read Talk Tennis, these guys have a wealth of information about what players are using and some of the members here string for them. Only thing I said was that you are looking at a much outdated list of players and string tensions where many of the higher tensions are players that retired 5-8yrs ago. That list had tensions that Federer was using 5-6yrs ago. He is 10lbs over those tensions. You can’t determine anything from that list.

I know there has been a trend towards lower tension that’s been going on for the last 5 years or so. I can’t find a modern list of pro’s string tensions, but there are still a high % of them stringing in the mid 50’s. I’ve been stringing for many years and have strung poly between 25 lbs to 70lbs and everything in between. So I totally understand the way different tensions play.

I know the coach of the local college team and he said his players string between 50-60 lbs. At my local club I asked the stringer there and he said he averages the same thing around mid 50’s. I don’t know of any player stringing below 50lbs. and I am an active player and know a lot of players. I know there are guys on this site that use very low tension, but I’m yet to find anyone using real low string tension in my tennis world.

 

[USPTARF97]

Delete

 

[Dartagnan64]

45 lbs is not considered a "high tension" no matter what frame it's in. That's on the lower side. High tensions are 60+. We're just trying to correct you. You like poly at normal/low tensions. Not high.

The recommended range for your racket is 50-60 lbs. You're stringing at 45 lbs. How is that a "high" tension?

At the end of the day it doesn't matter, but 45 lbs is not a high tension.

Recommended tension for the 93P is 45-55 lbs. So while I agree that 45 is not "high" tension it is not as low as it would be for most racquets.

I would consider 50 lbs poly to be on the high side of tension for that frame. Unless you are using a very soft poly or thin gauge.

I use 50/45 gut/soft poly at thin gauges and consider that pretty mid range tension for that racquet.

 

[tlm]

The trend has become stringing closer to 50 with full poly. 50-55 more likely than 55-60.
Search Wilson 6.1 18x20 on talk tennis and it will show you a long list of players playing in the 40’s. Few names you may recognize. Players are finding better playability dropping from upper 50’s to lower 50’s.
Nishikori 40’s
Bouchard 49
Pospisil 48
Batiste Agu 48
Roanic 40’s
Kyrgios 52

There is a big difference between an 18x20 compared to a 16x19. The tighter pattern can be strung much lower compared to the more open pattern.

 

[ba4x]

There is a big difference between an 18x20 compared to a 16x19. The tighter pattern can be strung much lower compared to the more open pattern.

Yes, exactly, and even more so in mid size frames. I feel like we're coming full circle here... I can't understand how you saw a user reporting a mid size 18x20 strung at 50 pounds and launched into a diatribe about the low tension craze, quoting the average tensions of ATP pros (with mainly 16x19 98" size frames).

 

[USPTARF97]

Delete

 

[tlm]

Yes, exactly, and even more so in mid size frames. I feel like we're coming full circle here... I can't understand how you saw a user reporting a mid size 18x20 strung at 50 pounds and launched into a diatribe about the low tension craze, quoting the average tensions of ATP pros (with mainly 16x19 98" size frames).

I was referring to the guy that said that he was using high tension even though he was stringing at 45 lbs. on a racket that had a recommended tension range of 50-60 lbs. you need to check your reading comprehension. If some guys like low tension and play well with it then that’s great, but they are in the minority. In all the players I know none of them string under 50 lbs.

 

[ba4x]

I was referring to the guy that said that he was using high tension even though he was stringing at 45 lbs. on a racket that had a recommended tension range of 50-60 lbs. you need to check your reading comprehension. If some guys like low tension and play well with it then that’s great, but they are in the minority. In all the players I know none of them string under 50 lbs.

That guy? I'm that guy.

45 lbs? My post says 50. In your first reply in this thread, you also said 50.

Check your comprehension. Man, this thread is toast. Can't have intelligent discussions when replies are open to anyone wanting to rant about beef with low tensions. The post isn't even about high or low tensions, it's about the interactions of the strings and how tension can facilitate that. Lost on some people, I guess.

 

[tlm]

I’m aware, take a closer look at the Wilson frames on the tour that are painted like blades, pro staffs, burns etc. You will find 18x20’s under that paint frequently.
If you are looking for it at the recreational level the Pro Staff 97 16x19 is one of the best selling Wilson frames. We see people finding their tension at 48-52 in most cases with full poly. Over 52 in a RF97 with full poly is harsh on the arm of most players. I am playing 49 in the PS97 frame now.
Guess the big question is why does it bother you so much that players are using lower tensions? If you like the higher tension with poly, time will let you know when lowering the tension is needed.

It doesn’t bother me in any way on what tension different players use. If you can use low tension and play well with it then that’s great or it’s great if you prefer higher tension. It’s when many seem to claim that low tension is the only way to go and that your arm will be ruined using tension over 55 lbs, which is not true from my experience and the dozens of players that I know.

That guy? I'm that guy.

45 lbs? My post says 50. In your first reply in this thread, you also said 50.

Check your comprehension. Man, this thread is toast. Can't have intelligent discussions when replies are open to anyone wanting to rant about beef with low tensions. The post isn't even about high or low tensions, it's about the interactions of the strings and how tension can facilitate that. Lost on some people, I guess.

Your original post said that you set your machine at 45 lbs.

 

[USPTARF97]

Delete

 

[tlm]

How old are you TLM?

I’m 63 but I’m not sure what that has to do with anything. I see players in their teens and 20’s that have arm problems just like a lot of the older players have. Very few of them use poly strings the majority use synthetic gut.

 

[USPTARF97]

Delefe

 

[tlm]

That would all be the exact opposite of what we see. The young people that actually play enough to even have arm problems are all using poly especially in their teens and 20’s. Search college teams and see if anyone is using synthetic gut. The majority of players that we see, even if they have played full poly for 15yrs, look to softer options and lower tensions as they get older. Poly/Syn Gut, Poly/Multi, Poly/Gut or even Gut/poly. (Del Portro at 62lbs with Alu Power is now at 55/55 with Alu/VS)
At 63 and playing high tension poly..no way you are generating enough racquet head speed to make it worth the risk/reward ratio. To each is own.

I agree that the majority of college and a lot of high school players do use poly strings. When I was around one of the local high school teams around 6 years ago I would say that only half of them were using poly at that time. But I would say that now at the nearby college at least 90% are using poly.

But in the adult club tennis players that I’m around most do not use poly and many have had arm problems from syn. gut. I do know that poly is harder on the arm than syn. strings can be and stringing it higher is more risky. Then of coarse there is Kevlar which some say is the harshest string on the body but others say it’s safer than poly.

So it seems to me that some people are just more apt to have arm problems than others are. Of course the stiffer the racket is and the stiffer the string is and the higher tension you use all plays into how safe your set up is. I use flexible rackets and change my poly strings often which I feel makes a big difference compared to all the stiff racket users that use their poly forever. Low tension or not unless you break poly quickly most are using it way past it’s life.

 

[aaron_h27]

The trend has become stringing closer to 50 with full poly. 50-55 more likely than 55-60.
Search Wilson 6.1 18x20 on talk tennis and it will show you a long list of players playing in the 40’s. Few names you may recognize. Players are finding better playability dropping from upper 50’s to lower 50’s.
Nishikori 40’s
Bouchard 49
Pospisil 48
Batiste Agu 48
Roanic 40’s
Kyrgios 52

Just want to point out that Raonic uses full bed 4G and Nishikori was also using it at the time (half gut/half 4g) that data was collected thats why you see tension's in the 40's otherwise most people are stringing poly anywhere from 45-60 lbs with 45 lbs being on the LOOSER side, im not saying one is better over the other i'm just saying that 45 lbs is not a high tension. Plus the OP mentioned he is using one of the softest poly's on the market YPTP 1.20.

Recommended tension for the 93P is 45-55 lbs. So while I agree that 45 is not "high" tension it is not as low as it would be for most racquets.

I would consider 50 lbs poly to be on the high side of tension for that frame. Unless you are using a very soft poly or thin gauge.

I use 50/45 gut/soft poly at thin gauges and consider that pretty mid range tension for that racquet.

My apologies, I was thinking of the pro staff 85, the recommended range for that racket is 50-60 lbs, i agree that 50 lbs on the higher side for that frame with full bed poly, but generally speaking 45-50 lbs is not considered high tension.

That guy? I'm that guy.

45 lbs? My post says 50. In your first reply in this thread, you also said 50.

Check your comprehension. Man, this thread is toast. Can't have intelligent discussions when replies are open to anyone wanting to rant about beef with low tensions. The post isn't even about high or low tensions, it's about the interactions of the strings and how tension can facilitate that. Lost on some people, I guess.

I have no problem with low tensions and people should do what works best for their game, i just found it interesting people were considering 45 lbs high tension now.

 

[Shangri La]

Here is the most modern pro tension chart that I could find. Which shows that they would easily average in the mid 50’s. Very few stringing in the 40’s. Plus like I have tried to point out many times they only use their racket for a half hour and then change to a new string job. There is no comparison to a racket strung at 53lbs fresh compared to one that has been hit with for a few hours or days, they play completely different.

ESSIONAL RACKET STRINGER | COLIN THE STRINGER


Tennis Pros & Their Strings
Here are the strings the world’s top tennis players, (and a few recently retired players), are using in their rackets, together with the rackets they’re using thrill spin slot, and the tensions, (in lbs), they most commonly string at. These tensions are known as ‘Reference Tensions’, and are the tensions the pros will hit with when they arrive at a tournament. Having seen how the racket feels at the Reference Tension, they’ll then, if necessary, take the tension up or down a couple of pounds at a time until the get the feel they’re looking for. Things such as court surface, temperature, altitude, as well as their next opponent, will all contribute to any change required, but everything will start from the Reference Tension. Where two tensions are shown the first is the tension of the main strings, and the second is the tension of the cross strings. Where hybrid stringing is shown, the first named string is used for the main strings, and the second named is used for the cross strings. For example, Roger Federer uses Wilson Natural Gut for his main strings, and Luxilon Alu Power Rough for his cross strings, whereas Andy Murray uses Luxilon Alu Power for his main strings, and Babolat VS Touch for his cross strings, try it out for free.
Latest Update: Shanghai Masters 1000 – October 2016 Nicolas Almagro
Volkl Super G10 Mid 320 Luxilon Big Banger Original Kevin Anderson Srixon Revo 2.0 Tour Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 49lbs
Tomas Berdych
Head Graphene XT Instinct MP Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 55lbs
Belinda Bencic
Yonex Ezone DR 100 Yonex Poly Tour HS 125
Simone Bolleli
Babolat Aero Storm Babolat RPM Team 61/58lbs
Eugenie Bouchard
Babolat Pure Aero Babolat RPM Blast 49lbs
Bob Bryan
Prince Tour 95 Prince Natural Gut/Prince Beast XP 56/52lbs
Mike Bryan
Prince Tour 95 Prince Natural Gut/Prince Beast XP 54/51lbs
Dominika Cibulkova
Babolat Pure Drive Luxilon Big Banger AluPower/Babolat VS Team 46/44lbs
Marin Cilic
Head Graphene XT Instinct MP Babolat VS Team/Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 61lbs
Kim Clijsters
Babolat Pure Drive Team Babolat VS Touch 58lbs
Borna Coric
Yonex VCore Tour F 97 Yonex Poly Tour Spin
Juan Martin del Potro
Wilson [K] Six.One 95 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 62lbs
Novak Djokovic
Head Graphene XT Speed Pro 18×20 Babolat VS Team Natural Gut/Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Rough 59/56lbs
Alexandr Dolgololov Wilson Pro Staff 95S Luxilon 4G/Wilson Natural Gut 62/59.5lbs
Sara Errani
Babolat Pure Drive Babolat Pro Hurricane 45/44lbs
Roger Federer
Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph Wilson Natural Gut/Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Rough 48.5/45lbs
David Ferrer
Babolat Pure Drive Luxilon Big Banger Original 51lbs
Fabio Fognini
Babolat Pure Drive Babolat RPM Blast 59.5/55lbs
Richard Gasquet
Head Graphene XT Extreme Pro Luxilon Big Banger Original 58lbs
Ernests Gulbis
Wilson Burn 100 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 66/64lbs
Simona Halep
Wilson Burn 100 Luxilon Big
Banger Alu Power 55/53lbs
Daniela Hantuchova
Prince Textreme Tour 100 Babolat VS Touch 58lbs
Lleyton Hewitt
Yonex RDiS 100
Babolat VS Team/Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 56lbs
Martina Hingis
Yonex Ezone DR100 Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125/Babolat VS Team 49/44lbs
John Isner
Prince Textreme Warrior 100 Tecnifibre Pro RedCode 62lbs
Ana Ivanovic
Yonex Ezone DR98 Wilson Natural Gut/Solinco Tour Bite 53/51lbs
Jelena Jankovic
Prince LS Red 105 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power/Babolat VS Touch 57/55lbs
Angelique Kerber
Yonex VCore Si 100 Babolat VS Team/Yonex Poly Tour Fire
Johanna Konta
Babolat Pure Aero Babolat VS Touch (Black)/Babolat RPM Blast
Petra Kvitova
Wilson Pro Staff 97 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 57/53lbs
Nick Kyrgios
Yonex Ezone DR 98 Blue Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125 53lbs
Sabine Lisicki
Yonex VCore Tour F Yonex Poly Tour Spin/Prince Natural Gut 50lbs
Michael Llodra
Wilson Juice Pro BLX Wilson Natural Gut
Feliciano Lopez
Wilson Ultra 100 Luxilon Alu Power/Babolat VS Team 51/46lbs
Paul-Henri Mathieu
Wilson Blade 98 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 62lbs
Gaël Monfils
Prince Wilson Blade 98 Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 57/55lbs
Garbine Muguruza
Babolat Pure Drive Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 60lbs
Andy Murray
Head Graphene XT Radical Pro Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power/Babolat VS Touch 62lbs
Li Na Babolat Pure Drive GT Babolat Pro Hurricane/Babolat Xcel 55lbs
Rafael Nadal
Babolat Pure Aero Play Babolat RPM Blast 55lbs
David Nalbandian
Yonex VCore 98D Luxilon Big Banger Original 64lbs
Kei Nishikori
Wilson Burn 100 Luxilon 4G/Wilson Natural Gut 49/51lbs
Flavia Pennetta
Wilson Blade 98 Pink BLX Wilson Natural Gut 63lbs
Agnieska Radwanska
Babolat Pure Drive Lite Babolat RPM Blast/Babolat VS Team
Milos Raonic
Wilson Blade 98 18/20 Luxilon 4G 44/46lbs
Tommy Robredo
Dunlop 4D 300 Luxilon Big Banger Original 52lbs

Laura Robson
Wilson Blade 98Â Â Â Luxilon Big Banger TiMo/Wilson Natural Gut
Andreas Seppi
Pro Kennex Kinetic 5G Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Maria Sharapova Head Graphene XT Instinct MP Babolat VS Team/Babolat RPM Blast 62lbs
Robin Soderling
Head YouTek IG Radical MP Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 56lbs
Radek Stepanek
Head Graphene XT Speed Pro Pacific Tournament Pro Natural Gut 55/53lbs
Samantha Stosur
Babolat Pure Storm Babolat RPM Blast 49lbs
Janko Tipsarevic
Tecnifibre T-Fight 325 VO2 Max Tecnifibre Razor Code 57/55lbs
Bernard Tomic
Head Graphene XT Radical Pro Babolat VS Team/Head Sonic Pro 53lbs
Jo-Wilfrid Tsonga
Babolat Pure Aero Babolat VS Team/Babolat RPM Blast 59.5lbs
Stanislas Wawrinka
Yonex VCore Duel G Babolat RPM Blast
Heather Watson
Babolat Pure Strike Dunlop Black Widow
Serena Williams
Wilson Blade 104 Wilson Natural Gut/Luxilon 4G 66lbs
Venus Williams
Wilson Blade 104 Wilson Natural Gut/Luxilon 4G 66lbs C
aroline Wozniacki
Babolat Pure Aero Babolat RPM Dual/Babolat VS Touch Natural Gut 54lbs

Pros use very high static weight/swingweight racquets. 50 lbs there plays a LOT softer than it does in a mere mortals' 12oz racquet, not to mention an 11oz one.

 

[USPTARF97]

Delete

 

[tlm]

Didn’t know anyone considered 45 high tension.

According to the OP who strung at 45 lbs then talked about his high-ish tension.