String pattern 16x18 vs 18x20
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dadozen
Hall of Fame
It depends. It's all about personal choice.
A tennis player who hits flat balls most of the time might choose a 18x20 string pattern in order to have better directional control. Or a 16x18 in order to get more spin.
A tennis player who has spinny shots might choose a 16x18 string pattern in order to maximize his strenghts, or a 18x20 string pattern in order to have better placement and pin-point control on flat shots.
Again, it's all about personal preference.
I like to play with 18x20 racquets because I have flatter shots and it gives me better directional control.
A tennis player who hits flat balls most of the time might choose a 18x20 string pattern in order to have better directional control. Or a 16x18 in order to get more spin.
A tennis player who has spinny shots might choose a 16x18 string pattern in order to maximize his strenghts, or a 18x20 string pattern in order to have better placement and pin-point control on flat shots.
Again, it's all about personal preference.
I like to play with 18x20 racquets because I have flatter shots and it gives me better directional control.
kimguroo
Legend
+1
totally agree with dadozen.
I also like 18x20 because of the control.
Rebel also produce decent spinny shots. I've used it for more than two years.
One more note that 18x20 string pattern takes extra time than 16x18 hahaha ^___^
bertrevert
Legend
I reckon you get real kaboom off 16 x 18.
Maybe something to do with that snap-back effect off the most open stringbed money can buy (usually). 16 x 18 has real grunt. But I am only speaking from experience of the k6.1 95.
Most of the pros play with this pattern? Really? Would have thought it was 16x19 because 16 x 18 seems to be relatively rare now - just seems to be dropping out of popularity?
Maybe something to do with that snap-back effect off the most open stringbed money can buy (usually). 16 x 18 has real grunt. But I am only speaking from experience of the k6.1 95.
Most of the pros play with this pattern? Really? Would have thought it was 16x19 because 16 x 18 seems to be relatively rare now - just seems to be dropping out of popularity?
darklore009
Hall of Fame
I usually hit with a 16x18 with a Wilson Six.One 95. However, my friend let me borrowed his and I actually like it. But, I got less spin for it. But, yeah it's a personal thing.
Ditto with dadozen.
If you are a spin player and want every ounce of spin you can get to get the ball up and then down over the net then go the open.
For players who like to hit more of a topspin drive type shot with a lower trajectory but still with spin to give it some clearance and keep it in the court then go the dense pattern.
I have played the two patterns before and i find open patterns launch a bit too much for me sometimes, depending on the conditions and variables, but i now use a closed 18x20 on the exo tour and i very much prefer a more tamed and consistent response.
cknobman
Legend
I prefer 16x18 because of the extra power and spin.
I also feel as you go down in head size below 98sq in the open string patterns dont loose as much control as some say since there is overall less stringbed to begin with.
Looking at my biomimetic 200 lite 95 16x19 appears to be every bit as dense as my Kblade 98 18x20 or a exo3 tour 100 18x20.
I also feel as you go down in head size below 98sq in the open string patterns dont loose as much control as some say since there is overall less stringbed to begin with.
Looking at my biomimetic 200 lite 95 16x19 appears to be every bit as dense as my Kblade 98 18x20 or a exo3 tour 100 18x20.
Sreeram
Professional
I was of the opinion that open string pattern has lesser control. But it is not true. If you use the right string that then you can get better control even out of 16x19 frame. Also the string being open will open more angles to hit the ball, this is my personal observation. Regarding Spin, with frame mobility and technique being the same, an open string pattern racquet will produce more spin than a closed, hands down.
Murrayalmagrofan
Semi-Pro
Same here.
However, if you break a lot of strings, a tighter 18x20 string pattern should help with durability as the impact is distributed over more strings.
In D Zone
Hall of Fame
I like the stability of the 18x20 pattern but I found that I had to hit harder or increase my racquet speed to add spin and pace to my shot.
So I opted to go wtih 16x18, with a little heavier static weight to give me stability. I found the open pattern gives my shots with more spin and depth, specially on my bh slice and topspin.
So I opted to go wtih 16x18, with a little heavier static weight to give me stability. I found the open pattern gives my shots with more spin and depth, specially on my bh slice and topspin.
All other factors being equal, you'll get more spin from the 16x18 and more control from the 18x20. I'm sure someone will come along and tell you about launch angles....
But one thing you need to remember is that string pattern is only one factor affecting how the ball comes off the stringbed. The spacing of the string pattern, the type/gauge of string used, the static weight, swing weight of the racquet, its balance, headsize and how mass is distributed throughout are other important influencing factors.
But one thing you need to remember is that string pattern is only one factor affecting how the ball comes off the stringbed. The spacing of the string pattern, the type/gauge of string used, the static weight, swing weight of the racquet, its balance, headsize and how mass is distributed throughout are other important influencing factors.
I've used either 16x19 or 16x18. 18x20 is supposed to give more control but my game is much better suited to an open string pattern. It all comes down to type of game you have/preference. 18x20 to me is more demanding as you really need excellent stroke mechanics and the ability to produce a lot of your own pace since they are typically lower powered.
Fireball
Rookie
If you play with multis or syn gut you will have a lot less problems with string movement on a dense string pattern.
Regarding spin and control it sure have some inpact but I think it's pretty low compared to the stroke mechanics and skill level of the player. I don't think any of us here ever will come close to the control of Federer or Nadal (both playing with open patterns) how ever dense pattern we will be playing with and Djokovic and Raonic have quite okay spin with the dense pattern they are using.
Regarding spin and control it sure have some inpact but I think it's pretty low compared to the stroke mechanics and skill level of the player. I don't think any of us here ever will come close to the control of Federer or Nadal (both playing with open patterns) how ever dense pattern we will be playing with and Djokovic and Raonic have quite okay spin with the dense pattern they are using.
I have played 16x18, 18x20, 16x20 and currently playing 16x19 in last 35 years. I think 18x20 gives a touch more control. I also think 16x18 may give a touch more spin but it also gives more pop as the stringbed seems livelier. I don't see a big difference in spin as I think spin generation is more a function of how you hit the ball - swing pattern and swing speed. I have had 18x20 rackets that gave great spin. I do plan on staying with 16x19, 16x20, or 18x20 patterns as 16x18 in a racket with decent mass is just too lively - don't like the lack of control.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
The reason the 16x18 is preferred by many spin players is because the ball trajectory is higher. So when you hit with heavy spin the ball is coming down at a sharper angle and kicking off the court higher.
prjacobs
Hall of Fame
A couple of years ago I demoed the Wilson K6.1 95 in both 16 X 18 and 18 X 20 patterns. Yes, I did get more spin with the 16 X 18 but it felt like I could hit a dime on the other side of the court with the 18 X 20. To me, in that frame, there was no comparison. However, I went a completely different direction and bought a dunlop 4D500 tour, 16 X 18 and found I was just as accurate as with the Wilson with a ton more spin and power.
To repeat what's said here all the time, you have to demo. I did stop using the dunlop because it hurt my shoulder.
Use TW's demo program. It's the only way to really know what will work for you.
To repeat what's said here all the time, you have to demo. I did stop using the dunlop because it hurt my shoulder.
Use TW's demo program. It's the only way to really know what will work for you.
you should also look at string density (90sq with 16x18, might have a denser pattern than a 100sq with 18x20). it is also important to look at how the strings are spaced. i noticed on my wife storm GT, the center is dense and the edges are more open.
sruckauf
Professional
Well said. The only thing I'd add is that string gauge can help you close the gap if you're in between choices. For instance, I play with a Prestige Pro which has a pretty open string pattern but I use 16 gauge (1.30) or thicker string to keep the open string bed from producing wild shots.. in essence adding a bit of control from a more dense string bed.
The same can be said for going with a thinner gauge string on a more closed pattern.
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
It's already been said -- the primary advantage of the denser stringbed is duarability. The open pattern yields more spin and power. You can adjust the control (and power) by adjusting the tension for either pattern.
ilovetennis212
Professional
please someone give an example of good string set up for both.
In D Zone
Hall of Fame
There is no quick easy formula when it comes to string set up, it boils down to personal preferences. Other factors comes into play aside from string pattern, you have to consider the frame stiffness, swing weight, tension of the string and also the how you feel and technique of your game.
Some prefer going for a full set of poly or multi while others goes for hybrid.
Best option is to test a couple of string set up and you yourself can only tell what's best.
Another suggestion is to provide more details on what frame you are using to get a better choice of suggestions from the board.
StringingIrvine
Semi-Pro
I'm loving my super thing string in a dense prestige mp pattern. I think it all comes down to personal preference.
I'm not sure if this is true but I felt that the 18x20 had a more constant feel throughout the string bed compared to the 16x18. The power and spin was less but nothing too noticable. Although the prestige pro and the MP are also weighted differently so i'm not sure if that played a role in my opinion.
I'm not sure if this is true but I felt that the 18x20 had a more constant feel throughout the string bed compared to the 16x18. The power and spin was less but nothing too noticable. Although the prestige pro and the MP are also weighted differently so i'm not sure if that played a role in my opinion.
prjacobs
Hall of Fame
+2.... This is generally the deal. However, you must try both patterns in a variety of frames to see what suits your game best.
Personally, I love trying lots of frames when I demo, (which isn't often)...
The trend is toward less strings as you can see with the latest Wilsons, the new Heads and Prince frames. Spin is in
. Good luck.I currently play with 16 X 18 because I live on the edge
.
Old Chemist
Rookie
One more thing to consider if you string your own racquets is that the 18x20 will require a bit more string and longer stringing time -- probably not a major consideration but worth remembering.
I was struggling with depth control with my old Yonex RQiS 1 (16 x 18). Just switched to the Biomimetic 200 (18 x 20) and it has really helped. The ball doesn't come off as high now, so I can really rip it now without fearing that occasional high ball that seemed to come out of nowhere before and would land a foot or two deep, out of bounds.
I hit with more of a driving forward spin vs. a looping, pure wiperish topspin. I still get a sticky, heavy ball with the dense pattern, but it is much easier to control. Feels like I don't have to pull off the ball as much.
I hit with more of a driving forward spin vs. a looping, pure wiperish topspin. I still get a sticky, heavy ball with the dense pattern, but it is much easier to control. Feels like I don't have to pull off the ball as much.
