String Pattern: Spin

Given 2 identical rackets with different string pattern. One is a 16x19 and the other is 18x20. How many percent more spin will the 16x19 produce?
 

Recon

Semi-Pro
I am intrigued I WANT TO KNOW! the only thing that comes to mind is the dunlop 200 series where theirs a euro version which brings a different string pattern. I personally dont want to believe that a more open string pattern brings more spin because I want to switch to the prestige coming from the n90's which is a 16x19-18-20 transition.
 
I think a more open string bed will provide easier spin, but i'm not sure. I think the strings and the racket weight will matter in this decision.
 

Agent Orynge

Professional
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/SelectingRacquet/SelectingRacquet.html

"String Pattern

Often overlooked by many recreational players, string pattern density influences many aspects of a racquet’s overall performance and feel. When we discuss string pattern density, we refer to open and dense (or closed).

An open string pattern will deflect more on impact than a denser pattern, providing greater ball rebound. Strung at the same tension (in similar racquets) an open string pattern won’t feel as “tight” as a dense string pattern. Open string patterns also allow for more spin potential, as the ball can embed itself into the strings more, due to their wider spacing. Players seeking more spin will benefit from a more open string pattern. The price one may pay for this, though, is reduced string durability. Open string patterns allow the strings to move more freely, increasing abrasion which causes string breakage.

A denser string pattern won’t deflect as much upon ball impact, resulting in less rebound energy. More closely spaced strings will also offer less spin potential but will last longer than a similar racquet featuring a more open string pattern. Players who don’t hit with much spin and are seeking enhanced control will generally prefer racquets with denser string patterns, as will hard-hitting topspin players seeking increased string durability. "
 

Demekin

New User
It's all down to swing speed, how fast you brush up against that ball will determine how effective you are at using your equipment. As for topspin in faster strokes are more visible, and the racquet only tries to enhance what's there, so in the end it's really down to the player. (well really down to the physics of work and energy, but that's produced by the player none the less)
 

ratm355

Rookie
I haven't played with the same model of racket with different string patterns yet, but I have played with lots of different rackets. A more open string pattern definitely produces more spin. Of course, good technique is the most important thing and you can generate good spin with both string patterns. However, even with good technique, the more open string pattern with give you even more spin. I'll just throw out a complete guess to answer your question and say 30%.
 

Agent Orynge

Professional
I have to disagree about the effect of swing speed (or 'brushing up') on spin, at least, not in the sense that you're thinking. Of course velocity counts in a collision, but the racquet makes contact with the ball for all of about fractions of a second, hardly enough time for the plane of the stringbed to rotate much around the ball. The angle of deflection of the racquet at the point that it makes contact with the ball (combined with the direction of travel of the racquet face) has a lot more impact on spin.
 

Demekin

New User
I have to disagree about the effect of swing speed (or 'brushing up') on spin, at least, not in the sense that you're thinking. Of course velocity counts in a collision, but the racquet makes contact with the ball for all of about fractions of a second, hardly enough time for the plane of the stringbed to rotate much around the ball. The angle of deflection of the racquet at the point that it makes contact with the ball (combined with the direction of travel of the racquet face) has a lot more impact on spin.

The open pattern increases dwell time, as you imply the fraction of a second for every racquet is scarce, that's why increasing it makes so much of a difference.

And the angle of your racquet for spin is also dependent on dwell time, because you're still relying on brushing as you push forward.
 

Agent Orynge

Professional

Agent Orynge

Professional
I forgot to emphasize a particular paragraph on that last link;

"(III) KINEMATICS:

When the racket comes in contact with the tennis ball, it exerts a force upon that ball, which propels the ball forward. However, this force upon the ball is in two dimensions, which we call X and Y. This is true because the racket should never be perfectly parallel when hitting a topspin shot. The fact that the racket is being swung at an angle other than 90 degrees, makes the following statements true:
The force in the X direction is equal to the total force times cos of theta (Fx=F cos theta)
The force in the Y direction is equal to the total force times sin of theta (Fy=F sin theta)

The fact that a force in the X direction exists gives the topspin shot it's spin. Since the fact that in order to hit a topspin shot you have to basically move your tennis racket upwards while in contact with the ball gives the ball a lot of force in the up (Y) direction. This is the reason why topspin shots normally go up further and have higher trajectories. "
 

[d]ragon

Hall of Fame
i dont know how the logic works but my experience is that open string patterns can produce more spin on strokes but closed patterns can produce more spin on serves.
 

herosol

Professional
yes technique comes into play, but lets just the racket based on certain variables that have the same constant.

For example we clone Player (A).
Creating: (A1) and (A2)

They both have the same style, EXACTLY SAME EVERYTHING.
A1 Uses K95 (18x20)
A2 Uses K95 (16x18)

Same exact strings. Tensions the Same.

Player A2 will generate more spin.

THIS IS IF EVERYTHING EXCEPT the Racket is exactly the same.

In another case. We have player Nadal and Joe-Shmo
Nadal hits out of this world topspin
Joe-Shmo hits PURE FLATNESS

Nadal uses k95 18x20
Joe-Shmo uses k95 16x18

Nadal ends up with a ball of more spin even with a tighter string pattern.
catch my flow?
 
Not just the number of strings... string spacing comes into play, and the location of weight in the head. The gauge of strings and also the material, and the tension possibly.

16*20, 16*18, 16*19 = open pattern
18*19, 18*20 = closed

basically 18 mains is a closed pattern

Benifits of 16 mains.. slightly more power, slightly bigger sweetspot, slightly more comfortable, more spin (usually)
18 mains... more durable for strings, usually less spin which equals more control for some
 

matchmaker

Hall of Fame
I know this is against conventional wisdom but I have had many experiences where the dogma that open patterns produce more spin than closed ones has proven to be wrong.
My old wilson reflex mids with their 16 X 19 excell at flat hitting whereas the Redondo mid or the Volkl VE Tour mid (when strung at the right tension; it is very tension-sensitive) with their 18 X 20 stringpattern produce noticeably more spin.
The Donnay MP (16 X 18) seems much fitter at hitting flat than the Redondo MP (18 X 20), which seems to be more proper to function as a spin machine.

Maybe the deflection of the strings allows for an open string pattern to guide the ball better on flat trajectories, whereas the more rigid closed stringbeds allow for more brush up against the ball translating in more spin.

Anyway, people have to learn that an a priori opinion that closed string patterns do not create spin is wrong. You really have to demo to know.
 

tennis939

Rookie
Anyway, people have to learn that an a priori opinion that closed string patterns do not create spin is wrong. You really have to demo to know.

yep i agree
i get tons of spin with my 18x20 fxp prestige as much as the 16 x 19 prince o3 tour hybird
 
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