HolyMountain
Rookie
So I switched to 18x20 frames, went to string my first one, cut my pack of Luxilon 4g in half aaaaaaand came up about a foot short on the mains. So, what's the trick to this? Cut more for the mains? Do you have to use spools?
Stringing an 18x20 frame
- Thread starter HolyMountain
- Start date
SavvyStringer
Professional
Typically about 21 ft for mains and 19 ft for crosses. Mark off a 1ft and 2 ft line and measure and cut appropriately. If you're worried about that it could be strung one piece ATW if you know how. Typically with an 18x20 and poly it's pretty close on the overall length of a pack.
HolyMountain
Rookie
Usually 40ft. length in a pack? So divided in half, add a foot.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
Up to what size racquet would they be using over half of the pack for mains? Just wondered if someone using poly mains and something else in the cross wouldn't be able to get 2 racquets strung from a pack?
dr. godmode
Hall of Fame
did you try using both halves of string in the mains? Usually when one half is too short, the other half is too long.
HolyMountain
Rookie
Well I measured it in half, so they are equal in length. That’s how I did my 16x19. It’s a Babolat Pure Strike 98 18x20
1HBHfanatic
Legend
there are a few ways to do this
here is what I do, when I don't know a racquet length requirements,,
I usually measure out the CROSSES first, cut; the rest of the string-pack belongs to the mains, while im still holding the string!
point of note: you need to ADD enough string to reach your machine tensioner, most machines are different, some more/less than others,,
here is what I do, when I don't know a racquet length requirements,,
I usually measure out the CROSSES first, cut; the rest of the string-pack belongs to the mains, while im still holding the string!
point of note: you need to ADD enough string to reach your machine tensioner, most machines are different, some more/less than others,,
HolyMountain
Rookie
Ahhhh right !
HolyMountain
Rookie
So now that we solved that riddle (thanks guys!). What strings does everyone like in an 18x20? For year I played with gut/poly hybrid - I don't really break strings. Then I discovered a full bed of ALU Power, which is great for a week, but I have a nice stringer so no big deal. I was thinking about either going back to gut/poly or trying out the Lux Big Banger Ace in 18gauge.
Since you ask, the string type is a more personal thing as style for many are different. But here is mine since you ask.
For my 18 main racquet, I prefer either Klip Nat gut uncoated, or Lux gut. Both full bed, with relatively high tensions and with a dense pattern racquet I get great control with good power along with a comfortable hit. I am not much of a string breaker so that set up lasts a good while.
Once in a while I will hybrid with Lux Alu in the cross strings.
HolyMountain
Rookie
What tensions? When I was running gut/poly in a 16x19, I would typically go about 56lbs, sometimes 58lbs. I tend to not hit crazy spin heavy shots, so I like the feel of gut way more than spin and, honestly, don't know if polys create that much more spin after the initial 2 or 3 hitting sessions. I also found I could keep my gut for much longer than poly. I have never done a full bed of gut, I guess it would just be even more plush than a hybrid?
HolyMountain
Rookie
With higher tensions giving more control? What do you think of the Lexicon gut? I have used Wilson and Babolat, prefer the Wilson.
Luxilon gut is made at same place as Wilson's gut. The Lux. Gut has an extra coating that gives it more durability. A little more firmer hit, but does give great control.The lux gut was designed for use as a hybrid, that is why the string has a mark at the middle of the set, so for many racquets you can cut the middle easy without measurement. I like the hit of it as full bed, just lower the tension about 2 lbs from other guts.
SavvyStringer
Professional
Typically according to stringing instructions 18x20s require 21 and 19. Pure strike, Blade, Ultra Tour. I don't often string out of packs but I'm very technical when I do. If its a larger 18x20 (I can't think of one) it may require even more string.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
for those instances, there is this:
Wilson NXT OS 16L String
www.tennis-warehouse.com
ive had to use it a couple times,, standard 40' was simply not enough.. haaaaaa
im trying to recall the racquet I used it on,, my shop carries a few of these packs when this particular racquet comes in
HolyMountain
Rookie
So, if I wanted to do a hybrid (gut/poly) I would have to waste half a pack of each string? Most packs are either 20ft for each string, or full gut packs are 40ft.
That's my go to setup and I've never had a half set of gut come up short in a 95-98 inch 18x20. You might not have a ton of extra to play with so make sure it's dead center when you start pulling mains, but 20 feet is plenty.
HolyMountain
Rookie
Maybe I need to see if I can move the racquet closer to the tensioner. I have a Gamma ELS.
djNEiGht
Legend
Use a starting clamp to bridge
