Stringing Mains/Crosses

[routine125]

Hello,

I noticed that with hybrid strings, using different strings in the mains and crosses, that they string it at different tensions for the mains and crosses.

Is it better to string the mains tighter than the crosses? Or is it better to string the crosses tighter than the mains?

What is the result of doing each of them?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Jerry Seinfeld]

There are many accepatable ways of hybriding and using tensions. It becomes a matter of personal preference. Hybrids with poly or poly composite strings can have the poly dropped by 5 - 10% to compensate for the stiffness of the string. If poly is in the mains and the crosses are a synthetic gut, it is possible that the mains will be less than the crosses. Same logic holds true for mains in crosses.

There are some players (Gustavo Kuerten?) who prefer the crosses to be strung higher. I suppose the theory is that you would string the crosses higher to compensate for tension loss due to the friction when pulling crosses. Personally I don't know many people who do this. It is far more common, in my experience, to string the crosses a few pounds lower than the mains. The theory behind this is that the crosses are shorter and do not need as much tension as the longer mains.

This topic came up a while back. You might try searching the archives to see if you can find the thread.

 

[Hedges]

I've been researching this topic myself recently.

Take a look at the forum at
http://www.stringforum.net.

Very informative web site for anyone interested in strings and stringing technique. There's a guru there who recommends higher tension for crosses. He freely admits that most stringers do not practice this method. However, he explains his reasoning very well and basically says "try it, you'll like it." It's something he's been doing for a long time and his customers like the result.

The guys at ******************.com string for the pros at US Open, Wimbledon, etc. They do not typically string higher crosses; They do whatever the pros ask for, of course. However, pros change rackets/strings every 7-9 games...so loss of tension over time is a nonissue for them. Needless to say, normal people need more play out of their strings....which I think is one of the justifications for higher tension on crosses.

The interesting thing is that Babolat recently came out with a recommendation for higher tension on crosses:

http://www.babolat.com/hybrid/

So, I know I'll be trying this method soon.

Cheers,
Hedges

 

[brian.sat]

How about hybrid with Kevlar ?

 

[Hedges]

Two threads worth reading on this topic...they discuss Kevlar/Aramid in these threads as well.

http://6208.rapidforum.com/topic=100381032247&startid=2
http://6208.rapidforum.com/topic=100183359268

--Hedges

 

[Deuce]

Generally, I believe it is best to string Kevlar Mains at 5 to 7 pounds less than
the Synthetic/Nylon crosses.

 

[dogman]

Higher Crosses

Hedges,
I was wondering if you had a chance to try this string method,and what you thought about tension stability, strings moving? I've been stringing like Jay Cee for a few months now and I'm convinced. Try it if you haven't already,Let us know...

 

[Hedges]

dogman,

I'm convinced as well.

Strings seemed to move less, last longer...and most importantly, I play better. Perhaps it's all in my head...but that's cool too. Whatever works!

--Hedges