Strings and Spin

[pow]

It is common knowledge that stiffer strings like poly and kevlar produce lots of spin. I was wondering why natural gut, a softer string than most nylons/multis also produces more spin?

 

[carac]

It is common knowledge that stiffer strings like poly and kevlar produce lots of spin. I was wondering why natural gut, a softer string than most nylons/multis also produces more spin?

The spin is mostly generated with the right hit, not with stiff strings. And gut tends to have very good spin potential - most impressive when it is fresh and not prestrung.

 

[pow]

The spin is mostly generated with the right hit, not with stiff strings. And gut tends to have very good spin potential - most impressive when it is fresh and not prestrung.

Well I'm a flat hitter and I have two of the same racquets with different strings on them, one nylon and the other full poly, when I hit, My hitting partner and I can both see and feel the significant increase in spin. The ball definitely dips down more visibly and rapidly with full poly.

What do you mean prestrung gut? Meaning gut you've played with for awhile?

 

[tbini87]

i think he meant to say prestretched... because i don't think that prestrung makes sense... but i am not sure.

 

[dave333]

Poly strings tend to snap back into place, adding bite to the ball.

 

[denty151]

i think he meant to say prestretched... because i don't think that prestrung makes sense... but i am not sure.

why would prestretched gut change the way it produces spin?
stringers pre-stretch gut so that the natural filaments lock together
and thus it holds tension better.

i think he means prestrung gut as in prestrung like those kmart rackets.
i dont know why you would prestring a racket with gut though. i'd take
it to the courts as soon as it was strung! i wouldn't let the string rot
away in my bag and not hit with it.

 

[denty151]

Poly strings tend to snap back into place, adding bite to the ball.

but isn't that the same with natural gut? (correct me if i'm mistaken)

i KNOW that natural gut is super lively and that it snaps back just
as fast as poly/kevlar if not faster.

 

[dave333]

^^^^ Polys basically don't move at all until after a while. Gut still moves quite a bit.

 

[pow]

why would prestretched gut change the way it produces spin?
stringers pre-stretch gut so that the natural filaments lock together
and thus it holds tension better.

i think he means prestrung gut as in prestrung like those kmart rackets.
i dont know why you would prestring a racket with gut though. i'd take
it to the courts as soon as it was strung! i wouldn't let the string rot
away in my bag and not hit with it.

There is no such thing as prestrung gut. You will not find a racquet at K-mart with gut strings on them... it would exceed the value of the racquet itself!

 

[carac]

i think he meant to say prestretched... because i don't think that prestrung makes sense... but i am not sure.

Sorry, I was in a hurry ... yes, prestretched The idea is that IMHO natural gut is best during the first 10 games or so - prestretching makes the tension loss a lot more linear but the initial feel is mostly gone ...

The other idea is that there is a difference in spin generation depending on the string type, but having the right technique is more important ...