Tension loss of low tensioned poly

[mishin900]

For my next restringing, I plan to try high 30s or low 40s for tension with full poly bed on my TF335 16x20. I consider myself a fan of low tension as I've gone as low as 47. However, before I try, I just want to know if there's a difference in the degree of tension loss between high tension and low tension. I looked at lots of posts but haven't been able to find an answer...

 

[ClubHoUno]

In my experience, the CoPoly strings will keep their tension for a longer period (25-50% longer) when strung at low tension, because the fibres in the CoPoly string is not stretched to or over their limit, when strung at low tension.

So far my experience with low tension Copolys have been with:

1. WeissCannon Silverstring 1.20
2. Tecnifibre BlackCode 1.18
3. Luxilon Alu Power 1.24
4. Signum Pro Hyperion 1.24

 

[kaiser]

^^What is your verdict, ClubHo, as an avid racket and string tester? How did you like the low tensions in your rackets, and how did the Hyperion perform?

 

[ClubHoUno]

^^What is your verdict, ClubHo, as an avid racket and string tester? How did you like the low tensions in your rackets, and how did the Hyperion perform?

I play with different racquets, 98 SQ", 95 SQ", 93 SQ" and different string patterns too - 16x19, 18X20 and 16x20 - so results will vary depending on racquet used and so on.....

All in all I might go with full CoPoly at low tension in my 2 Wilson BLX 95 6.1 18X20 racquets because I mainly use them for rainy weather, where VS NAT GUT is not an option and I also need a couple of low powered but arm friendly racquets for wall hitting practice sessions and when I sometimes hook up with one of the older guys at my club, who wants to hit with me.......... Even a CoPoly at 35 lbs tension is pretty low powered compared to my normal setup of VS 17 NAT GUT mains and Alu Power crosses.

Currently I have either X-One 17 mains/Silverstring 1.20 crosses or BlackCode 1.18 mains/X-One 18 crosses in my 2 BLX 95 6.1 18X20 racquets, but I could see myself going with BlackCode mains and Silverstring crosses at 35 or 40 lbs tension - but only in these 2 racquets. (rainy weather, wall practice hitting and hitting with some of the older guys)

I still prefer VS 17 NATGUT mains and Alu Power crosses in my normal GAMER racquets

But I really enjoy testing CoPoly at this new low tension (for me it was new, while other folks have been using low tension poly's for years now)

Hyperion is already a muted soft poly, so if you really like soft muted poly's, you might like Hyperion at low tension. BlackCode is much the same in feel, very soft and muted.
I found a hybrid with Silverstring 1.20 spiced it up a bit and made it feel slightly more crisp - yet still gentle.

A stiff poly like Alu Power also played very nice at 38 lbs. But somehow BlackCode mains and Silverstring crosses made the trick for me in the BLX 95 18X20 frame.

It may feel very different in another frame and for another player.

I can only say - try it, test it and see if you like it

 

[maxpotapov]

I can't find exact numbers on the subject - tension loss in lbs for low tensioned poly.
This research:
http://www.racquetsportsindustry.com/articles/2010/01/string_selector_2010.html
only gives tension loss from 62 lbs start, and i understand that material behavior changes in a non-linear fashion. Can anybody provide some measurments to give at least general idea on current co-polys?

Edit: I found one in a neighbor thread,
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=398516

 

[Ramon]

I had MSV Focus Hex 1.18mm strung at 35 pounds on my APDGT. Using RacquetTune, I started monitoring the tension 24 hours after it was strung.

Tension
26.9# 24 hours after stringing, no play
25.4# 1.00 hrs play
25.3# 0.75 hrs play
24.6# 1.00 hrs play
24.4# 1.25 hrs play
24.2# 1.50 hrs play
I cut it after 5.5 hrs because my arm did not get better. Full poly is not for me, even at low tension.

After initial settling, that's a 10% loss over 5.5 hours. I wouldn't be alarmed at the initial tension drop from 35. I didn't calibrate the app with a string sample, which would be necessary to make it accurate. I just used the generic poly string factor based on the thickness, which I think is fine if you are just measuring % loss.

I actually liked the way it played. It would have taken some adjusting but not anything extreme. It did not move around much and the trampoline effect was minimal. You might have to get used to a little extra power with flat balls, but topspin shots stay in because of all the extra spin.

 

[maxpotapov]

I had MSV Focus Hex 1.18mm strung at 35 pounds on my APDGT. Using RacquetTune, I started monitoring the tension 24 hours after it was strung.

Tension
26.9# 24 hours after stringing, no play
25.4# 1.00 hrs play
25.3# 0.75 hrs play
24.6# 1.00 hrs play
24.4# 1.25 hrs play
24.2# 1.50 hrs play
I cut it after 5.5 hrs because my arm did not get better. Full poly is not for me, even at low tension.

After initial settling, that's a 10% loss over 5.5 hours. I wouldn't be alarmed at the initial tension drop from 35. I didn't calibrate the app with a string sample, which would be necessary to make it accurate. I just used the generic poly string factor based on the thickness, which I think is fine if you are just measuring % loss.

I actually liked the way it played. It would have taken some adjusting but not anything extreme. It did not move around much and the trampoline effect was minimal. You might have to get used to a little extra power with flat balls, but topspin shots stay in because of all the extra spin.

Thanks for the info! Pretty much corresponds with more elaborate experiment, mentioned before. I'm debating whether I should go below 40 lbs in my setup, good to know MSV Focus Hex 1.18 did not move around much and the trampoline effect was minimal at 35...24 lbs