The gut/poly thread

Say Chi Sin Lo said:
So, after damn near a decade with Gut x Kirschbaum Max Power. I'm committing to a switch to a rather expensive setup of Gut x Yonex Poly Tour Strike.

Con:
- Well... pretty damn expensive if can't find a way to to get Yonex Poly Tour Strike on the cheap. Luckily, I can use the "E"lectronic Bay to source less than retail Yonex reels
- This is a personal preference. I don't like the looks of dark strings. Even the Grey version is practically black.
- Could be me, but Yonex's "1.25mm" feels way thinner than that, and I think it's skewing me to think I'm snapping my gut mains earlier.
- The slickness or the perceived thinness is wearing out my gut mains faster, that or it's granting me more access to spin and wearing out my gut mains faster.

Pros:
- Stringbed feels great. I know crosses don't contribute to much, but the addition of Strike in the crosses does make the stringbed even more lively.
- Stringbed feels consistent throughout until it snaps. I average about 10 - 15 hours. It's quite nice that on the 8th hour, the stringbed still feels fresh.
- I think I am getting more access to spin. That, or I'm just finding ways to justify the slightly accelerated gut mains wear.

I'm enjoying the playability thus far. But man... with the recent price increase, this setup at full price is very expensive. Luckily, my reel came out to about $170 from the Bay, and in a hybrid, comes out to about $5/racquet.
Click to expand...
I love this combo, VS gut main and Poly Tour Strike cross. Feels terrific, lots of power and spin. What's not to like?
 
veelium said:
head-hawk-touch-rough-17-200m-reel__70052.1749729473.jpg

@ryushen21 Well well well
Click to expand...
When does it go on sale.
 
So will prolly go with 1.25 gut mains in my PS97, trying to use lighter strings. So from all the research it seems like Sync or Wasabi X are great slippery crosses that hold tension well. If I do go the 1.25 mains path, wouldn't Wasabi X be better since it's 1.23? Or is Sync a better cross in general for snapback and longevity? I'm just looking for optimal performance and that the poly lives long enough so I'm not restringing every two weeks. I'm ok with the cost since I string myself, it's more just the hassle.
 
I just strung up my RF97 with Poly Tour Pro 1.25 yellow for the first time in years, and I got this pingy and brassy feel from the stringbed. I'm not sure if it's user/equipment error or if that's how PTP is supposed to play, but it's significantly less ball-pockety than I'm used to from my usual Wilson Revolve 1.25 cross. Also anyone have a recommendation for a new cross string? The drop off in spin I'm getting from Revolve to PTP is minor, but I'm really interested in trying out a smooth round poly with good tension maintenance and ball pocketing. Bonus points if it doesn't break the bank.
 
Does anyone know the stiffness rating of Wasabi X and Restring Sync? I strung up X with 1.25 Luxgut 53/50 in PS97 and it feels pretty stiff. I think you get fooled because it's so slick and not that hard to weave. I only got to hit on a wall so can't really give a full review but my gut says it's a bit too stiff for my liking.
 
@anfield - Was-X 1.23 is definitely more firm than Sync (both gauges). That said, you might have better luck with Gut/Was-X by simply stringing lower in tension, optionally higher in differential, too. Example: 52/47.
 
BBender716 said:
Will probably go with 57x54 then with either Wasabi X or Max Power Rough. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Max Power Rough has great tension numbers but it has high string to string friction. I don't think it's dimpled like Alu Rough that makes the string still round, MPR seems to be bumpy.
 
anfield said:
Max Power Rough has great tension numbers but it has high string to string friction. I don't think it's dimpled like Alu Rough that makes the string still round, MPR seems to be bumpy.
Click to expand...
I agree, did not find it to work well as a cross string compared to alu rough for the reasons you said.
 
Louis33 said:
I agree, did not find it to work well as a cross string compared to alu rough for the reasons you said.
Click to expand...
Hawk Rough has me tempted from what I've read on this thread but it's only available from Europe. But it also has a higher string-to-string friction than Max Power Rough. The point is for the rough string is to glide over the gut, right? RPM Blast is the most slick out of the roughs. Anyone prefer it to Alu Rough?
 
anfield said:
Hawk Rough has me tempted from what I've read on this thread but it's only available from Europe. But it also has a higher string-to-string friction than Max Power Rough. The point is for the rough string is to glide over the gut, right? RPM Blast is the most slick out of the roughs. Anyone prefer it to Alu Rough?
Click to expand...
RPM Rough is only slick for a couple of hours. Once the coating wears off balls start launching

Did not try Hawk Rough when it was discontinued, but will if someone confirms the new release is the same string.

IME Sync and Rexxxer provide by far the most spin as a cross for gut. Sync more spin and pocketing but less durability. Rexxxer slightly less spin but more control and durability.
 
anfield said:
Hawk Rough has me tempted from what I've read on this thread but it's only available from Europe. But it also has a higher string-to-string friction than Max Power Rough. The point is for the rough string is to glide over the gut, right? RPM Blast is the most slick out of the roughs. Anyone prefer it to Alu Rough?
Click to expand...
Have you tried regular hawk or max power?
 
anfield said:
Hawk Rough has me tempted from what I've read on this thread but it's only available from Europe. But it also has a higher string-to-string friction than Max Power Rough. The point is for the rough string is to glide over the gut, right? RPM Blast is the most slick out of the roughs. Anyone prefer it to Alu Rough?
Click to expand...
I guess. your numbers are from twu but from my personal experience hawk rough is allowing the gut to slide very well.

Sbould be rereleased soon enough as hawk touch rough if you wamt to try it.
 
veelium said:
I guess. your numbers are from twu but from my personal experience hawk rough is allowing the gut to slide very well.

Sbould be rereleased soon enough as hawk touch rough if you wamt to try it.
Click to expand...
I saw a single set on big river site and it was $50 with shipping. I just found a great price on 200m on Alu Rough so just going to commit with Lux NG 1.30 mains. 54/51 on PS97. Unless someone has a better suggestion for tension.
 
anfield said:
I saw a single set on big river site and it was $50 with shipping. I just found a great price on 200m on Alu Rough so just going to commit with Lux NG 1.30 mains. 54/51 on PS97. Unless someone has a better suggestion for tension.
Click to expand...
Yeah I wouldn't bother hunting it down right now, even in Europe they are just selling the leftover stock.
Soon the rebrand as Hawk Touch Rough should come out, I'd wait for that.

With reel of ALU you might be setup for a while though.
 
Trip said:
@anfield - Was-X 1.23 is definitely more firm than Sync (both gauges). That said, you might have better luck with Gut/Was-X by simply stringing lower in tension, optionally higher in differential, too. Example: 52/47.
Click to expand...
I just got off the court and my PS97 with Lux 1.30 mains at 54 and Alu Rough at 51 and the balls were sailing long. I did have a tailwind so went to my PS97 with CoFocus Hex 1.23 mains at 48 and Wasabi X cross at 45 and the balls looked like they were going long and just dipped in. My playing partner was so annoyed. It's pretty hot so maybe I should have strung the gut hybrid higher. But man, did I feel confident with that full poly set up. So much more spin so I could really swing out. My arm feels a little sore (*edit - really not that bad), but I can't argue the results, it's like a deal with the devil. Granted we were crushing it, just rallying and he's a former national champ.
 
Last edited:
anfield said:
I just got off the court and my PS97 with Lux 1.30 mains at 54 and Alu Rough at 51 and the balls were sailing long. I did have a tailwind so went to my PS97 with CoFocus Hex 1.23 mains at 48 and Wasabi X cross at 45 and the balls looked like they were going long and just dipped in. My playing partner was so annoyed. It's pretty hot so maybe I should have strung the gut hybrid higher. But man, did I feel confident with that full poly set up. So much more spin so I could really swing out. My arm feels a little sore, but I can't argue the results, it's like a deal with the devil. Granted we were crushing it, just rallying and he's a former national champ.
Click to expand...
I had to increase gut/poly to 10 lbs more than I play poly/poly to get the same kind of ball flight

Also going from sharp poly to round gut I had to increase the tension difference to raise the launch angle to mirror the poly.

Poly I play 50x48 but gut/poly I found 60x55 to give me similar spin and launch. YMMV
 
ryushen21 said:
When does it go on sale.
Click to expand...
What's your experience with Hawk Rough as a cross with gut mains? Had Lux gut 1.30/Hawk Touch 1.25 in one of my C-10 Evos and was loving it. Was playing better and better every outing, but the gut shredded the Hawk Touch in the sweet spot, and a cross snapped at around 10 hours. I estimate that the gut could have gone another 8-10 hours, 5 easy. @dr325i responded to my post in another thread that his Hawk Touch/Rough crosses unfailingly busted in the same hybrids (but with VS mains), but I didn't want to derail that thread. Posting here to discuss. What's the typical longevity of Hawk Touch with gut mains? It's obviously a short and sweet setup.
 
Pneumated1 said:
What's your experience with Hawk Rough as a cross with gut mains? Had Lux gut 1.30/Hawk Touch 1.25 in one of my C-10 Evos and was loving it. Was playing better and better every outing, but the gut shredded the Hawk Touch in the sweet spot, and a cross snapped at around 10 hours. I estimate that the gut could have gone another 8-10 hours, 5 easy. @dr325i responded to my post in another thread that his Hawk Touch/Rough crosses unfailingly busted in the same hybrids (but with VS mains), but I didn't want to derail that thread. Posting here to discuss. What's the typical longevity of Hawk Touch with gut mains? It's obviously a short and sweet setup.
Click to expand...
hawk touch and hawk rough are almost indistinguishable. the dimples are very tiny on the rough, much less than even alu power rough.
 
langley said:
hawk touch and hawk rough are almost indistinguishable. the dimples are very tiny on the rough, much less than even alu power rough.
Click to expand...
I'm aware. I'm just questioning how much life people are getting with either (with gut mains). I like the hybrid, but 10 hours or fewer isn't acceptable at current gut prices.
 
Pneumated1 said:
What's your experience with Hawk Rough as a cross with gut mains? Had Lux gut 1.30/Hawk Touch 1.25 in one of my C-10 Evos and was loving it. Was playing better and better every outing, but the gut shredded the Hawk Touch in the sweet spot, and a cross snapped at around 10 hours. I estimate that the gut could have gone another 8-10 hours, 5 easy. @dr325i responded to my post in another thread that his Hawk Touch/Rough crosses unfailingly busted in the same hybrids (but with VS mains), but I didn't want to derail that thread. Posting here to discuss. What's the typical longevity of Hawk Touch with gut mains? It's obviously a short and sweet setup.
Click to expand...
That is an interesting result considering we would typically expect the opposite to happen. I haven't had any issues with the crosses snapping. In fact, I've snapped my gut mains twice (Lux and Wilson). I've currently got VS in mine so maybe I will see a similar result to y'all this time.

But, I am going to be giving O-Toro Snap a try as the cross string. It works really well in full poly setups and I think it might be a good fit with the gut.
 
Pneumated1 said:
What's your experience with Hawk Rough as a cross with gut mains? Had Lux gut 1.30/Hawk Touch 1.25 in one of my C-10 Evos and was loving it. Was playing better and better every outing, but the gut shredded the Hawk Touch in the sweet spot, and a cross snapped at around 10 hours. I estimate that the gut could have gone another 8-10 hours, 5 easy. @dr325i responded to my post in another thread that his Hawk Touch/Rough crosses unfailingly busted in the same hybrids (but with VS mains), but I didn't want to derail that thread. Posting here to discuss. What's the typical longevity of Hawk Touch with gut mains? It's obviously a short and sweet setup.
Click to expand...
I'd suggest going to 1.30 hawk touch or hawk rough. With 1.25 I'd also break the poly cross but with the 1.30 the gut would break first.

Difference in playability is minimal. I felt a slight decrease in launch angle and better control but doubt I'd recognise it in a blind test.
 
veelium said:
I'd suggest going to 1.30 hawk touch or hawk rough. With 1.25 I'd also break the poly cross but with the 1.30 the gut would break first.

Difference in playability is minimal. I felt a slight decrease in launch angle and better control but doubt I'd recognise it in a blind test.
Click to expand...
That's what I would have preferred (1.30), but all I had was 1.20 and 1.25. Hawk Touch seems like such a hardy string in a full bed, so I'm a little surprised. In fact, I was worried that the thinner Hawk Touch would saw the gut mains prematurely, but the opposite happened. Conventional wisdom says to use the same gauge or thicker poly cross than your gut mains, but in this case, it's for unexpected reasons. Will try it out.
 
Pneumated1 said:
That's what I would have preferred (1.30), but all I had was 1.20 and 1.25. Hawk Touch seems like such a hardy string in a full bed, so I'm a little surprised. In fact, I was worried that the thinner Hawk Touch would saw the gut mains prematurely, but the opposite happened. Conventional wisdom says to use the same gauge or thicker poly cross than your gut mains, but in this case, it's for unexpected reasons. Will try it out.
Click to expand...
Yeah it's a weird string in way, very stiff but deforms/flattens out nicely to keep the gut fresh.
 
Trip said:
@anfield - Was-X 1.23 is definitely more firm than Sync (both gauges). That said, you might have better luck with Gut/Was-X by simply stringing lower in tension, optionally higher in differential, too. Example: 52/47.
Click to expand...
Chiming in to say Sync feels soft. Can't hit max velo on serve or sitter forehands. Amazing control, but the stringbed bottoms out like a dead trampoline on the fastest swings. If you're looking for a super comfortable setup for doubles, topping out at maybe 105 on serve, sync+gut should be amazing. Pretty much a perfect bounce of the string bed every time. If you're looking for full cuts, though, you'll be frustrated by the lack of penetration.
 
Pneumated1 said:
Have you by any chance tried HT crosses with BK, HG, or Confidential mains?
Click to expand...
No but I'd imagine those are good combos.
I'm a bit glass-armed and haven't done enough fitness to try theses kind of setups.

Pneumated1 said:
Triax with HT crosses?
Click to expand...
Triax with Hawk Rough I did once, 1.33 triax with 1.30 HR . Triax isn't as durable as gut so it broke rather quickly.
For triax and most other multis I've found that softer crosses work better for durability.
The soft elastomer ones like Cream/Swift/Polytour Air protect the durability quite well from what I've tried. Might not suit everyone though.
If you break HT 1.25 in 10 hours, those softies likely break even faster.
 
veelium said:
No but I'd imagine those are good combos.
I'm a bit glass-armed and haven't done enough fitness to try theses kind of setups.


Triax with Hawk Rough I did once, 1.33 triax with 1.30 HR . Triax isn't as durable as gut so it broke rather quickly.
For triax and most other multis I've found that softer crosses work better for durability.
The soft elastomer ones like Cream/Swift/Polytour Air protect the durability quite well from what I've tried. Might not suit everyone though.
If you break HT 1.25 in 10 hours, those softies likely break even faster.
Click to expand...
My modified C-10 Evo is just sublime with gut/poly. Was hoping you'd say Triax is the next best thing at less than half the price haha.

I've found the same--good success with multi/syn mains and GW/Cream/Element crosses, especially Multifeel/GW. Thing is, I have a half set of HT 1.25, and a full pack of HT 1.20, but I won't waste gut on them. Thinking BK 1.28/HT 1.25 in one of my Evos, and BK 1.18 or HG 1.20/HT 1.20 in my v8 Blades. At least I have a plan until I source more gut and thicker HT. Thanks for the tips.
 
Pneumated1 said:
My modified C-10 Evo is just sublime with gut/poly. Was hoping you'd say Triax is the next best thing at less than half the price haha.

I've found the same--good success with multi/syn mains and GW/Cream/Element crosses, especially Multifeel/GW. Thing is, I have a half set of HT 1.25, and a full pack of HT 1.20, but I won't waste gut on them. Thinking BK 1.28/HT 1.25 in one of my Evos, and BK 1.18 or HG 1.20/HT 1.20 in my v8 Blades. At least I have a plan until I source more gut and thicker HT. Thanks for the tips.
Click to expand...
I like Triax quite a lot but it's no real gut substitute sadly. I'm also trying and searching, I play often enough in a humidity that doesn't allow gut.
Planning to give 1.38 triax another go in some kind of hybrid to see if I can make it work as I have a reel.
GL on the search, lemme know if you find the ultimate gut substitute.
 
Anyone put gut/poly in a SpeedMP or any Gravity? I am wondering if gut/poly works for every frame, i main a Blade 98 v9 and have also tried gut/poly in ezone 98/100 v8, speed pro 360+, vcore 98 v7, pro staff rf97a.
 
Dadof2wildmonkeys said:
Anyone put gut/poly in a SpeedMP or any Gravity? I am wondering if gut/poly works for every frame, i main a Blade 98 v9 and have also tried gut/poly in ezone 98/100 v8, speed pro 360+, vcore 98 v7, pro staff rf97a.
Click to expand...
4G main and Nat Gut Cross in a 2023 Gravity MP, Tour, and Pro. This set up is my go to and I have it in Blades V9 and RF97. I have used full 4G in all these rackets as well and the natural gut makes a big difference in comfort and steps up the power about 20%. Let me know if you have any Q's.
 
I tried the gut and 4g both ways in two rf97a at the same time, i thought the 4g main was so harsh, and since then i am a gut mains guy. My tension was 55 both ways. Maybe too high.

I think i have to check out the Gravity line.
 
Adding to my earlier post I string at 52 lbs mains with 4G and 54 cross with Wisons Natural Gut if available (Then Babolat which is always available, used Luxilon Nat Gut once, did not like the feel but Wilson is #1 for me). But any way 52/54 LBS 4G Main /Wilson Gut Cross.......
 
hybrid of choice among many stringers and club pros is Alu power and wilson NXT power. but i dont' think this combo comes anywhere close to alu power and natural gut hybrid such as babolat gut
 
Another question: do u think the dead poly in the cross is enough to cause injury? I have usually played till the gut breaks, though one time replaced just the cross.
 
I would be curious to see a show of hands (so to speak) as to how many here who use guts mains/poly crosses play the stringbed until one or the other breaks. I know some cut out the crosses after a certain point if the gut is still good and restring with fresh poly, but that always attracts much debate. For those who aren't string breakers, the gut is usually going to last longer than the poly retains it's ability to stretch, so without cutting it out, we're essentially playing with 'dead' poly. If it's not hurting you in some way, nor affecting your game, do you just ride it out until something breaks? Very curious.
 
I play until it breaks.
Gut usually breaks first for me but this lasts months for me
Playability changes a little but nothing that I can’t adjust to (higher launch angle, less control)
With gut/ghostwire there is less of a change
With gut/revolve, there is a more noticeable change
It’s never happened during a match but I’ve noticed it over time
 
Moldyoak said:
I would be curious to see a show of hands (so to speak) as to how many here who use guts mains/poly crosses play the stringbed until one or the other breaks. I know some cut out the crosses after a certain point if the gut is still good and restring with fresh poly, but that always attracts much debate. For those who aren't string breakers, the gut is usually going to last longer than the poly retains it's ability to stretch, so without cutting it out, we're essentially playing with 'dead' poly. If it's not hurting you in some way, nor affecting your game, do you just ride it out until something breaks? Very curious.
Click to expand...
Normally play until break, if it's older and becomes rather launchy I might just use it for practice and use a fresher one for matches or tournaments. As I'm not playing many tournaments it's not a big issue.
 
Moldyoak said:
I would be curious to see a show of hands (so to speak) as to how many here who use guts mains/poly crosses play the stringbed until one or the other breaks. I know some cut out the crosses after a certain point if the gut is still good and restring with fresh poly, but that always attracts much debate. For those who aren't string breakers, the gut is usually going to last longer than the poly retains it's ability to stretch, so without cutting it out, we're essentially playing with 'dead' poly. If it's not hurting you in some way, nor affecting your game, do you just ride it out until something breaks? Very curious.
Click to expand...
I play with 1.30mm gut mains and 1.25mm stiff poly (max power) and play till the gut breaks. This usually happens around the 25hr mark of singles, which is about 6-8 weeks for me.

No arm issues, then again I’ve never really had arm issues, even when I was playing full poly. Used to play full poly in thin 1.20mm that would last me 12 hrs before I had to cut them out because of loss of snap back.
 
Last edited:
I have tried both replacing the cross and playing till it breaks. My sense now is just to play till it breaks, as i don’t get too much more time after replacing the cross. Though tbh that dead poly cross is on my mind when my elbow is sore… maybe with the new poly cross it was slightly more comfy… might have to test more to definitely say…
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
Gut/Poly Launch Angle
Replies
18
Views
4K
Imago
Imago
W
Full poly player trying poly/gut hybrid seeking tension help
Replies
18
Views
2K
stapletonj
S
R
What gives more spin, a gut/poly hybrid or the same strings in a poly/gut setup?
Replies
16
Views
5K
thizbit
T
H
Gut/poly hybrid suggestions
Replies
9
Views
2K
HOT SHOT
H
T
Favorite New Gut/Poly: VS Touch / Black Code 4S
Replies
2
Views
2K
TimothyO
T
Back
Top