Have been wanting to try this as a cross due to the string tension maintenance. Numbers are close to 4g. How do the natural mains hold up with the shaped RPM crosses?
The gut/poly thread
- Thread starter SpinToWin
- Start date
Actually, surprisingly well - I get a lot of mileage out of this combo. I use it in a dense 18x20 pattern (Head Speed pro) and haven't had any discernible shredding issues with the gut mains.
thatguyoverthere440
Rookie
Hey guys!
Interested in jumping into the gut/poly realm but want some insight first.
Currently use Tecnifibre X-1 main/Yonex PTP cross. Love it but I snap this in about ~10 hours of court time.
I know it'll definitely play better, but would gut be a more durable mains (wont break as fast)? If so, how much longer you thinking?
Looking at Tonic+ 15L mains right now.
For poly crosses I prioritize:
-playability duration/consistency (doesn't go dead suddenly like Lux ALU variants, reason I use PTP)
-round/slick (for spin and to extend gut life)
-comfort,
-touch/feel,
-price
-power
in that order.
I like PTP right now, but eyeing up wilson revolve and 4G/Soft (but the $$ on 4G :S ).
Maybe @SpinToWin can provide some input/comparison?
Thanks everyone!
~thatguy
Interested in jumping into the gut/poly realm but want some insight first.
Currently use Tecnifibre X-1 main/Yonex PTP cross. Love it but I snap this in about ~10 hours of court time.
I know it'll definitely play better, but would gut be a more durable mains (wont break as fast)? If so, how much longer you thinking?
Looking at Tonic+ 15L mains right now.
For poly crosses I prioritize:
-playability duration/consistency (doesn't go dead suddenly like Lux ALU variants, reason I use PTP)
-round/slick (for spin and to extend gut life)
-comfort,
-touch/feel,
-price
-power
in that order.
I like PTP right now, but eyeing up wilson revolve and 4G/Soft (but the $$ on 4G :S ).
Maybe @SpinToWin can provide some input/comparison?
Thanks everyone!
~thatguy
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
I’d say stick with YPTP in the cross. You can do much worse.Hey guys!
Interested in jumping into the gut/poly realm but want some insight first.
Currently use Tecnifibre X-1 main/Yonex PTP cross. Love it but I snap this in about ~10 hours of court time.
I know it'll definitely play better, but would gut be a more durable mains (wont break as fast)? If so, how much longer you thinking?
Looking at Tonic+ 15L mains right now.
For poly crosses I prioritize:
-playability duration/consistency (doesn't go dead suddenly like Lux ALU variants, reason I use PTP)
-round/slick (for spin and to extend gut life)
-comfort,
-touch/feel,
-price
-power
in that order.
I like PTP right now, but eyeing up wilson revolve and 4G/Soft (but the $$ on 4G :S ).
Maybe @SpinToWin can provide some input/comparison?
Thanks everyone!
~thatguy
Tonic 15L+ will last significantly longer than a multi main. If I got 2 hours or less out of multi/poly I got around 8 hours out of gut/poly. Hard to say how it will fair for you, but I think it’s fair to expect around 20 hours at least if that’s how long multi/poly lasts for you.
leejayh
Rookie
After trying a ton of combos, I always seem to come back to Babolat Tonic (M)/ALU Power Soft (C). My sweet spot is 56/48 in my RF97, PS97, or Donnay Pro One Penta - all 16/19.
I know that is a big difference in tension, but i think that someone else wrote about this on the boards, that it is about the elasticity of the strings as well, not just the tension.
I know that is a big difference in tension, but i think that someone else wrote about this on the boards, that it is about the elasticity of the strings as well, not just the tension.
BBender716
Semi-Pro
Played with a hybrid setup for a while and then got tempted to go to the full bed of poly side and while I loved taking huge rips at the ball, my volley's have gotten a ton worse. I am looking for a relatively lower powered hybrid setup with good tension maintenance. I'm thinking LUX NG / BHB7 or Cyclone 17 (since I have those two polys lying around) or I can buy a cheaper NG + whatever is a really spin friendly smooth poly that has good tension maintenance?
Thoughts? Thanks!
Thoughts? Thanks!
speedysteve
Legend
After a time on all gut (Wilson) things have improved and I'm back on Wilson / YPTP and loving it.
This is in a Volkl V Sense 8 16x18 weighted to 360g
When I'm done with two half sets of YPTP, should I try Cream or Wilson Revolve?
The latter I have distant fond memories of liking..
This is in a Volkl V Sense 8 16x18 weighted to 360g
When I'm done with two half sets of YPTP, should I try Cream or Wilson Revolve?
The latter I have distant fond memories of liking..
Using Black Zone because it is a really smooth poly and the gut mains last. Have BHB7 but have not used it as a cross thinking it might chew up the gut quicker than the smooth.
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BBender716
Semi-Pro
Thanks for the input! I bought two packs of the Klip Legend 16 and will probably end up trying the Grapplesnake Irk and MSV Co Focus first.
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I found my favorite setup here... vs gut/revolve. My issue is that now, I’m only getting 3-sets max on this setup before I pop them. That means that with my 4 racquets, I barely make it through a tournament weekend.
Is there a more durable setup with the similar feel as gut/revolve? I’m already using 15L vs touch gut.
Is there a more durable setup with the similar feel as gut/revolve? I’m already using 15L vs touch gut.
troyparsons
New User
Do you break the gut or the poly? Which is in the mains?
Gut is in the mains and I always break the gut
troyparsons
New User
Well putting the poly in the mains will definitely increase durability. Will not feel/perform as well though.
Which gauge of YPTP is preferred as a cross?
Played VS/Revolve with good results. Increased longevity and tension maintenance with Klip Legend/BHBZ.
Thanks, I will try this one next
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Eh depends on the frame and your preferences. 1.25 is a healthy starting point from which you can adjust though
Addxyz
Professional
Any experience between the 1.20 and 1.25? A few reviews say they are drastically different.
I have an Angell K7 with an open 16x19 pattern.
Not that different. I find the 1.20 a little more lively with a little more spin. Both are good choices but I prefer the 1.20 mainly because I feel I get more pop on my serve with it.
anfield
Semi-Pro
For the crosses, are there any other dimpled rough strings, like Lux, KB and Hawk Roughs?
I really don't like the KB Max Power Rough, and the Proline II Rough, they are really dead feeling, must be the pre-stretch. Hawk Rough feels like a more expensive KB. Lux Rough is great, but pricey and loses that magic -- or that's what everyone keeps saying. I think I get more out of it in a 16x20.
But just curious of other roughs, I love BHSR, but it's twisted.
I really don't like the KB Max Power Rough, and the Proline II Rough, they are really dead feeling, must be the pre-stretch. Hawk Rough feels like a more expensive KB. Lux Rough is great, but pricey and loses that magic -- or that's what everyone keeps saying. I think I get more out of it in a 16x20.
But just curious of other roughs, I love BHSR, but it's twisted.
BBender716
Semi-Pro
Ok going to string up my two Angells, one with Legend mains vs MSV cofocus crosses and one with Cream crosses.
Might try Ghostwire next. Any tension recommendations? I'm thinking ~58 gut and 55 poly, since I'm used to a full bed of poly around 52.
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Might try Ghostwire next. Any tension recommendations? I'm thinking ~58 gut and 55 poly, since I'm used to a full bed of poly around 52.
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smithie
Rookie
Hi all, I'm looking for some advice/hypothetical hybrid spit balling.
I currently use VS Touch (black) 1.30 / YPTP (graphite) 1.25 in my Wilson Ultra Tour and I really enjoy the set up (in particular the comfort). However, I am considering trying to open up the tight string pattern slightly by switching to VS Team 1.25 / YPTF 1.20, in the I hope it would give me more access to spin (albeit only a little) yet maintaining the same comfort level as before. The thought process being that the lower diameter gut will offset the slightly stiffer cross string to roughly the same comfort & power level as the original setup, whilst increasing the overall spin potential due to the lower string-string COF provided by YPTF.
In my head it theoretically works, but I was hoping that there would be someone out there that has tried these combinations and can comment on the differences between the two. If it helps, my current set up is strung at 50/48.
I currently use VS Touch (black) 1.30 / YPTP (graphite) 1.25 in my Wilson Ultra Tour and I really enjoy the set up (in particular the comfort). However, I am considering trying to open up the tight string pattern slightly by switching to VS Team 1.25 / YPTF 1.20, in the I hope it would give me more access to spin (albeit only a little) yet maintaining the same comfort level as before. The thought process being that the lower diameter gut will offset the slightly stiffer cross string to roughly the same comfort & power level as the original setup, whilst increasing the overall spin potential due to the lower string-string COF provided by YPTF.
In my head it theoretically works, but I was hoping that there would be someone out there that has tried these combinations and can comment on the differences between the two. If it helps, my current set up is strung at 50/48.
Sardines
Professional
If you like YPTP, try PT Fire. It's slick and extended my gut life by 20-30%. A stiffer but cheaper and better tension holding slick poly is the Tecnifibre Pro Red Code Wax.Currently use Tecnifibre X-1 main/Yonex PTP cross. Love it but I snap this in about ~10 hours of court time.
I know it'll definitely play better, but would gut be a more durable mains (wont break as fast)? If so, how much longer you thinking?
For poly crosses I prioritize:
-playability duration/consistency (doesn't go dead suddenly like Lux ALU variants, reason I use PTP)
-round/slick (for spin and to extend gut life)
-comfort,
-touch/feel,
-price
-power
in that order.
I like PTP right now, but eyeing up wilson revolve and 4G/Soft (but the $$ on 4G :S ).
Where do you snap the strings? If it's the center, then I doubt you're going to get any additional durability switching strings. You may want to add string savers for a bit more life.
I used PTF1.2 and it is a little stiffer and a little less 'feel' than PTP1.2. I would suggest you try PTF1.2 with VST1.3 first, and use a lower tension by 1-2lbs.
I also find VST Black to play stiffer than the gut color, so you may be in for a significant change in feel, with the lower weight (affecting twist and swing weight slightly) and additional movement.
I use VST1.25 for special occasions only, because I can't get more than 4-5 hrs, and the power change from 1.3-1.25 is noticeable, so I have to up the tension from 58 to 63, with a 10% prestretch.
Yes, usually it snaps in the middle/upper middle of one of the two center gut mains.
Tonight, I went with full poly at a low tension and played really well with it, but now I have some wrist tenderness. This is something I never get with a hybrid.
I will try string savers next. Thanks for the tip!
Does anyone know if going a thinner gauge in the poly cross increases or decreases durability in the gut? I am finding if I go 18g vs 17g that the gut seems to break more easily.
Is this in my head, or is there science behind this?
Sardines
Professional
Depends on the poly. A shaped poly will cut into the mains quicker. However a smooth round or flat poly, especially those with PE/Silicone infusions/coatings, will reduce friction and enhance durability.
smithie
Rookie
Cheers, I will give PTF and VST1.3 first and assess from there
I think the thinner gauge cross string digs into the gut mains more aggressively causing it to notch and break faster. I would use a 16L/ 17g crosses instead of 18. I’ve had good results with signum pro poly plasma. That’s my go to cross string
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thatguyoverthere440
Rookie
Update: almost 20 hours with Tonic longevity and it looks like it could keep going for another 8-10 (hopefully). Really happy and should have jumped ship to gut mains sooner *shrug*.
What's the feel like on PRCW? In particular, touch and comfort (though not as big a deal since gut mains mostly takes care of that).
~thatguy
Thanks! I'll look into those.
What's the feel like on PRCW? In particular, touch and comfort (though not as big a deal since gut mains mostly takes care of that).
~thatguy
Sardines
Professional
For me, it's comfortable and does the job of being a slick. PTF's silicone infusion does last longer than the PRCW, which wears off visibly.
I’m having a brain freeze, what is PRCW?
Grieeegoorr
Rookie
I think it is Tecnifibre's Pro Red Code Wax
Oh ok, thanks.
Been completely enamored with Tecnifibre Ice Code the last month or so. Strung up 17g Lux natural gut with 18g Ice Code crosses on my Ultra Tour at 55/52 and it's fantastic. It's a relatively stiff, control oriented string but does not feel stiff on contact, and it tames the gut because it still plays like a stiffer poly. Love this string both full bed and gut/poly hybrid.
thatguyoverthere440
Rookie
Depends on gauge, what string you're comparing to, and racquet.
For me, I normally break Tecnifibre x one 16/Yonex ptp 16L in ~10 hours of play. Currently approaching 20 hours on Tonic 15L/Yonex PTP 16L and it's still got a good chunk of life in them. Plan to keep updating.
Back when I used to play full 16L poly in a babolat tweener frame, they'd sometimes pop around 20 give or take a few hours, but I usually cut them out before then.
I suspect Lux gut would be more durable given the same gauge. Also, I wouldn't use ALU for a cross since it dies so fast and suddenly.
Hope this helps.
~thatguy
Roland G
Hall of Fame
It does, thank you
BBender716
Semi-Pro
Anyone have a good tension recommendation for Klip Legend / Ghostwire?
I am worried about too much power and thinking something like 58/55 or 60/56.
I'm used to shaped polys in a full bed but I should probably quit while I'm ahead arm-wise and technique-wise.
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I am worried about too much power and thinking something like 58/55 or 60/56.
I'm used to shaped polys in a full bed but I should probably quit while I'm ahead arm-wise and technique-wise.
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BBender716
Semi-Pro
After much debate I'm going to go Klip Legend @ 58 vs YPTP @ 55 after typically being a full poly guy. Let's go!
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Head Hawk Touch 17. Tad lively when new but settles in and stays pretty consistent. Might need to string it a few lbs higher as it's pretty soft.
tennisbike
Professional
Anyone uses SM to track tension on their gut/poly hybrid string bed?
Probably because of the cheap gut I used. Twice, the tension continued to drop by the hour until it stabilized at about 30/30lb. Because of this I will not string that particular setup. Although at 30/30 it still played pretty well but not as well as my other sticks.
Probably because of the cheap gut I used. Twice, the tension continued to drop by the hour until it stabilized at about 30/30lb. Because of this I will not string that particular setup. Although at 30/30 it still played pretty well but not as well as my other sticks.
BBender716
Semi-Pro
I've tried Gut/Ghostwire and Gut/Cyclone and for some reason I'm having trouble getting used to the feeling compared to Hyper G or Poly/poly hybrids.
Is there any benefit at all to poly mains vs gut crosses? Or should I instead look at sharp poly mains and round crosses moving forward?
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Is there any benefit at all to poly mains vs gut crosses? Or should I instead look at sharp poly mains and round crosses moving forward?
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It is an easier transition from playing full poly to poly/gut. Provides better feel and power. Easier on the arm. Not quite as much spin as full poly.
BBender716
Semi-Pro
Is it still better to go with a slick poly in the mains or will a shaped poly still be ok with gut? Leaning towards Alu Power or Max Power or Cyclone mains.
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Have always used a smooth poly like Alu in the mains. Max Power would work as well and would hold tension much better than Alu or Cyclone.
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