wax mains before installing crosses for iso-speed control???

[nalbandian_fan]

in the description for the Iso-speed Control 16 it reads:

Note: Iso-Speed string is pre-stretched. However, due to the string's unique properties, the manufacturer recommends that stringers increase tension by 10% and wax the mains before installing cross strings.

Am i supposed to take this seriously?

 

[diredesire]

In the worst case, the string will probably burn a little and unravel. The isospeed style strings (polyolefine ribbons) do tend to be a bit sticky upon installation, and a lot of people DO recommend dropping the 10%. The waxing, however, is probably not such a big deal, but if the manufacturer is recommending it, there is PROBABLY some truth behind it...

If you don't have wax, or don't want to buy wax, etc, then don't, it's probably not the end of the world.

However, wax that is great for stringing is nice, and easy to find. Walmart's canning section often times has blocks of parrafin wax, you should be able to purchase a life-time supply for about $5.

It's useful for installing tricky strings like gut, so take it FWIW.

 

[ambro]

In the worst case, the string will probably burn a little and unravel. The isospeed style strings (polyolefine ribbons) do tend to be a bit sticky upon installation, and a lot of people DO recommend dropping the 10%. The waxing, however, is probably not such a big deal, but if the manufacturer is recommending it, there is PROBABLY some truth behind it...

If you don't have wax, or don't want to buy wax, etc, then don't, it's probably not the end of the world.

However, wax that is great for stringing is nice, and easy to find. Walmart's canning section often times has blocks of parrafin wax, you should be able to purchase a life-time supply for about $5.

It's useful for installing tricky strings like gut, so take it FWIW.

With these you INCREASE tension 10%, not decrease. I think you probably were just typing faster than you were thinking on that part.

I just use a candle for wax when I use Iso-Speed strings. I just take the hardest one I can find. With this I've found the harder the better. If it is too soft it will stick all over the strings and will be hard to weave, and also will get onto your clamps' gripping surface, making them slip. Avoid soft waxes for this job.

 

[uk_skippy]

Iso-speed do make a special waxed pad for use with their strings. Iso-speed dealers should have access to these.

Paul

 

[diredesire]

With these you INCREASE tension 10%, not decrease. I think you probably were just typing faster than you were thinking on that part.

I just use a candle for wax when I use Iso-Speed strings. I just take the hardest one I can find. With this I've found the harder the better. If it is too soft it will stick all over the strings and will be hard to weave, and also will get onto your clamps' gripping surface, making them slip. Avoid soft waxes for this job.

Yep, thanks for that catch, i think i was in luxilon mode when replying

 

[Davai]

Why would Iso Speed, or any manf., recommend increasing the tension by 10%?

 

[MTChong]

Why would Iso Speed, or any manf., recommend increasing the tension by 10%?

Probably to account for a large initial drop in tension.

 

[Kevo]

I didn't wax when I strung with them, and as long as you fan the crosses when pulling you should be fine. If you tried to pull them straight through it would be tough. I fan crosses as a rule on any string so it's no different for me. I did raise 10%, but I think on a constant pull machine that it might be better to start with 5% maybe. They were a bit too stiff at 10%.

 

[mowcopian]

i wouldn't of waxed them either dont need too.

 

[FischProN1]

I don't wax the main, but you can't string very fast because the string have a lot of friction.
Be careful when you install the cross and icrease the tension as it's explained on the packaging.

 

[Davai]

Probably to account for a large initial drop in tension.

I was afraid that that was the reason. If the strings are going to lose so much initial tension then what good are the strings?
I'm not sure but don't they have a kevlar component?

 

[diredesire]

I was afraid that that was the reason. If the strings are going to lose so much initial tension then what good are the strings?
I'm not sure but don't they have a kevlar component?

There's a large INITIAL drop, but they hold pretty well afterwards, they're made of polyolefine ribbons, with no aramid present, that i know of.

 

[ambro]

When strung at 55 lbs, they actually lose about 8 more lbs. initially than a multi such as Yonex 880 Ti or Laserfibre Supreme... Found that out through a school project.

 

[chayajay]

Use a v pattern when stringing it, and be careful don't pull the crosses through to fast, you will be fine. Just imagine your stinging natural gut and you will be fine.

 

[TennsDog]

I was afraid that that was the reason. If the strings are going to lose so much initial tension then what good are the strings?
I'm not sure but don't they have a kevlar component?

You are supposed to string 10% and then not play with it for 24 hours. This lets the strings drop tension to the tension that they will settle into for pretty much the life of the strings. Once they lose the first 10%, they don't lose much tension at all after that until they break. So I do suggest adding the 10% in tension.

As for waxing, I won't string Iso-Speed without waxing anymore. I didn't for the first part of my first time, and it was awful. I could barely get the string through while weaving and I know it wasn't pulling the full tension, there was just so much stickiness between strings (especially full IS job). I use a block of canning wax and it works great. It leaves little residue on the strings (which can be wiped away before play if desired) and makes a big difference in ease of stringing.

I don't think they have any kevlar in them, but don't quote me on that. I actually find IS Control to be one of the softest strings I have ever played with.

 

[PBODY99]

in the description for the Iso-speed Control 16 it reads:

Note: Iso-Speed string is pre-stretched. However, due to the string's unique properties, the manufacturer recommends that stringers increase tension by 10% and wax the mains before installing cross strings.

Am i supposed to take this seriously?

Let's look at this from the Manufactures viewpoint. In order to keep selling a string that is made with a different set of materials than the other strings on the market, you had better let me know how to get the most out of the purchase. Tennis players don't give out LETS on court or off on a whim.

So, yes please do. The wax helps, the extra ten% and letting it sit<which can be tricky when you get a rush job at a tournament> does make a difference.