What tension for poly / kevlar hybrid newbie?

[a529612]

I just bought these strings but not sure what "default" tension to start with. I'll probably start at mid range. I've never played with poly / kevlar before and have been using synthetic gut all my life. Should I raise or lower the tension by 10% to compensate for initial tension loss? Should I also experiment with different tension on the mains and crosses (by how much?) or should I change only one thing at a time? The racquet in question is Puma Boris Becker Super PCS. Thanks!

Ashaway Crossfire 17 Kevlar
Ashaway Crossfire 18 Kevlar
Gamma TNT2 Fusion Plus 19

 

[avdiscolo]

If the manufacturer does not provide tension guidance, I first try the mains at 10% lower than the crosses.

Ashaway recommends stringing the mains at 15-20% lower than the crosses (which stay at your normal syn gut tension). I just tried Crossfire 18 at 50# mains and 59# crosses in my Head Flexpoint Radical Tour and it still seemed much firmer than other hybrids that I've tried (maybe because the syn gut that comes with Crossfire does not seem to be very soft). If I were to try it again, I would probably try 47# mains and 59# crosses.

I have had very nice results stringing Fusion Plus 19 mains at 10% lower than the crosses.

If it turns out that you really like Fusion Plus 19, I am trying to sell/trade a partial reel of the kevlar mains. See the For Sale forum.

Anthony

 

[a529612]

As a rule of thumb for poly / kevlar, should I start with 10% lower or 10% higher than my usual syn gut tension as "default" to compensate for the extra stiffness and initial tension loss?

 

[safin_protege]

I don't know about kevlar, but most polyester manufacturers recommend stringing 10% less than normal.

 

[roddick_rulz]

its more preference though so try different things and see what you like

 

[steve s]

I would start with either string with a sys gut. These strings are very hard on the arm. Together, kiss your arm good bye

 

[roddick_rulz]

ya thats verytrue