Lots of good points made. I've been stringing my own for over 20 years and I'm very sensitive to how different strings perform. One point I'd add is that temperature is another factor that influences how a racquet feels. Use lower string tension as it gets colder. A local pro I know uses three identically set up racquets with the exception of string tension to accommodate different conditions.
Easily the best string tension video I have ever watched and I watched like 20 of them. Using 48 pounds softer polys too, but I have the best feeling and control in the first 2 hours :)
He's right that it really depends. The rule is that higher tension = more control, and because I have terrible control I have always strung high (64 lbs) since I took up the game again 12 years ago. Also I tend to hit a little long. Recently I got a stringing machine and have been experimenting. I dropped down to 57 (I figure it's 55 after breaking in) and the difference has been amazing. Also my favorite strings have been the soft co-polys. You'd think I'd be launching the ball all over the place and long. Instead the strings give in to the ball which has helped me feel the ball much better, better topspin, better control, counter to conventional wisdom. I've never felt so connected to the ball. So the answer is it depends on the player, the racquet, and the string.
In the 80's, racket tension was 65-75 pounds because people were using natural or synthetic gut. In the 90's Kevlar and polyester strings began to increase in popularity and the racket manufacturers dropped tension on the rackets because they didn't want people injuring themselves by stringing polyester strings with high tension. In addition, rackets were less powerful due to smaller head size and greater flexibility. I used the 2014 PS90 up until last year and switched to the RF97. I would string my PS90 with natural gut at 65lbs. When I switched rackets the RF97 was so much more powerful than my PS90 that I had to tone down the power of the natural gut so I started using Wilson Revolve in the crosses. After testing and making adjustments I settled on natural gut at 62lbs in the mains and revolve in the crosses at 58lbs. I am a 4.5 all court player that loves to serve and volley. Once I get use to this powerful frame I will go back to natural gut at maybe 67lbs. Nothing beats the playability of natural gut and if you are a player that loves to finish points at the net the drop the poly. Your style of play also have a lot to do with string type and tension.
Thank you, this has been very helpful. I am an older playing coming back from the days of continental grip and playing with a stiffer tension of 65 lbs. I have switched to a semi western grip and now will need to test lower tensions.
I play with 24/23 kg (53/51 lb) on a Prestige MID and a Luxilon Alu Power 125 string. It feels great from the beginning and gets a little hard to control during the last hour before it breaks. My strings break after 10-20 hours, depending on who I'm practicing with. I think everyone needs to try out what feels best. Some pros like Volandri even play with 35 lb or less.
I recently returned to the game after a 30-year hiatus. When I was playing regularly back in the day, I would string my rackets at 55 lbs. That was the optimum performance for both the racket and the strings I used (polyester). Now I am looking at going lower, to 45-50 lbs. I hit a semi-western forehand (always have; it's the most comfortable to me because it produces heavy topspin and greater control) and a two-handed backhand. I can remember one of my teammates stringing his rackets at 65 lbs.
if I were rich I would string lower tension but because I am not I start with 54 and enjoy the last hours of the strings when they are loose as you said. thank you btw you are really good
I always use it with the highest tension for my raquet because I wanted control, but I notice that I like my swing after a couple of weeks. I will use lower tension next time. Thanks for the video
I used to play with Wilson SixOne 95 16x18 K-factor at 60lbs tension when I was at 30s, then BLX version at 55lbs, then the SixOne 95S at 53lbs when I was in 40s. From 50s until now, I use Clash 98 V1 (with added lead-tape) at 38lbs due to my elbow and wrist issues. I was surprised that I got decent control at that low tension. I do use tennis-spin-maker to increase string-to- ball friction. FYI, I am 4.5 level and use topspin cyber blue 16g most of the time.
I find the racquet recommendations are just about always 50-60 without thought. For example, that Pro Staff is widely acknowledged as underpowered and guidance should be at least 45-55 or lower. May not be case with all OEMs. I use 48 with 1.20 Polys and love it.
I'm in the midst of transitioning from a Prince Graphite 110 from the late 80s when I was playing competitive tennis in high school to a new racquet because I'm now picking the game back up at the age of 50 and would love your recommendation on a racquet, strings, and tension. I've demoed a few frames from a local shop but most everything has an enormous trampoline effect even though the racquets I've demoed I was told that they were in the "control" category which is the farthest from the "power" category. What I liked about my old Prince is that I felt like I could swing as hard as I could and keep it deep in the court with good control. Kinda like Agassi did it back in the day. Thank you very much for your help.
A quick note: If your style is spin-oriented and you are playing with a spin-friendly racket less tension might mean more control. Less tension => more spin => more control.
The string tension for the racquet is usually on the inside shaft. BUT... what would be the recommended string tension (range) PER STRING TYPE, (polyester / multifilament / gut), for a given racquet ? That would be very useful information. Any advice on that?
Great video. I have always had my racquets strung at 64 pounds because I've always had my racquets strung at 64 pounds. I'm going to experiment with different tensions and see how I like them.
Pure Aero...hybrid setup...Hyper G soft 17 gage at 51 lbs. in the mains. Dunlop S-gut 17 gage in the crosses at 56 lbs. Plays nicely after the first hour. Controllable and spin friendly. I went back to a hybrid setup after having control issues with synthetic gut. Works for me. Yes, I know...Dunlop S-gut is cheap string...but in combination with the softer Hyper G...both at 17 gage...it's a very nice setup. Playability for u will depend on your game. If your strings are too loose and you're hitting outside of the lines a lot...you'll start to adjust your natural stroke production and that will cause confidence ssues, or if you continue to hit out and lose points that you should have won, that'll cause confidence issues. Anytime you have to think about controlling/adjusting your natural swing...it's a distractor...and will negatively influence your game. I see pros having the same issue. If they'd only strung 2 lbs. tighter. My take is a little different than what was in the video. I string for keeping my heavy drives in the court. I find it easier to adjust/control my mid court shots than to dial back on my power drives. Maybe I'm just saying it differently.
I use Racket (old one) Head Liquimetal Radical MP 630cm² at 340g (6g~ silicon in handle, lead in 10 & 2 o clock) - that weight includes everything including damper and overgrip. Strings / Tension: Head Velocity MLT 17 (1,25mm) with 25kg / 24kg. I string it myself. But it wears very quick. I have to re-string every 4-5h. Sweet right from start.
Don't know why I watched this but I did. I say that because I don't play tennis these days although I grew up ( a long time ago) playing tennis. I always found the first couple of times after a restring the racket felt good but then it felt great for the next 4 or 5 times although I had no clue why. After that something happened and the strings were never as good. Thanks for your explanation which I found really interesting. I will get back to playing tennis at some stage when I have a bit more time. I am one of those that were taught to use a continental grip for everything - I used to love playing on fast grass.
I have found the same over the years. I agree that the first couple of times out the racquet is extra crisp then goes to normal mode. I’m sure tension loss is part of it but I believe it is also the strings elasticity is what we all notice reducing. It is another way of saying tension but explains why the top pros get their racquets restrung hours before a match. I’m no pro but I do like playing with my clash 100 and freshly strung 4G on the day of a restring!
Just getting back into the game after a long time away. Thank you for continuing to produce these great videos. Strung around 55lbs back-in-the day but I am going to go for a lower tension now. Hope to try Confidential strings soon.
If you haven't already, please do. I fell in love with the strings right away. I've got my Pro Staff 97 strung up with Confidential 17G in the Mains @54lbs and Gamma Live Wire Professional 17G in the Crosses @56lbs. I don't have arm issues, but it is super soft and crisp at the same time. Not to say it feels dampened though, still plenty of feel.
The “recommend tension range” was built when the only strings on the market were high powered gut and syn gut, never go above 50 for a poly unless you use a hybrid, I love using 46/44 full bed poly in a blade
I don't know if it's all the modern synthetic string, but today's players are too finicky. When I was learning to play, we played until the string broke. (And I heard Chris Everett say the same thing.)
It's totally different b/c of the types of strings being used today. Syn Gut vs Poly/Co-Poly etc due to tension maintenance. Then you factor in crazy stuff like Kevlar strings etc. Natural Gut maintains tension far better than multi/syn and Poly, while also having power, feel and being easier on the arm. I'm currently using a Poly/Multi hybrid strung at 53(M)/51(P) and it feels good, gives me power and can play with no arm issues. So far ;)
I injured my elbow playing with dead strings. Waiting for strings to break is no longer a good idea because few people now string with natural gut like Chris Evert played with in her youth. Poly strings become bagged and too loose after about 10-12 hours of play. Synthetic strings become stiffer and unforgiving when they are dead. And, just like it is not recommended to play with dead strings, it is also not recommended that anyone play with dead balls for the same reason.
Thanks for the video. Please do a video about the tension difference between mains and crosses. I assume that the shape of the head, length and with of the head, no of main strings and no of cross strings has influence on that. I string like 200 racquets a year, and see quite a lot of deformation of the head after stringing. Like the head to loose or to tight in the arms of the machine. Most of the very experienced players often ask just 1 KG difference between mains and crosses even when they have a 18x19 string pattern. Thanks!
I've been playing for the last year with the Prince Textreme 120 with Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 (16 Guage) at 62 lbs. I'm 64 and played in college (#1 singles and doubles) for a D3 school. I've been playing USTA leagues at the 4.5 level since then. The Prince 120 has an extremely high power rating (1,600) vs about 800 for the older Prince Pro 100. So the 120 needs high tension to keep the ball in the court and the Tourna string plays well at that tension and lasts over 25 hours before breaking. And it maintains tension better than any other string I've ever used.
RPM Blast at 53 lbs on my Wilson Prostaff RF97 Autograph and other Prostaff racquets e.g. 95, K Factor 90. It's good pretty much from the start but probably feels best 1 hour in right until the string starts to loosen right towards the end (the mains start to move from tension loss). Have tried 49, 51, 52 pounds and preferred 53.
I'm a 4.5 and string my babolat PD with Lux ALU Power Fluoro at 57lbs. Everyone says I'm crazy for using such a high tension, but my strings feel good for a while. A few hours before they're about to pop, they start to feel dead... So I think I've found a good tension.
I have been playing with Solinco TourBite @48 for about 6 years now. Hate it for 1-2 sessions, then I love it for a month or so (I hit 3 times a week) after that it feels like I am hitting a rock with a paper bat!
Have you heard of the Racquet Tune app? It measures the string tension based on the sound. To my surprise, the actual tension on the racquet is much lower than what you get it strung for - even when freshly done on a calibrated machine. What tension should I go by? The machine number or the actual tension?
Another informative video, thank you. Just moved to Wilson Revolve Spin 16 @ 52lbs in my TF40. Played great from the outset and still happy approx 8hrs in. Moved from Cyclone Tour @ 50lbs.
I've used a hybrid setup at 58lbs for awhile, works well for me. I generally like it from freshly strung to midway through its life cycle. I'm not a huge fan of the strings towards the point it is going to break.
Isospeed Baseline Control 1.30 mm (poly) in a Prince Phantom Pro 100 at 55#, the max end of the printed range. Exploring lower tensions: just re- strung at 53#. Racquettune app says the string bed tension dropped from 47 (fresh strung) to 42 after five hours of play
Wilson Clash Tour with Hyper G 16L at 52. Ideal. Wilson Blade 98 with Velocity MLT at 52 lbs. This is my test winter setup. Still trying to figure this one out. Might want to go for lower tension for more power in Blade.
Where did you hear that? 2007 US Open he used Luxillon Big Banger at 66 lb, so definitely not loose at all. He also played with an OS racquet so the tension recommendation is normally higher than traditional 97-100 in heads.
@@HougieBOOM He mentioned that the heaviest racket with the lowest tension would be “the best” setup during an interview. Unfortunately I can’t find the video right now. If I do I’ll post it here.
What are the best tensions for hybrid, specifically the difference between the crosses and main. I have found Techinibre Touch Gut (52lb) in the mains and Technifibre X-1 Bi-phase (56lb) in their thinnest diameter. For the first hour the racquet felt it was connected to my hand and it was part of my arm with a perfect sense of touch and a radar. After the first hour it played excellent but less than the magical first hour. If you are having any tennis elbow problems it is the perfect Hybrid Stinging that gives a ton of spin when called upon. Try It!
I have a Yonex VC 100 and use the cheapest synthetic gut string I can buy at 65 lbs. Cut strings out about every 3 months. After the first couple of sets the tension seems to stabilize. I double tie all of my knots.
59Ibs from the stringing machine by the time I hit it's closer to 57Ibs l, but dont tend to like playing anything below 50Ibs, I find I like the racket tension between 52-57Ibs fully poly setup on a older head speed graphene xt pro, with a western/semi western grip, on 18x20 string, plus the pro is a heavier frame and I have a bit of additional weight, I hit I use a monofitament but currently using the rpm blast strong again, majority of club players find my racket to heavy and the strings to tight but It works perfect for me
I’m now using Gosen AK Pro CX after watching your video on it. I’m also using Triax 1.33 on my Gravity Pro. Tension is 57lbs on my Prestige MP and RF97A and 58lbs on my Gravity Pro and 55lbs on my Srixon CX200 Tour 18x20. I personally like it right off the stringing machine.
That 8-10 hours is spot on. I change racquets when I realize that I have to add spin to keep the ball in the court and then it goes in the restring pile.
Took years, but I found the perfect combination for my game: Wilson Clash 100, Yonex Polytour Pro 17g strung at 50 lb. I get great topspin, underspin, flat shots, drop shots, lobs, volleys. And I wait till the string breaks, it still plays well.
I’ve got frozen shoulder so I have to go super weenie with my strings, lol. Luckily I hit a very flat ball so I’m not typically a big breaker. I just put a full bed of the new NXT Soft 16 in my Clash 100 at 48 and after a couple hours it really settled in. Sounds like an absolute whip.
Love your videos! Can you do a review of the major tennis ball machines? When and who should look for what features, like speed, spin, oscillation. Which manufacturers are more reliable and which machines are easier to repair?
About tension, power, control I would be curious to see an analysis of the resulting laws of physics, i.e. when the strings get tighter a powerful shot will probably squash the ball more than a powerful shot with low tension where the strings take the bend. The cumulated and differential bending of the ball and the strings might be worthwhile calculating (if at all possible)
Gotta couple of Prince Graphite Pro 110, rec tension is 70-80, went w/70, and a lux ruff, feels great! im 62 retired Navy, Might try it at 60 next time, killer racquet!
Head Microgel Prestige Pro strung with YTex ProTour Blue 1.25 @ 52lbs for colder weather and 53lbs for warm weather. I haven't found any other string that plays like YTex ProTour and I have tried dozens.
Excellent spin on this topic and well explained Mr Tennis Spin - most club level players don't pay much, if any, attention to strings or tensions. I love this subject having injured my wrist first time I played tennis 6-7yrs ago so I have spent a lot of time researching strings. Current setup is Blade98 CV with Alu pwr rough @ 48. Previously HyperG 16L @ 53 though I plan on experimenting at 48. I usually get 20-25 hrs of playing time before I cut it out.
I have 103 sq" frame, and I use 17 gauge synthetic gut. I have three near-identical rackets that I rotate. When I break a string, I restring it at 60 pounds and go on to the next racket. After two more string breaks, I'm back to that one again, but by now it probably has stretched out quite a bit by just sitting around for six months to a year. So it's not all that different from the one strung at 60 pounds that I just broke.
Perfect 👌🏻 video explaining why and how use some tension or not!!! Can you make a review about kirschbaum tenis strings??? It came to my attention that a professional woman (Kerber) playing with those !!!!
Was that dude Pete Sampras with a pro staff 6.0? 😂 glad you mentioned about that higher tension. I used to play way back in HS and thinking about playing again recreational. I know that even 65 are the way of the past. Before I left the game I was playing with a pro staff 6.0 or 6.1 hyper carbon stretch. I’m going to really have to adjust to getting my tension strung was looser now. Sampras was the only one in the 90s I knew that hit his forehead with a continental grip.
My set-up is 368g 315mm balance. I string at 72lb with 'Hybrid' on a 'drop weight' which means, in reality, it is 67lb on a constant pull machine and then after an hour or two of play it settles @62lb, I hit very flat/hard with eastern grip and one-handed b/hand at 5.0 level. I need the control, anything below 60lb I struggle to keep my shots in, too much power. I have been using this set-up for six years with no wrist, arm or shoulder issues. 183cm 96kg.
like it! just ask today, for a string tension of 48pounds, on RPM spin control 125. I am currenly with a rally where the ball drop just after the net. So after what you share it seems I did a good option. Ok I am that guy which strings once a year 😀. I really need a bit more power on my allways spin strokes. Lets see!
I have RPM Blast at 60 pounds. The first two hours the balls lands long but after that it lasts for about 30 hours of play. I tried 55 pounds but that went bad more quicker.
I plays a lot, but i'm argentinian have to be careful with money searching for the best ratio quality/price. So, if I have the bucks, I choose PLX Kirschbaum 48lbs. Second option Polystar turbo 1,35, Polystar Classic 1,25 in crossed at 40 lbs. Third the best pricing but pretty good in performance Kevlar 1,10 plus Polystar Classic 1,20 at 37 or so lbs. They all give me good crispy feeling, nice pocketing and pretty spin access... incredible sound power. I used to string with kevlar and multi but it looses too quickly, I had to hang the strings with someheft for two days so it stands better for 10 days at least... I got tired of such job.
i use luxilon liquid crystal polymer on my wilson blade 100L nd string tension of 53 lbs, no feelings of the ball when i use it,, i feel like iam using a wood rather than a string... should i lower my tension? from 53 can go to 40 or what? tnx please help me enjoy my racket..
new stringing of Luxilon 4G soft 16L and Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough 17 @ 60/59 lbs on kPro Staff 88. I hadn't been out much with it this past year.
Thanks. Nice video! I play RPM Blast, tension 26 kg. My favourite window is between 2 and 8 hours. Then I string it new. I don't like it directly after stringing.
Sweet spot for me begins around 1 hour into playing and lasts for about 6-10 hours thereafter depending upon the string. How about an episode devoted to recommended hybrid setups?
Tennis is a sport built around control and consistency most club players over hit and actually need less power that they control Especially considering most of them play doubles which requires more precision than singles using a trampoline effect might work for pros but is disastrous for club amateurs I have a novel idea if you want more power get stronger
@@henrik1743 No did not really hurt. So I used an oversized racket and the strings back then were not monofilament but multiber synthetic gut. Almost felt like natural gut. With todays strings it would be another story indeed. But I used a very high string tension indeed. No doubt about that.
That prostaff behind you... It took about 11 mins for it to stop swaying! :-)
Speaks to how headlight the Pro Staff is haha
@@joshuab1707 yeah exactly
It’s haunted.
Y’all forgot the babolat on the right
Thanks for fueling my OCD 🫠😬
"And he's..uh, you know... whatever", lol. Good discretion.
It's John McEnroe isn't it.
You use to do my strings wen I was playing at Marin tennis club, happy Too see your video
I started using your tension (48lb). I always used mid 50`s. But this "not so high and not so low" setup is really good.
Coming back to tennis after the early 80s. Now I'm caught up-- thanks!
Lots of good points made. I've been stringing my own for over 20 years and I'm very sensitive to how different strings perform. One point I'd add is that temperature is another factor that influences how a racquet feels. Use lower string tension as it gets colder. A local pro I know uses three identically set up racquets with the exception of string tension to accommodate different conditions.
Easily the best string tension video I have ever watched and I watched like 20 of them.
Using 48 pounds softer polys too, but I have the best feeling and control in the first 2 hours :)
That tidbit about stringing polys lighter to get the responsiveness is a game changer, thanks!
This was such a helpful breakdown of it all. Thank you so much!
He's right that it really depends. The rule is that higher tension = more control, and because I have terrible control I have always strung high (64 lbs) since I took up the game again 12 years ago. Also I tend to hit a little long.
Recently I got a stringing machine and have been experimenting. I dropped down to 57 (I figure it's 55 after breaking in) and the difference has been amazing. Also my favorite strings have been the soft co-polys. You'd think I'd be launching the ball all over the place and long. Instead the strings give in to the ball which has helped me feel the ball much better, better topspin, better control, counter to conventional wisdom. I've never felt so connected to the ball.
So the answer is it depends on the player, the racquet, and the string.
In the 80's, racket tension was 65-75 pounds because people were using natural or synthetic gut. In the 90's Kevlar and polyester strings began to increase in popularity and the racket manufacturers dropped tension on the rackets because they didn't want people injuring themselves by stringing polyester strings with high tension. In addition, rackets were less powerful due to smaller head size and greater flexibility. I used the 2014 PS90 up until last year and switched to the RF97. I would string my PS90 with natural gut at 65lbs. When I switched rackets the RF97 was so much more powerful than my PS90 that I had to tone down the power of the natural gut so I started using Wilson Revolve in the crosses. After testing and making adjustments I settled on natural gut at 62lbs in the mains and revolve in the crosses at 58lbs. I am a 4.5 all court player that loves to serve and volley. Once I get use to this powerful frame I will go back to natural gut at maybe 67lbs. Nothing beats the playability of natural gut and if you are a player that loves to finish points at the net the drop the poly. Your style of play also have a lot to do with string type and tension.
These tips help me a lot. Thanks ❤
Thank you, this has been very helpful. I am an older playing coming back from the days of continental grip and playing with a stiffer tension of 65 lbs. I have switched to a semi western grip and now will need to test lower tensions.
i went from 60 to 40s incredible benefits
I play with 24/23 kg (53/51 lb) on a Prestige MID and a Luxilon Alu Power 125 string. It feels great from the beginning and gets a little hard to control during the last hour before it breaks. My strings break after 10-20 hours, depending on who I'm practicing with. I think everyone needs to try out what feels best. Some pros like Volandri even play with 35 lb or less.
Excellent analysis. Pro-staff for life. Serve and volley baby.
go try the RF-01 pro, it’s for you.
I recently returned to the game after a 30-year hiatus. When I was playing regularly back in the day, I would string my rackets at 55 lbs. That was the optimum performance for both the racket and the strings I used (polyester). Now I am looking at going lower, to 45-50 lbs. I hit a semi-western forehand (always have; it's the most comfortable to me because it produces heavy topspin and greater control) and a two-handed backhand. I can remember one of my teammates stringing his rackets at 65 lbs.
if I were rich I would string lower tension but because I am not I start with 54 and enjoy the last hours of the strings when they are loose as you said. thank you btw you are really good
I always use it with the highest tension for my raquet because I wanted control, but I notice that I like my swing after a couple of weeks. I will use lower tension next time. Thanks for the video
You could also try a stiffer poly...
My history of strings tensions.
Age 20 using 57lbs
Age 25 using 55lbs
Age 28 using 53lbs
Age 29 using 50lbs
Now I'm 30, I'm using 48lbs
Good to know. I hit hard in high school with alot of spin and power and loved tight strings, but I'm 33 now so it's good to know where I should start.
I used to play with Wilson SixOne 95 16x18 K-factor at 60lbs tension when I was at 30s, then BLX version at 55lbs, then the SixOne 95S at 53lbs when I was in 40s. From 50s until now, I use Clash 98 V1 (with added lead-tape) at 38lbs due to my elbow and wrist issues. I was surprised that I got decent control at that low tension. I do use tennis-spin-maker to increase string-to- ball friction. FYI, I am 4.5 level and use topspin cyber blue 16g most of the time.
do we need to string the cross lower for full bed of polyester string?
Best string tension video . Thank you so much
I find the racquet recommendations are just about always 50-60 without thought. For example, that Pro Staff is widely acknowledged as underpowered and guidance should be at least 45-55 or lower. May not be case with all OEMs.
I use 48 with 1.20 Polys and love it.
I'm in the midst of transitioning from a Prince Graphite 110 from the late 80s when I was playing competitive tennis in high school to a new racquet because I'm now picking the game back up at the age of 50 and would love your recommendation on a racquet, strings, and tension. I've demoed a few frames from a local shop but most everything has an enormous trampoline effect even though the racquets I've demoed I was told that they were in the "control" category which is the farthest from the "power" category. What I liked about my old Prince is that I felt like I could swing as hard as I could and keep it deep in the court with good control. Kinda like Agassi did it back in the day. Thank you very much for your help.
I could have written this comment. Did you string your graphite 2 at 65 lbs too?:)
I did☝️
A quick note:
If your style is spin-oriented and you are playing with a spin-friendly racket less tension might mean more control.
Less tension => more spin => more control.
Great professional information. Thanks.
Wow man. I've learned so much fro your channel and I was wondering about this and was about to search other channels. STOP READING MY MIND!!!!!
This guy is low key hilarious
The string tension for the racquet is usually on the inside shaft. BUT... what would be the recommended string tension (range) PER STRING TYPE, (polyester / multifilament / gut), for a given racquet ?
That would be very useful information.
Any advice on that?
Great video. I have always had my racquets strung at 64 pounds because I've always had my racquets strung at 64 pounds. I'm going to experiment with different tensions and see how I like them.
192,764 views, 2.9k likes, 418 comments, 61.3k subscribers. Nice!!
Fantastic video thank you!
Pure Aero...hybrid setup...Hyper G soft 17 gage at 51 lbs. in the mains. Dunlop S-gut 17 gage in the crosses at 56 lbs. Plays nicely after the first hour. Controllable and spin friendly.
I went back to a hybrid setup after having control issues with synthetic gut. Works for me.
Yes, I know...Dunlop S-gut is cheap string...but in combination with the softer Hyper G...both at 17 gage...it's a very nice setup. Playability for u will depend on your game.
If your strings are too loose and you're hitting outside of the lines a lot...you'll start to adjust your natural stroke production and that will cause confidence ssues, or if you continue to hit out and lose points that you should have won, that'll cause confidence issues. Anytime you have to think about controlling/adjusting your natural swing...it's a distractor...and will negatively influence your game.
I see pros having the same issue. If they'd only strung 2 lbs. tighter.
My take is a little different than what was in the video. I string for keeping my heavy drives in the court. I find it easier to adjust/control my mid court shots than to dial back on my power drives. Maybe I'm just saying it differently.
Thank you.
I use Racket (old one) Head Liquimetal Radical MP 630cm² at 340g (6g~ silicon in handle, lead in 10 & 2 o clock) - that weight includes everything including damper and overgrip. Strings / Tension: Head Velocity MLT 17 (1,25mm) with 25kg / 24kg. I string it myself. But it wears very quick. I have to re-string every 4-5h. Sweet right from start.
This really good info on string tension.
Don't know why I watched this but I did. I say that because I don't play tennis these days although I grew up ( a long time ago) playing tennis. I always found the first couple of times after a restring the racket felt good but then it felt great for the next 4 or 5 times although I had no clue why. After that something happened and the strings were never as good. Thanks for your explanation which I found really interesting. I will get back to playing tennis at some stage when I have a bit more time. I am one of those that were taught to use a continental grip for everything - I used to love playing on fast grass.
I have found the same over the years. I agree that the first couple of times out the racquet is extra crisp then goes to normal mode. I’m sure tension loss is part of it but I believe it is also the strings elasticity is what we all notice reducing. It is another way of saying tension but explains why the top pros get their racquets restrung hours before a match.
I’m no pro but I do like playing with my clash 100 and freshly strung 4G on the day of a restring!
Just getting back into the game after a long time away. Thank you for continuing to produce these great videos. Strung around 55lbs back-in-the day but I am going to go for a lower tension now. Hope to try Confidential strings soon.
If you haven't already, please do. I fell in love with the strings right away. I've got my Pro Staff 97 strung up with Confidential 17G in the Mains @54lbs and Gamma Live Wire Professional 17G in the Crosses @56lbs. I don't have arm issues, but it is super soft and crisp at the same time. Not to say it feels dampened though, still plenty of feel.
Confidential 17g is the most optimal string
The “recommend tension range” was built when the only strings on the market were high powered gut and syn gut, never go above 50 for a poly unless you use a hybrid, I love using 46/44 full bed poly in a blade
How about poly with multi in the cross @ 52/55
@@simi9222 yeah, the multi balances out the stiffer polyester, that’s when I use poly above 50.
I don't know if it's all the modern synthetic string, but today's players are too finicky. When I was learning to play, we played until the string broke. (And I heard Chris Everett say the same thing.)
It's totally different b/c of the types of strings being used today. Syn Gut vs Poly/Co-Poly etc due to tension maintenance. Then you factor in crazy stuff like Kevlar strings etc. Natural Gut maintains tension far better than multi/syn and Poly, while also having power, feel and being easier on the arm.
I'm currently using a Poly/Multi hybrid strung at 53(M)/51(P) and it feels good, gives me power and can play with no arm issues. So far ;)
I injured my elbow playing with dead strings. Waiting for strings to break is no longer a good idea because few people now string with natural gut like Chris Evert played with in her youth. Poly strings become bagged and too loose after about 10-12 hours of play. Synthetic strings become stiffer and unforgiving when they are dead. And, just like it is not recommended to play with dead strings, it is also not recommended that anyone play with dead balls for the same reason.
@@boogie7778 Thanks for the info.
@@tedneanderthal7373 Thanks for the info.
I got the clash 100 pro. Use rough poly in the mains and synthetic gut on crosses. 48 lbs mains and 44 lbs in crosses
Thanks for the video. Please do a video about the tension difference between mains and crosses. I assume that the shape of the head, length and with of the head, no of main strings and no of cross strings has influence on that. I string like 200 racquets a year, and see quite a lot of deformation of the head after stringing. Like the head to loose or to tight in the arms of the machine. Most of the very experienced players often ask just 1 KG difference between mains and crosses even when they have a 18x19 string pattern. Thanks!
Volkl cyclone 17 at 52 optimum after 2 hours and last a couple of weeks ( playing 4/5 times a week) on my Yonex Ezone 98 +
Lmao same man except on a normal dr98
I've been playing for the last year with the Prince Textreme 120 with Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 (16 Guage) at 62 lbs. I'm 64 and played in college (#1 singles and doubles) for a D3 school. I've been playing USTA leagues at the 4.5 level since then. The Prince 120 has an extremely high power rating (1,600) vs about 800 for the older Prince Pro 100. So the 120 needs high tension to keep the ball in the court and the Tourna string plays well at that tension and lasts over 25 hours before breaking. And it maintains tension better than any other string I've ever used.
Thanks for one more very useful video.
RPM Blast at 53 lbs on my Wilson Prostaff RF97 Autograph and other Prostaff racquets e.g. 95, K Factor 90.
It's good pretty much from the start but probably feels best 1 hour in right until the string starts to loosen right towards the end (the mains start to move from tension loss).
Have tried 49, 51, 52 pounds and preferred 53.
love this guy
That was very informative. Really, useful.
I'm a 4.5 and string my babolat PD with Lux ALU Power Fluoro at 57lbs. Everyone says I'm crazy for using such a high tension, but my strings feel good for a while. A few hours before they're about to pop, they start to feel dead... So I think I've found a good tension.
I have been playing with Solinco TourBite @48 for about 6 years now. Hate it for 1-2 sessions, then I love it for a month or so (I hit 3 times a week) after that it feels like I am hitting a rock with a paper bat!
Have you heard of the Racquet Tune app? It measures the string tension based on the sound. To my surprise, the actual tension on the racquet is much lower than what you get it strung for - even when freshly done on a calibrated machine. What tension should I go by? The machine number or the actual tension?
Another informative video, thank you. Just moved to Wilson Revolve Spin 16 @ 52lbs in my TF40. Played great from the outset and still happy approx 8hrs in. Moved from Cyclone Tour @ 50lbs.
Good to know I'm not the only one who liked the racket right before the strings broke.
I've used a hybrid setup at 58lbs for awhile, works well for me. I generally like it from freshly strung to midway through its life cycle. I'm not a huge fan of the strings towards the point it is going to break.
Isospeed Baseline Control 1.30 mm (poly) in a Prince Phantom Pro 100 at 55#, the max end of the printed range.
Exploring lower tensions: just re- strung at 53#. Racquettune app says the string bed tension dropped from 47 (fresh strung) to 42 after five hours of play
Very good explanation about how to feel your game and choose the best option. Congrats!
Wilson Clash Tour with Hyper G 16L at 52. Ideal.
Wilson Blade 98 with Velocity MLT at 52 lbs. This is my test winter setup. Still trying to figure this one out. Might want to go for lower tension for more power in Blade.
Great review ❤
I go the Andre Agassi route. Heaviest racket I can handle with the loosest string tension that I can keep the balls in play.
Where did you hear that? 2007 US Open he used Luxillon Big Banger at 66 lb, so definitely not loose at all. He also played with an OS racquet so the tension recommendation is normally higher than traditional 97-100 in heads.
@@HougieBOOM He mentioned that the heaviest racket with the lowest tension would be “the best” setup during an interview. Unfortunately I can’t find the video right now. If I do I’ll post it here.
What are the best tensions for hybrid, specifically the difference between the crosses and main. I have found Techinibre Touch Gut (52lb) in the mains and Technifibre X-1 Bi-phase (56lb) in their thinnest diameter. For the first hour the racquet felt it was connected to my hand and it was part of my arm with a perfect sense of touch and a radar. After the first hour it played excellent but less than the magical first hour. If you are having any tennis elbow problems it is the perfect Hybrid Stinging that gives a ton of spin when called upon. Try It!
I have a Yonex VC 100 and use the cheapest synthetic gut string I can buy at 65 lbs. Cut strings out about every 3 months. After the first couple of sets the tension seems to stabilize. I double tie all of my knots.
59Ibs from the stringing machine by the time I hit it's closer to 57Ibs l, but dont tend to like playing anything below 50Ibs, I find I like the racket tension between 52-57Ibs fully poly setup on a older head speed graphene xt pro, with a western/semi western grip, on 18x20 string, plus the pro is a heavier frame and I have a bit of additional weight, I hit I use a monofitament but currently using the rpm blast strong again, majority of club players find my racket to heavy and the strings to tight but It works perfect for me
Wilson RF97 Autograph: Babolat Gut (15 g) (mains): 57 lbs, prince tour XT cross (18g) (cross), 54 lbs
Also Multi 55 lbs (mains)/ 52 lbs XT Cross
Becker 11 special edition: Multi mains (55 lbs)/ volkl vsquare cross 17 (52 lbs)
I’m now using Gosen AK Pro CX after watching your video on it. I’m also using Triax 1.33 on my Gravity Pro.
Tension is 57lbs on my Prestige MP and RF97A and 58lbs on my Gravity Pro and 55lbs on my Srixon CX200 Tour 18x20.
I personally like it right off the stringing machine.
Triax is such a great string. Feels like gut with a little more control
Excellent video ! I use Champions strings in my ProStaff and I love the tension from the start to the end. 22 g is good for me.
That 8-10 hours is spot on. I change racquets when I realize that I have to add spin to keep the ball in the court and then it goes in the restring pile.
I use BB Rough or Smooth at 51 pounds for the past 11 years in Prestige MPs. 52 is too tight for me.
Took years, but I found the perfect combination for my game: Wilson Clash 100, Yonex Polytour Pro 17g strung at 50 lb. I get great topspin, underspin, flat shots, drop shots, lobs, volleys. And I wait till the string breaks, it still plays well.
How many hours do you get before yonex poly tour pro breaks on you?
@@fuhuxia9432 I've been using it for months. Still hasn't broken. And it's able to retain the tension.
Good to hear. I just bought a reel of it 200meter yesterday 😁
I’ve got frozen shoulder so I have to go super weenie with my strings, lol. Luckily I hit a very flat ball so I’m not typically a big breaker. I just put a full bed of the new NXT Soft 16 in my Clash 100 at 48 and after a couple hours it really settled in. Sounds like an absolute whip.
I use old rackets! a Donnay pro one limited (Agassi Wimbledon '92)and Prince 110 G at 48 lbs!..with multy and work for me!
Love your videos! Can you do a review of the major tennis ball machines? When and who should look for what features, like speed, spin, oscillation. Which manufacturers are more reliable and which machines are easier to repair?
About tension, power, control I would be curious to see an analysis of the resulting laws of physics, i.e. when the strings get tighter a powerful shot will probably squash the ball more than a powerful shot with low tension where the strings take the bend. The cumulated and differential bending of the ball and the strings might be worthwhile calculating (if at all possible)
I like that intro
Gotta couple of Prince Graphite Pro 110, rec tension is 70-80, went w/70, and a lux ruff, feels great! im 62 retired Navy, Might try it at 60 next time, killer racquet!
Head Microgel Prestige Pro strung with YTex ProTour Blue 1.25 @ 52lbs for colder weather and 53lbs for warm weather. I haven't found any other string that plays like YTex ProTour and I have tried dozens.
Excellent spin on this topic and well explained Mr Tennis Spin - most club level players don't pay much, if any, attention to strings or tensions. I love this subject having injured my wrist first time I played tennis 6-7yrs ago so I have spent a lot of time researching strings. Current setup is Blade98 CV with Alu pwr rough @ 48. Previously HyperG 16L @ 53 though I plan on experimenting at 48. I usually get 20-25 hrs of playing time before I cut it out.
I have 103 sq" frame, and I use 17 gauge synthetic gut. I have three near-identical rackets that I rotate. When I break a string, I restring it at 60 pounds and go on to the next racket. After two more string breaks, I'm back to that one again, but by now it probably has stretched out quite a bit by just sitting around for six months to a year. So it's not all that different from the one strung at 60 pounds that I just broke.
I put rpm blast rough cut in there with the widest guage and can't tell the difference between the first hit and the day it breaks.
Perfect 👌🏻 video explaining why and how use some tension or not!!! Can you make a review about kirschbaum tenis strings??? It came to my attention that a professional woman (Kerber) playing with those !!!!
Really good content. Well Done.
im currently liking rpm blast strung at 51 and im liking it start to finish. gonna try wasabi/wasabi x combo at same tension see how that goes
With my rf97 i prefer 55 for my serve but i will admit that for everything else slightly lower is best
I have the new babolat pure aero 2023 and I will use a polytour strike. Should I use 49lb for main and 47 lb for cross
Was that dude Pete Sampras with a pro staff 6.0? 😂 glad you mentioned about that higher tension. I used to play way back in HS and thinking about playing again recreational. I know that even 65 are the way of the past. Before I left the game I was playing with a pro staff 6.0 or 6.1 hyper carbon stretch. I’m going to really have to adjust to getting my tension strung was looser now. Sampras was the only one in the 90s I knew that hit his forehead with a continental grip.
Best tension for a starter on the Babolat pure aero 2023?
My set-up is 368g 315mm balance. I string at 72lb with 'Hybrid' on a 'drop weight' which means, in reality, it is 67lb on a constant pull machine and then after an hour or two of play it settles @62lb, I hit very flat/hard with eastern grip and one-handed b/hand at 5.0 level. I need the control, anything below 60lb I struggle to keep my shots in, too much power. I have been using this set-up for six years with no wrist, arm or shoulder issues. 183cm 96kg.
The pro staff is still swinging to this day ❤
What is your recommendation for Wilson Blade v8, for elbow-friendly string?
like it!
just ask today, for a string tension of 48pounds, on RPM spin control 125.
I am currenly with a rally where the ball drop just after the net. So after what you share it seems I did a good option. Ok I am that guy which strings once a year 😀. I really need a bit more power on my allways spin strokes. Lets see!
head flex point radical (old school)with 28g more (15g in the grip 13g on the head, 58 lbs, with ARTENGO 990 SPIN - co- poly 1.27mm.
I have RPM Blast at 60 pounds. The first two hours the balls lands long but after that it lasts for about 30 hours of play. I tried 55 pounds but that went bad more quicker.
Hi, my Babolat pure drive tension says is 50 to 59. after 1 hr playing was perfect and i love it, What tension does my racquet have????
Thank you! Very interesting! Oliver from Germany
My prostaff 97 works great for my son at 50lbs with co-poly. For me i have trouble being aggressive with short balls and keeping them in.
I plays a lot, but i'm argentinian have to be careful with money searching for the best ratio quality/price. So, if I have the bucks, I choose PLX Kirschbaum 48lbs. Second option Polystar turbo 1,35, Polystar Classic 1,25 in crossed at 40 lbs. Third the best pricing but pretty good in performance Kevlar 1,10 plus Polystar Classic 1,20 at 37 or so lbs. They all give me good crispy feeling, nice pocketing and pretty spin access... incredible sound power. I used to string with kevlar and multi but it looses too quickly, I had to hang the strings with someheft for two days so it stands better for 10 days at least... I got tired of such job.
i use luxilon liquid crystal polymer on my wilson blade 100L nd string tension of 53 lbs, no feelings of the ball when i use it,, i feel like iam using a wood rather than a string... should i lower my tension? from 53 can go to 40 or what? tnx please help me enjoy my racket..
new stringing of Luxilon 4G soft 16L and Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough 17 @ 60/59 lbs on kPro Staff 88. I hadn't been out much with it this past year.
Thanks. Nice video! I play RPM Blast, tension 26 kg. My favourite window is between 2 and 8 hours. Then I string it new. I don't like it directly after stringing.
Sweet spot for me begins around 1 hour into playing and lasts for about 6-10 hours thereafter depending upon the string. How about an episode devoted to recommended hybrid setups?
If the racquet strings aren't broken. I'm fine
Babolat RPM Team 52lb spins like a hurricane
Mains Babolat Blast
Crosses Toalson Gold
52lbs.
Best after 1 hour for about a month
Tennis is a sport built around control and consistency most club players over hit and actually need less power that they control
Especially considering most of them play doubles which requires more precision than singles using a trampoline effect might work for pros but is disastrous for club amateurs I have a novel idea if you want more power get stronger
In the 90's I used 32 kg so 70 lbs on my Prince Graphite OS. Those were the days😁
jesus christ, that must have hurt, I've always played 22-24 kg's
@@henrik1743 No did not really hurt. So I used an oversized racket and the strings back then were not monofilament but multiber synthetic gut. Almost felt like natural gut. With todays strings it would be another story indeed. But I used a very high string tension indeed. No doubt about that.