Chris or Andy, I have a general question about tension selection with poly strings. My understanding from some research is that poly strings lose their elasticity and preferred playability characteristics at tensions that exceed 48 lbs. I know you will chalk it up to personal preference when selecting higher tensions for your poly set-ups but can you speak to this theory about elasticity loss? The way it was described to me is similar to a spring in a ballpoint pen- the spring maintains its elasticity as long as you don't stretch it out but once you do you can never recover is "springiness" again. Likewise, poly strings will quickly "stretch out" and lose their limited elasticity and presumed playability characteristics once you have strung it at a higher tension. In fact, its supposedly recommended that you string polys in the 30s-40s in order to preserve its best traits and adjust your game to the new tension. Any thoughts about this theory? Stringing polys in the upper 50 like a multi or natural gut sounds completely ludicrous to me.
@ham sandwich, This is a theory that stems from the fine research of John Elliot and John Youngblood. From our TW lab findings, we've found that stringing a poly at a higher tension (above 50 lbs) results in a greater initial tension loss, but not a loss of playability. Our research hasn't confirmed that "overstretching" a poly causes it to lose its elasticity and playability, only that a greater percentage of its original tension will be lost in the first 24 hours or so once it leaves the stringer. While we are aware of this theory you are referring to and the work that has gone into the research, our own lab findings have not confirmed their findings. Andy, TW
+Tennis Warehouse Hi Andy, I find this post interesting and if you don't mind I have a follow up question to this. You mentioned, that that your TW lab findings found that stringing above 50 lbs results in greater initial tension loss within the first 24 hours, but not a loss in playability. My question relates to the 50 lbs. Is this tension number an exact number that your TW lab found to be the maximum above which will result in a greater initial tension loss, or is it merely a close approximate number or estimate? For example could the number perhaps be 49 lbs or 51 lbs etc.. The reason I ask is because when I have an important tournament match, I will usually string my racquets the day before the match and I would like to string the polyester string at the maximum possible number while at the same time avoiding a higher initial tension loss before my match. Another question is the superior tension loss aspect of this string interests me, I realize that the 4G Soft will not hold tension as well as the original 4G, but do you find the difference between the two to be substantial or rather close? Do you still consider 4G Soft to have substantially superior tension maintenance to other polyester strings? Thank you for any input that you can offer.
Dov Tal , 50 lbs is just an approximation. In order to find the ideal tension to string your racquets at prior to a tournament is simply going to come down to personal preference. Experiment with different tensions and find the one that feels best to you when you take it out of the bag. As for 4G Soft, we did not find the difference in tension maintenance all that drastic compared to regular 4G, but we did prefer the regular 4G overall for its better playability along with tension maintenance. Andy, TW
What's some of the best synthetic gut string right now because I want some that I can use for a poly and synthetic gut hybrid? I would like for it to be control oriented but not be too stiff, have good spin potential and descent durability. Any recommendations?
Have been stringing this at 52 in my SW102 and love the feel but struggling with playability. By 8 hrs it’s tough! Any suggestions for a string with a similar feel but better tension maintenance?
Hello TW I am playing with volkl C10 evo and string yonex polytour rev. tension 25 gms , I really love this combi for the first three plays after that the string looses tension ( trampoline effect) !! Do you recommend stringing with 4G or 4G soft for better tension maintenance and consistent playability? TYIA
You could try pre-stretching the POLYTOUR REV. It will make the string play firmer, but it should hold tension better. From Luxilon I've found 4G to hold tension better than 4G Soft. Again, it will give you a firmer feeling stringbed but you should go longer playability from it. Cheers, Chris, TW
I usually string my head graphene radical mp with alu power soft at 54 lbs. If I strung this string at the same tension how would it compare when I play?
Definitely could be worth a try. The 4G Rough has a bit more of an elastic feel to it, so maybe just a bit more lively or energy return, and the ECO feels slightly more controlled. Troy, TW
@@tenniswarehouse Excellent! Thanks for the reply regarding the characteristics between the two. Probably leaning toward the ECO for a 16x19 (Blade Pro), but stringing the mains 1-2kg tighter than the 4G Soft in the crosses. ECO Spin would be considered a more ‘arm friendly’ string compared to the 4G Rough?
Both are pretty firm poly strings, but 4G Soft maintains tension better over time. The 4G Soft feels a bit more lively, or a bit more energy return, whereas the RPM Hurricane feels a bit lower in power, or slightly more dead in energy return, and it also gives a bit more bite on the ball. Troy, TW
ninisgreekronaldo I'm actually hitting with the 6.0 95 in this vid. We added a little weight to the tip to liven up the upper hoop and it plays great. I currently have three all to identical spec and have been using them from string and grip testing. Cheers, Chris.
Tennis Warehouse Ahhh I just saw the PJ and immediately assumed… I wish I had one of the classic 95s too, but I'll guess that'll have to wait. How do they compare to the modern Pro Staff 95 by the way?
ninisgreekronaldo Very favorably! I think the 6.0 95 was ahead of its time. Back int he day I think some dismissed it as being too light and lacking the big plow through of the 6.0 85. However, I think the 6.0 95 offers a great blend of maneuverability, spin, touch and control. I like to add a little weight to mine to beef them up, but even in stock form I think it's a great racquet. Cheers, Chris, TW
Hi TW,I am currently using head gravity with my babolat aeropro drive,I think my strokes is lack of control and feel,is using this string can help out my problem?If yes,whats the tension you would recommend?
@kin long chow, This Luxilon 4G Soft will increase the control compared to the Head Gravity hybrid you are currently using. I would recommend stringing around 53 pounds as a starting point, and going lower in tension is not a bad idea either. I wouldn’t recommend stringing 4G Soft any higher than 55 pounds, due to the stiffness of the string and your racquet. Troy, TW
@kin long chow, Both will offer great control. If you tend to have arm issues, stick with the 4G Soft -- if not, the 4G is a great option as well. Troy, TW
Hey TW! What is the best string you guys would recommend to put on my Pure Drive Roddick. Im looking for a string that has control, power, easy to generate spin, and easy to hit with. Also what tension should I put it on.
@ John Domondon, Luxilon 4G or Kirschbaum Black Shark would be good two ones to check out. Watch our reviews for each one, give one of them a try and see what you think. Andy, TW
How Does This String Compare To Luxilon M2 In Comfort Because Im Using Luxilon M2 Mains 51 And Xcel Crosses 52 But M2 Loses Tension I tried the same setup with 4g but my arm hurt would 4g soft be as comfy as m2 plz tell me
***** , 4G Soft will be stiffer and more similar to 4G in terms of comfort. I'd recommend going with 4G but dropping your tension a couple of pounds to give yourself a bit more comfort. Andy, TW
Tennis Warehouse I'm currently using the Burn 100LS with the original string setup but I want to add a bit more power to my game. Which strings would you recommend and which tension. I've thought about stringing a hybrid: Tecnifibre x one biphase for power and Luxilon 4g for Control. Or do you think I should hybrid the X One Biphase with the Alu Power Strings? Or any other recommendations?
Dominik Sylejmani , Using Biphase with either 4G or ALU Power will work great. ALU Power will give you a bit livelier of a feel while 4G will be a little stiffer and will offer better control and tension maintenance. Both sound like great setups though, so experiment and find what works and feels best to you! Andy, TW
@Jesus Maldonado,
Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex or Volkl Classic Synthetic Gut are two good options to check out.
Andy, TW
@Eugene Ho,
I'd try it 1-2 lbs looser than your usual tension.
Andy, TW
Which is better luxilon 4g or 4g soft?
I set these in my Yonex EZONE 98 and they are beautiful to play with
Chris or Andy, I have a general question about tension selection with poly strings. My understanding from some research is that poly strings lose their elasticity and preferred playability characteristics at tensions that exceed 48 lbs. I know you will chalk it up to personal preference when selecting higher tensions for your poly set-ups but can you speak to this theory about elasticity loss? The way it was described to me is similar to a spring in a ballpoint pen- the spring maintains its elasticity as long as you don't stretch it out but once you do you can never recover is "springiness" again. Likewise, poly strings will quickly "stretch out" and lose their limited elasticity and presumed playability characteristics once you have strung it at a higher tension. In fact, its supposedly recommended that you string polys in the 30s-40s in order to preserve its best traits and adjust your game to the new tension. Any thoughts about this theory? Stringing polys in the upper 50 like a multi or natural gut sounds completely ludicrous to me.
@ham sandwich,
This is a theory that stems from the fine research of John Elliot and John Youngblood. From our TW lab findings, we've found that stringing a poly at a higher tension (above 50 lbs) results in a greater initial tension loss, but not a loss of playability. Our research hasn't confirmed that "overstretching" a poly causes it to lose its elasticity and playability, only that a greater percentage of its original tension will be lost in the first 24 hours or so once it leaves the stringer. While we are aware of this theory you are referring to and the work that has gone into the research, our own lab findings have not confirmed their findings.
Andy, TW
+Tennis Warehouse
Hi Andy, I find this post interesting and if you don't mind I have a follow up question to this. You mentioned, that that your TW lab findings found that stringing above 50 lbs results in greater initial tension loss within the first 24 hours, but not a loss in playability. My question relates to the 50 lbs. Is this tension number an exact number that your TW lab found to be the maximum above which will result in a greater initial tension loss, or is it merely a close approximate number or estimate? For example could the number perhaps be 49 lbs or 51 lbs etc.. The reason I ask is because when I have an important tournament match, I will usually string my racquets the day before the match and I would like to string the polyester string at the maximum possible number while at the same time avoiding a higher initial tension loss before my match.
Another question is the superior tension loss aspect of this string interests me, I realize that the 4G Soft will not hold tension as well as the original 4G, but do you find the difference between the two to be substantial or rather close? Do you still consider 4G Soft to have substantially superior tension maintenance to other polyester strings?
Thank you for any input that you can offer.
Dov Tal ,
50 lbs is just an approximation. In order to find the ideal tension to string your racquets at prior to a tournament is simply going to come down to personal preference. Experiment with different tensions and find the one that feels best to you when you take it out of the bag. As for 4G Soft, we did not find the difference in tension maintenance all that drastic compared to regular 4G, but we did prefer the regular 4G overall for its better playability along with tension maintenance.
Andy, TW
Hello,
how would u compare them with Volkl Cyclone 16 or 17 ?
Thanx
What's some of the best synthetic gut string right now because I want some that I can use for a poly and synthetic gut hybrid? I would like for it to be control oriented but not be too stiff, have good spin potential and descent durability. Any recommendations?
Have been stringing this at 52 in my SW102 and love the feel but struggling with playability. By 8 hrs it’s tough! Any suggestions for a string with a similar feel but better tension maintenance?
should i go with 2-5 lbs lower than my normal tension?
Hello TW
I am playing with volkl C10 evo and string yonex polytour rev. tension 25 gms , I really love this combi for the first three plays after that the string looses tension ( trampoline effect) !!
Do you recommend stringing with 4G or 4G soft for better tension maintenance and consistent playability?
TYIA
You could try pre-stretching the POLYTOUR REV. It will make the string play firmer, but it should hold tension better. From Luxilon I've found 4G to hold tension better than 4G Soft. Again, it will give you a firmer feeling stringbed but you should go longer playability from it. Cheers, Chris, TW
@@tenniswarehouse Thank you , I will give a try with pre-stretch
I usually string my head graphene radical mp with alu power soft at 54 lbs. If I strung this string at the same tension how would it compare when I play?
Would 4G Soft pair well with 4G Rough (or the new Eco Spin) on the Mains ?
Definitely could be worth a try. The 4G Rough has a bit more of an elastic feel to it, so maybe just a bit more lively or energy return, and the ECO feels slightly more controlled. Troy, TW
@@tenniswarehouse Excellent! Thanks for the reply regarding the characteristics between the two. Probably leaning toward the ECO for a 16x19 (Blade Pro), but stringing the mains 1-2kg tighter than the 4G Soft in the crosses.
ECO Spin would be considered a more ‘arm friendly’ string compared to the 4G Rough?
How would you compare luxilon 4g soft with RPM Hurricane tour??
Both are pretty firm poly strings, but 4G Soft maintains tension better over time. The 4G Soft feels a bit more lively, or a bit more energy return, whereas the RPM Hurricane feels a bit lower in power, or slightly more dead in energy return, and it also gives a bit more bite on the ball. Troy, TW
@@tenniswarehouse Thanks Troy
How would you compare this string with the big banger ALU power 16L and the big banger ALU power spin?
@Chris Li,
This is going to feel a little stiffer and lower-powered. It'll offer better control and tension maintenance though.
Andy, TW
So 4G Rough plays softer than the original 4G, which would be softer .. 4G rough or 4G Soft?
lxn.novak ,
According to our TW lab tests we found the stiffness of 4G Rough and 4G Soft to be almost identical.
Andy, TW
Rocking the Pro Staff 85 huh Chris? :)
Like it a lot! Had a hit with mine this week too, lovely frame (but get some gut in there will ya ;) )
ninisgreekronaldo I'm actually hitting with the 6.0 95 in this vid. We added a little weight to the tip to liven up the upper hoop and it plays great. I currently have three all to identical spec and have been using them from string and grip testing. Cheers, Chris.
Tennis Warehouse Ahhh I just saw the PJ and immediately assumed… I wish I had one of the classic 95s too, but I'll guess that'll have to wait. How do they compare to the modern Pro Staff 95 by the way?
ninisgreekronaldo Very favorably! I think the 6.0 95 was ahead of its time. Back int he day I think some dismissed it as being too light and lacking the big plow through of the 6.0 85. However, I think the 6.0 95 offers a great blend of maneuverability, spin, touch and control. I like to add a little weight to mine to beef them up, but even in stock form I think it's a great racquet. Cheers, Chris, TW
Hi TW,I am currently using head gravity with my babolat aeropro drive,I think my strokes is lack of control and feel,is using this string can help out my problem?If yes,whats the tension you would recommend?
@kin long chow,
This Luxilon 4G Soft will increase the control compared to the Head Gravity hybrid you are currently using. I would recommend stringing around 53 pounds as a starting point, and going lower in tension is not a bad idea either. I wouldn’t recommend stringing 4G Soft any higher than 55 pounds, due to the stiffness of the string and your racquet.
Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse thank you so much:)
Tennis Warehouse How about the original version?Which one is better if I want more control.
@kin long chow,
Both will offer great control. If you tend to have arm issues, stick with the 4G Soft -- if not, the 4G is a great option as well.
Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse thx alot
Hey TW!
What is the best string you guys would recommend to put on my Pure Drive Roddick. Im looking for a string that has control, power, easy to generate spin, and easy to hit with. Also what tension should I put it on.
Also a string that doesnt lose tension. Thank you
@ John Domondon,
Luxilon 4G or Kirschbaum Black Shark would be good two ones to check out. Watch our reviews for each one, give one of them a try and see what you think.
Andy, TW
How Does This String Compare To Luxilon M2 In Comfort Because Im Using Luxilon M2 Mains 51 And Xcel Crosses 52 But M2 Loses Tension I tried the same setup with 4g but my arm hurt would 4g soft be as comfy as m2 plz tell me
***** ,
4G Soft will be stiffer and more similar to 4G in terms of comfort. I'd recommend going with 4G but dropping your tension a couple of pounds to give yourself a bit more comfort.
Andy, TW
Tennis Warehouse I'm currently using the Burn 100LS with the original string setup but I want to add a bit more power to my game. Which strings would you recommend and which tension. I've thought about stringing a hybrid: Tecnifibre x one biphase for power and Luxilon 4g for Control. Or do you think I should hybrid the X One Biphase with the Alu Power Strings?
Or any other recommendations?
Dominik Sylejmani ,
Using Biphase with either 4G or ALU Power will work great. ALU Power will give you a bit livelier of a feel while 4G will be a little stiffer and will offer better control and tension maintenance. Both sound like great setups though, so experiment and find what works and feels best to you!
Andy, TW
Tennis Warehouse Which tension would be the best for the Tecnifibre/4g setup for the Burn 100LS?
Tennis Warehouse And which one should I string in the mains/crosses?
Btw thanks for the answer
Good strings