Yep, I use gut in the mains of my Ezone. Then kirschbaum pro line II or RPM Blast in the crosses. 55/53 or 52. I have used the Wilson natural gut. There is a guy in San Diego that sells cheaper uncoated gut. The Klip I didn’t like as much.
Why wouldn't you use the polyester on the mains and natural gut on crosses?? I would presume that would be a wiser setup. Putting poly on the cross in a hybrid setup is a waste. Natural gut on the mains and polys on the cross seems backwards to me. Does this method have a benefit?
@@big1matt its not that uncommon, people only put polys in the mains for durability because most people break mains. whichever string you want most benefit from should go on the mains. I hate to reference the pros but for example Roger Federer uses this very setup.
For anyone in a hurry, 7:35 is where the comparison of different gut strings starts. Good informative video... with breakage around the corners, I would expect that is worse problem is some 1-piece stringing patters? Since nat gut is only sold in packs, I suppose it's going to always be advisable to string in 2 pieces to avoid the 270-degree bend on the long side (or multiple 270-degree turns with some patterns). Is there an issue where the extra knots would put more stress on the string and cause more chance of breakage?
Not sure if it’s captured in the other comments but the other huge reason to use gut in addition to playability is comfort on your arm. I have had elbow issues so my default setup is VS Gut mains with a reasonably soft poly in the crosses like Hyper G or Black Code.
If you are trying natural gut in a frame you've played for awhile, consider installing a fresh grommet set into the frame before stringing gut. Diminishes chance that the string will break during or soon after stringing.
Was waiting for you to say ‘everyone should treat themselves’ - completely agree. Even the hybrid mains. You may have undersold it - I think the feel is more than 10% - it’s incredible.
Well arguably there aren't bad racquets/shoes/strings, only ones that fit you and ones that don't. I think they try to have this wholesome view on the equipment they test, of course it is not for everyone but it may well be for someone and that's what they usually highlight on their reviews.
I agree with tennis spin. As an experienced tennis stringer, I have had customers bring back a racquet strung with gut with a strange breakage on the side. The customer said that he left it in his car for 3 days in the summer heat and claimed that the string is defective. I explained the situation to them and they didn’t believe me. 🤔
I work in a pro shop we do all racket sports. It's a similar but worse problem in badminton, so many think they're pros and string up their rackets 28lbs and above with the nicer thin strings when the most they should be doing is 25 lbs. They come back and complain a few days later when the string is broken at the top from a misshit, like you can't be stringing it that tight if you're hitting shank after shank the string can't handle that on the edges of the frame 😂
I have used both Wilson gut and Babolat VS gut and definitely prefer VS. The pop and feel from VS is unreal and noticeable, difference. I have also used it as a hybrid (with 4g) for longevity purposes. It doesn’t feel the same but suits its purpose. Yes, if you are a 5.0 and have never tried natural gut then definitely give it a try. Players below that level may feel some “differences” but won’t be able to appreciate the true differences. Thanks for the video. I concur with your assessment and appreciate your heads up on the other 2 brands of gut. I will check them out sometime in the future. Best, Don
FYI - I got tired of paying Wilson's price for Champ's choice, so for the last few years I've been stringing my racquets with Klip gut & Luxilon ALU Rough 17G. The cost for both is about the same as Champ's choice, but you'll get 2 racquets strung for that price. I love the feel and power I get from the hybrid. As he says, don't get it wet, use your racquet a lot and hit the cover off the ball.
In Addition to the Babolat VS and Luxilon (which is stiffer for sure) I Used Volkl (yellow colored) and it was not coated, not very powered and very soft. So used it in full bed on the Wilson Blade 98 18x20 - it was amesome, I had the best tennis ever with it despite the racket was heavier that I could manage (after that I could not use it with polyester strings and sold). This shows how much different natural gut and other tennis strings are!
Here's the BEST thing about natural gut. "Consistent stringbed performance". I've been stringing gut since I strung Vilas' HEAD "experimental" (later called the Vilas) with Vilavitch (VV) gut. Day in and day out, youre going to know where your tension is. You can't say that about Poly. Poly is a daily, almost hourly adventure in stringbed perfromance. It also lasts a long time if you take care of it.
I have gut in the mains and always leave my bag in the car even in hot LA summers and never had a problem. I hit with pace and spin but for me gut/poly lasts the longest. As in I can use it for months before it starts to fray. You'll drive yourself crazy finding your favorite x string so once you find something you like stick with it.
I remember the first set of natural gut string I tried was Pacific. Pacific was about USD14 to 15 cheaper than Babolat if converted to US dollars from my currency.
Klip gut comes in coated, black or clear coat and non coated. It's been made for around 100 years in Melbourne . Very reasonably-priced down under. I really like it as a string. Works great in control rackets.
Hey Tennis Spin! It would be great if you make a video comparing the "feel" on contact, with gut, multis, syn gut, and polys. Like what you feel just as you touch the ball...the amount of stretch from the strings...the sensations as the ball leaves... and the sensations end up with. Thanks for another good video man! Cheers from Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Tennis spin manages it really well to address topics of interests. That's what I like the most about this channel. It's very interesting. I would love to see longer clips, tho or some kind of podcast. Maybe with fellow stringers or manufacturers.
My go to is the prepackaged hybrid from Babolat w/ the VS in the mains & the RPM Blast in the crosses. Really like their product. Gut is so naturally soft that it helps my elbow.
@@Cesarini77 For me, I'm not a string breaker it lasts quite a while. I do see fraying after a few months of playing 2x-3x/week. For some reason I had the gut pop after only about 1x-2x sessions from this particular store & I was pissed after it happened 3x, but when I bought the same package elsewhere (& had them put it in) this didn't happen again. Might have been a bad batch.
@@fanman71 I'm not a stringbreaker myself either. Except for the one time i had a hybrid. Round poly on the mains and synthetic on crosses. It lasted about 3 matches. My usual setup is a full bed of round poly at 40#. After it goes dead, tensions sets at about 37# and i usually keep the strings for about 6 months playing 2 singles and 1 double per week.
I would rate the Klip Legend natural gut a touch better than what Wilson is bringing out these days. Better still it's typically cheaper (country dependent perhaps?) Pacific classic I assume is still available, likely more so in Europe, I haven't noticed it out here in recent times. There's also Volkl gut, but I've never tried it. Good video H. 🎾🎾🎾
VS touch 16 black main at 46 + LXN smart 16L cross at 44 - tennis spin's a few month-old idea. Stringed with Klippermate drop weight. Gut black has a kind of figment, and it is somewhat transparent under strong light. It fades as used - it becomes like LXN smart gray.
Been using wilson gut as main with Tier One ghost on cross. So far been a dream setup. Wilson gut will last me over two months playing doubles three times a week, I swap out the poly cross every month. Can vouch for power touch and spin in gut hybrid being the best I have ever played with. I string my gut 2+ pounds more than normal as I don't like the feeling of a prestrech on it. FYI, I keep gut racquets in plastic bag and store my tennis bag in the house.
Just FYI - swapping out only the cross string and leaving the mains can be really bad for your racquets. Puts a ton of stress on the racquet to string only a half set on an older half of string. You might be better off to just play with your full bed until it breaks and replace the whole set at once. Just a pointer.
another nice informative video, thanks! I use Klip gut in mains with poly crosses in lower power rackets, and usually poly gives up before the gut, so its quite durable, even in slightly humid conditions. its also more affordable and you can buy half strings too.. wilson I used but broke on the side. So I would have rated Klip a little better. thx
@Kutay Yurtsever Klip is my go to natural gut. Klip is great and I rate it way above the Wilson gut. I haven't used the Babolat gut but they have been making natural gut strings for 100+ years so it's probably #1. I don't know about you, but I always break the Luxilon poly before I break the gut, unless the gut gets wet. I have racquets strung with RPM Blast 17G if it gets wet.
My opinion is that the playable longevity of gut is unmatched. I have never broken a gut string, and I always string gut in mains with poly in crosses. I play till gut fray’s really bad and it retains good playability throughout fraying as well. I think because of this, gut is actually more cost effective for me than other strings that are only playable for a week or so.
Well done - you told it as it is - nothing matches the feel and dynamics of natural gut. Enjoyed the very honest look at the brands - I agree, tried them all... Might want to mention that denser string patterns match natural gut's dynamics and lets that gut last far longer. For a special treat, find some pre-BT7 VS - add a 16X20 or 18X20 patterned racquet and Whew. You will nod in agreement with the fact that natural gut cannot be replicated by any synthetic... A whole new dimension comes to serving... Thanks for telling it as it is - especially with the brands... always enjoy your thoughts...
I find gut to be too powerful even at 60+ pounds in a hybrid setup as the mains. I would have to change my swing pattern so I brush up on the ball more rather than through. While gut is more expensive, if you're not a string-breaker, gut could be a cheaper solution because of how well it holds tension. You basically don't have to restring it until it breaks. You can also buy the string savers to enhance the life of gut. Lastly, make sure whoever strings it knows how to handle it.
Im hoping the switch to gut hybrid gives me good results. I normally play full bed stiff poly because i want the tension maintenance but at 1.30mm i have to cut them after about 10 hours. Hopefully get 20 hours of good tension with gut in the mains
But in the end if you dont brake the strings natural gut will stay playable longer than other strings which means you dont need to restring as much. That means it doesnt pay as much in the long run. Right?
Babolat vs gut on my mains and solinco poly on my crosses. 50/48 lbs. Natural gut is PRICEY. But I have to say this setup and tension really upped the feel and playability on my pure aero vs.
That's crazy. How long does this set up last. I tried babolat syngut 17g I the mains and volkl cyclone tour 18g in crosses and that didn't last 4 full sets, native about 2+ hrs of pay and the mains broke. I am gonna try next a multifill In three mains hopefully it will last longer than the syngut. I do have half a set babolat natgut coming and I'm debating should i put it In the mains or crosses to last me a little longer, re though i wanna try the fed djoker set up with gut I mains. If i brake it in 2hrs lime the syngut i will be sad.... Any advice
@@Sokeresa my setup lasts for about 2-3 weeks and I use the Fed string saver pattern. It's always odd because it's just a tiny portion of the poly that breaks.
@@Sokeresa multi lasts about the same as syngut. I used to string multi mains with syngut crosses because that lasts longer than multi fullbed. I break multi mains / poly crosses within 2h. It's ok, just get another racquet. Better breaking strings often than risk developing risk/elbow/shoulder issues and not being able to play.
I've had gut break in the bag over night after one hit, but also had gut last 6 months hitting on and off. Also seen multi break over night shit happens lol
uncoated gut is the string played from the pros back in the 80 s and before to 2002. I think sampras was the last one playing this with the string savers (elasto cross). what is wondering me that he colors the wilson and babolat logo in the string without instantly breaking.
Luxilon gut is not bad now, used to be but i just put in in with confidential in the crosses and it feels as good as my usual babolat gut. will see how it does after a few sets
Excellent mate! I own the same racquet which feels amazing, however I was thinking to switch it to gut hybrid! What cross poly you suggest and what tensions for gut/poly??
@@michaelobgy if you don't have any elbow issues, hybrid it with luxilon alu power rough at 54 pounds for both the gut and poly. If you want even more pop use klipper zyex on the crosses for more comfort,feel and pop at 48 pounds
I only get about 5-6 hours out of a VS/4G hybrid before the gut breaks, but it is the best string combo I have ever hit. Perfect blend of comfort, feel, power and spin. If you have a chance, try it.
Try the wilson gut, I get very good durability out of it. I string my gut mains @56lbs and cross @52lbs so the smooth cross poly can really slide and create great spin.
Javace Thanks for the suggestion. I use the same sting tensions. I used the old Wilson back when it was made by Babolat, but didn’t last long. I use Luxilon gut now as it lasts longer than all of them, but is on the stiff side. I will try the new Wilson as well, but thinking it will be similar to the Luxilon as I think they make it for them. Thanks!
@@eincan1313 Wilson has new coating that TennisSpin mentioned that is slightly less plush but little more controlled and durable. I also have been able to find it on ebay for around $33
Hi! Thank you for all the videos! I am thinking about moving to natural gut due to arm problems. I currently use either poly sonic pro or lynx , and string my racket to 23.5 (22-27). Do you think I should string it at the same weight? PS I am also thinking to do either the babolat or wilson hybrid with natural gut, so I can keep the spin effect of the poly. Is this a legit option or should I go for the full natural gut? Thanx!!!
An informative video, as usual, thank you. On a different subject, is it worth your time doing a session on tennis sensors? I had a Sony tennis sensor which I found useful (real time data + video) but it is no longer in production. Are there any worthy such devises out there that fit rackets other than those made by Head? The market for tennis sensors was promising a few years ago but it seems that has all but disappeared. What do you think?
That would be a good topic. FYI - I used the Babolat Pop for about 6 months. Gave some good info which could be of use depending on your goal. One giant negative - doesn’t tie the reading with the shot - your fastest groundstrokes could have gone long or into the net. But if you’re modifying your grip or stroke and want to see the speed/spin difference one of the sensors could be useful.
So far i have tried Klip and Babolat natural gut. Personally, Babolat is too springy for me. I prefer Klip Legend 16 or 17 more. Trying Wilson next. The issue that forced me to try others than Klip is that their delay of delivery. I cannot get them since 2022.
Klip or Klip Springer is one of the oldest gut manufacturers in the world, over a hundred years. Try Klip Legend string you'll find it better in some ways to Babolat VS.
Actually, under heat and moisture, gut doesn't lose tension but becomes more brittle and less elastic and so more prone to fraying and hence why it will break more easily. In the olden days before climate control bags, my gut used to sometimes break whilst in my bag !!
I've been using Babolat in my TFight 305 ( 53 pounds), has anyone tried the Wilson Gut. It's 10 dollars cheaper per pack. I like the feel and all but I feel it loses tension after a month. I play about 4 hours a week pus I use the ball machine for an hour or 2 a week.
The best thing if you can't afford electronic constant pull one. Only drawback is that is tiny bit slower to string a racquet since you gotta fiddle with the arm to get it to be level when pulling tension. Other than that is bullet proof, you never need to calibrate it, almost maintenance free. If you just string for yourself and dont mind spending 30-40mins then this machine is golden. If you get a more expensive drop wheight with 6 point mount and fixed clamps even better! I have a crank and I'm very happy with it since i got it practically for free, if i had to spend money i would have gotten drop weight one!
Sokeresa made some good points. I used a drop weight for more than 5 years stringing for myself then paid to do my friends and everyone at my club. It only costed me under 200$ used on kijiji, built in the 80s 90s era solid like a tank. The only thing that will break is a spring inside the drop weight tensioner(only if you string for profit high volume) but its very easy to replace.
Thanks for your videos.. You really rock.. As a gratitude of your help I want to buy things from your store o any place you recommend me.. So please don't hesitate to mentioned them..
Pacific is the best in my opinion, but We've lost distribution in the US. I used to carry the brand and it was my bestselling gut by far, especially once Babolat changed their formula. Still have a few Multis left from Pacific that customers still ask for. I have been trying out the Volkl gut lately, great for the price, reminds me a lot of the uncoated Klip, has more bite, plays firmer than the other guts, but still has amazing power and feel. It's not quite as durable, but I highly recommend it if you don't want to spend $$$$ on Natural Gut.
@@projapatiify www.tennisexpress.com/VOLKL-V-Icon-17g-Tennis-Strings-16169 It's called Volkl V-Icon. I prefer the 17g since it is stiffer feeling than other brands. They also make hybrids with either VFeel (stiff durable Multi) or w/Cyclone.
Hi Tennis spin, thanks for the vids, definitely love them! I'm a 25 yo man who plays with an aero and now I feel like I get too much help from the racket at least in terms of spin and power, so what racket should I buy to improve my game? By the way I'm somewhat like a beginner to intermediate player and I can pretty much hit through the ball consistently. Thanks!
Where I live the air humidity is pretty high. What I'd like to know is what's the maximum air humidity (in %) in which you can use natural gut? How many times a week or month should you play with a gut strung racquet? I usually play one or two times a week for 2 to 3 hours a session. Would that be enough?
I personally do not think humidity is that much of a problem unless it condenses onto the string (which normally should not happen even in if you live in the tropics). However, any water droplets (from rain or misting) that hits uncoated gut will very quickly result in deterioration of the gut and, not long after, a breakage. Or if you hit a wet ball. I know this from experience and always bring a racquet strung with a synthetic material (ie, a multi) when I anticipate rain or if there are puddles on the court.
Biphase really doesnt move too much. Don't go too low with the tension. I strung Biphase at 20/19 KGs and it didn't move significantly. However, I played 18/20 string pattern. Of course, I didn't spin the ball like Rafa.... in that case poly is the way to go :)
@@elg0rdo351 I play Head Extreme MP, 24-28 kg recommended tension, so I tried Biphase at 27/27... still moving after few hours... and it's general problem with multifilaments - they move and do not snap back (
@@artemmitsynskyy2990 Okay, I think in that frame every multifilament string will move. Mmmh... other might see this differently but that frame fits better for polyester strings. It's a frame for extreme spin play and multifilament strings aren't good in that department so that combination doesn't really makes sense.
Hi i am from indonesia.. i have been watching your channel.. i have bought natural gut by babolat.. but i am anxious to use it.. since many of my friend told me that do not use natural gut tennis string both on the main and cross. They told me better use combination of natural and either poly or synthetic.. but some of my friend told me to use natural on the main and poly on the cross while other friend told the other way… so please tell me what is difrrence in the feel of both combination…? And for your information, i use rpm blast 18 everyday and now change to solinco hyper g 18 my tension use to be 50 on my yonex vcore 98. I play 4-5 times a week.. please give me feed back thank u
What happened with Blue Star synthetic gut. That use to fray. Have not seen it in 30plus yrs and it played great. I remember many synthetic strings use to have mire feel years ago. Btw i do not like poly
Do you pull and stretch the gut before you string it up? I was told to do that and I was doing it before I string the racket. I would loop it around a pole and stretch it first. I was told it holds tension better if you do that.
In instruments it is in fact called "cat gut", it's not referring to a cat the animal. It is still from a cow, the cat is short for cattle.....cattle gut is what it is, hence "cat gut"......believe it or not, they are essentially the same thing violin and tennis strings.
@@Sokeresa i don't know where you are and what are your prices but in europe babolat vs touch, the best, starts at 32€ if you order from the UK, and 36€ onwards in the eurozone. their lower grade, tonic, is cheaper than vs touch. völkl natural gut is certainly more expensive than that.
I use gut in the mains and have tried Lux, Wilson, Wilson-branded Babolat, and Babolat VS. Spot on regarding the differences. Honestly the Wilson-branded Babolat felt the same as VS for me. The Lux and new Wilson feel almost the same, the Wilson having a better coating, but both being extremely stiff compared to the Babolat gut. I want to try lower-priced gut like Klip but am a little nervous I am just going to be wasting money since my cross is a more expensive poly already. Is it worth it to try the Klip out to save about 10$ per racquet? I don't break strings often, luckily.
It looks like that, because you put the gut on the crosses. The only two reasons I can see for that, is because it strings easily, because it is soft and it is a pain in the ass to string a wire stiff string on the crosses. The second reason is to make more money from stringing, because gut on the crosses lasts 10 times less then gut on the mains.
LXN guts actually is very comfortable and long lasting. When you strung up at 60lb , one can hardly tell one is more stiffer than the other. LXN will loose tension a tiny slower and break a tiny later than vs. Both tension lost after 20mins of play anyway. Still playable but not as good as fresh. Babolat tonic is a better choice for budget buyer... can go as low to euro 18 on sales.
What tension should I apply to the kilp legend natual gut 17? I just bought a Prince racket for my gf and just found out the kilp legend natual gut 17... can someone also explain to me how does the numbering works, is 58 tighter then 52?
![Racquet Stringing [Natural Gut Stringing Tips & Techniques]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TnrSyRxusPQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![Racquet Stringing [Stringing With Natural Gut - 5 Tips]](/img/1.gif)
Man this is like therapy. You’re the Bob Ross of tennis.
True
Haha good one.
"If you are addicted to it, I hope you are rich!" LOL! You are too funny! LOL!
Natural gut. The best string you’ll ever experience. I love Natural Gut in the mains with a poly cross
Completely agree
Yep, I use gut in the mains of my Ezone. Then kirschbaum pro line II or RPM Blast in the crosses. 55/53 or 52. I have used the Wilson natural gut. There is a guy in San Diego that sells cheaper uncoated gut. The Klip I didn’t like as much.
Why wouldn't you use the polyester on the mains and natural gut on crosses?? I would presume that would be a wiser setup. Putting poly on the cross in a hybrid setup is a waste. Natural gut on the mains and polys on the cross seems backwards to me. Does this method have a benefit?
@@big1matt its not that uncommon, people only put polys in the mains for durability because most people break mains. whichever string you want most benefit from should go on the mains. I hate to reference the pros but for example Roger Federer uses this very setup.
@@BIGLOVE4TRUTH I get my Gut from him. It’s really good quality and lasts quite a while. He is in Chula Vista.
For anyone in a hurry, 7:35 is where the comparison of different gut strings starts.
Good informative video... with breakage around the corners, I would expect that is worse problem is some 1-piece stringing patters? Since nat gut is only sold in packs, I suppose it's going to always be advisable to string in 2 pieces to avoid the 270-degree bend on the long side (or multiple 270-degree turns with some patterns). Is there an issue where the extra knots would put more stress on the string and cause more chance of breakage?
Not sure if it’s captured in the other comments but the other huge reason to use gut in addition to playability is comfort on your arm. I have had elbow issues so my default setup is VS Gut mains with a reasonably soft poly in the crosses like Hyper G or Black Code.
If you are trying natural gut in a frame you've played for awhile, consider installing a fresh grommet set into the frame before stringing gut. Diminishes chance that the string will break during or soon after stringing.
Was waiting for you to say ‘everyone should treat themselves’ - completely agree. Even the hybrid mains.
You may have undersold it - I think the feel is more than 10% - it’s incredible.
This channel is the best for keeping it real! Everytime I watch TW....I think, is there anything they don't like?
I was thinking the same thing. Its because anything in the videos is something they sell, and they are trying to sell it.
Exactly, that's why I stop taking TW review serious. Everything they review seems like is good. Just too vague.
Well arguably there aren't bad racquets/shoes/strings, only ones that fit you and ones that don't. I think they try to have this wholesome view on the equipment they test, of course it is not for everyone but it may well be for someone and that's what they usually highlight on their reviews.
they are a shop, they don't "review", they promote.
you are the best just reconected with tennis 18 years later and your channel is the best.!!! thanks for the great content.
I agree with tennis spin. As an experienced tennis stringer, I have had customers bring back a racquet strung with gut with a strange breakage on the side. The customer said that he left it in his car for 3 days in the summer heat and claimed that the string is defective.
I explained the situation to them and they didn’t believe me. 🤔
I work in a pro shop we do all racket sports. It's a similar but worse problem in badminton, so many think they're pros and string up their rackets 28lbs and above with the nicer thin strings when the most they should be doing is 25 lbs. They come back and complain a few days later when the string is broken at the top from a misshit, like you can't be stringing it that tight if you're hitting shank after shank the string can't handle that on the edges of the frame 😂
I have used both Wilson gut and Babolat VS gut and definitely prefer VS. The pop and feel from VS is unreal and noticeable, difference. I have also used it as a hybrid (with 4g) for longevity purposes. It doesn’t feel the same but suits its purpose. Yes, if you are a 5.0 and have never tried natural gut then definitely give it a try. Players below that level may feel some “differences” but won’t be able to appreciate the true differences.
Thanks for the video. I concur with your assessment and appreciate your heads up on the other 2 brands of gut. I will check them out sometime in the future. Best, Don
FYI - I got tired of paying Wilson's price for Champ's choice, so for the last few years I've been stringing my racquets with Klip gut & Luxilon ALU Rough 17G. The cost for both is about the same as Champ's choice, but you'll get 2 racquets strung for that price. I love the feel and power I get from the hybrid.
As he says, don't get it wet, use your racquet a lot and hit the cover off the ball.
In Addition to the Babolat VS and Luxilon (which is stiffer for sure) I Used Volkl (yellow colored) and it was not coated, not very powered and very soft. So used it in full bed on the Wilson Blade 98 18x20 - it was amesome, I had the best tennis ever with it despite the racket was heavier that I could manage (after that I could not use it with polyester strings and sold). This shows how much different natural gut and other tennis strings are!
Here's the BEST thing about natural gut. "Consistent stringbed performance". I've been stringing gut since I strung Vilas' HEAD "experimental" (later called the Vilas) with Vilavitch (VV) gut. Day in and day out, youre going to know where your tension is. You can't say that about Poly. Poly is a daily, almost hourly adventure in stringbed perfromance. It also lasts a long time if you take care of it.
I have gut in the mains and always leave my bag in the car even in hot LA summers and never had a problem. I hit with pace and spin but for me gut/poly lasts the longest. As in I can use it for months before it starts to fray. You'll drive yourself crazy finding your favorite x string so once you find something you like stick with it.
I love this guy. He’s deep in to the game.
I remember the first set of natural gut string I tried was Pacific. Pacific was about USD14 to 15 cheaper than Babolat if converted to US dollars from my currency.
Buy a book on tennis by clicking the link: amzn.to/3CLKkIo
Klip gut comes in coated, black or clear coat and non coated. It's been made for around 100 years in Melbourne . Very reasonably-priced down under. I really like it as a string. Works great in control rackets.
Hey Tennis Spin! It would be great if you make a video comparing the "feel" on contact, with gut, multis, syn gut, and polys.
Like what you feel just as you touch the ball...the amount of stretch from the strings...the sensations as the ball leaves... and the sensations end up with. Thanks for another good video man! Cheers from Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Buy a book on tennis by clicking the link: amzn.to/3CLKkIo
Tennis spin manages it really well to address topics of interests. That's what I like the most about this channel. It's very interesting. I would love to see longer clips, tho or some kind of podcast. Maybe with fellow stringers or manufacturers.
My go to is the prepackaged hybrid from Babolat w/ the VS in the mains & the RPM Blast in the crosses. Really like their product. Gut is so naturally soft that it helps my elbow.
I can feel the rpm knifing out the gut. How long does this set up lasts?
@@Cesarini77 For me, I'm not a string breaker it lasts quite a while. I do see fraying after a few months of playing 2x-3x/week. For some reason I had the gut pop after only about 1x-2x sessions from this particular store & I was pissed after it happened 3x, but when I bought the same package elsewhere (& had them put it in) this didn't happen again. Might have been a bad batch.
@@fanman71 I'm not a stringbreaker myself either. Except for the one time i had a hybrid. Round poly on the mains and synthetic on crosses. It lasted about 3 matches. My usual setup is a full bed of round poly at 40#. After it goes dead, tensions sets at about 37# and i usually keep the strings for about 6 months playing 2 singles and 1 double per week.
I would rate the Klip Legend natural gut a touch better than what Wilson is bringing out these days. Better still it's typically cheaper (country dependent perhaps?)
Pacific classic I assume is still available, likely more so in Europe, I haven't noticed it out here in recent times.
There's also Volkl gut, but I've never tried it.
Good video H. 🎾🎾🎾
Good info on gut! Keep pushing out the quality content man!
Edit: in -> on
VS touch 16 black main at 46 + LXN smart 16L cross at 44 - tennis spin's a few month-old idea. Stringed with Klippermate drop weight. Gut black has a kind of figment, and it is somewhat transparent under strong light. It fades as used - it becomes like LXN smart gray.
Been using wilson gut as main with Tier One ghost on cross. So far been a dream setup. Wilson gut will last me over two months playing doubles three times a week, I swap out the poly cross every month. Can vouch for power touch and spin in gut hybrid being the best I have ever played with. I string my gut 2+ pounds more than normal as I don't like the feeling of a prestrech on it. FYI, I keep gut racquets in plastic bag and store my tennis bag in the house.
Just FYI - swapping out only the cross string and leaving the mains can be really bad for your racquets. Puts a ton of stress on the racquet to string only a half set on an older half of string. You might be better off to just play with your full bed until it breaks and replace the whole set at once. Just a pointer.
another nice informative video, thanks! I use Klip gut in mains with poly crosses in lower power rackets, and usually poly gives up before the gut, so its quite durable, even in slightly humid conditions. its also more affordable and you can buy half strings too.. wilson I used but broke on the side. So I would have rated Klip a little better. thx
@Kutay Yurtsever Klip is my go to natural gut. Klip is great and I rate it way above the Wilson gut. I haven't used the Babolat gut but they have been making natural gut strings for 100+ years so it's probably #1.
I don't know about you, but I always break the Luxilon poly before I break the gut, unless the gut gets wet. I have racquets strung with RPM Blast 17G if it gets wet.
Klip all the way... String savers to keep longer
My opinion is that the playable longevity of gut is unmatched. I have never broken a gut string, and I always string gut in mains with poly in crosses. I play till gut fray’s really bad and it retains good playability throughout fraying as well. I think because of this, gut is actually more cost effective for me than other strings that are only playable for a week or so.
Absolutely!
I've been using the full natural gut that came with the racquet for like 7 months playing 2 times a week XD
Still looking strong.
just used my new pure strikes 18x20 for the first time today. strung with a full bed of VS natural gut @ 60 pounds. heavenly!
Well done - you told it as it is - nothing matches the feel and dynamics of natural gut. Enjoyed the very honest look at the brands - I agree, tried them all... Might want to mention that denser string patterns match natural gut's dynamics and lets that gut last far longer. For a special treat, find some pre-BT7 VS - add a 16X20 or 18X20 patterned racquet and Whew. You will nod in agreement with the fact that natural gut cannot be replicated by any synthetic... A whole new dimension comes to serving...
Thanks for telling it as it is - especially with the brands... always enjoy your thoughts...
Babalot gut has a coating that makes it far more water resistant than in the old days. I've got 3 months play out of gut AFTER it was soaking wet.
I find gut to be too powerful even at 60+ pounds in a hybrid setup as the mains. I would have to change my swing pattern so I brush up on the ball more rather than through. While gut is more expensive, if you're not a string-breaker, gut could be a cheaper solution because of how well it holds tension. You basically don't have to restring it until it breaks. You can also buy the string savers to enhance the life of gut. Lastly, make sure whoever strings it knows how to handle it.
Im hoping the switch to gut hybrid gives me good results. I normally play full bed stiff poly because i want the tension maintenance but at 1.30mm i have to cut them after about 10 hours. Hopefully get 20 hours of good tension with gut in the mains
VS is great, god its expensive though
I pay $16. For a full set of good gut. Including shipping. I never buy VS or Wilson.
@@BIGLOVE4TRUTH Which brand? Where do you buy it? Please share.
@@Andrebezerra wholesale natural gut
But in the end if you dont brake the strings natural gut will stay playable longer than other strings which means you dont need to restring as much. That means it doesnt pay as much in the long run. Right?
Babolat vs gut on my mains and solinco poly on my crosses. 50/48 lbs.
Natural gut is PRICEY. But I have to say this setup and tension really upped the feel and playability on my pure aero vs.
Can you do one for multifilaments? Thanks :)
Gamma Professional.
I've used Wilson Champions Choice several times gut on the mains and only once has the gut broken before the poly. I find that so odd.
That's crazy. How long does this set up last. I tried babolat syngut 17g I the mains and volkl cyclone tour 18g in crosses and that didn't last 4 full sets, native about 2+ hrs of pay and the mains broke. I am gonna try next a multifill In three mains hopefully it will last longer than the syngut. I do have half a set babolat natgut coming and I'm debating should i put it In the mains or crosses to last me a little longer, re though i wanna try the fed djoker set up with gut I mains. If i brake it in 2hrs lime the syngut i will be sad....
Any advice
@@Sokeresa my setup lasts for about 2-3 weeks and I use the Fed string saver pattern. It's always odd because it's just a tiny portion of the poly that breaks.
@@Sokeresa multi lasts about the same as syngut. I used to string multi mains with syngut crosses because that lasts longer than multi fullbed. I break multi mains / poly crosses within 2h. It's ok, just get another racquet. Better breaking strings often than risk developing risk/elbow/shoulder issues and not being able to play.
I had the same experience with de Champions Choice
@@Sokeresa try luxilon 4g. It's rugged, tough.
I've had gut break in the bag over night after one hit, but also had gut last 6 months hitting on and off. Also seen multi break over night shit happens lol
uncoated gut is the string played from the pros back in the 80 s and before to 2002. I think sampras was the last one playing this with the string savers (elasto cross). what is wondering me that he colors the wilson and babolat logo in the string without instantly breaking.
I want to try playing with natural gut. However I fear that i will get addicted to the strings though.
Luxilon gut is not bad now, used to be but i just put in in with confidential in the crosses and it feels as good as my usual babolat gut. will see how it does after a few sets
Do the packs have a date on them -- how do you know if its old or not when you purchase it?
So, what precautions needs to be taken when stringing with natural gut?
I have played with all the big brand natural guts. Luxilon gut 17g was very firm but very durable. I used it in the yonex vcore 97 HD.
Excellent mate! I own the same racquet which feels amazing, however I was thinking to switch it to gut hybrid! What cross poly you suggest and what tensions for gut/poly??
@@michaelobgy if you don't have any elbow issues, hybrid it with luxilon alu power rough at 54 pounds for both the gut and poly. If you want even more pop use klipper zyex on the crosses for more comfort,feel and pop at 48 pounds
It’s not cheap but it’s a treat lmfao… I love it 🥰 Merry Christmas I subbed
I only get about 5-6 hours out of a VS/4G hybrid before the gut breaks, but it is the best string combo I have ever hit. Perfect blend of comfort, feel, power and spin. If you have a chance, try it.
Try the wilson gut, I get very good durability out of it. I string my gut mains @56lbs and cross @52lbs so the smooth cross poly can really slide and create great spin.
Javace Thanks for the suggestion. I use the same sting tensions. I used the old Wilson back when it was made by Babolat, but didn’t last long. I use Luxilon gut now as it lasts longer than all of them, but is on the stiff side. I will try the new Wilson as well, but thinking it will be similar to the Luxilon as I think they make it for them. Thanks!
@@eincan1313 Wilson has new coating that TennisSpin mentioned that is slightly less plush but little more controlled and durable. I also have been able to find it on ebay for around $33
Hi!
Thank you for all the videos!
I am thinking about moving to natural gut due to arm problems. I currently use either poly sonic pro or lynx , and string my racket to 23.5 (22-27). Do you think I should string it at the same weight?
PS I am also thinking to do either the babolat or wilson hybrid with natural gut, so I can keep the spin effect of the poly. Is this a legit option or should I go for the full natural gut?
Thanx!!!
Do you use pre-stretch when stringing natural gut? What is a appropriate tension for a full bed? Do you charge extra for stringing natural?
Here in the Philippines - we pre- stretch nat gut before stringing, they charge extra, bec of the extra time & effort to string those nat guts
The best string for feel no doubt to me
What are the differences between natural and synthetic gut?
Very good Information! You are very knowledgeable and great listening to you buddy. Keep it up!
Wagyu natural gut
eat it right after it breaks 😂
An informative video, as usual, thank you.
On a different subject, is it worth your time doing a session on tennis sensors? I had a Sony tennis sensor which I found useful (real time data + video) but it is no longer in production. Are there any worthy such devises out there that fit rackets other than those made by Head? The market for tennis sensors was promising a few years ago but it seems that has all but disappeared. What do you think?
That would be a good topic.
FYI - I used the Babolat Pop for about 6 months. Gave some good info which could be of use depending on your goal. One giant negative - doesn’t tie the reading with the shot - your fastest groundstrokes could have gone long or into the net. But if you’re modifying your grip or stroke and want to see the speed/spin difference one of the sensors could be useful.
Damn... I am addicted it to now... Love it!
On point. Nice video mate.
So far i have tried Klip and Babolat natural gut.
Personally, Babolat is too springy for me. I prefer Klip Legend 16 or 17 more. Trying Wilson next.
The issue that forced me to try others than Klip is that their delay of delivery. I cannot get them since 2022.
Klip or Klip Springer is one of the oldest gut manufacturers in the world, over a hundred years.
Try Klip Legend string you'll find it better in some ways to Babolat VS.
Babolat also made Tonic which are lower priced gut about $36 a set vs the VS' $43
Nice video, as always. Now I feel a need to try out the gut.
Get Klip Legend - Australian gut. About 30 bucks - full bed.
Ernie thank you so much! I’ll look out for some.
If cost isn't an issue and you enjoy tennis gut is worth a try,.
Actually, under heat and moisture, gut doesn't lose tension but becomes more brittle and less elastic and so more prone to fraying and hence why it will break more easily. In the olden days before climate control bags, my gut used to sometimes break whilst in my bag !!
i really like yoiur content, youve helped me know a lot about tennis !
I really like nat'l gut but the cost prevents me from buying it. I use multifiber strings as a substitute for gut.
I've been using Babolat in my TFight 305 ( 53 pounds), has anyone tried the Wilson Gut. It's 10 dollars cheaper per pack. I like the feel and all but I feel it loses tension after a month. I play about 4 hours a week pus I use the ball machine for an hour or 2 a week.
Used pacific natural guts made in New Zealand back then
It isn’t made in Hawera any more?
i know its out of topic but what do you think about drop weight stringing machine?
The best thing if you can't afford electronic constant pull one. Only drawback is that is tiny bit slower to string a racquet since you gotta fiddle with the arm to get it to be level when pulling tension. Other than that is bullet proof, you never need to calibrate it, almost maintenance free. If you just string for yourself and dont mind spending 30-40mins then this machine is golden. If you get a more expensive drop wheight with 6 point mount and fixed clamps even better!
I have a crank and I'm very happy with it since i got it practically for free, if i had to spend money i would have gotten drop weight one!
@@Sokeresa thank you so much for this!
Sokeresa made some good points. I used a drop weight for more than 5 years stringing for myself then paid to do my friends and everyone at my club. It only costed me under 200$ used on kijiji, built in the 80s 90s era solid like a tank. The only thing that will break is a spring inside the drop weight tensioner(only if you string for profit high volume) but its very easy to replace.
Thanks for your videos.. You really rock.. As a gratitude of your help I want to buy things from your store o any place you recommend me.. So please don't hesitate to mentioned them..
Hope you can drive to Northern California bay area
How do you maintain gut? Any treatments?
Pacific still makes strings. Also natural. Ik love IT. You can get it in europe.
Pacific is the best in my opinion, but We've lost distribution in the US. I used to carry the brand and it was my bestselling gut by far, especially once Babolat changed their formula. Still have a few Multis left from Pacific that customers still ask for. I have been trying out the Volkl gut lately, great for the price, reminds me a lot of the uncoated Klip, has more bite, plays firmer than the other guts, but still has amazing power and feel. It's not quite as durable, but I highly recommend it if you don't want to spend $$$$ on Natural Gut.
@@jaronstewart1493 What is the name of the Vokl Gut string if I want to buy it?
@@projapatiify www.tennisexpress.com/VOLKL-V-Icon-17g-Tennis-Strings-16169
It's called Volkl V-Icon. I prefer the 17g since it is stiffer feeling than other brands.
They also make hybrids with either VFeel (stiff durable Multi) or w/Cyclone.
Love it, thanks!
Hi Tennis spin, thanks for the vids, definitely love them! I'm a 25 yo man who plays with an aero and now I feel like I get too much help from the racket at least in terms of spin and power, so what racket should I buy to improve my game? By the way I'm somewhat like a beginner to intermediate player and I can pretty much hit through the ball consistently. Thanks!
buy an old racquet from the 80s on facebook
Linseed oil is good for treating natural gut strings to last longer in great humidity. Cheap, too!
Where I live the air humidity is pretty high.
What I'd like to know is what's the maximum air humidity (in %) in which you can use natural gut?
How many times a week or month should you play with a gut strung racquet?
I usually play one or two times a week for 2 to 3 hours a session. Would that be enough?
I personally do not think humidity is that much of a problem unless it condenses onto the string (which normally should not happen even in if you live in the tropics). However, any water droplets (from rain or misting) that hits uncoated gut will very quickly result in deterioration of the gut and, not long after, a breakage. Or if you hit a wet ball. I know this from experience and always bring a racquet strung with a synthetic material (ie, a multi) when I anticipate rain or if there are puddles on the court.
what is your advise on multifilament full bed and hybrid stringing - strings move and do not snap back - you need to manually move them back
Biphase really doesnt move too much. Don't go too low with the tension. I strung Biphase at 20/19 KGs and it didn't move significantly. However, I played 18/20 string pattern. Of course, I didn't spin the ball like Rafa.... in that case poly is the way to go :)
@@elg0rdo351 I play Head Extreme MP, 24-28 kg recommended tension, so I tried Biphase at 27/27... still moving after few hours... and it's general problem with multifilaments - they move and do not snap back (
@@artemmitsynskyy2990 Okay, I think in that frame every multifilament string will move. Mmmh... other might see this differently but that frame fits better for polyester strings. It's a frame for extreme spin play and multifilament strings aren't good in that department so that combination doesn't really makes sense.
Good job Thanks for covering gut!!!
Please talk about kevlar strings
Forten brand has kevlar strings
@@mylesgalos6465 ashaway, ebox... Too
The point is what is the benefit to use it, tension, setup, nuances etc
Kevlar hybrid ( forten ) strings are very durable, but hard on the elbows. I stopped using it
@@mylesgalos6465 just lower tension
@@monlewi1976 @ 65, cant play as much i use to do. Vs nat hybrid gut my preference.
Hi i am from indonesia.. i have been watching your channel.. i have bought natural gut by babolat.. but i am anxious to use it.. since many of my friend told me that do not use natural gut tennis string both on the main and cross. They told me better use combination of natural and either poly or synthetic.. but some of my friend told me to use natural on the main and poly on the cross while other friend told the other way… so please tell me what is difrrence in the feel of both combination…? And for your information, i use rpm blast 18 everyday and now change to solinco hyper g 18 my tension use to be 50 on my yonex vcore 98. I play 4-5 times a week.. please give me feed back thank u
this is something else!
What happened with Blue Star synthetic gut. That use to fray. Have not seen it in 30plus yrs and it played great. I remember many synthetic strings use to have mire feel years ago. Btw i do not like poly
Do you pull and stretch the gut before you string it up? I was told to do that and I was doing it before I string the racket. I would loop it around a pole and stretch it first. I was told it holds tension better if you do that.
Great feel but way to expensive. Especially since most recreational players won’t get the advantage.
Guys whats the recommended tension for n guts strings ! Should keep it at high tension or low relatively!!
In instruments it is in fact called "cat gut", it's not referring to a cat the animal. It is still from a cow, the cat is short for cattle.....cattle gut is what it is, hence "cat gut"......believe it or not, they are essentially the same thing violin and tennis strings.
Lov y man ... y help me a lot !!!!
What tension would you recommend for an 11 year old, trying cut for the first time?
What is the outcome if I use gut in the cross and poly like Hyper G in the main?
I ordered black colored one hope color last long.
Mr Tennis spin, Volkl also make nat gut. Any thoughts on that or you haven't tried?
Many brands have natural gut, but they don't make it, someone else makes it for them.
@@userdjee834 ok so what's the verdict on volkl nat gut? Who makes it and hoe does it compare do you know
@@Sokeresa all good european natural gut are babolat (and luxilon/wilson). i've never played with völkl natural gut but it's 99% sure babolat
@@userdjee834 awesome, then how conne ita so much cheaper if it is babolat then? Im just curious
@@Sokeresa i don't know where you are and what are your prices but in europe babolat vs touch, the best, starts at 32€ if you order from the UK, and 36€ onwards in the eurozone. their lower grade, tonic, is cheaper than vs touch. völkl natural gut is certainly more expensive than that.
I hit with poly mix because I tend break hybrids with multifilament in a week. I just go natural gut, how do I extended the life of it?
I break strings after 6 hours of playing time. Suggestions?
I use gut in the mains and have tried Lux, Wilson, Wilson-branded Babolat, and Babolat VS. Spot on regarding the differences. Honestly the Wilson-branded Babolat felt the same as VS for me. The Lux and new Wilson feel almost the same, the Wilson having a better coating, but both being extremely stiff compared to the Babolat gut. I want to try lower-priced gut like Klip but am a little nervous I am just going to be wasting money since my cross is a more expensive poly already. Is it worth it to try the Klip out to save about 10$ per racquet? I don't break strings often, luckily.
How come you switched hats at the end! =)
So you must get your strings wholesale, but you don’t use gut, how come?
Love ur vids! Keep it up
What is the best tensions in gut string, 24/25 is that ok😊
i also hope that I am rich
Hybrid lasts a bit longer too though I never seem to break strings
It looks like that, because you put the gut on the crosses. The only two reasons I can see for that, is because it strings easily, because it is soft and it is a pain in the ass to string a wire stiff string on the crosses. The second reason is to make more money from stringing, because gut on the crosses lasts 10 times less then gut on the mains.
How about giving away some rackets all the way here in the Philippines
LXN guts actually is very comfortable and long lasting. When you strung up at 60lb , one can hardly tell one is more stiffer than the other.
LXN will loose tension a tiny slower and break a tiny later than vs. Both tension lost after 20mins of play anyway. Still playable but not as good as fresh.
Babolat tonic is a better choice for budget buyer... can go as low to euro 18 on sales.
What tension should I apply to the kilp legend natual gut 17? I just bought a Prince racket for my gf and just found out the kilp legend natual gut 17... can someone also explain to me how does the numbering works, is 58 tighter then 52?