String Suggestions

[MinerTennis]

I coach at a small rural high school in Indiana, and this is my first posting on this forum. A couple of years ago the parents asked if I would learn to string if they purshased a stringer. (the nearest stringer was an hour away) They purchsed a Gamma Progession II and I have learned to use it and it works very well for our needs. My question is about string. We have been using Gamma Synthetic Gut 17 in the rackets for both my girls and boys players. We got a bunch of sets with the stringer and we never changed, plus we could string a racket for less than $4. I have had a few players buy some better string, but they generally did not know what they were purchasing. I am a converted basketball coach, I took the job because I like to play tennis and had a tennis course in college. That made me the most qualified in the school. What would should I be using in their rackets? We want to get the best durability, feel, and PRICE. These are players from 1.0 to maybe a 5.0 occasionally (very rare). Should I be using more of blend in their rackets. I only have a few players who make tennis their number one sport who take time and effort to drive the hour one way for private lessons.

Thank You (Sorry about the length of the post)

[Jordan M]

Please note that I am not an expert. However, I do my research before I do anything. So, I feel I get to know little more than many, who have been around for many years.

I did teach my son to be on his high school varsity team last season. He started playing with me in October 2006 and by March 2007 he was ready. I have stringed our racquets as well as my son’s teammates’.

I am of the opinion that:
1. For most of the beginners, any synthetic gut string is sufficient for their need without risking their arms, shouldered, etc. Just look for inexpensive synthetic gut in a 660 ft. reel for $50.00 or less. It will come to less than $3.00 per racquet. The same string can be used in a hybrid (See below) if necessary.

2. If you find a particular player with a somewhat developed swing, especially with top spin, and he/she is breaking string often, then you may consider a monofilament string (Polyester, Poly, co-poly). (This type of string should be strung approximately 10% less than syn-gut 60lb Syn-Gut = 54lb Poly) Monofilament strings last longer but they are not arm-friendly. A racquet strung with this type of string, especially at high tension, feels like a board. Many players report arm, elbow, and shoulder injuries relating to this type of sting. Although monofilament string afford an appropriate player with a stable string bed capable of producing increased top spin for a longer playing time, for most high school player, in my opinion, should not use this type string on mains and crosses, i.e., they should not risk the related injuries. I found that the alternative #3 gives my son and me a great compromise. If you are interested in use this type of string, a set of string will cost you $9.00 to $18.00. For your purpose, you should buy few sets at a time. There is no point in buying a reel, i.e., the cost saving is not sufficient to justify the purchase.

3. Hybrid is a term used to describe a stinging technique, which utilizes two different strings for the mains and crosses. There are infinite numbers of possible combinations. There are more than that number of opinions as to which combination is the “Best”. (Ha, ha, ha) However, in general, the main purpose of this method (hybrid) is to use two different strings in order to balance or complement strengths or weaknesses of each string. For a frequent string breaker, monofilament on the main will give longevity, at the same time, a softer synthetic gut (see #1 above) on the cross will soften the finished string bed. If you see someone is breaking string often or the main string is pushed to one side when finish hitting for a while, you may try this method. The Poly string main will stay where belongs (more accurately, it comes back to where belongs).

4. There are other types of strings available in the market, including, natural gut, many of them claim to be “ the Best”, “Better than” or “As good as”, however, they appears to be too expensive or specialized to be used by typical high school players. If you have an exceptional player please post again with a question.

I tried a few types of stings in each category. As I said, I am not an expert and there are more opinion than strings in the “String Theory.” (Ha, ha, ha) However, I would like to offer my recommendation, in light of your request. I like 17 gage or 16 gage strings in both categories .

Synthetic Gut – One reel (good for 18 racquets)
Wilson Extreme ($49)
Or
Prince (original or w/ Duraflex) Synthetic Gut ($62)

Monofilament (Poly, Co-poly) – 3 sets
Kirschbaum ProLine III
It is on sale at www.Tennis-Warehouse.com for $25.00 for three sets
Or
Signum Pro Poly Plasma Pure (AKA “SPPP” Pure)
It is about $9.00 / set.

The way I figure is that for a total cost of, as little as, $80.00 ($49 + $25 + $6 (S&H)) for a reel of synthetic gut and 3 sets of Poly strings, you can string 14 racquets with synthetic gut and 6 racquets with Poly/Syn-Gut hybrid. That is a total of 20 racquets for $80.00, equivalent to $4.00 per racquet.

Make sure to keep record of string tension for each racquet. When a player is not satisfied with a particular string, you should first change the tension to see you can achieve desired result before trying out all kind of strings. Maybe the most important advice I can give is that each racquet should be restrung at least once every year. I remember seeing somewhere that string should be changed every 50 hours of play or every 12 months which ever comes first. It makes sense to me because after an extended time of play, string loses character. It ceases to give power and/or control and/or feel, and/or…

I hope this can give you what you needed. Let me know what you decide to do and how it worked out. You may see other advices with all kinds of string types, brand, etc. I am not offended if you take their advices. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

(Don’t be “Sorry about the length of the post”. However, I am sorry about my lengthy response)

Regards!

[MinerTennis]

Thank you for sharing!

[goakka]

g'day

I agree with jordan m a good syn-gut is what I put in most of the people I string for, and bye it in a reel. 15L is a good gauge for durability for most. If you have a kid who is a string breaker go for the hybrid first. the full Polly job is only good for those who give the ball a huge whack and don't use much touch.

cheers goakka

[Ronny]

Gosen OG Sheep Micro is a very good syn gut for the price.

[MinerTennis]

Thank You

[netskimmer]

hi coach , you should try the gamma strings like xp, esp your players will like the soft strings, will keep from getting sore elbows especially beginners and intermedate players has good resilency 15 g for clay courts 16 g for hard courts
the kevlar and poly is a ok but rough on the elbows the ball come off strings faster less pocketing effect less accuracy more speed ,i have been trying a mix of strings luxalon and prince, luxalon for mains and softer string prince preimer
for crosses works real good, good durability too , wilson string nxt good also
with the softer strings you can work the ball (spin it a little more) but still my favorite is babalot vs gut touch can`t beat it it`s still the best, not for a clay court, or a outdoor carpet with sand in it , ball pockets well and has great feel
and you will gain increased ball speed with the gut string i have been stringing
my own racquets and friends and tend to stay away from the spools and reels
of string yes cheaper buy the spool but the quality is not quite there 17 g.
is to thin for your beginners your 4.0- 5.0 should be using this thin stuff
it well add to their games. remember soft strings will help on the vibration
on the racquet too , so try the gamma strings ,wilson nxt, prince, all the multifilament type strings, 16 gage the best and better players can move
to a thinner string and also depends on surfaces played on too weather a
a clay court or hard court ( surface must be cleaned) for the string to last
hope i helped net skimmer

[ggtennis]

netskimmer's post is incredibly well-intentioned and the underlying message is excellent. Arm health, especially in young developing elbows, should be one of the primary concerns of any coach. Coaches at all levels should know how to monitor, advise and select strings that are both healthy and performance oriented. The trouble is that one string type does not fit the needs of all players. Thus, a having a variety of healthy strings is ultimately important.

While I agree that Gamma strings are soft, I would differ from netskimmer in my perspective of the Gamma line of strings. I have found that with the exception of Gamma Synthetic Gut with Wearguard, (their best string, IMO), the performance of Gamma strings is subpar. The resins in the Gamma line break down quickly and the strings lose playing properties rapidly. The durability of the Gamma strings is also not the greatest and the cost is much more than the strings are worth. IMO, they are not a very good value at all. The same is true of some of the softer multis like the NXT series (NXT OS is okay) the Prince multis as well as many others. In my experience the best performing mulits in terms of performance are from LaserFibre. They cost about as much as the Gamma strings, but the performance difference is significant. The best value multi that I would encourage you to explore is from Unique Sports (Unique Tournafiber Irradiated) and can be ordered directly through them for a very reasonable cost.

In terms of copolymers, I would suggest staying with the newer generation copolymers in hybrid with a soft synthetic gut. The newer generation copolys are superior to the currently popular Luxilon ALU in terms of comfort and playing life. (Luxilon tend to lose playing properties rapidly). Hybrids may be appropriate for your players who are seeking added spin and who tend to break the main strings rapidly.