Category Archives: Stress/Strain
Comfort is the new Soft!
Over the years descriptive terms for tennis strings have endured many mythical, and even wrong, definitions.
One of the terms we continue to hear is “Synthetic Gut”. First of all, in terms of tennis string if the material is not from a once living animal it is “synthetic!” The term “synthetic gut” was responsible for relegating “nylon™” to the very lowest of low end tennis string, however, even today Nylon™ makes up a substantial percent of the tennis string material!
Now comes “Comfort” trying to relegate “Soft” to the scrap heap!
What difference does it make? A lot. Seasoned players know what works for them and they don’t care what anyone calls it. On the other hand those just beginning or wanting to improve their game do care.
With our in-house testing device, Questron, we test every string that goes into a racquet, and every string that comes into the World Headquarters . The graphs have been posted on this site a few times but just in case you missed them here is a graph:
This graph represents two (2) polyester strings and one (1) natural string because it was handy.
In the simplest terms the quicker (shorter deflection) the string reaches 50 pounds the “stiffer” or less “soft” it is. Neither of the polyester stings are “soft” compared to the natural string, however, one polyester string is “softer” than the other polyester string but not by much.
We have tested many strings that are now available in a “soft” version and the “standard” (not soft) version.
Whatever string version you choose use it because it works for you whether is it marketed as Comfort or Soft!
Is this a cost effective alternative?
Everyone loves natural gut but not everyone loves the price, even though it is very much worth it!
You may think ” I will just use synthetic gut it must be about as good”. Nope, not even close. However there is string that may be close enough to consider as an alternative.
One such string is IsoSpeed Professional. Because we know “a picture is worth a thousand words” here is a picture:
IsoSpeed v VS Touch
If you are serious about playing tennis at a high level for a long time please consider an alternative to a string that does not help that effort.
This is one, however there are others that we will highlight in future posts.
More Linearity
Every string we use and even string we do not use goes through our Questron testing cycle. We have discussed this before, and a video on this site shows the Questron in action. We have updated the Questron significantly since the video was made…and it isn’t quiet.
We want to discuss “linearity” and how it can help when choosing a string setup.
We used these strings recently, and they were not chosen for any reason other than availability.
The first graph shows highly linear strings. The straighter the line from “0” to “fail,” the more linear and consistent the string is throughout its life.
So, what does linearity do for me?
- Maintains tension
- Minimizes energy loss
- Maintains playability
- Maintains consistency
- Maximizes control
- Maintains predictability
- Provides confidence throughout your match
This property is essential to us. That is why we offer an alternative to non-linear strings.
If you would like this information for your favorite string, please let us know, and we will try to provide it for you nd all other readers!
Soft is the New Black!
The word “soft” is popping up everywhere; for good reason, we think!
Most juniors and high-level players we deal with have or are now switching to “softer” strings.
The following plot shows the difference between Luxilon Element 125 and Luxilon Element IR Soft 127. Looking at the slope, you can tell the Soft is softer than the non-soft, but by how much?
Element v Element Soft
A quick calculation says about 12.3% at 50 (22.68Kg) pounds of force. If you follow the slope, you will see that at 100 pounds of force (45.36Kg) the strings intersect at a deflection of 54.8mm.
If you hit very hard and exceed the 100-pound mark, the “soft” will become slightly less soft than the “non-soft.”
Racquet Quest, LLC
