Category Archives: String Patterns
Let’s Look at a Hybrid Graph
A client asked, ” Would putting natural gut in the cross string instead of the main string create a softer string bed?”
That question is the precursor to the graph below, so I will let the video tell the story.
This graph does not reflect the stiffness of polyester string. So, in any format, a natural gut may help soften the string bed if polyester is used.
Strings are made to Work (and wear out)!
If tennis strings are doing what they should, they will wear out!
What happens between the time strings are installed and the time they need to be replaced?
- Strings are under tension (stress)
- Strings are subject to fatigue due to hits
- Strings are subject to frictional notching due to sliding
- Strings are elastic but will lose tension
- Strings break
All of the above actions are subject to many variables, of course!
- String Bed Pattern (16×19, 18×20,,,)
- Sring Bed Size (90, 95, 98, 100, 110… square inch)
- Racquet head speed
- Racquet head angle
- String wear
- Environment (wet, dry, hot, cold…)
What does this actually look like, though?
This will give an idea of what a really good wear pattern will look like
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- COP View
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- Full String Bed
after about ten (10) weeks of use. This is a 17-gauge multifilament in a 98-square-inch head size at a reference tension of 55 pounds (24.9kg).
In fact, the COF (coefficient of friction) is greater than when the string was fresh!
COF_ M: 23%, X: 31.5% greater! This means if you have the nerve (no fear of breaking string), you can continue to play and enjoy the grabbing of the ball by the tiny tentacles that get caught in the ball fuzz.
This will not last forever, though!
COP View
This wear pattern is typical of high-quality multifilament strings.
When making a string selection, think about how long you want the string to perform well, not necessarily how long it will stay in your racquet.
If you need some ideas, go to our String Frequency Calculator. This will give you some high performance stringing cycle recommendations.
Have fun … and use up your string!
Can Your String do This?
Of course, your string can fail, but can it retain the elasticity of this one?
The string is Tecnifibre HDMX, which is in their PolyFusion Series.
This is a terrific selection for players seeking comfort and a reasonable Power Potential of 8.76!
With a string bed stiffness of 137.8, this racquet will deliver a whopping power index of ≈12.5 when striking the ball!
In this case, the open string pattern contributes to comfort and ball grabbing.
The string exhibits so much elasticity that its long-term performance will not suffer due to premature tension loss and low string bed stiffness.
By the way, the racquet is the latest Head Extreme MPL. This racquet and string combination is a winner!
We can help!
Racquet Quest, LLC
