Friday, April 10, 2009
Hybrid Stringing FAQ's
Lately there has been a lot of discussion on the Essential Tennis Forums (http://www.essentialtennis.com/forum/)about hybrid stringing patterns, so I thought that I would take the time to go over some of the basics, and hopefully answer some questions that you might be having. Here are some of the basics.
- What is Hybrid stringing? Hybrid stringing is any set-u that uses two differnt types of strings, one for the mains (up and down), and another for the crosses (side to side).
- What is the purpose? It is usually done to give your stringjob a longer life. But it has also become a good way to try a new type of string without jumping into the pool completely.
- What are the most popular hybrids? In the last few years it has become very popular to hybrid stiff polyester strings with softer mulitifilament strings, usually with the poly in the mains. More to come on this later...
- Is is right for my game? Chances are that there is a hybrid for you, no matter what your playing style or ability level.
The main strings are the strings in your racquet that run up and down. These are the primary strings for spin and playability, so these are the strings that you will get the most playing characteristics from in your hybrid set up. Because of that you probably want to choose your main string first before the crosses.
If you are primarily a baseline player (Novak Djokovic) who uses a lot of spin, or if you prefer a stiff stringbed, you will want the primary playing characteristics of your polyester string. This will give you a stiffer, dead stringbed that will allow you swing through the ball and impart a good amount of spin on the ball. This is the majority of poly hybrid set ups.
On the other side, if you are more of an all court player (Roger Federer) that uses more touch and feel shots you might want to reverse the above mentioned set up and install the multifilament stings in the mains. In this situation you would get more of the playing characteristics from the softer, multifilament strings. This would help you with touch shots like drop shots and soft angles. You would still get the stiff feeling with the polyester in the crosses, but not at the same level as the other way around.
As far as durability goes, both set ups are pretty even. Some string researchers have found that you actually get more durability when the polyester strings are in the crosses. For most players though, the polyester strings will lose their playability before they break, and you will want to restring slightly more often.
I hope that this has answered some questions that you might have about hybrid string set ups. If you do have more questions please stop by the forums and post in the Gear Review section!
Jeremy Plumley is a certified Master Racquet Technician (MRT) by the United States Racquet Stringers Association, a designation that is only given to service professionals who demonstrate superior technical competence and product knowledge in racquet sports. In addition he is also a certified teaching professional at one of the most prestigious country clubs in the United States, where he also is the pro shop manager for racquets, shoes and accessories. His knowledge of tennis equipment and teaching background give him the ability to recommend the proper equipment for the type of player he is working with.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Technifibre Pro Red Code
Tired of paying an arm and a leg for high end polyester strings? In case you haven't heard there is an alternative. I've been using this miracle product for the last three years and swear by it. Before I started using it I was shelling out hundreds of dollars for reels Luxilon Big Banger ALU. While I appreciated the benefits of Big Banger the cost was extremely prohibitive. Then I was given a free sample of Pro Red Code and have never looked back.
Red Code is, in my expirience the BEST POLY ON THE MARKET! If you can get past the fact that it is, as the name says, red you will find that Red Code gives all the benefits of a premium polyester string while retaining the playability of a synthetic gut.
For those of you that are self stringers Red Code handles less stiffly than your typical poly. You also don't need to reduce the tension by 5-10% like most poly's recomend. Even when using Red Code for the entire string bed it is soft enough not to cause arm pain for even sensitive users. If you don't handle it correctly it will kink just like any other poly and you have to watch for friction pre-burning but it is otherwise very easy to use and retains tension well.
As a player users will appreciate the high degree of feel they retain with Red Code. I have always found that placement and touch shots are the first thing affected by the insertion of poly strings into your racquet. With the enhanced playability of Red Code however your touch will not be affected and if fact you may find it improved. Red Code offers a crisp feel at impact which allows you the maximum of directional control. Players will also notice good 'bite' or 'grip' on the ball allowing for terrific spin production without having a 'rough' surface.
In these fiscally limited times the most important benefit of Pro Red Code is that a 660' reel of Pro Red Code will run you aroung $135 retail compared to a reel Big Banger ALU^ which goes for $265 dollars retail. So for about half the cost you are getting the better feel and the same string life with better tension retention. Sounds like a win-win to me.
For agressive string breakers and power players Pro Red Code is ideally suited for todays game. Users will benefit from the improve spin and feel and from the extra dollars in their pockets. Once you try Pro Red Code you may never go back to your old strings again.
^ Big Banger ALU reel is 720' allowing for approx. 2 more racquets to be strung with this reel depending on racquet head size.
Jay Wiseman is a certified Master Racquet Technician (MRT) by the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA), a certification that is bestowed upon only the elite racquet and equipment service professionals. Additionally Jay is a certified P-1 Professional by the USPTA and has served as the Head Professional and Pro Shop manager at multiple clubs on the East Coast and Midwest. Jay has previously spent 3 years coaching Division I collegiate women's tennis and currently serves as a teaching professional at the largest tennis club in Toledo, Oh and is the Head Boy's & Girl's Tennis Coach at Sylvania Southview High School.
