Luxilon strings

[Rob ITST]

Assuming a string job lasts me a week, what kinda tension difference I should be going for?

Too many variables to say, really - it takes a bit of experimenting.

The question I'd ask is: Would you rather a string job be too tight, or too loose? If you rather chance it being too tight, I'd go about 5 pounds tighter. 2-3 pounds if you'd rather it be too loose. If I'm unsure, I always chance it being too tight, since it will loosen - if it's too loose, you have to restring.

Pick a number and try it; adjust accordingly the next time. If you're impatient, try a few frames at one time, each with different tensions. Chances are, one of them will be right (or pretty damn close).

The pros have it great: fresh strings with fresh balls..... every freaking time. Must be nice.

Regarding the denting, consider this: Luxilon states that their strings don't move after 24 hours. That's because they need about 24 hours for the memory to set in. Most polys have the same characteristics. I have a feeling that what you're experiencing is something different - what it is, I don't know.

"Feel" is so subjective - it's probably the biggest obstacle I deal with on a daily basis. For instance, when players say they like strings where the ball stays on the strings longer - even though it is all but impossible for a human being to tell the difference in how long the ball stays on a racquet for different strings. The difference is milliseconds, and no one can discern that.

However, it is what it is. If someone doesn't like something, then it's not my job to convince them they're wrong. I just file it away in memory, move on, and hope that something else comes along to shed more light on it.

I'd love to spend a few weeks working with Djarvik on finding the "perfect" string. You seem to be very picky, which, as I tell customers who apologize for being too picky, "Without picky players, good stringers don't matter".

BTW, on the subject of stringing: I got one of these recently



I spent several weeks testing different machines, including the famed Babolat Star 5. After a few minutes with the Wilson Baiardo, the winner was clear. It is, quite simply, the best machine ever made.

[KluddKalle]

It's also very big and shiny.

I Really like your idea of using month-old stringed raquets. This feels like something that would suit me.

[djarvik]

Nice one Rob! How much? Mine is a year old....but I bought the NEOS1500 with the thought of upgrading at some point, just don't want to put in more then 3-4K into it this summer. Maybe next year's budget will be better


I will defo try your way with three frames. Very interesting. Just need to do this years Demos first. I like my frame, but I also enjoy "the change". I switched 3 frames the last 4 years....so maybe there is a something out there this year that will catch my attention.

To me, I need to "feel" the strings move on the hit and slide/snap back. When they are stuck in dents, I don't have that feeling, get annoyed. It is likely very subtle, but it is definitely there. I liked your idea of using a little wax on the main strings when doing the crosses, if anything, it exaggerates a bit the feeling that I like about polys. Keeping their shape is one thing, not moving at all on the shots - another.


Besides being picky, I am an explorer. I LIKE to try stuff out. The more you try - the better you become of identifying little nuances in the strings. Most of the surprisingly are very similar, but some are VERY different. I loved the RPM blast right after stringing, a few hours after.....but after a few sessions, more like 1.5 sessions, the string started to dent as you described - and I hated it. Still think it is the best string to play with right after stringing. I liked the Spiky shark because it never dented for me, not until the string dies and I cut it out then anyway. Consistent response and good bite.

I think we need our own stringing Thread! What do you say?


BTW - I am also in the market for a Ball Machine. I really want one! Any suggestions? Lobster seem to dominate this market, but god, I hate the way it looks. I actually played with one of the Elite Lobsters in Miami a few times. Still do when I go there. That is why I want one. I think this is WAY better tool then a Wall. Much more engaging and fun. The ability to add spin (and lots of it too) is fantastic.

[KluddKalle]

I dream of my own ball machine, but I need my own court first...

[Rob ITST]

Nice one Rob! How much? Mine is a year old....but I bought the NEOS1500 with the thought of upgrading at some point, just don't want to put in more then 3-4K into it this summer. Maybe next year's budget will be better

The normal cost of the machine is $6,000. But you can get them used for about $4,000 - they're the ones used at the US Open, and they have a full warranty.

Regarding the ball machine, I can't help you too much there. All I know is that when it comes to ball machines, you generally get what you pay for.