From: cic@vab02.larc.nasa.gov (Christopher I. Cruz)
Subject: Re: Stringing Machines, Strings and Widebody Raquets
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1992 18:35:35 GMT

     Michelle,

          Your friend is experiencing the same problems that have sent

     string manufacturers scurrying to improve their products' durability

     ever since wide body rackets became a hot item.  Although each

     person's situation can be different, there are some general axioms

     which apply to your questions:

          (1) Wide body rackets are MUCH stiffer than conventional width

              rackets.  Because the racket flexes less, the strings must
 
              absorb the brunt of the impact.  This means an increase in

              the tensile stress the strings experience and can also mean

              an increase in string movement.  NOTE: Some topspin players

              who use an extreme western grip have had trouble switching 

              to wide body rackets because the ball sometimes impacts the

              edge of the frame before it hits the strings (due to the 

              increased width of the frame).

          (2) String gauge (i.e., thickness) is another major influence. 

              Thicker strings will obviously last longer than will a thinner

              string of similar type and construction.  A thinner string,

              however, is reputed to "bite" the ball more effectively and

              provide greater feel, control, and topspin.  This is an example

              of the number one trade-off in the universe of tennis strings:

              PLAYABILITY vs. DURABILITY.

          (3) String construction also plays an important part.  There are new

              wide body strings which are softer, more durable, thicker, and

              damp vibration better than traditional strings.  My personal

              experiences with these new strings (e.g., TOA Silencer) is

              that they are fairly durable and softer, but they don't "bite"

              the ball on spin shots like traditional "stiffer" strings.

              Thus, I still use old technology strings in my wide body (Prince

              Synergy 28 110) and get 3-8 hours of play.  I used to get 8-20

              hours of play with the same strings in a Prince Graphite Comp 110

              (not a wide body). I find that I can double or even triple string 

              life by using String-a-Lings.  These are small plastic tabs which

              are inserted at string intersections after stringing to prevent 

              the strings from cutting each other.  A set costs about $2 

              through mail order and takes about 30 minutes to install.
     
          (4) As expected, string material is also important.  Natural gut,
              
              which is expensive and can have limited durability, is still

              regarded as the most playable of tennis strings.  Most

              manufacturers market some form of synthetic gut, which is usually

              multiple strands of nylon bound together in a construction

              similar to natural gut. Some strings also contain polyester,
 
              Zyex, graphite, boron, and Kevlar.  For chronic string breakers, a

              Kevlar/nylon (e.g. Prince Pro-Blend) will provide maximum

              durability but has limited feel.  Some topspin players do

              use Pro-Blend from time to time for durability reasons.  As a

              matter of fact, the stringing team at the French Open 2-3 years

              ago reported that Chang and Agassi both used Prince Pro-Blend in

              their rackets during the tournament.

          (5) Lastly, string tension is also a major player.  The general rule

              is that, within the manufacturers' recommended limits, tighter

              strings provide more control and looser strings more power. 

              Because wide body rackets are stiffer than conventional frames,

              the manufacturers' recommended limits for string tension are

              usually lower than conventional rackets.  Tighter strings will

              break faster than will looser strings of similar material and

              construction for two main reasons : (1) during impact, the 

              tighter strings will generally experience higher tensile stress

              and (2) the tighter strings will cut through each other more
 
              quickly when they move.

     The solution to the above problems ?  Unfortunately, there is no one

     answer for everybody.  TOA Silencer , mentioned earlier, was rated highly

     by USRSA stringers for its combination of playability, durability, and

     affordability.  The only string rated higher was Alpha Gut 2000 , a

     synthetic which is more expensive than Silencer.  Gamma, Prince, Wilson,

     Tecnifibre are among the growing list of companies which produce

     quality strings.


          I guess if I were your friend, and this is only my personal opinion,

      I would try one of two things : (1) Use my favorite string and extend
 
      the life with String-a-Lings or (2) Try Silencer or some other "wide

      body" string. I personally chose option (1).

           As far as machines go, almost all machines manufactured today 
 
      (portable and cabinet models) are equipped to handle wide body rackets.

      I have experience only with Ektelon cabinet machines, and have found them

      very reliable.  A good Ektelon machine will cost you in the range of

      $ 1,000 to $ 1,500.  Be assured, however, that I am in no way downplaying

      the quality and value of other companies' stringing machines.  I simply

      don't have experience with them.

                                             Hope this info helps,

                                             Chris Cruz (USRSA member)



       This post reflects my views only and I in no way intend to speak

       for the USRSA or NASA/Langley Research Center.
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