Polyester Tennis String - Is it for your game or not?

I think the largest improvement in tennis equipment over the past 10 years is/are strings. Higher level players have always known how important strings and stringing are. And now it looks as though the rest of the tennis playing world is catching on!

Let's start with the string type that has had the most buzz in recent years:

Polyester was once considered just a more forgiving option to kevlar strings. Dead feeling, with a slippery surface, and horrible tension maitanence, polyester strings were pretty much ignored in the US.

But now many polyester strings (co-polys) are softer, spin enhancing, and still very durable. Chronic string breakers who prefer a strings that don't feel like bricks now have many great choices.

Kirschbaum Pro Line II was one of the 1st polyester strings that provided durability, feel, and spin enhancement. " I  forgot that I was using a polyester string" is a typical comment from players using Pro Line II for the first time. A round string with a sticky, spin enhancing coating, Pro Line II is a fantasic option for a string breaker who wants more feel and power. Available in gauges 1.15, 1.20, 1.25 and 1.30.  It comes in red or  black.

Solinco Tour Bite is a  cool, silver colored, four sided string. If you're looking to add more spin to your game Tour Bite is  a must try.  It is available in 1.15, 1.20, 1.25, 1.30  gauge. Tour Bite

Gamma Zo Verve is a very unique looking , two-toned (black and red), 3 sided string.  A little on the firm side, Zo Verve is a great string for hard hitters looking for more control and spin.  It comes in 1.25 and 1.30 gauges.

Topspin Max Rotation is a black, shiny,  seven sided string. Max Rotation is great for players looking to add spin without sacrificing comfort. One of the best kept secrets on the market, Max Rotation has been a HCT fan favorite for  two years. Max Rotation comes in gauges 1.27 and 1.31.

All of these strings are excellent playing, and not so hard on the arm. But they are polyester: Tension loss can be quick and drastic! So while co-polys are excellent for spin enhancement, they do not hold tension well.

Because polyester strings are so durable, most players wait way too long before they restring. We often have customers come in and complain about shoulder, elbow, or wrist pain. This  is usually due to stiff and or dead strings. When you're ready let us pick out a good string for you!

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Fun weekend had by Mike, Ashley, Beth, Eric, Mark, Kevin and Emma the Hardcore Cheerleader! Many tournaments ahead for Hardcore Tennis Players....Join us! Eric lost in finals, Ashley lost in the finals!!!! Photos from The Landings in Savannah Georgia Jan 20-22nd.

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Common Elbow Issues from Luxilon...Story

Eric,

Tom teaches my Men's team and I was speaking to him about tendinitis in my elbow and strings and he gave me your card and recommended I contact you.  I called your shop and they said you were out so I figured an e-mail might be easier.  Here is some background on me and my injury.  I started using Luxilon Big Banger Rough strings in 2009 and started having elbow pain last spring.  I thought I had just sprained it but it continued to get worse until I stopped playing and went to the Dr.  The Dr. found that I had tendinitis and minor arthritis so I have gone through Physical Therapy and after not playing for almost 4 months it is better but I still have pain and can't play more than a few times a week.  I am now using some Hurricane Blue strings that a tennis shop recommended as being easier on the elbow but Tom mentioned that it is still bad and I needed to change it up to something easier on the arm.  I would like to find out from you what you recommend so I can drop my rackets off and have you string them up.  I play Men's A5 and Mixed A2 and typically don't break strings but hit the ball fairly hard and play with a Head MicroGEL Radical Mid+.  Let me know if you need any other details.

Thanks for your time,

Jason

ANSWER from Eric,

Hi Jason,

Sorry about your arm.

You are correct in your thinking that your string isn't helping you. It's actually hurting you very much. Pro Hurricane is actually be stiffer than Alu Rough. Unfortunately most stores are just order takers and only sell the most popular (but not necessarily the best for you) strings and racquets. If you are not a big string breaker there is no reason for you to be using a "poly" string anyway.

Natural gut is your best option because you're not a string breaker and it holds tension much longer than ALL other types of string. We sell a huge amount of gut for this reason. You could also go with a good multifilament string but you will string it more often that gut. 

I'll be at the store Saturday after 11:00 and All day Monday.

E

University of South Carolina Men's Tennis Team

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