| Tennis Strings have been one of the hottest topics of | | | | All companies will have their own version of Synthetic |
| discussion on the pro tour in recent years. Most | | | | Gut, which is designed to have similar characteristics of |
| specifically how the Luxilon tennis strings have become | | | | Natural Gut thus providing power and a "soft feel." By |
| such powerful method of improving player | | | | spending a little extra you may experience even better |
| performance. Darren Cahill, the long time coach of | | | | performance by stringing with a "multi filament" string. |
| Andre Agassi, recently commented that by converting | | | | "Head Rip Control", "Prince Syn Gut Multifilament", |
| his racquet to a Luxilon blend, Andre was able to | | | | "Wilson NXT" and "Klip Excellerator" are examples of |
| improve his spin and control dramatically in the later | | | | multifilament strings which deliver Natural Gut like |
| part of his career, extending his playing days until | | | | characteristics without the cost. |
| eventually his back gave way. | | | | Different tennis companies have also begun producing |
| This new tennis string technology will also improve the | | | | Luxilon type "coated poly" strings providing extra spin |
| performance of developing and social players. | | | | and durability. "Klip K-Boom", "Head Sonic Pro" and |
| Natural Gut - For decades Natural Gut string was the | | | | "Kirschbaum Super Smash" are strings which imitate |
| preferred string for top professionals. Babolat VS | | | | the qualities of Luxilon at a lower price. |
| Natural Gut had achieved legendry status as the | | | | Customising your racquet and string - When |
| choice of legends such as Pete Sampras. Natural Gut | | | | considering your string specifications it is also important |
| delivered great "feel" and comfort for the best players. | | | | to consider the type of racquet you use. Although |
| It did however have drawbacks; it wasn't very durable | | | | technology is always improving, generally speaking |
| and would lose tension relatively quickly. For social | | | | racquets, like strings, are usually designed for power; or |
| tennis players it was out of reach due to high prices | | | | control. Using an entirely "poly" string bed in a racquet |
| so it was only the privileged few who were able to | | | | with a tight string pattern (18 mains, 95 sq inch frame) |
| use it. | | | | may result in a dead feeling. Conversely using a soft |
| Luxilon - More recently players have however turned | | | | synthetic gut string in a wide string pattern (16 mains, |
| to the Luxilon tennis strings in great numbers. Luxilon is | | | | 110 sq inch frame) may adversely affect your control. |
| a "coated poly"; it is durable, maintains its tension and | | | | Conclusion - Using a Luxilon type "poly" string in the |
| delivers incredible spin and control to its users. Most of | | | | mains and a softer "Gut" string in the crosses is a |
| the top players from Federer to Nadal to Henin use | | | | great way to get the best stringing results. Stringing |
| Luxilon in their string bed. Other companies have | | | | entirely with a softer "gut" type string can result in |
| attempted to create string with similar qualities to | | | | broken strings and losing tension quickly. Only stringing |
| Luxilon, not quite reaching the magic formula but | | | | with a "poly" can make the racquet feel stiff and |
| providing cheaper alternatives as a result. | | | | uncomfortable. |
| Hybrid String Patterns - A popular practice with top | | | | If you have the budget, string your mains with Luxilon |
| players is to "blend" their string pattern, using a different | | | | and cross with Natural Gut in a blend. You can still get |
| string on the mains and the crosses. Federer, for | | | | great results using the cheaper options recommended |
| example, uses a blend of Luxilon and Natural Gut. The | | | | in this article. This will work in all types of racquet |
| aim is to get the best of both world's, the feel of Gut | | | | frames and deliver the all round improvement |
| and the durability and spin of Luxilon. This method is | | | | everyone is seeking. |
| highly recommended for players looking to improve | | | | You may however decide you need particular |
| their game. | | | | upgrading in certain aspects of your game - more spin, |
| A major hurdle for the developing and social player is | | | | or durability, or comfort or power. In this case you may |
| the cost of both Luxilon and Natural Gut string. | | | | use exclusively "poly" (more spin and durability) or "gut" |
| Fortunately cheaper alternatives are available which | | | | (power and comfort). The most important thing is |
| offer similar characteristics; if not quite the same | | | | taking advantage of this revolution in tennis strings; |
| performance. | | | | they can and will improve your tennis game! |