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LeftyStringer
Posts:61
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| 02/22/2008 4:29 PM |
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Here's my quick and dirty about strings. Strings are basically lumped into two categories.
1. monofilament
2. multifilament
As the words imply, a monofilament string is a single string that has a number of strings wrapped around it. Generally, these strings are more economical but still play decently. E-Force Platimum, Ashaway Superkill II or Superkill 17 are great examples of that type of string.
A multifilament string is made up of many many microstrings. Predominately they're going to be more resilient and have a greater 'pop' on the ball. They're are also a more expensive string. Tecnifibre 505, E-Force Fluid or Gamma Asterik are a couple great examples of a high-end multifilament.
Next lets talk about tension of the strings. Historically over the years as racquet frames have become more and more stiff, tension of racquet strings have been reduced to maintain a playability in the game. In yesteryears, the good ole meatwagon, Ektelon Toron was strung at 45 pounds. In its day, that was far and away the 'big bat' in racquetball. I think I still have a pic of last year's GeezerJock of the Year mid-rally with the Toron in his hand. But in today's racquetball technology, if you've swung a toron or even a CBK recently, they feel like they have a hinge in the frame they feel so flexible. So as the stiffness of racquets have gotten greater, the string tension has reduced to maintain playability. Most of today's racquets have recommended tensions in the low 30's.
The concept of tighter strings is designed for more control, and looser strings are meant for more power is true; to some extent. What it doesn't mean is if you really want a lot of power, stringing your racquet at 19lbs won't going to get you there. 3-4 pounds +/- is all that is really necessary to get the desired effect.
The other thing to keep in mind is the quality of the stringing job. Just having a good string in your racquet is only as good as the person putting the strings IN your racquet. With today's racquets there are many little nuances to each type of frame to make sure the racquet is strung to the manufacturers specs and also to your preferences within their specs. |
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