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Thanks mate! A lot more to come so stay tuned!

I do find the same, that LP has the best ball pocketing among syn. guts for me, although I can also argue against that. I have a theory that there's many different 'flavors' of ball pocketing. I personally like the kind where the ball sinks deep into the stringbed and then comes out super quickly too (trampoline-like behaviour). So in short, super responsive, like PTB is. I have a friend I play with regularly who like the plush kind of pocketing; he doesn't care for the depth of ball pocketing, he just wants the stringbed to feel like a plush memory foam pillow (he always plays with multi hybrids). I personally don't like this, because to me this makes my stringbed feel 'sluggish'. To me, LP is more like PTB, although not quite as responsive. I still prefer OGSM the most for its versatility and that's why I recommend it the most to others looking for a good syn. gut, but prefer LP for my own personal setups. It's funny you bring up putting the softer strings in the mains because that's exactly what I'm experimenting with these days. I'm not sure I'm fully convinced yet, but I'm finding more spin than I expected for sure. Check out my latest hybrid video (Ytex PTB/QT) where I did the same, put PTB in the mains. I got really good spin with it, no different than when I put QT in the mains and PTB in the crosses (although I don't mention this in the video). And personally, I think slicker strings like Sync work even better for this, so you're probably likely to find even more success here than I did with my PTB/QT setup. Go for it and let me know how it goes! The only consideration is feel. Again, this is just a theory, but I find less feel with setups that have slicker strings that slide easy. Something about the friction between the strings and the tiny vibrations it produces is what adds to the feel of a string setup (I'm assuming rackets here stay constant). I've always wondered whether this is one of the reasons why natural gut gives such good feel.

@@11sweetspot11, I saw your PTB/QT vid, liked it and, yes, I think that setup reminded me of AM Stringer's idea. Am interested that you're experimenting with it. BTW, I too love OGSM's stellar responsiveness (and saw your vid on that too). But it takes a while for the stringbed to soften up. PLP, on the other hand, snaps back right off the stringer. I've played 5 hours with it, and still, it has yet to notch. And I personally like the feel of its 'slidiness,' and too, the way the ball catapults out of the pocket. I don't play poly because it looses tension too fast. But from what you said about PTB, that's not much of a problem. You have me thinking...

I understand what you're trying to say about OGSM. Sounds like LP is definitely the way to go for you. You should definitely give PTB a go. No guarantees of course that it will work for you, but if you like LP then I find it hard to imagine you not liking PTB either. Its tension maintenance is awesome, although it does notch quite easily, even on itself because it's so soft. Try it out, we all play and hit differently so experiences can vary. Come back and let me know about it, I'd love to know!

@@11sweetspot11 , thanks for the heads up about PTB notching. I'm considering a poly cross mainly for its notch resistance. So I'll stick with plan A (Sync) and let you know how it goes.

Hey thanks! I wasn't thinking too much about the racket choices that clay court specialists make, but I guess in hindsight it's applicable because David Ferrer also used a similar stick (I'm not sure about the specifics of what he used). Regardless, I'm glad you found the video helpful!

@@11sweetspot11 Not to mention Pablo Andujar... Btw, do you know a website which I could buy those o3 prince from? Im in EU and o3 are discontinued.Thanks!

Prince are coming out with a new version of the O3 Phantoms soon, and it will add to their current Phantom line (the ones with Zylon instead of Twaron). So you may have to wait just a bit if you're in North America/Europe. My guess is that it's going to be early 2025. The previous generation O3 Phantoms are all sold out now, and you can only get them second hand. Regarding the Japan editions: the new O3 Phantoms with Zylon have already been released there. The one I show in this video is the previous generation (with Twaron instead of Zylon). princetennis.jp/product-category/tennis/tennis-racket/tennis-racket-phantom-2025 I'm not sure how to get the Japanese versions imported here in North America. There are services in Japan that buy things on your behalf and ship them to you but they can cost a pretty penny and moreover, I haven't tried a service like this out myself so I can't recommend one (sorry!).

@@11sweetspot11 tyvm for all the explanations

Thanks mate, I’m still using it too!

That's definitely an interesting way of gripping a racket. Can't say I've heard of this before, but I'm never opposed to trying anything lol. I'm curious: how did you end up at this as a solution for gripping a racket?

@@11sweetspot11 I was needing an over grip in 2021 on my original racquet one from because the vinyl was peeling and I likes the size of the grip as is so as close as I could find was this tape I had. I also remembered that the end of the grip was not secured by anything so I used a waterproof glue I had on hand for a few other projects on the open end, having seen a few tennis pros in video in 1970's who used some kind of athletic tape for an over grip/replacement grip as modern rubber over grips besides leather/fake leathers were not available and having to between sets or matches add a little more tape for holding the grip down. I remembered some baseball players using soil/dirt on the tape becuse of sticky grip issues pre glove so I did the same and used some water for the speeding up process of feeling worked in (sweat) right after first initial bush off.

I tend towards softer strings at pretty low tensions. You can watch this video for a bit more context: czcams.com/video/4h4-k8UmdIQ/video.html Bear in mind that we're all different with different preferences so opinions can vary. This is one of the reasons I created this channel, as a home for folks who find themselves on the softer and lower tension side of things. This doesn't invalidate your experience of QT 😊, I'm always happy to hear how someone else perceives a string, especially if it's different to my own. What are you playing with these days? Any personal fav. string that you keep coming back to?

@@11sweetspot11 Thx for the reply. Ytex claim to have the very softest poly strings on the market. For that reason I was asking myself what should be any softer if QT is considered stiffish. And what a really stiff string would feel like If you tested it. My current string setup is ReString Zero / Sync. Not sure if it's any better than Zero full bed which I used before. Both Zero and Sync are stiffer than QT by quite some margin but not really on the stiff side of strings. That honor goes to things like Tour Bite or ALU Power after an hour of hitting (AP becomes a true arm breaker after some hitting). It is just that tad stiffer that I need to keep my shots inside the line after dropping the Blade 18/20. In a softer frame like the Phantom (which can absorb a lot of power from your swing) soft and elastic strings make sense. My current racquet is at 63 RA, Phantom is below 60, so my stiffer frame and the stiffer strings both equal out and vice versa. I tend to have too much power in my strokes and seek to tame that without breaking my arm. Others search for a little more power. And maybe they hesitate to test QT when it's advertised as stiffish. But if its power level suits you it is an excellent string. Just not for me any longer.

Yes, I know Ytex is supposedly the home of the softest polys, and personally I believe it is. But that doesn't mean every string is soft. QT falls in that camp where it's not quite soft but not quite stiff either. To be it's just a firm string that leans towards the traits that stiff strings exhibit. There are other strings in Ytex's lineup that are MUCH softer. My fav string, Ytex ProTour Blue, in one of them. Ytex Octo Twist is also decently soft. I've reviewed both of these strings on my channel, you can check them out if you're curious. I understand where you're coming from though. Your gear choice has to make sense for your game, and I believe you've found good options 👍 ReString Zero and Sync are really decent strings!

@@11sweetspot11 As you tested the Pro Tour and I haven't, I still have a question. Would you consider PT as livid as QT: I only know QT and it's too powerful for me. And a clubmate of mine needs a soft (arm issues) AND dead string both at the same time (his shots all sail long, he as well has way too much power in his arm). He accidentally got himself Yonex Poly Tour comfort and it's just impossible to tame.

If you think QT is too powerful then PT is going to be even more powerful. It is much, much softer than QT; almost syn. gut like, which is exactly how I describe it in my review: a poly version of syn gut that that gets better durability and snapback. Personally I think that anyone who loves hybriding with gut should give PT a very serious look. It's very hard to find a soft AND dead string. I have three suggestions for achieving this setup that I've personally tried, and they all revolve around using soft strings at higher tensions: 1. Solinco X-Natural - it is a multifilament that is incredibly soft and muted but has much better durability than other multifilaments I've tried by a wide margin. I think if you string it at a higher tension then you might get that soft, muted and controlled combo that will help you keep your balls inside the court. Bear in mind that some folks have complained about the string snapping while stringing at higher tensions so use the thicker gauge and tension the string slowly as you're stringing it. I didn't face this issue, but I could see why this complaint arose as I was handling the string while stringing this myself. 2. Solinco X Natural crossed with Prince Lighting Pro - In my opinion, LP is the best controlled syn. gut out there because it's stiffer than the average syn. gut while yet retaining the softeness that syn. guts are known for. If your friend finds a full bed of X Natural too soft then this might a way to remedy that. 3. Ytex Pro Tour Blue crossed with Gosen OG Sheep Micro - You already know my thoughts on PT. OGSM is the most versatile string I've ever come across. You can make it play any way you want if you just string it at the right tension. So if you put these soft strings together at a higher tension you'll get that control you're looking for. These strings also pair together in a way that makes them play more muted than you would expect. So for that an added benefit for folks with arm issues. Hopefully at least one of these works out for your friend. Let me know how it goes!

That's actually a really good point about the temperature of the squash ball. Every time I've introduced someone that already plays a racket sport to squash they're always taken aback by the difference in bounce between a cold and a hot ball. This difference is even more pronounced in places like Canada where temps on court tend to be on the cooler side (especially in the winter months). Tbh, I do think my preference is on the lower side of "normal" to begin with. I out this video out there because I wanted someone else who might find themselves in this same camp to get some validation that it's ok to have such preferences. I myself played with what didn't feel right to me for so long just because everytime I asked for lower tensions I got talked out of it.

I’m so sorry mate! Life/work has been much busier than normal (in a good way, no worries) and I put a lot of time and effort into my videos so that they are detailed, say something unique, don’t waste viewers’ time and are something I can be proud of when I post. I promise it won’t disappoint when I do finally finish working on it. It’s VERY through! Thanks for interest in my thoughts and the encouragement so far mate, really! I’m super grateful 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

@@11sweetspot11 Man I completely understand, from a fellow stranger in the web, writing to you from Samborondon, Ecuador. I really appreciate how much attention you give to detail, and the esence, and how complete your videos are. It is such a difference when we talk about something that we really love. Hope you sort everything together. And bet I will really enjoy your vid when it comes out. On the other hand, I think you are going towards strategy and mentality during the game. Which is something I have seen little here in youtube. And what is the main thing of the tennis game. Am I right? God and the Holy Family bless you and your loved ones.

You're spot on about my interest in the strategy and mentality aspect of the game! My take is a bit out there but I hope it resonates; tbh I'm unsure of how these videos will be received. I do think I have some points worth considering. This is a series I'm working on, the first 2 videos in this series are 70% complete and I think there will be 12-14 more. I'm not abandoning my usual style of videos; there's lot's of things in the equipment review pipeline - it's just that I don't see any reason/value-add in doing stuff that: a - doesn't interest me b - others are already doing to a high standard c - doesn't make points that are different and insightful for the viewer d - does not make the best use of my limited time. So hold tight mate, I'll try and come out with the syn gut vid. as soon as I can. I appreciate the support and encouragement! 🙏✌️

Whoa! I've actually never thought about giving racquetball strings a try! I'd never heard of Python Atlas until you mentioned it. It seems like it's similar to Tecnifibre 305 (in the sense that it frays), especially since you compared it to Dynamix? I like that they advertised a soft, trampoline effect; it's definitely up my alley! I'll give it a go some time. Your experiment just lends credence to what I want to do, which is to hybrid this with my string of choice: Ashaway SuperNick ZX Micro. I'll report back soon. 🫡 I just tried ~15 lbs with Hyper-G, which I thought played way better that at 20 lbs. I'll add a lot more detail in the final review. Yeah the sound is a bit weird for sure, to me it sounded like my frame had cracked. 🤣 Let me know if you've done some other interesting experiments! Always curious to hear about 'em!

Yeah that Python string is very similar to something else... lol have you ever tried Ashaway Multi Nick 18? It's literally almost a carbon copy for a fraction of the price 😂 I'll be looking forward to seeing your video/thoughts when you do try that hybrid out with SNZX M - that should also work out nicely if you're going to keep using the 1.25 Hyper-G in the mains with it- because I have heard of this somewhere, and since then, it just makes sense to me, and I'm a firm believer: Having a thicker gauge main string, and a thinner gauge cross string, will help boost spin potential due to the fact that the mains will stick up higher out of the string bed slightly than the crosses, it will provide a nice little pocket between the strings for the ball so when you hit any top spin, or in the case for Squash when we want to slice and cut the ball a lot, I think it will really help accentuate the spin potential 😁

I have never tried Multi Nick; I know, shocker seeing how much I like soft strings and how much I identify with Diego Elias' playing style! I have a set of it that I will make a review on soon, probably in the Sept/Oct timeframe. I'm planning a deep dive in to hybrids with squash, since that's not really a thing there for some reason. Hopefully I can start a trend! 🤣 I've heard that thicker main theory before; I'm not sure if I'm convinced yet, but I just tried this out in a tennis racket and got more spin than I expected so I guess maybe there is something to it! I'll try this out in a squash racket and report back! Sorry for the slower pace on videos, I only have so much time and I play six different racket sports lol!

haha fair enough!

Hey, thanks! 🙏🏽 I’m glad you enjoyed the metaphor! Yes I did spend a lot of time with physicists in grad school. It was a fun time!

Thanks mate! 🙏 I really appreciate you coming back to leave this comment; it's good to hear positive feedback. I'm glad my recommendation worked out for ya! 🍻

Yeah that seems to be the case! I like the paint jobs on the Japanese 2024/2025 Phantoms!

That's some interesting information, I'll pick up some Poly Plasma to try it out!

This can be purchased in Japan. I got this from Windsor Racket Shop in Shibuya, Tokyo

They were around $100 USD. Bear in mind that this was the first half of the first week and seats are MUCH cheaper then. This is when I like to go visit tournaments because you get more bang for your buck.

Hey, it’s called Slinger Ball Machine. It’s probably one of the cheapest you can get. It’s not great, but it does the job. There’s another one that called Titan One which I would choose over the Slinger if I were in the market for a ball machine. But I haven’t used it so take it for what it’s worth 🤷🏽‍♂️

Yeah, for me the time required to get used to them was pretty minimal too, but I've also heard the exact opposite. One just has to try and see how it goes. I do feel, as you do, that this technology is not very popular. I'm really curious as to why this is the case. I've heard it's because the longer stringing time is unpopular, but I'd love to know if it's actually true. It''s a shame, because the less variety in technology out there (especially the kind that is visible to the naked eye), the less innovation that will happen in this space.

Yeah, I've wanted to try that racket for a long time. But it’s just that: to try it. I would not enjoy actually playing with it, even though it probably has great feel. It's because its small sweet spot and headsize would get in the way of my game (and what I actually prefer in a racket).

Yes, it would be a stretch for most players today. Today’s 98s and 100s are much easier to use but using some of the older frames are just fun to hit with because of their limitations and graceful aesthetics. They are also great practice tools because you have to be more aware of your footwork, timing, and swing length or you will constantly frame shots, miss the sweetspot, or send balls flying out of control. What’s funny is how these racquets were considered easy to use, powerful, and light when they first came out. But the standard of comparison were usually wood and aluminum frames.

Yeah, I agree with using them as practice tools! I'm actually working on a video about this with a really interesting twist. Hopefully it's well received and people can see my point of view on this. It's crazy to think that those rackets were considered easy to use! I feel we're all a product of our environment and what we get exposed/used to. Do you have any old frames you recommend as good training tools? I know the Saber is really popular but I've always wondered if there is an equivalent.

@@11sweetspot11 I started with a junior version of the Donnay Allwood which Borg made popular. If you want to talk about difficult to use imagine being 7 years old with a standard head size racquet of 65 to 70 sq inches and made of wood. And that was considered to be easy to swing. Back then the one-handed backhand was considered the proper stroke to learn versus the bastardized two-hander. That was tough. I then graduated to a Prince Junior aluminum racquet. Though it was said to be an oversize 110 head, back then racquets were not as precisely specified as rhe are today where frames are made in 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102, 105, 107, etc. and everyone claims that they can tell the difference. In the 80s the oversize Prince and Wilson frames came first at supposedly 110 but in reality didn’t look or feel that big, especially when I compare them to some of the 100+ racquets today. Of course, Prince later labeled them 107s and kind of admitted that the headsize tolerances were a little loose and not consistently done the same way throughout the industry. Wilson and Head did the same so that actual headsizes were more or less approximations. A midsize could be anything from the 80 sq inch Head Edge to the 90 sq inch Prince Spectrum. 95s came later and were considered midpluses. Head and Dunlop always seemed to have the smallest headsizes for a given category. My Dunlop Max 200G which McEnroe and Graf made famous was an 84. Most of the Head frames on tour like the turquoise Graphite Pro and the original Prestige were 89.5. The original Wilson Pro Staff and the Ultra 2 were 85s. Only later did Wilson start embracing the 95s. Back then even the so-called oversize frames were mainly players frames. Yamaha was the first manufacturer that I remember making a 100 with the Secret-04. Yonex had 88 sq inch R-22 which Navratilova and Andres Gomez played. Becker played the Puma Boris Becker Super, which was an 88 or so. Mats Wilander played the Rossignal F200 which was like an 85. Brad Gilbert played something called a Fox which had like 85 sq inch 8-sided head shape. There was more design experimentation then and you can see it in head shapes. And the toughest frame to play with was Lendl’s Adidas GTX Pro which was supposedly super stiff, sported an old-style reverse tear drop head shape from the wooden racquet days that wasn’t even a midsize but was like 75 square inches and it weighed over 13.5 ounces. Yeah, so most of the frames back then had much smaller headsizes, 12-13 oz weight, and were either extremely flexible or very stiff (Wilson Ultra 2, Prince Boron, etc). Comparatively speaking, players today have it easy.

Solinco Confidential would be an interesting try in this 👍 I've been thinking trying about natural gut in this personally (or maybe even a gut hyrbid).

Hey, thanks, I'm glad you liked how I approached this video. I completely agree with you, for me this racket doesn't hold up if I come up against much better players. So far I've put it down to a skill issue (which is the most likely culprit in my case haha), but against the really good players that hit heavy balls you absolutely need help from the racket. If I ever get to that kind of a level I'll definitely think about switching frames!

Join the club! Unfortunately, only in Japan for now.

Hey, yeah I'm aware that left arm is an issue. I'm currently working with a coach to correct it, but it's in the context of a prior injury from when I was younger so it'll be a super slow and careful correction. Hopefully in a year I'll be much better!

Hey, thanks mate! 🙏 I would love to try a Graphite Comp someday too! This syn gut video is turning out to be a bigger (and more holistic) project so it'll be a little while before it comes out, sorry! I'll try and get it out as fast as I possibly can. If there's something you want me to explore or give thoughts on then let me know! 👍

@@11sweetspot11 Thanks man, sounds good! Would love to hear your thoughts on different tensions, and how the sensations vary. That's the main thing. And that not many, go deep into. Instead most testers barely touch instead. I say that is the main thing because of that aspect, and because we can't feel what you have tested, but the most real the explanation is, the most we can trust it and have the same experience later.

Alrighty, I'll make sure to include these details 👍 "Feel" and "performance" is my main lens for this video. P.S. I have a video coming out in over a month from now, in the last half of July, that talks about a string that you'll definitely want to try seeing your interest in gut/syn guts. I've been testing it for a loooong time, it plays just so damn unique. Stay tuned! 👍 And thanks so much for all the positive comments, I'm really glad that my videos help you out! 🙏

LMAO

I can tell it's a flexy frame, but personally I'm definitely not sensitive enough to label it a noodle. Any other racket you've come across that feels similar to this?

They have USA version

It's a 16x18. I've played with the Blade 98S before, it's a nice stick!

Your reasoning makes sense! I have no experience with K-Swiss, perhaps my next shoe. If you got a model to recommend that has a wide toe box but narrow heel fit let me know!

Haha really? That’s awesome! It is hard to give up these nicely broken in pair…

That's an interesting suggestion! I wasn't aware of this before your comment. I can't say I'll get to it right away, but it's on my priority list of string setups to try so hopefully sooner than later I'll have a video on it!

Tbh I'm only hypothesizing that Sync is just Zero but with a different dye in the base polyester mix. This might not be the case. But I completely understand your sentiment. I feel the same way, that products should be adequately differentiated. I would have received Sync less critically if it was presented to me as, for e.g., Zero Feel.

@@11sweetspot11 to just change the color baked in would have to have been a strong economic decision to minimize costs . What is preventing anyone from making new polys since the cost to produce Is low compared to how it was when in the earlier years . there probably whould have been a higher bar of entry . If they had to produce it themselves in house or in their own country , I am sure alot more performance and quality would be the result . What seems the case now looking from the outside is that China can easily create an assortment of colors and standardize on certain elements that can be reorganized to create new concoctions . The efforts to create polys is why you see it everywhere and everyone getting into it . Imagine how difficult it would be to design , perfect and manufacture Ashaway's cross fire ZX pro .

Finally, someone else aware of Ashaway’s tennis strings! Ya, I hear you mate, hopefully we see a bit more innovation in this space.

Hey mate, sorry, I think I should've added a "sometimes" in the bit where I say '...some parts of SEA like Singapore". I have seen them on Amazon.sg or Lazada from time to time but it's honestly a hit or miss whether they're actually available for shipping. Bow Brand Grip Tape can only really be reliably found in Japan. If you see someone with it, then it's likely that they got it from Japan. I got mine at the Windsor Racket Shop in Shibuya. There are services in Japan that buy things on your behalf and ship them internationally to you (really popular for cosmetics and stationary), but I personally haven't tried these myself yet so can't recommend any (sorry!).

I had a feeling you would know about it! I have quite a stockpile of it 😆

Hey, that's a fair line of reasoning actually. For me, yes, the spin does drop off from its peak levels at around 4 hours. But that doesn't mean you don't get any spin at all. I could easily keep playing past that point and be happy. I just wanted to highlight when that drop off in spin performance becomes noticeable. I wouldn't let this discourage you from giving this string a go. I often play with OGSM in a full bed for 10 hours. I restring as frequently as I wish because I string my own rackets and it's very economical when you buy strings in reels and don't have to pay for stringing! Bear in mind that spin with syn. guts is not "good" to begin with...when comparing with polys. But you still get spin, and I argue in the video that for most casual players it is probably a good enough level of spin. It depends on your swing style as well, and the aggressiveness of your strokes. I have been improving steadily over time, so even though I classify myself as a 3.5 player (which is to say I can be competitive at that level), my hitting level is higher (it just hasn't translated over to matches yet, although this summer I will start playing 4.0 leagues since I win 3.5 leagues now). Hopefully this helps! If you have any more questions let me know and I'll do my best to answer them.

Hey thanks, a lot of effort went into this video! 🙏😄 I honestly have never come across a multi I can recommend (sorry!). Instead, try Ytex's ProTour Blue. It's a poly, but truly soft and comfortable. It's one of only two strings I ever recommend, the other being Gosen OG Sheep Micro which is a syn. gut. I've done a review of both of these strings: Ytex PTB: czcams.com/video/pNyuyZ6s4UM/video.html Gosen OGSM: czcams.com/video/RI_jPVNJ-CY/video.html These strings also play really well and give you good spin and durability at low tensions, and you should have no problem stringing them between 40-45 lbs. I play between 35-40 lbs depending on the weather/season. I play with a 100 sq. in. racket. I'm currently playing with the Prince Phantom O3 100. That review is out in just over a week, on May 29! Previously I've played with Bolt frames; I have both the 98L V1 and 100L V1. I preferred the 100L V1 between those two. Let me know if you have any other questions, and I'll try my best to answer them! 👍

Yeah, unfortunately, these are hard (and sometimes expensive) to come by. Xamsa X-GLU will have to be ordered online and I checked that they ship to Singapore (airmail, no tracking, $15ish SGD). You can find them here: xamsasquash.com/products/x-glu-remplacement?variant=45159560741170 Bear in mind that these are replacement grips, not overgrips. Bow Brand Grip Tape can only really be reliably found in Japan. This is an overgrip, unlike the Xamsa X-GLU. I have seen them on Amazon.sg or Lazada from time to time but it's honestly a hit or miss whether they're actually available for shipping. There are services in Japan that buy things on your behalf and ship them internationally to you (really popular for cosmetics and stationary), but I personally haven't tried these myself yet so can't recommend any (sorry!). I think the best way is to either get them yourself if you end up going there for a visit or a friend who does can bring some back for you. I know it's not the best answer but it is what it is 🤷‍♂️ I use my supply pretty carefully too.

True!

I’m so sorry! This Solinco string is harder to come by for sure. Where are you located?

I have tried it before! I agree, it’s an amazing grip tape as well. There’s something special about Japanese overgrips for some reason lol. They all feel better than the options I have in North America.

That’s the very next video coming up! In three days time (on Wednesday May 15). Just beware that PTB as a cross may not last as long because it’s softer than Sync. I didn’t test it in this configuration, only in PTB crossed with Sync.

@@11sweetspot11 but isn’t it the mains that usually get notched from getting sawed into by the crosses?

This is very good question actually. With strings everything comes down to essentially one property: stiffness. The answer below is a bit detailed but I wanted to do my best to explain my answer. There's more to come on this in future videos (stay tuned! 🙏) since I’m working on understanding this better. I've always had it the other way around: it's my crosses that notch, i.e. the mains saw into them (which causes the mains to 'settle into' them and this makes is harder for them to snap out of that position and reduces the spin I get). I’m not a string breaker, so this is all I get to see. If you have a racket lying around with a poly in it that has been hit with for 8-12 hours you should be able to check to see what has been sawed into. If it's the other way around (crosses sawing into mains) then your mains are likely the softer material. This is a good rule of thumb - that the softer material will always be the one that gets sawed into. That’s the best explanation I got at the moment 🤷🏽‍♂️

@@11sweetspot11's reply is correct. May I add one thing? In a full bed of the same string, @glademaster is also right that the mains tend to notch while the crosses not. Why? Because topspin forces the mains out of place more, friction and heat causing them to notch first.

Thanks for coming back to leave some feedback my guy! 🙏 It's good to hear this so I get some confirmation that what I perceive isn't crazy. I know exactly what you mean with the higher racket head speed. I struggled with my grip massively and I'm very sensitive to both it's feel and shape. Now that I have this grip I can't go back to anything else. Also, I know exactly what you mean about the built-up grip on the butt of the racket. I have done similar experiments, and I'm willing to bet my playing arm that I've taken theses experiments much further than anyone else (excluding pro players). I'm going to be talking a LOT more about grips and grip shapes over the next few months so stay tuned! I think it's fair to say that I'm going to blow some minds based on what I have to show 🤯💪 The first video on this, which should be the next video be released, is on the overgrip I alluded to towards the end of the video (one that miraculously performs similar to the Xamsa X-GLU grip). So I think if you want to put an overgrip on top of the Xamsa X-GLU grip you might have an option now 😎

Hmmm I'll view that next but I just can't get over the increases in accuracy, confidence, vibration isolation, cleaner ball striking that encourages you to play better. By far! My best base grip ever, my spin serves! OMG everything so much easier knowing I'll never throw my Racquet. On subject of cleanliness. Any skin dirt sweat will reduce any grip but somehow way less with Xsansa X Glu. Two suggestions soap and baking soda in a wet paste should return it to original tackiness. Also bacteria give plain old Dollarama Tooth Brush and Toothpaste a try. Toothpaste has antibacterial agents in it. Just don't scrub to hard the silica in Toothpaste is mildly abrasive. Soap and Baking Soda probably the safest of the two. Could not believe how easy, how binding how well the wrap of the grip went on. I have ultra sensitive rotator cuff issues. Would you believe I play without any DAMPENER now? This is one superb base grip in every aspect, thoroughly pleased as punch with my purchase. Game-changer. I don't say that lightly! Oh show suggestion if you let audience know your first name during video. They will feel more at ease and so will you 😉👋🇨🇦

I'm glad what I posted about helped you so much! Also I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes X-GLU so much 😆 The cleaning suggestion is an interesting one. I've never thought about cleaning my grips since I think I'm often lazy about these kinds of things and I'd rather replace them. But I'm definitely trying it as an experiment. I'm sure it's worthwhile especially if you get used to the way the grip is wrapped and/or are environmentally conscious (it's good to reduce any waste). I honestly hadn't given any thought to announcing my name at the beginning of each video. I'm pretty new to YT and I'm still figuring out where exactly my comfort zone lies. I'll try and see if your suggestion feels natural! 🙏

@@11sweetspot11 Should improve tackiness and make grip a LOT more presentable. I thought it was my 100 sq in frame that was creating accuracy errors. I can't tell you how inspiring the confidence levels are, never been this confident before. See why you use it for squash alright. This grip literally makes you want to try shots you haven't thought of yet. Yes sir, that inspiring 😎 DAWN dish detergent and baking soda will lift the dirt and the smell. But try on an old grip you were changing out anyway. There are surfactants in Dawn dish soap that may break down the glue that holds the grip on. Not quite what you want... But if it doesn't lift the glue, that's your best soap for sure. 🤔🫧

Awesome, mate! Haven fun with this newfound confidence! I'll try and experiment with your suggestions when a grip gets too dirty 👍

Haha, yeah it’s pretty gross. Imagine how bad they must be to begin with that dunking them in Coke makes them better 🤯 We just got lucky that we were planning on being on that side of the world to begin with. That was a good lesson: to take the scenic route to Australia and back. It breaks up the long journey and being opportunistic like this makes the trek definitely worth it in my opinion. The caveat is that you have to make time to do this, which is understandably difficult.

Thanks for the kind words, hopefully you'll find the ones that are coming up refreshing as well. Unfortunately I don't know what this essential thing is that you're thinking of. If I did and I found it essential too then I would've included it in my video to begin with. 🤷‍♂️

@@11sweetspot11 What essential is this: Most recreational players model their racket, string and tension choices o their favorite professional. The problem is that the recreational player misses the sweet spot FAR more often and they miss it with a swing speed that's far lower than their favorite pro. So, most recreational players are actually fighting with their racket setup. You've figured this out, as have I, though to a somewhat different degree. Tennis is a very weak game when it comes to objective analysis. That means that most recreational players are playing setups they HOPE will work or WANT to work but do not actually work with their game and physical abilities.

I agree with this. It's why I recommend hybrid setups to most people. It allows one to play the sport sustainably and build on improvements over time. It's extremely arrogant to think that the thousands of focused hours that pros put into their game is somehow equivalent to the meagre amount to time that us average Joes spend on court (and thus entitles us to use their setups). I made this point towards the end of my review of Gosen OG Sheep Micro: czcams.com/video/RI_jPVNJ-CY/video.htmlsi=j80EVcAPRIYneKEY&t=495

@@11sweetspot11 I think beyond simple hero worship, many club players convince themselves that a good string must bring along more than a touch of arm discomfort. Add to that peer pressure and scads of mis and disinformation and things get to point they are now. I would love to see actual spin measurements for USTA 3.0 / 4.0 players showing the differential (if there is one) between a low-spin string and a high-spin string. I know what "the lab data" says but why not discuss actual results from actual players looking for "more" whatever from their strings?

🙏🏽 Thanks mate! A lot more to come so stay tuned!

Already watched it but Kent is stateside. Restring wants $25 shipping within Canada. Did you pay that mercenary shipping fee? There's no store in Vancouver that carries Synch or Zero. When paying 25% more for shipping than string you start questioning any wisdom in buying it. Do you know any shipper that doesn't scalp for Synch like that? Not ready for a spool of Synch yet, just want to try it out first. Good video thanks. Just got 4 Xsama Overgrip but you haven't done a video on the Chinese cloned Xsama X-glue. That was an awesome Davis Cup tennis dome in Kobe, incredible! 👍🎾

I was down in the US recently, and I got it shipped to my location down there which is way more cost efficient. Yeah mate, it's robbery. It's always been this way for us Canadians. It's one of the reasons I have decided not to work with ReString (or any other company) at the moment because it doesn't feel like products are totally thought out; distribution is just as important. As you pointed out: who in their right mind is going to pay $25 CAD shipping for one $20 CAD set of Sync? Even in the US ReString charges $5 USD shipping on a $14 USD set of Sync, which is nuts seeing how ubiquitous free shipping is everywhere. I’d really like to see all inclusive pricing upfront, because anything else feels deceptive. Personally, I only care about the final price I have to pay and based on your comment we're not the only ones. So the strategy is to push folks into buying a reel, or multiple sets, or group buying if you're at a club. And I absolutely hate this. Thanks for the views mate, glad you liked the videos on my channel! Hopefully the Xamsa X-GLU grip works out for ya. Btw, what did you mean about the Chinese cloned Xamsa X-GLU? I'm sure I've never mentioned such a thing on my channel. Perhaps you meant the overgrip from Japan I mentioned towards the end of the Xamsa X-GLU video? That video is coming up in 3-5 weeks time, I wanted to make sure I tested it long term before giving my thoughts on it. Bear in mind that the Xamsa X-GLU is a grip, whereas what I mentioned towards the end of the video is an overgrip.

That's a good question; this is exactly what I'm tackling over the next 5 videos. My fav setup for this so far, assuming you play at the 3.5-4.0 level, is YTEX Pro Tour Blue (soft poly) crossed with Gosen OG Sheep Micro (nylon) 😎 I'll have more to say on this in the next 5 videos (trying not to ruin the surprise)! 😄