String Properties vs Racquet Properties

[Phouma]

Hey guys,

Donno if this is in the right forum, or if its already been discussed (didn't know what to search), but I was just wondering which takes precedent over the other.

I've got a SOTX D600 and an At700 right now. From the specs both are fairly similar. But in my hand the D600 feels so much better. Both are strung at 24lbs. But the D600 is strung with BG85 while the At700 is strung with BG66.

The D600 feels so much more powerful and accurate. The At700 on the other hand doesn't really 'swing' for me. Now I don't know if it is the string that makes it this way or if its the racquet itself. Shots on the At700 feel dead with no power (yes.. no power on an At700 ), nowhere near the satisfaction from shots as the D600.

So my question is, what has a greater impact on your game, the racquet type or the string you are playing with?

[silentheart]

for me, it is the combo of both. If you have some time and money, I will suggest you to string both racquets with BG66 and give it a try. Then BG85 on both racquets. Then you can decide whaich racquet and string combo works best for you. Good luck.

[jhirata]

IMO, the gripsize has a greater impact on my game. Whatever we feel the most comfortable to play with, is the best.

Grip size too thin = i bruise my thumb, but i get more power.
Grip size too thick = no power and no maneuverability.

Phouma, are the gripsizes on your racquets the same ?

Then after the gripsize issues, I believe that the strings are the 2nd most important part. Imagine playing with the most expensive racquet in the market, strung with bg43 ( 0.75mm ) at 16lbs. It would be crap, wouldn't it ?
Now try playing with a low-end MP racquet ( ie: MP30 ) strung at a comfortable tension ( currently 26lbs for me ) with a good string ( ie: nbg 98!!, bg85, etc )..
The cheaper racquet with better (more comfortable to play with) strings would perform better than the most expensive racquet with bad strings.

[phandrew]

Both string and racket do matter when playing. If your racket is too stiff and your string tension is too tight then you won't be able to get power.

[77suns]

I share the same opinion as jhirata but just the opposite feel.
Grip size too thin = it tends to slip more, losing power
Grip size too thick = good power but bad for my backhand overhead stroke and not much feel.

[phandrew]

The grip size really depends on how big your hand it. Thinner grips will give you more control/maneuverability while larger grips will give you more power.

[masterwang]

It is the string you are most comfortable with. BG85 is string usually for high tension and power but some players do not like it. It depends with what you have been playing all this time and if it was the right choice for you. Different people have different choices. You do not expect all professional players playing with the same racket and string. In all, if you become a really good player then you should be able to play very well with any racket as a good player has the ability to adapt himself to the situation.

[LazyBuddy]

The spec is a relative term, as everyone has different standard, so as the companies. Therefore, same wording regarding spec (especially different brands) can be very mis-leading. Only your own hand can tell you the truth.

[Phouma]

Grip size isn't much of an issue for me because I just put overgrips on the handle until it fits my hand. It affects the balance and the weight of the racquet a little bit but I don't find this to be too bothersome.

[jhirata]

I share the same opinion as jhirata but just the opposite feel.
Grip size too thin = it tends to slip more, losing power
Grip size too thick = good power but bad for my backhand overhead stroke and not much feel.

The funny thing I've realised, is that with thick grips.. my stroke gets messed up and the timing becomes all wrong!! ( therefore I get no power ). What I feel is the most comfortable to play with, will perform the best for me IMO.

[phandrew]

It really depends on each person's hand size.