Why Tennis Strings are STILL Made of Cow Guts

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Just what centuries old secrets do Natural Gut tennis strings contain that players like Federer, Djokovic, Serena, and many many others unconditionally swear by??
CULT TENNIS brings you player profiles and analyzes some of the best stories in the world of Tennis! Subscribe to see more content like this, and thank you for stopping by!
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[@CULTTENNIS]

Thanks Brilliant ❤️ Get 20% off by being one of the first 200 to sign up at brilliant.org/CultTennis/

[@CoinChaser1]

Awesome Cult Tennis! Congrats on 100k

[@pelleschardam8270]

Nice vid! But i thing you sure Federer used Natural gut on both Mains and Crosses? There is a lot of evidence that Fed uses Luxilon Alu Rough on the Crosses.

[@Joseph-co7uh]

@@pelleschardam8270 I think he mentioned that in the later part of the video.

[@kalo8524]

Ok, you guys are gonna have to hear me out on this, but try zyex string in a hybrid with something really stiff. It's not the same feel as natural gut, but it has similar strengths with the added benefit of being durable.

[@PaleBlueDot14]

Broooo that ad transition was on point

[@blendbrooks]

I love these videos man, these mini tennis documentaries are so beautifully produced

[@m.r.sportedits6153]

my words :)

[@hartspot7418]

200th like

[@Nomolso_Netinei_Djer]

I‘ve Never been into Tennis, but these Videos are still amazing

[@imseeno]

I've played tennis for years and it never once occurred to me that the "gut" material for strings was based on actual guts. I thought it referred to strings being the gut of the tennis racket. I learned something new today.

[@270Ptown]

That thought never even crossed my mind. But if it was my first thought like yours I def could see myself not thinking anything else. Makes perfect sense to me lol... interesting

[@SebVEVO]

I thought it was made from trees xD

[@ImFelipeFreitas]

So happy to see Guga in this video! My hero, my idol, the legend of my hometown! I have a T-Shirt signed by him. We live in a small town, but never saw him in person. Only his mom and his grandma. Edit: in his biography Guga talks about the strings "euphoria". I can't remember right now if was Agassi the "main reason" the new string wasn't banned. But Guga says in his book that Agassi (or other player) adaptation to the new string was crucial to keep the polyester.

[@oldfrend]

recently tried poly strings for the first time. can confirm - CRAZY spin. i hit a second serve that went up the middle right off my racket, but ended up crossing the sideline. never done that before O.o

[@zmk5374]

I'm a senior copywriter for one of the biggest agencies in the world, and let me tell you that this is immaculately scripted, edited, and executed in every way. Thank you for such content, my man. God speed.

[@ryrygoogoo]

Cringe so so cringe

[@zmk5374]

@@ryrygoogoo You need a hug homie.

[@AquarianAngel]

​@@ryrygoogoo🤡

[@LensonGaming]

@@ryrygoogoo🤡

[@lucasv1]

@@ryrygoogoo are you okay?

[@WivoRN]

And I thought your crazy video ideas couldn't get even more crazier! Fascinating stuff as always my friend on a subject I literally knew nothing about! P.S: Congratulations on 100k Subs! ❤️

[@noahkhimasia6437]

When 2 legends watch each other’s channels!

[@FootFaultTennis]

Ah perfect I can sit down and eat my lunch whilst watching a Cult Tennis video. Oh...maybe I skip the lunch

[@DensetsuVII]

Ah Cult Tennis, the tennis channel where I always know... they aren't stringing me along... even if they literally are~ Love videos like this! Great work!

[@Tagbadger3]

Neat. I didn't know this was used in tennis. Early lacrosse pockets were made of "cat-gut" too

[@Jarxia]

I've never watched or played tennis but I like sports and I love these Cult Tennis videos. Keep feathering it brother

[@thetennistalk]

Great video again man! String tech literally a game changer 🔥🔥

[@cregenda]

Hey look who’s here

[@juffan]

Wow, the editing and design of these videos are so creative. Very cool!

[@BigDeerave]

Amazing video as always! You have a true talent for video making

[@charlesgraves4565]

you make the best tennis videos by far dude. keep going.

[@joelariasdiaz6991]

I love your videos! The other day y was thinking Cult tennis have not release videos in a while. And then you upload it!

[@shpingalet7895]

One of the best tutorial videos for beginners (and others). Wow. Thanks!

[@abhishekrath8381]

Another great video as usual. #suggestion- Could you do one about Ash Barty's marvellous career now that she has retired? Analyzing the factors responsible for her rise to the top...

[@Grant-gj4yi]

You know it’s gonna be a great day when Cult tennis uploads!

[@tennisplanet6037]

I did a similar video regarding Kuerten and poly strings.. I wonder if Cult Tennis got the idea from my channel.. anyways well done as always

[@samiralawton7497]

I could not care less about tennis but I watch all your videos. A+ for a video that's entertaining even without the viewer needing to like the subject

[@ql3670]

The hybrid stringing information is wrong. To increase power, the mains should be natural gut, not polyester. The mains have more influence than the crosses, and natural gut is more poweful than polyester.

[@twinwankel]

Well the issue is really the environment. Tennis players restring so often, they create a mountain of used strings that don't break down. And with the popularity of racket sports growing due to the pandemic, this could be a serious issue. Of course, this issue should be a follow-on to this channel's tennis ball environmental impact video. Some strings can get recycled but the energy it takes to break them down coupled with the toxic chemical by-products makes this route questionable. Natural gut at least is bio-degradable though expensive.

[@andyalmostbottrygaming]

Have u tried to buy natural gut string? They are the Ferraris of strings. They are very expensive. Unless you rich or pro you won't spend $50-$80 for a set which will snap very quick when you can get the same synthetic for $20 and and last for a very long time - unless you are a pro.

[@electric_boogaloo496]

@@andyalmostbottrygaming also depends on your tolerance for dead strings. Poly strings lose elasticity was faster than others, even natural gut, as shown in the video, but are hard to break. So if you don't mind dead poly strings, you can save money. If you like the feel of freshly stung poly, you'll have to restring more often, and here labor on the restring costs the same or more than a pack of poly strings. Personally, I use my poly way longer than recommended because I am not made of money. Even multi-fiber/filament synthetic gut strings break way too easily for my budget.

[@vasiliki4971]

Tennis strings made from animals are not bio-degradable though. When you pair plastic with natural fibres, the plastic remains.

[@madhavmittal5998]

bro the strings break even more in badminton i myself used to be the king of tennis in my area but ever since i left tennis and started playing badminton my strings have been breaking so often its annoying

[@DCR_RANG]

Love these videos lots of interesting and fun knowledge entering the brain while enjoying it instead of being bored

[@santiagobarrios6204]

As a racket stringer, this is really fascinating stuff!!!

[@well....7751]

Damn the details in this video were unreal, great video.

[@DanTheMan-jr6yr]

congrats on 100k subs!!

[@pkoppula]

It's amazing how you do these videos. So much information in such short videos and brilliantly produced everytime. 💯👏🏽👍🏽

[@monlewi1976]

wow, i'm surprised you mention my choice of strings -- ashaway crossfire (kevlar and zx). Great content, thanks!!

[@somedude9596]

You definitely deserve a bigger following

[@spencermcintosh5607]

Best tennis channel on KZbin right here. Appreciate the work you put into these to make them so great!

[@naiadbaksh3996]

Your editing is getting better and better.

[@king0vdarkness]

Brilliant video! My bro's a stringer (trained by the LTA) so I know all about this 😉

[@suiiiii69710]

You know it's a good day when Cult Tennis uploads

[@HimalayanEyewear]

Idea for a next video: the story of Ernests Gulbis, how a millionaire (wealthiest family in Latvia) became a semifinalist at Roland Garros

[@mfzoom5401]

Billionaire*

[@adamcang4683]

99% players use polys now. It’s hard to get natural gut , even online. I’d say it’s going very soon because no junior is gonna grow up using it

[@DjokovicIsOurLordAndSaviour]

True.

[@Spindude2]

Depends where you live. I manage a tennis shop, I have about 5 high level juniors who use natural gut. Most juniors over 15 do switch to full Polly for durability reasons. But we string a lot of hybrid set ups to help with arm pain for all ages.

[@electric_boogaloo496]

I would love to try out gut strings, but I like to play outside even when its damp, and damp is not good for gut strings, so I haven't done it yet. Waiting to justify the price of a new racket that will be a dry weather racket only.

[@commondirtbagz7130]

@@Spindude2 yeah probably because older guys told them natural gut is the best

[@transamination]

Hopefully not. I really like natural gut in the mains, with poly in the crosses.

[@Nathanvr]

This channel is unbelieveble ...top quality content.

[@icedegel]

Awesome content, as always.

[@leviroutledge2848]

Another great vidio, well done 👍

[@danilohora]

wow I wasn't expecting the shoutout to Guga Kuerten, that is so satisfactory. Love your videos!

[@nascentnaga]

that ad placement was GOAT level

[@AdhiNarayananYR]

Great stuff as usual.

[@eincan1313]

I have been doing a hybrid of natural gut mains and poly crosses for years. Great setup except for the durability as I break the gut relatively quick. However, nothing beats the combination of power, spin, control and comfort. Full gut like the old days is way too powerful and full poly wears down the arm.

[@FollowingNamePolicy]

Did you ever try full bed stiff poly at very, VERY low tension (35 lbs or less)?

[@eincan1313]

@@FollowingNamePolicy When I used to string full poly I was around 42-44 lbs. I never have strung in the 30’s as I was worried about control. So a stiffer poly at 35 or less is playable with good comfort?

[@FollowingNamePolicy]

@@eincan1313 I have been trying many poly strings in the 30 to 40lbs range. No control issues whatsoever with harder polys. Minor technical adjustments may be required, but balls do not fly everywhere - though they would certainly do if you tried, say, 35lbs with a syngut string. 35-37 seems to be a magical spot. Concerning comfort: I had tennis elbow for 7months straight playing full poly at 48-52. Since going down to 35lbs - same strings -, no more pain.

[@eincan1313]

@@FollowingNamePolicy ok I will give it a go. If it is comfortable and has playability it would be great. As much as I like the gut/poly hybrid it only lasts me 5-6 hours before I snap the gut. Even with cutting out the poly after 6 hours it will be far cheaper.

[@masonmcdonald8596]

Have you tried poly in the mains?

[@jackbynum]

As a life long tennis head, these videos and this channel are so life-giving to someone like me. Thank you!

[@basilalfallaj1668]

Man you are truly amazing! Please keep doing these awesome research videos... we in the tennis community really need it and appreciate your effort.

[@CamCarvalhoPoetry]

I play with gut strings and they’re incredible

[@panfluteskeleton]

These videos are mesmerizing and full of interesting information. And that's coming from me who's never played a day of tennis.

[@BigFellaBrah]

Great video man

[@thankyounothankyou9722]

The fact that these videos are made by one person is just incredible

[@thedome765]

Another great video!

[@WorthlessGeek]

Neat to listen to equipment technicalities from the tennis side as a table tennis player.

[@antoniozuazo7918]

Amazing video! Can you do one on David nalbandian! He’s my favorite tennis player

[@lemn9365]

I like the part where he talks about how tennis strings are made of cow guts

[@270Ptown]

Hmm interesting, but I personally enjoyed the part where he talked about tennis rackets myself.

[@caseysmith544]

The One I see on some old vintage Tennis racquets for some reason is a Nylon and inner steel cable. The racquets are often some of the early steel racquets of the 1970's often Prince or Willson. I I use an Old Pro Kennex Jr Champ Ace Power Contour Red and Blue stock with same strings for my racquet, getting a 2 more of them in 2022 of same color as the Yellow and black is a little heavier then the red and blue due to the string bridge being aluminum on the later version. I then got and a cheap cheap case that can hold 3--4 racquets. The reason I use a smaller racquet with nylon polyester combo string is they get stiffer and stiffer as time goes on, with me first being smaller I like the size of the head and handle size not to mention mostly aluminum with a nylon bridge that is attached using the uber stiff string tension with all this combined making for a very light racquet, then second I like the stiffness of the racquet even when it was new since I am smaller and with this stiffness I can hit harder with less energy. Both the used racquets got black sports/hockey tape on them with very end having a very small dot of Loctite gel ultra superglue due to one the tape went sticky and the other was fuzzy while the one I have the grip is okay but the outer paint got this thin layer of clear flex seal after cleaning due to paint flaking off giving a weird feel but this is my hard surface racquet. What I did to all of them is remove a sticker on the bottom that was coming off the other two racquets, not mine as that fell off years ago and cut the lowest layer of tape around the butt end cap, this just frayed on all of them giving an odd feel in the hand and did not tape over the butt end cap on the handle part. Same thing on my Raquetball racquet from I have similar nylon polyester or nylon glass string that will get stiffer over time though with this racquet for Raquetball the strings were never set as stiff as the Pro Kennex Jr Champ Ace Pro when new but still stiffer then most with the. Pro Kennex had some nice racquets when they made them for the price with cheap stuff, even the higher end pro racquets were better made then most other companies for the same price having felt one in a store one time. Now I think Pro Kennex is bought out by another racquet company but they still make 4--5 high end models last I checked in 2022 all under the Knnetic line.

[@chriscuomo9334]

I’ve never played or watched tennis but i dig the channel bro 🎾

[@Leomerya12]

3:18 I love the PRINCE Prism!

[@brasstwin]

Damn Cult Tennis, you popping off 👀👀👀

[@drtopspintennis]

Well done!

[@wittyroark]

Can u please share the software/tools u use to edit videos. U r an expert and will help other novices 🙏

[@spencercutts8]

CULT TENNIS is by and far the best tennis media, second only to the sport itself

[@agranero6]

Guga role in tennis is yet bigger than I thought. It was kind of sad to see him bringing the torch to the stadium in the opening of Summer Olympics in Brazil using a cane because his hip lesion made it necessary to do hip replacement (use a prosthetics). The best tennis player in Brazil since Marie Esther Bueno.

[@awesomecjs983]

How did you learn to do such good editing? Did you take a course or just through practice?

[@nigeldollentas]

Saw a picture of BG80 - that’s a badminton string! Is it used in tennis too?

[@ericxy1413]

Good editing + Good voice over ----------- Cult tennis videos

[@poptartz911]

I dont even watch tennis but I find its history and stories very fascinating even if I miss the meaning behind many jokes

[@scoogsy]

How do we get this channel for free?! What a fantastic video. Thanks so much.

[@rafaelcoelho5226]

Great vid :D

Amazing videos, so annoyed KZbin wasnt recommending it, ridiculous

[@anirudher5135]

Big 3 should try using GOAT guts from now....must be interesting

[@themathforyou]

Thumbnail: cow intestines My stupid brain: cow intensifies

[@BullyGarfield.]

The feeling of the racket will be mainly determined by the mains. If you string the gut in the mains and poly in the crosses, it will feel softer. If you string the poly in the mains and the gut in the crosses, it will be stiffer.

[@isabellasmith8377]

You could be a movie writer or editior big time!!

[@kevinle5460]

More CULT!

[@electric_boogaloo496]

I am no expert, but I have a gut feeling that natural gut strings may be the more eco friendly option than synthetics as long as we eat the meat or its skin gets turned into high end upholstery, bags, wallets, belts, and motorcycle protective gear. Abrasion resistance of leather is still unmatched by synthetics for use as motorcycle protective gear. Animal skin based 'skin' from percussion instruments also last longer than the synthetic counterparts. The cow would be raised and killed regardless, might as well find use for the guts. Should be bio-degradable too when its done being a string for a racket.

[@Kerm88]

Not true.

[@commondirtbagz7130]

@@Kerm88 yeah I don’t know how he came to this conclusion lol

[@nicolasmts3264]

@@commondirtbagz7130 lmao eco friendly is supposed to avoid plastic and I guess animal material for the good of the planet and this guy is saying " killing animals for their skin is good and eco fiendly" that's why we see vegan clothing such as shoes that are made with recycled stuff and with leather

[@55deepak555]

You took the eco friendly concept to a new level 😂

[@electric_boogaloo496]

@@nicolasmts3264, no, I said animals are being killed for their skin and clothing, might as well use the guts so that there is less waste and less strings made from petroleum which aren't bio-degradable.

[@Harry05383]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

[@geniustennisacademy5182]

This is Jake Tran level editing bro y'all definitely in the same room or something 😂😂

[@mrhatman675]

I would also like you to do other documentaries that don t involve tennis only

[@muhammadraihanrasyid8640]

I have a suggestion for next content, why pro player use white overgrip rather than other colourful grip or even black overgrip?

[@cactuschef5229]

Would be a game changer if at least they could firstly make a biodegradable or somehow better recyclable string. For the pros, using top end poly and gut is acceptable, but for lower level club players, even a syn gut is fine, and multifilament is still 'gut like', and spin generation is still guided by technique :)

[@eugenekudrautsau7981]

First time when I returned to a video to type the comment and click like buttom. Great job!

[@music_by_carlos]

awesome video

[@hermanodejesus7264]

4:35.... that axe looks like a Head ProTour 280

[@user-jr8pi6fu2n]

Man today i was wondering when you re gonna upload a video

[@Rosario_Verano]

Only in this sports channel I can learn about sheep and cows. Great.

[@ranjitpelia3267]

natural gut is just phenomenal, once you feel it, its hard to go back.

[@al1976-v7m]

I don't get why you would want Polyester as your cross strings if you wanted to add more spin, isn't topspin/slice rather provided by the vertical strings as their perpendicular to the ball's movement?

[@CoolGuy-yk9kd]

bruh ive been playing tennis for 10 years and ive always thought it was “babolaR” and nobody ever corrected me. it looked like a lowercase r

[@timlamiam]

also, i would argue using animal by-products is much more ecologically friendly than creating tons and tons more of tough hard plastic that doesn't naturally degrade.

[@joemomma5016]

You gotta make a video on Taylor Fritz

[@jamesgretsch4894]

No wonder these strings cost so much to buy, such an expensive process. I still use Natural Guut.

[@schandorvideolab7552]

whos the player at 6:57 ?

[@marcoaurelio4903]

Carai! O guga que trouxe os sintéticos para os slams? nem eu sabia dessa...

[@king0vdarkness]

Djokovic also uses the fed style of gut in the mains

[@EetsBack]

He doesn’t only use natural gut. He has a poly in his mix too. The crosses I believe.

[@turnerturnerturner]

Wow I didn't know they used Halep's innards to make strings!!!

[@Federer_Roger]

Can you make a video on Jack Sock?

[@daklenon1]

incredible

[@NorthwestBearcat1214]

I literally had no idea they were made from guts. I love this channel

[@roter13]

You do realize that it is called "gut" for a reason right?

[@Seuxnehpets]

Natural Guts are also used for music instruments.

[@jonzales333]

Talks about new age of modern topspin heavy players, proceeds to use a picture of Medevedev. Cult tennis pls, more memes.