Natural Gut vs Polyester | Tennis String Comparison

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Poly String Recommendation 👉🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXTcf5qZfaqSq9E

[@LegolasD]

what tension do you use?

[@Goldenfrieza-md5pg]

Can you review luxilon savage the black and white

[@tantennis]

From my experience, it takes some time to adjust when you change the type of string, from poly to gut and vice versa. It’s not like you pick up full-bed of gut and can perform immediately like you normal setup. I love gut and multi, but I break it too soon and don’t wanna pay that much so I ended up using poly. I would say gut main poly cross is the best.

[@javace79]

I play a hybrid natural gut mains (wilson 16g) during colder months. I find they key is to find a very slippery cross string (Wilson Revolve) to aid the sliding of the gut back into place. I string the gut mains 4lbs tighter than the poly cross. Also the pure drive I find is a very powerful racquet and probably the opposite racquet (Wilson PS85, PS90, prestige) gut is most effective with.

[@marcelobarros5729]

The problem is the Babolat racquet . Put that in a Pro Staff 90 or 85 and it's probably a dream.

[@tantennis]

@@marcelobarros5729 exactly. When I got my PS97 v13, I strung it Federer gut/alu setup (with lower tension). It gives me a “wow” on the first touch.

[@peterschmidt6408]

You definitely need more time to adjust. If you're a touchy player, a hybrid is awesome. But you need to have feeling for your shots. A hardhitter should stay with polystrings. The playtesters technique didn't look like a touch players one. Another example for the importance of individual adjustment to the very own style of play.

[@agradina]

@@tantennis what was the tension?

[@trysis260]

The string movement is exactly why a denser string pattern racket like an 18/20 or a smaller racket head like a 90 or 85 sq.inch with the more open 16/19 would maximize playability and the power of a natural gut. I strung up a old school zebra radical tour mid plus with a full bed of natural gut at 63 lbs. My groundies were bullets as well as the serve. You have to marry the right racket with natural gut, otherwise it is a total disaster.

[@augustbo120]

You dont have more power with the poly. The problem is you have too much power with the natural gut, therefore less control and the ball goes long. The old players strung very high tension with the gut. Thats how they got control with it. Thats what you should have done Nick and you would be way better of :). Also, you cannot hav natural gut with a 50 pound tension in a pure drive with a 70 ra stiffnes rating and a 100 sq headsize. Its stands to reason that its not going to be controlled. You probably need to string it in the high 60s and maybe 70 for maximum control

[@BurnsTennis]

Yes, what you say makes sense.

[@james2578]

Nonsense

[@BurnsTennis]

@@james2578 Explain.

[@douglaslounsbury8898]

John Mcenroe...gut...42 lbs

[@matisms]

@@douglaslounsbury8898 its not a pure drive man

[@giannismourat]

haha Anna making fun of you in the end was hilarious, really nice to leave this in the editing

[@quinten4427]

There was an ATP pro who used all natural gut in the modern era (retired 2014). His name was Michael Llodra; very exciting player but unfortunately only got to no. 21 in singles (would have been cool to have a serve and volleyer in the top 10 in the modern era). One thing to note about this video, is virtually every player who uses natural gut will play with an 18x20 string pattern and use string savers, neither of which is done here.

[@coachtj82]

Djokovic played a full bed of a multi, X-One Biphase, all the way until 2006 (where he was already very good, duh). A full bed of a top multifilament is a very respectable setup; but don't expect ten hours of hard hitting before you snap it, which a 16g poly can offer.

[@whitemaz3756]

Serena full gut most of her career guyz

[@adamgarza9153]

Sampras played with all natural gut

[@pleaseenteraname1103]

3:17 I have a pretty funny story whenever I watch Pete Sampras I never understood why literally after pretty much every single point he would look at his racket and reset the strings. Until I play with my friends or F 97 strong with natural gut.

[@Fernwald84]

A full bed of natural gut in a powerful racket like the Pure Drive is likely to prove too hard to control for players with fast, full strokes. To get better control you would have to string in the 60s and, with a stiff racket like the Pure Drive this might prove problematic. In the "good old days" pros would typically string anywhere from the low 60s into the upper 70s. Borg was known for stringing so high that his strings would occasionally break while not even being used. Natural gut, like multifilaments, will notch and this will reduce or completely eliminate string "snapback." Not only is this annoying since it requires realigning the strings after every rally but vital spin is somewhat lessened without the contribution of the displaced string snapping back and spinning the ball. Polys are less powerful than natural gut or multifilaments but this enables a good player to swing out with maximum speed without losing control of the ball. The increased speed polys accommodate results in more spin for the same racket trajectory.

[@BurnsTennis]

I remember reading Monica Seles' first book and she said she used natural gut, then during a match at the French Open at an important moment, the strings went, she lost the match and said she never used natural gut again. That was in 1989.

[@henriquelaydner4080]

The soft feel on the strike and the spin I can produce in whatever shot are the reasons I fully strung my Wilson ProStaff RF 97 with natural gut to use it only in doubles. For the singles I play with the 315g ProStaff 97, now using the Solinco Hyper 1.20, both full bed at 53 lbs.

[@LoosSerine]

I have a racket strung with the HyperG at 54lbs, its a great winter racket I find.

[@west4798]

There's a reason why some really good pros still use it. Not an expert, but maybe, just maybe, it's because they combine it with co-polys and pro stock rackets. Not with the most used racket in the wta.

[@stevlehr]

Long time poly player tries out full gut for a few minutes and rejects it. Are you sure you want to call that a test? It feels different! Of course it does. Restring full gut at higher tension, play some practice sets. String with gut in the crosses, poly in mains, play some more practice sets. Then report.

[@baller7387]

Why put gut in the crosses? Kinda defeats the purpose of testing out gut at all since the mains have the majority of impact on the ball. Would make far more sense to string gut in the mains and poly in the crosses

[@stevlehr]

@@baller7387 If I put gut in the mains, I break it.

[@royvandijk7119]

Love it that you kept in the banter at the end

[@allemyr]

On a 100 inch head 55 pounds is not tight much for that string. I have one 95 inch raquet that I dont use so often and string it at 25kg with VS 17, if you need more control 27kg can be nice on a 100 inch head. By the way I love that string but its pretty expensive.

[@dmf30]

i have played with VS gut on my Pure Drive Plus and i normally string it tighter than 55. I went to a hybrid with gut in mains and a multi in the crosses e.g. ISOSPEED Control or Head Velocity MLT and that set up works.

[@aaronjfd6819]

​@@dmf30 which thickness shall i try in a 100inch2 racket 16x20? 1.3 VS / 1.3 head velocity? And which tension? Is this setup durable and arm friendly?

[@dmf30]

@@aaronjfd6819 BTW, I know ISOSPEED CONTROL is a multi- sort of a co-pol blend actually. I use to play ISO SPEED PRO Classic for years. I like the thinner thickness for the power and use tension for control. I happen to like a crisp feel so i string mine at 56.5 for my pure drive. I would put the VS on the mains UNLESS you think you will break string. If you do you have two choices- a 15L gut on the mains OR string the MLT on the mains and gut on the crosses. Remember that the racket will take on the playability of the mains more so than the crosses.. Unfortunately it is a matter of testing. Get a good local stringer who strings for the high school or college teams and he/she will be able to give you better guidance. BTW what level do you play? if a 4.0 or below, don't waste your time with GUT. Try the MLT or even TF Triax.

[@clintonsmurf6496]

Gotta say I’m liking the kirschbaum orange strings you use. Not crazy spin but the strings snap back well. After like 5 hitting sessions the strings don’t move around. Only maybe the far side strings do a bit but that’s expected. Hits are more consistent and predictable. Also I do notice it gives more power than other dead strings I tended to use like luxilon and solinco confidential.

[@Bikerbeest]

Hitting mistakes doesn't happen by the strings or racket. Your reaction about Natural Gut is a bit strange after playing it for the first time

[@tonylall7649]

Yeah I couldn't agree more about the tennis ball point and have always wondered why there aren't more reviews of the various tennis ball brands and types.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

I don’t like Wilson. Trying to find a lighter ball.

[@tonylall7649]

@@TimTheMusicMan My favourite ball for price, durability and quality is the dunlop fort all court. I've recently been using the head radical all court cos my brother gets them cheap but I think they're a substandard ball. If you want a light ball the slazenger wimbledon from what I can remember is quite light, it's been years since I used it but I remember it flying as if it came with it's own internal propulsion system.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

@@tonylall7649 thanks.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

@@tonylall7649 thanks.

[@crsantin]

I currently have the same string in my Blade v8. 55lbs. It’s very comfortable. Very nice feel. Very expensive but if I only string every 6 months it’s not too bad. There is enough power in them for a rec player. I wanted to try them just out of curiosity

[@g2tennis]

Dude, stringing every 6 months... The string dies much before that, you're playing with a 15lbs old string bed, none of the original characteristics are there anymore, better to play with a cheaper string and string it more often

[@rogersemple3122]

@@g2tennis Gut does not lose its playability in 6 months.ll the negatives about the Gut is a bit blown out of proportion.This gentleman I hate to say is not that great of a technician.His timing and strokes could use a bit of work also.Babolat Racquet is this video 10 years old.I guess Im an old pro so its hard to keep up with all the trends.

[@VincentDuxD]

My previously trusted stringer was string my poly at 32kg, didn’t find out till I got my own crank machine, absolutely ridiculous, you’re so right Nick, poly at 22kg is like a dream, nothing wedges and almost nothing went out xD

[@hansklok3564]

32 kg, whaaaaat, never heard anyone play with 32kg

[@VincentDuxD]

@@hansklok3564 well, my gauge says so, and Dudtin Brown, according to my previous stringer, he does xD

[@tennisace40]

Im 60+ and I’ve been playing in league 20 yrs..I tried using poly but my elbow and shoulder could not handle it.I tried every combination but switched to cheaper Gut full set and since i have no arm issues related to tennis.I love the feel game so I no longer hit hard and try a smoother style of play.VS is too expensive but may give it a shot next year.Bottom line I love full set gut.I play Wilson Clash 98.Usually 55lbs.

[@aaronjfd6819]

which cheap gut can you reccomend?

[@tennisace40]

@@aaronjfd6819 Klip Legend 17

[@rogersemple3122]

I think you have it correct.I have played both Tennis and Table Tennis for years.A good player in either sport can take any combination and absolutely demolish lesser opponents.Its not the paddle or Racquet find what is comfortable and practice.Any good pro can watch him hit 2 shots and know right away that he will be easy.

[@veedoofthedum]

Its not as expensive as you think… I know the string itself costs a ton, but it has the best tension maintenence of any tennis string. So as long as you use string savers, flatten the strokes a bit and dont use it in humid weather it can stay on the racket for a year or even longer without restringing it. But it also has some negatives… Natural gut cant stand any amount of humidity/water or it will lose tension and it will break fast with enough friction.

[@lachezarkrastev7123]

Cross this with gut on the mains and a durable elastic poly on the crosses and you get great spin too and no movement and crazy durable. I used it in combo with Weiss cannon scorpion - crazy good.

[@user-oj7co5wm8g]

Anna with no chill lol. “When he was fat” 🪦

[@IntuitiveTennis]

😂🙌🙌

[@kevindreyer6710]

I played with natural gut I doubles it worked well there especially in volleys

[@rsh8057]

need to see super smash vs. Natural Gut/SuperSmash hybrid.

[@guypisapia]

You say you strung the natural gut at 55 while you're used at 40. The loss of power is right there in my book. You didn't say how much tension you put with the polyester in your comparison. I string my Aeropro Drive with Pro Hurricane Tour, 16 gauge, at 60. When the tension goes down to 50 and under, I start "spraying" my shots. I used to wait til my strings broke but I don't anymore. Not worth the frustration. By the way, I once had a tennis elbow as well as a golfer's elbow on the same right elbow. I have a right hand forehand. I couls barely hold my racket but I kept on playing, even with the excriuciating pain that I felt each and everytime that I hit the ball. Until... Until I could barely hold my racket. And then I hit that perfect forehand that came out of my racket like a bullet and I didn't feel any pain at all. I had an epiphany moment. I just hit the ball with a very relaxed arm and wrist, with an extended arm and with the ball more in front than usual. That was the trick. It was all a matter of technique. Talk about learning the hard way. Once I understood that, I started hitting that way and, lo and behold, I got rid of the pain within a month, all the while still playing 4 times a week. That was 10 years ago. The pain never came back. I still string at 60 and don't even bother using a damper.

[@TagUrIt2000]

Great video and insight as ALWAYS! But Anna Roasting Nic at the end was the best! :-)

[@keylargo5157]

When gut was king ,( the wooden era), the racquets were strung from 65 to 68 lbs. I wonder what your experience would be if you brought the string tension up?

[@torranceclark1260]

I totally agree with you. I think the racket he was playing is suited for poly string.

[@dcweber1]

Great topic, great presentation. As usual, Niko.

[@NewWaveAfros]

Yea i agree with you I found poly more powerful than natural gut which was strange considering everyone said how powerful gut was

[@davidwatkins8016]

I think your poly may have been "more powerful" because you can swing harder and it will stay in.

[@ichinomiyaconbimai5104]

I used a full bed of gut in matches back in the early eighties and syn gut gut to practice . Everytime it rained we would stick our racquets up our shirts to protect them from the rain

[@nolanballew741]

Another useful video, thanks! I played with full bed of gut in a Dunlop 95sq in 16 x 19 and it worked very well. I could serve bullets and place the ball with pace...but when I had to scramble, like in a real match...the 95 was too hard to defend with or more accurately, I'm not good enough (nor will I be) to play with a 95. When I switched to a 100 sq in 16 x 19 the gut had too much power to control so I went with a synthetic and all is well.

[@Krwler]

This was a fun video to watch. I like the commentary pre and post points

[@stevebeck3141]

I feel like gut excelled in the smaller old school racquets with a thin beam like the PS 85 and Prestige line. Not a good combo with modern frames. Good vid Nik, thanks for sharing!

[@Dom-yv4nq]

Many top pros still use natural gut, but in a combo configuration. Federer plays with Luxilon/Gut combo.

[@tolisnet]

Working & feels great in RF97 v11 / 25,5KG full bed. Tension maintenance on top. I Love it.

[@cedrickchuchu]

i am agree with this. NICK, please try again with other racquets.

[@joeyslats31]

I'm tipping a prince 93p 18x20 strung at 55 will go perfectly, modern racquets definetly dont work well with it.

[@Dom-yv4nq]

@@maxpowers4436 True. I personally know of no one who uses a full bed of gut. Pro or otherwise. Just isn't practical with the co-polys on the market

[@room1recording]

I tried pro’s pro blackout pentagonal string there then bought a whole reel for £28. Just doesn’t lose its tension and works great with my vcore 100.

[@experientialtennispickleball]

Haven't played with Pro's Pro strings yet, but I've read tons of good reviews about them.

[@billpoulakis1741]

IMO 55# 17G vs gut in a pure drive would be a little low based on my experience. I use an 18 x 20 98" frame and VS gut at 58# is perfection. Sampras and some of the old gut users strung in the high 60's to get better control.

[@winniecarl]

I have tried the Federer set-up(Gut mains/Alu rough crosses) on my RF-97(368g) and it was by far the best string combo I have ever used, but expensive. I think Nik could experiment with Gut/poly at a higher swing weight, more H/L balance and slightly higher tension like most on ATP who use this combo. Nik seems to be using no customisation, his favourite poly at 44lb, which works very well for him, He has the size and strength to easily cope with a higher swing weight? I wonder if he has ever gone down that path in his tennis journey?

[@Chooxchoox8742]

Tried it too at 55lbs, absolutly loved it but they price is just too much. But now everything else seems like cheap and bad strings.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

What did you string at ?

[@winniecarl]

@@TimTheMusicMan @ 62lb, because I use such a 'high mass' set-up.

[@famz8295]

What does Alu rough crosses mean? I just have full poly rn and want to switch to what you said, price doesn't matter for me

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

He uses Luxilon Alu power crosses@@famz8295

[@tob8848]

I am trying both at the moment, Babolat VS gut full bed on one racket and Luxilon 4G (Poly) on the other. The two rackets are identical Wilson ProStaff 97, 315g with 16/19 string pattern both strung at 25/26kg. Positives for the Babolat gut: + feeling, especially for volleys and when strings are brand new + trampoline power + no pain ever in arm or wrist! Negatives: - control is average, - not a lot of spin, ball can go long in baseline rallies, Positives for Luxilon 4G: + spin, ball stays more in and more difficult for opponent to hit back + a lot of control, Negatives: - less power than the gut - wrist pain after 3 matches on 3 consecutive days .... So haven't finally decided yet, but I really love the gut which I think makes sense for attacking players. If you are a baseliner I would go for a more spiny string. (Pistol Pete played gut, Agassi Luxilon).... And yes, gut strings move all the time but you can adjust them after each point like the pros in the 90s :-)

[@whitemaz3756]

Solution: gut mains 26kg 4g crosses 24kg prestretch 10% both. Thank me now, not later😉

[@zepuncake8335]

How about comparing gut hybrid setups (like gut mains poly cross or poly main gut cross vs full gut)

[@lifeisroblox]

can you do a play test of the hyper g string?

[@franklyfrank123]

Hyper g soft! My favorite now!

[@prostudentpanda7395]

Can you please show a gut-poly hybrid ?? Try it vs copoly. Thanks for the video as always.

[@korizen]

I am sure you needed it a bit tighter string tension with gut. I used to play 5 above the racquet recommendation with my Head's. 62lbs was much more controllable. 55 would seem like a trampoline.

[@bsakoff]

I played with poly strings for years, but got tired of changing strings after every match. They just lose tension way too fast for me. I switched to NG and really liked them . I played with NG for about two years but have since switched to Wilson NXT. I honestly like the NXT better than both NG or poly strings.

[@torranceclark1260]

I see a lot of comment that say what I was thinking. (Julian N, Key largo, Tan Chirasittikom) are on the right track. Look at players like Andre Gomez, and Pete Sampras had not problem with power nor control when they played with a full bed of natural gut. The racket would also need more tension. i also believe that a smaller head w/full bed of gut will give you the combination you wanted. Gut is bar far the most arm friendly string available on the market.

[@sophiap.6766]

What is the string tension on the natural gut? Maybe that’s why there is so much movement?

[@rubengomez6798]

Bjorn Borg he was stringing at 84 i think on a Slazenger Challenge 1 and he was breaking rackets rather than strings I love CatGut and Better today as a hybrid at 58/56

[@jramirezfellowes]

Nice banter at the end there! 😂

[@PaulVoorberg]

Nick, this was a fun video. Maybe do another one like this, but instead focusing on very low tension poly string weight vs the average poly string tension? Tennis Nerd did a very interesting video on this titled "I try 12 kg / 24 lbs tension (Mannarino-style!) - Pros and cons of playing with low tensions". It made me switch from multi filament to poly. I never liked poly until I tried very low tensions. Such a video should also be a good antidote for people who like to string their rackets too tight, which seems prevalent. When I told people at my club I strung my racket at 14 kg they looked at me like I was crazy 😅

[@IntuitiveTennis]

That is a great idea 🔥🔥

[@ryanbradley5928]

Good video, Nick. Last time I tried a full bed of gut was in the early '80s in my PDP Open. Frames and strings have come a long way since then. I'm confused about the terminology when you talk about the Kirschbaum Super Smash. You say it's not a copolymer like Luxilon, but the Kirschbaum website lists the Super Smash Orange as a co-polyester. Is there a difference in terms?

[@inflection_music]

I was wondering the same

[@MantoWong]

i can see how much it affects ur mental game, after a few shots u dont move ur legs at all, even ur best shot the serve happens with all arms

[@18yearsoldnot]

I have to say, if you live in less than ideal conditions like in Northern Europe during the autumn and spring i.e. when the balls go dead in 10 minutes or your tennis partners refuse to contribute with new balls and you just end up playing with old ones (which is the case for me)... Multifilaments are your friend. Since the balls are more dead, you are better off just having a big serve. Hitting flatter winners (most of the time) and volleying as much as you can. Of course multifilament don't last very long and are expensive so get yourself a stringing machine and just restring as soon as the strings start fluffing - arguably poly strings need to be restrung as frequently as multifilament due to tension loss and how it ruins your game

[@massimosanticchia3404]

I tried Klip Legend Gut (1.35) on mains and Alu Power 1.25 on crosses on my Blade v7 (18x20) and it feels amazing. Easy spin and depth. Slices are lasers and slice serves are faster than usual. Flat shots are less controlled but not by much since the 1.35 string is on a dense 18x20 pattern. Lastly, even in a hybrid, I feel less fatigue in my arm even after 2 hours of heavy grinding. Klip Legend gut only costs $29.99 and lasts surprisingly long.

[@listonshaw454]

Same here, used Klip mains, Element cross 48# on my blade 8 pro and just love it. Amazing power, so comfortable and lasts long!!

[@davidwatkins8016]

@@bmanbusee3812 Horrible how?

[@stilllifeproductions5017]

Thanks for this video! I've been playing NG since I was a kid in the 1970s and I DO NOT have a desire to hit a tennis ball without it (or at-least a gut mains hybrid)... If I had to use poly, I'd stop playing tennis and get involved in pickleball.... Of course, I'm S/V oriented with terrible TE.... Keep up the great work!

[@coreyham3753]

Agreed .... lifetime natural gut user. Never had tennis elbow or arm issues ever. Would not even consider playing competitive tennis without natural gut.

[@LFGM24]

I use a hybrid and I’m no pro or think I’m cool but I use klip 16g 1:30 on my mains and Gamma glide cross 16g 1:30 on my crosses. Works just fine for me at 50/50 tension and no string movement. I also have a dampener which I didn’t see in your racquet unless I missed it.

[@Cesarini77]

I always see people talking about how powerful gut, synthethic and multis are so y try them. (I use full bed of copoly) Had to hit to the fence to make it past the net. I felt like at contact the ball pushed the strings so far back like in the cartoons. I though that i was wrong, or maybe stringed the racquet erronously?? But this guy is confirming what i immediately felt when i triead a full bed of multi and full bed of synthetic. Maybe if i had hitted completely flat it would had worked. I immediately cut the strings and return to full poly.

[@TheDmonet]

gut with poly crosses is great and doesnt get stuck, especially if you lube it up with silicone every now and then to keep it fresh. Technically that is illegal but for amatuers where you have the guys serve foot faults 2 feet into the court, tough luck..

[@golllaur]

A set of NG strings costs more than my current racket itself ))) I got Prince Tour 98 Pro in ideal condition for less than 100 bucks and I love this racket with Hyper G strings so far. But I really want to try gut someday! Edit: I don't want anymore )))) question: how often do you restring your racket?

[@Hithran]

I have this same racquet! I use Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour and I really enjoy it. Crisp string matches well with the soft frame.

[@JacObi-Wan-KenObi]

I don’t know but is your racquet the best racquet to use for the test? Of course, you’re able to notice the difference but to do proper justice to this string maybe a control - and not power - oriented racquet would be better? I’m using gut on my Yonex VCorePro (18x20 stringing) and can only say it’s a perfect combo. Also, gut doesn’t give you more spin, it’s the opposite and better suited for flat hitters.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

My question is if I don’t want power, I want control spin and touch, s/v and drop shots, what racket and string combo snd tension should I use. I also don’t want any racket that is larger than a 95. Apparently the WPS 85 is back for sale in Europe only. Wonder if I should go back to this.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

I have the VC pro 95D. What do you recommend for this ?

[@cabforwardooo9983]

I think stringing gut at 60 lbs might have worked better for control, but I for one don't care for gut either. I like more feedback when I hit the ball. A multifilament like Head Velocity MLT is comfortable but also more crisp than gut, and a soft copoly like Head Lynx Tour is easy on the arm and gives nice control and spin. Both strings last a long time too.

[@fearwolfbrewery5014]

Hi! I got a little interested of Kirschbaum Super Smash! :) How much tension do you use when stinging it?

[@FNRELOX]

I think he uses low 40s but I’m not to sure

[@attybong]

i nick , is it possible to combine the natural gut with poly string? lets say, natural gut on the main and poly string on the cross? thanks

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Of course

[@attybong]

@@IntuitiveTennis thanks nick ..

[@marcgabor9690]

full bed of gut really works best in smaller frames with tight string patterns. in a 100" tweener framer its going to be too powerful, strings will move too much, etc.. useless comparison.

[@joshdroge]

had to watch this after listening to the tennisnerd podcast... don't know how even a matchup this is. 55lbs in a 100 seems very low for gut. would love to see this test at various tensions

[@rizahawke2059]

It's actually the opposite. Natural gut gives more power than poly. However, because it's harder to control that power you compensate by slowing down your swing speed. This is exacerbated by using a pure drive which is a powerful racquet. That's the real reason why nobody is using a full bed of natural gut in any Babolat racquets or even most modern racquets. They come with way more power than old school racquets.

[@bimwopbarn47]

you can use string savers to keep the strings from moving out of alignment

[@andycsun]

Love this video. The review and near the end.

[@moeeltahir353]

Can you please make a video on how close you have to be to the ball when hitting a 2 handed backhand

[@BriceBriceBabyy]

I’m a little confused. I thought gut added power, not reduced it? I’m hearing you say you aren’t getting any power from it. Can someone explain to me?

[@bikingyogatennis]

Although it is true that a set of natural gut costs more than a set of (good) poly, because the set of nat gut will last a lot longer than the set (or two, or three sets) of poly, the actual cost is not a whole lot more.

[@sportscastercanada]

Hey Nick! 👋 What stringing machine do you use? Do strings have a shelf life like cans of unopened tennis 🎾 balls? Do manufacturers put packaging dates on reels?

[@glenberberet8418]

It's the best string that i've ever used but expensive. Nice thing is that it doesn't loose tension like poly does

[@frank611]

“Naked again” haha 😂. Gut is an excellent string, but the ball stays on the string bed much shorter than poly. If you don’t break strings, this is the best string for you. Full bed gut has the best tension maintenance.

[@geepeeone]

Usually in full bed, people put string savers to prevent the strings from moving too much.

[@vnishpt7036]

Looks like you're using a Pure Drive maybe so presumably a 100 sq. inch head size. Note that 55 lbs. tension for full bed of natural gut in a 100 sq. inch frame is pretty low so control will suffer accordingly. Using 17G gut will further compound the control issue. I use to string my Wilson PS 85 with a full bed of 16G Gut at 60 lbs. & provided excellent control. Try bumping the tension to minimum 65 lbs. in that frame (for full bed of gut) & my guess is you'll have much better control & presumably a different conclusion.

[@deverenfogle3201]

I usually really like your videos. But here, you’re a bit off in your reasoning and testing. You’re comparing the power of natural gut strung at 55 to poly strung in the mid to low 40’s? I get tons of power with gut compared to poly, plus my arm thanks me for it in the end. Oh yeah, not to mention the gut doesn’t start losing its tension after a few sets, which is what poly is known for. But of course, use whatever feels good to you, but speaking in such absolutes on things that are not comparable is a bit disconcerting.

[@dboystipsandtricks408]

how would natural gut feel compared to Head Reflext MLT?

[@MrWandererql]

I agree with you! However, as a beginner, off center shots hurt my arm. As I get better and better, I will transition from full gut, to hybrid gut(main)/poly(cross), to poly(main)/gut(cross), and ultimately full poly.

[@baller7387]

I think it might actually make more sense for you to transition from full gut to full poly and then to a hybrid with gut in the mains. I understand your thought process with the stringbed progressively becoming more control oriented but ultimately I think a hybrid offers the best of both worlds and caters particularly well to high level players, which is probably why so many top tier pros go with hybrid setups

[@GeneralRock114]

Stringing with a full bed of gut is a waste of money. It won’t last long at all. Best to use it as a hybrid.

[@joeyslats31]

Definetly need very low powered frame to use full natural gut, I reckon a Prince 93P would go great with a full bed. In my experience you also got to string it really tight like close to 60, you will still have heaps of comfort because of the nature of the string.

[@niceguy5430]

And a thin gut,like sampras used to play

[@TimTheMusicMan]

My question is if I don’t want power, I want control spin and touch, s/v and drop shots, what racket and string combo snd tension should I use. I also don’t want any racket that is larger than a 95. Apparently the WPS 85 is back for sale in Europe only. Wonder if I should go back to this.

[@joeyslats31]

@@TimTheMusicManAny very thin beam and heavyish, headlight frame will be good. Modern prostaff 97 might be too powerful but an older prostaff 90 or 95 or 85 could be great. I recommend demoing a prince 93p with gut or multi! Stringing gut really tight won't reduce the the touch, comfort or tension maintenance because of the nature of the elastic fibres. I would string it up at 60lbs and work down from there or keep it. Sampras strung at 70lbs, Borg at 80lbs (in wood!), Federer in Hybrid 57lbs Having watched several videos I'm convinced this guy doesn't really know what he's talking about. He's put gut in a frame built for polys 🙄

[@TimTheMusicMan]

@@joeyslats31 thank you. Very informative. I have heard a lot about that prince model I am going to try it along with the ps85. I just have to figure out the mains and crosses and what to use. Seems like it’s going to be trail and error approach. Thanks.

[@stephenpolacek8633]

Great analysis… same experience I had using natural gut for the first time.

[@markbrodeur1707]

The Pure Drive was developed when poly came out. I cannot think of an older player that used gut in a Pure Drive Blaster Machine,

[@bwiz6514]

Someone said that racquet and string reviews on the internet were worthless. Can't remember who said it right now...

[@pencilcheck]

I think you are misunderstanding his points. Nick is saying that online reviews doesn't really tell you what the string actually feels. They use words that doesn't make any sense. However I would say that different people like different strings for their strokes and physique and movement freedom etc.

[@lockchinazhang]

for gut, i feel that the ball gets more much on the string, but what I hate is the string always always moves. I have to correct the string from time to time.

[@craigmorgan1617]

I agree but you gotta break gut in. Hybrid works because as the poly gets really dead the gut is getting good. Saying that though I am full bed of poly now because it takes too long to get the gut right and it’s not worth the $.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Nick is an example of a teaching tennis pro who hits all the bells and whistles. His advice is valuable. I cannot tell you how many channels I see about racket reviews string reviews and matches and the players are really not good at all. But With Nick you can learn and observe and his experience surfaces. There is nothing better than a teaching pro who can catch things. I have been a huge critique of todays rackets and strings. So much so that it’s not worth watching any of them as you already know what they are going to do prior to the point. The court will always stay the same size and can only handle so much mass. But now you have rackets and strings that apply 100% more power yet the court is still the same size. It goes against the law of physics.

[@billpoulakis1741]

IMO 55# in a pure drive is too low. One advantage of gut is comfort. the other is power.

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

I switched to a Clash racket with VS gut 16 @ 48 lbs after I had a tennis elbow. No problems since. Using string savers helps extend the life by quite a bit and also prevents the strings from moving too much. After Babolat increased prices by $10 I switched to Volkl natural gut, it’s “only” $37, plays similar and lasts the same.

[@transamination]

Surprised you can use full gut in a Clash. That racquet is supposed to eat through synthetic strings, so it must destroy gut.

[@djblackwing737]

gut/poly gives you spin power and touch..... with the right tension you cant go back to FB poly afterwards, you have strung that gut too loose on that already too powerful 16x19 pure drive, thats already a very powerful racquet. for reference I string gut/poly on my prince 93P 18x20 at 52lbs

[@TimTheMusicMan]

My question is if I don’t want power, I want control spin and touch, s/v and drop shots, what racket and string combo snd tension should I use. I also don’t want any racket that is larger than a 95. Apparently the WPS 85 is back for sale in Europe only. Wonder if I should go back to this.

[@whitemaz3756]

Dunlop cx 200 tour. Reverse hybrid strings. Some lead here and there. Some time for testing. Happy hitting

[@dmf30]

I think your perspective on gut is dependent on your normal game. IF you are swinging very fast, and playing as if you were playing with poly, you would not do well with guy. You will not be consistent and spray the balls as you have in the video. I would not play a full bed for a variety of reasons. I think a full bed of gut is waaaay to powerful for a pro. That is why the hybrid set up makes sense. Also a poly or even a textured multi is better for spin and bite and both will temper the power of the guy. But here's the issue: older people like me cannot play with a full bed of poly . It will kill our arms. So what hybrid set up would you recommend? Supersmash may be too stiff for me. Solinco Tour soft?

[@Jlymansackhead]

I have used natty gut in the mains for years, and there is no replacement for me. I have tried all of the high end synthetic gut strings and they are all inferior by far. Natural gut has better control than synthetic, and the playability and durability lasts way longer than any type of string on the market for me, which actually makes it more cost effective, even with the high price tag. Even when it frays it still retains the same great playability till it breaks, which is almost never for me. All of my slice shots are lower, more accurate, and more penetrating. I refuse to use any other string in the mains. I will admit that with a full bed of natural gut the control is only good for a few sessions, which is not cost effective for me, so I use a low powered polyester in the crosses.

[@Ockv74]

Hi coach, I used Natural Gut for a couple of months because I had elbow pain and it did help for the pain, but I had to go back to Co- Polyester because I couldn't win or be competitive in matches. So I agree with you regarding playability, but it can cure elbow pain.

[@aaronjfd6819]

ok

[@panaleslobarnechea4786]

Its my favorite string too Kirschbaum super smash orange..

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Great string

[@hansolsson3409]

Great video, Nik!

[@lachezarkrastev7123]

Full bed natural is not good because you lose the incredible spin of the hybrid. As well the friction gut to gut is so high and you just do not have the string snap in place.

[@HankHell41]

Would you recommend kirschbaum super smash for rec level? I've been using poly/multi or poly/natural gut strings for half a year now and wouldn't mind some extra pop

[@experientialtennispickleball]

Ι've played with the Kirschbaum Super Smash Honey and Kirschbaum Max Power. Both felt low-powered, which is completely fine by me, because I take big swings anyway. They both offered great feel, touch and control. I highly recommend you try the Max Power at 22kg. In my experience with testing various tennis strings so far, the Isospeed Cream and Black Fire will offer you easy depth/power.

[@HankHell41]

@@experientialtennispickleball Thanks! I actually hit balls long too often, so would your recommendations help or hurt me?

[@experientialtennispickleball]

@@HankHell41 I think so, yes. Of course, the highest you have your racket strung, the less power and more feel you'll get. But I haven't hot higher than 22 kg / 48.5lbs. For me, go for one of these two Kirschbaum strings. I have to disagree with the name of the Max Power. Don't know why the named it that way. It wasn't powerful but your amazing overall. If you're in Europe, you may give the String Kong Banana Bite 1.19 a shot. Low-powered as well and after half an hour of hitting (break-in period) I couldn't miss a shot. I was very surprised by it. Last, check Stringlab strings. All these 3 brands: Kirschbaum, String Kong and Stringlab are quite cheap, around 10€ per set, and play very well. Look me up on instagram where I post string reviews.

[@rsh8057]

@@experientialtennispickleball hmm.. here in the U.S., they made the name simply "Orange" I've just started using it for a week based on Coach Nick's video/recommendation @ 22 kg. I don't see many people talking about it; how long should this nice feeling of the strings snapping back and the feeling the ball will land w/ topspin stay? If it can last 5-6 sessions I'll be happy as I string my own frames.

[@OscarEggen]

Nick, how much tension do you have on the racket with the kirschbaum stringing?

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Depends. For teaching 38 for playing 42-46 depending on conditions and surface

[@dwightlewis2026]

Great informative video. Learned a lot about the basics and rationales of strings.

[@davidwatkins8016]

If you review your serves you will see you were clearly swinging harder (with higher racket head speed) and with more confidence on your serves with the poly than with the gut. It is well known that gut is a more powerful string than poly with a higher coefficient of elasticity. It may not suit the modern pro game because you can’t take as big a cut at the ball because gut generates less spin. Pros in the old days hit much flatter balls because they couldn’t generate enough spin to hit with both shape and power. Look at Connors’ minimal net clearance as an extreme example. Wait a couple of years when your arm feels like it is about to fall off, and you will appreciate gut a little more.

[@rsh8057]

I had the same thought. I feel some of the problems w/ gut in this video were perhaps mental. There's no reason he can't slice a BH. However, given that Coach has used some sort of poly for 20+ years I see no reason to think he's going to develop tennis elbow issues now.

[@Doty6String]

Power is more about racquet speed. If you hold back because you can’t control the ball. Then you don’t get power