Yonex RDS003 + Poly/Syn Gut @ 47/52 lbs

After quite a few strings and rackets tests, my friend M still prefers the feel of poly and synthetic gut hybrid (link). The most amazing thing to us was how durable the RD7 poly/syn gut hybrid is. We've clocked about 8-10 hours of play over 3 weeks and the tension is still holding up very very well. In fact, it still plays like it was in its second hour of hitting. It is certainly something we did not expect.

So M wants his RDS003 done the same as the RD7. I thought maybe this time I'll try another synthetic gut instead and see how it performs. Since the RDS003 has a 100 sq in face, I increased the tension slightly from the RD7's 45/50.

Here's some pics of the RDS003.

Playtest:
- increase in tension from the RD7's 45/50 felt good and appropriate
- directional control is good
- synthetic gut spiral flex is as soft as synthetic gut titan
- stringbed is very soft when hit on or near sweetspot
- at 300g, this racket feels too light compared to the 340g RD7
- we believe the pocketing and spin will increase when the weight of this racket is beefed up

- RDS003 adjusted to 340g to match the RD7 (Balance 32.3cm)

Strings:

Pro Supex Black Fusion 18g 1.19mm mains @ 47lbs

Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Spiral Flex 16g 1.30mm cross @ 52lbs