Neither have I tried that many ELT poly/syn gut hybrids. So this is it!
Unlike the softer poly, this stiff poly stretches quite a bit even at 35 lbs.
Since a lot of grommets on the bumperguard were just replaced, I threaded the mains on top more carefully to ensure the re-used bumperguard is aligned and sits well.
Soft syn gut as crosses is always easier to weave than full poly!
Done!
Here's a closer look at the new grommets on top.
Before matching the rackets, I weighed, measured and recorded all the variables that I could.
Both RDS003s are 1/4 inch longer, so their swingweight would play higher. It is important to note that the RD7's flex is only RA54 against the RDS003's RA65.
Because of this, the RD7 needs a slightly higher swingweight to generate similar power levels as the stiffer rackets.
All three rackets are strung with very different strings at different tensions. But I know M has very sensitive hands. Enough to even discern a balance difference of 5mm and mere weight differences of 7-8grams.
That makes my job difficult. But I would well deserve his car and dog if I can get it within his perimeters!
Playtest:
- As with my previous experience with low tension polys, the strings are extremely low-powered. So low, that both M & I have difficulties driving the ball deep. We ended up hitting mostly flat shots.
- Comfort is very good. The stringbed is very soft and predictable with some good pocketing. Though nowhere as deep as with ELT syn gut.
- Because of the flat shots, we were unable to determine whether the amount of spin was high or low.
- The RD7 is a very comfortable racket. The racket flex could be felt clearly and absorbed the vibrations and power from incoming hard balls.
- It feels so good that M mentioned he'll willingly trade away power, spin and control just to enjoy this kind of "feel" in a racket!
- Knowing M likes topspin, I deliberately customised a polarised weight setup. The advantage is easier to "whip" the racket to generate spin, very little extra weight needed and it's easy to adjust balance.
- However, it seems the polarised setup could have also made the racket play a little more flexy.
- I'll try a de-polarised weight setup on the other RD7 later.
24Apr2013 update:
- I tried the racket again after it has been hit with for a few hours.
- The extremely low-powered stringbed disappeared and gave way to a high-powered stringbed!!!
- It seems the poly has lost tension or resilience so the power from the syn gut cross is becoming dominant.
- Spin increased tremendously from the last time I tried it, so it is truely a case of the best of both worlds - spin from poly and power/comfort from ELT syn gut!
- I am beginning to like this ELT setup of a stiff poly with syn gut cross!
Strings:
Pro Supex Black Fusion 1.19mm mains @ 35lbs
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Titan 1.25mm cross @ 33lbs
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