Wilson Pro Staff 95s with Syn Gut + Spin Challenge

Online forums reported on how quickly strings break in the PS95s. While the very open 16x15 stringing pattern is excellent for spin, it is terrible for string durability.

As a result, everyone strings with either full poly, kevlar or 15g syn gut. Even then, most enjoyed only a few hours of play before it snapped.

After trying Z's PS95s (link), I was exceedingly curious: 
(1) how long would 17g syn gut last in that racket, and
(2) between racket, type of strings and stringing method, which factor would influence the amount of spin more?

Since Z also felt that his PS95s was due for a restring, he gave me a free hand on how it was to be done. 

I chose full syn gut modified proportional stringing with base tension of 50lbs. A lot of the strings would end much MUCH LOWER than the recommended range of 54-64 lbs!

Then we took it out for a playtest cum spin challenge with some of my previously strung spin setups.

Rackets in above pic, from top to bottom:
Wilson Hammer 5.8 + syn gut varied tension (link)
Wilson ProStaff 95s + syn gut proportional stringing
Head Prestige Mid + full poly
Dunlop AG200 + fullbed fishing line (0.9mm mains)(link)
Yamaha EOS + 17g syn gut (link)

Our ranking was unanimous. From best spin to worst, it was:

1. Dunlop AG200

2. Yamaha EOS

3. Wilson PS95s

4. Wilson Hammer 5.8

5. Head Prestige Mid

What we gathered there was:

Stringing Pattern

Even dense string patterns (18x20) can generate heaps of spin. Although the Dunlop was strung as 16x19, the gaps between the strings remain small and tight. The fishing line bites extremely well compared to the full poly in the Head Prestige, which ranked last.

String Wear

The Yamaha ranked 2nd while Hammer was 4th. Reason being different hours of use - Yamaha had about 6 hours versus 10 hours (or more) for the Hammer.

Stringing Method & Swingweight

The Yamaha, PS95s & Hammer were all strung with a modified form of proportional stringing that varies tension among the strings. The same 17g syn gut was used for all. 

Despite that, spin in the Yamaha trumps PS95s. Why?

I believe it's the low total and low swingweight of the PS95s. Both the Yamaha and Hammer have modified swingweights of about 330-340 kg/cm² whereas the PS95s was only about 300 kg/cm². That is a huge difference!

String Type and Tension
It is indisputable that poly is excellent for spin. But with so many different types of polys & co-polys, many stringers get confused about what tension to use. 

All polys have a very narrow useful plastic range before it fails. Once exceeded, poly plays totally dead (link). The 18x20 Head Prestige was strung at 60lbs.

Here's some pics of the stringbed after play... look at the amount of ball fur...

So what next?

I believe there is a lot of modification potential in the PS95s. Forums are rife with comments to add weight under the buttcap. That's one avenue to explore.

Another would be to add swingweight. (link) I cannot help but wonder, did the PS95s designers intentionally kept swingweight low to prevent the strings from snapping too fast, like in the Steam 99s? 

According to their spec sheets, both PS95s and 99s have 16x15 string patterns. Other specs like total weight and flex are very close. However, swingweight differs by 28 kg/cm².

It is Z's racket after all, he'll call the shots how he wants it to be done after this syn gut wears or snaps. Or maybe, he'll just stick with the 18x20...