Rules for Hybrid Stringing: When stringing hybrids, with different types strings, each string should be strung

at the tension which corresponds to the type string, whether it be strung in the mains or in the crosses. Gauges permit a modification in the reactions of the same strings at the same tensions, to reduce these differences it is necessary to lower the tensions with a thinner gauge, or increase the tension with a thicker gauge to compensate the variations of string stiffness which depend both on the gauge and also the position of the string in the racquet (mains or crosses). Generally the durability is much better when the mono-filament is strung in the mains, but the playability can often be more interesting and more comfortable when the poly is in the crosses. It depends upon your priorities, if you don't break strings too often, look for the better playability, the natural gut in the mains will give you a more enjoyable tennis, improved comfort and more power, and even better with lower tensions all round. Yes natural gut and synthetic-gut (mono-core single wrap nylons) can be considered to be comparable as far as relative tensions with mono-filaments when stringing hybrids. The difference in tensions between these strings should also respect the difference between the gauges as well as the differences between the types of string. In both cases, generally the gauges of the mono-filament strings (MF) are at least 1 gauge thinner than the natural gut or the syn-gut NG/SG : > NG/SG=1,30mm + MF=1,25mm (SG=GA16 MF=GA17) : -1kg for the mono but it can more often be as much as a 2 gauges difference : > NG/SG=1,35mm + MF=1,25mm (SG=GA15 MF=GA17) : -2kgs for the mono

The thinner the string, the harder it gets when you increase the tensions, this is more evident with syn-gut than natural gut and less evident with mono-filament strings. Being aware of this can help understand how the balance between different types and different gauges can be affecting the overall results when looking for good solutions when making hybrids. A hybrid which works very well at a certain tension, may be less efficient at higher or lower tensions, in this case try to figure out which string is not in phase with the other, then adjust the tensions and try again. Sometimes the difference can be quite important in the playability, +/- 1kg on a main or a cross can make a very big difference. For example -1kg on the main will give a little more power and comfort, where as +1kg in the crosses can give more control but seriously stiffens the stringbed, so if only one of the strings has only 1kg difference in one direction or the other, the playabilty is not the same.

Rules for Hybrid Stringing: When using poly-based mains and crosses the reference tension remains the same regardless of gauge. When using poly-based mains with either syn gut crosses or natural gut crosses there are some variables: 1. When the cross string is the same gauge or thicker, the difference is +4 lbs *A 2. When the cross string is 1 gauge thinner, the difference is +2 lbs *B (but can be +2 thru +4 lbs depending on player preference.) 3. When the cross string is 2 gauges thinner, there is no tension difference between the mains and crosses. *C Note: A. This means the cross strings will be 4 pounds greater than the center most mains. i.e. 44 mains/48crosses B. This means the cross strings will be 2 pounds greater than the center most mains. i.e. 44 mains/46 crosses C. This means the cross strings will be the same tension as the center most mains. i.e. 44 mains/44crosses

String Impact Dynamics:

The string has initial length Lo and initial tension T0, which is, ideally, the stringing tension (if no tension loss occurs). The center of the string has been deflected a distance y, and the string, which now feels a tension of T, has stretched to length L. L0 and T0 are related to L and T by

where k is the spring constant of the string.

For small deflection y, the perpendicular spring constant is dependent only on Lo and To, and is independent of k, the string's spring constant -- in two dimensions, its elastic modulus.