Update on Gamma Hybrid

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the length between posts--I've been busy getting my new website up and running. I pulled my hair out for two days trying to go the technical route that my uber-computer-geek friends recommended before I decide to stick with a format I was familiar with. But I digress.


I had a chance to hit with my new Gamma ZO Magic/Live-Wire Hybrid. Here is the verdict:

It hit fairly well, but the ZO Magic was very stiff which one would expect from a poly-mono string, but considering it is one of their high-end mono strings, I was expecting a bit more from it. Overall, the hybrid hit like a slightly better than average synthetic gut--I'm sure the durability will far surpass that of a typical syn-gut however.

It could also be that I strung it too tight. I went a couple pounds higher than my Babolat Hurricane/Tecnifibre Hybrid. I might try it again and go down 2-3 pounds, which might make a difference. But for the price, which was in the range of my other hybrid, I can't say it's worth the money.

Also: as soon as I get my digital fish scale delivered (it was supposed to be here a few days ago) I'll try it out and take some pretty pictures and post about how it works--I'm afraid to know how off my tensioner is:)

A stringing video from Vinh

One of my valued readers, Vinh, sent me a link to his YouTube video. Even though he only filmed himself stringing the mains, he is lightning fast. I can't make out the machine brand/model, but hopefully Vinh will send me another message with the info. Here's a link to Vinh's YouTube page for anyone interested: Vinh's YouTube

Thanks again Vinh,

UPDATE: Vinh uses a Alpha Axis Pro, but replaced the lock out crank tensioner with a Head 2086 electronic constant pull machine. FYI

My Gamma Hybrid Experiment (w/ visual aides)

I decided I would go ahead and try a new hybrid with Gamma ZO Magic (16) in the mains and Gamma Live Wire (16) in the crosses. I've had such good luck with my Babolat Hurricane/Technifibre X-One Biphase hybrid, I figured it would be worth a shot. I haven't actually used any Gamma strings on my own racquets for a number of years. Some people swear by them, others despise them. I'll see where I stand tomorrow--perhaps later in the week as thunderstorms are expected.

Here are the Zo Magic mains completed. These were strung at 65 lbs.--not pre-stretched as that would be superfluous for mono-filament strings. As far as poly strings go, it was fairly flexible, quite similar to the Babolat Pro Hurricane. 

Here's the Live Wire going in the crosses at 63 lbs. I did pre-stretch these. They had a bit of an "oily" feel to them. Of course that could be the result of the leftover lasagna I had for lunch--usually a good idea to wash one's hands, but since this is for my racquet, I let such graces slide.

Here is the completed racquet. I put the other two halves in plastic baggies and labeled what they are--just in case I mistake it for a very long piece of spaghetti. The ease of stringing was quite excellent with this combo, my poorly constructed machine not withstanding. I will give an update as soon as I have a chance to go out and hit with it--hopefully on Har-Tru again; I've missed the dirt so much--my knees have missed it even more.

Until then; keep stringing and evolving!