How to lower a string's power?

Question

Ok, I have a racquet, Wilson Hammer Rival (mid+ frame).

I usually string it with this hybrid, Gamma TNT2 Fusion Plus 19, which has been my favorite string for like, a year. Its a low-power, High spin/control string; I loved the crazy spins I could generate on serve and the intense topspin on my groundstrokes.

However, my stringer had recently run out of this string, so I was forced to pick something else; I chose the Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Rough, because I heard great things about its spin potential. I purposely strung it at an extra high tension, because I didn't want it to be overpowered to the point where I couldn't control it; For the first day, I loved it. Power wasn't uncontrollably high, spin was excellent. However, after about a week, I'm starting to find that it seems to be losing tension and control, and it's getting overpowered. I can still generate great spin, but the ball just soars, regardless of the topspin I'm sticking on it.

I want to know, is there a way to just lower the string's power? I don't want to have to cut the strings because they're unplayable..

Answer 1

i think this is a common thing. every string lost about 10% of tension within 24 hours after stringing. as the tension lowered, the string became loose and more flexible, giving you more trampoline effect. so i think there is no way to lower the string power. to have the same high tension, you need to restring.

but before you decide to restring very often, you can try hitting your strokes higher over the net so that the ball have more curve in its flightpath to avoid landing outside the court.

another trick maybe selecting smaller (midsize) heavier racquet, the weight will wear your power out and the ball should land where you expected. however, using heavier racquet may affect your swing style, leaving your arm vulnerable to injuries. you should be very careful selecting heavier but comfortable new racquet for you.

one last tip would be to have some local pro assess your stroke. see if they can suggest any improvement tips in order to make the ball lands inside.

hope it helps :)

Answer 2

Luxilon strings generally hold their tension pretty well, so I don't think this is a tension loss problem.  Luxilon strings do lose their "feel" and can get a little stiff (feel dead) after a few weeks.  On top of all this, I am not sure a Wilson Hammer is the best control oriented racquet.  I would recommend demoing some new racquets like the Kfactor Ksix-two, the Ktour, or the Kblade Tour or 98.  The upgraded racquet will give you more control, with a smaller head, and a better head-light balance.