Babolat · Current range

Babolat Touch VS

Touch VS is natural gut. It offers a different material response from polyester, but a completed setup also depends on main-versus-cross placement and the other string’s surface and wear. Material names alone do not describe the hybrid.

Natural gutNot published by the manufacturer1.25 / 1.3 / 1.35 mm

Product details

Material: Natural gut
Gauge: 1.25 / 1.3 / 1.35 mm
Construction: natural gut
String cross-section: Not published by the manufacturer
Surface features: Not published by the manufacturer
Surface treatment / coating: Not published by the manufacturer
Product status: Current range
Stock status: Stock not verified

Keep manufacturer claims separate from measured comparisons

Babolat presents fibre elasticity and tension retention as product strengths. Those are manufacturer claims; a superlative such as best should not be republished as an independent test conclusion.

A historical laboratory sample with VS in its name still needs a clear model-generation and gauge match to the current Touch VS. A similar name is not enough to fill a measurement table.

Gut mains and gut crosses are different setups

Reversing the positions changes the arrangement. Gut mains with polyester crosses are not equivalent to polyester mains with gut crosses. Recording only the two material names leaves too little information for the next installation.

Document both gauges and both reference tensions. Inspect which string is notching at the intersections; the partner’s surface and wear can affect the gut’s survival.

Check coating, moisture and installation quality

Natural-fibre strings need attention to moisture and coating damage. Avoid severe kinks or twisting during installation, and inspect ageing grommets for sharp surfaces that can damage the string.

Storage and handling can change the outcome for the same product. Actual wear location and storage conditions are more informative than assuming an expensive natural gut must last a long time.

Define the purpose of switching from polyester

Distinguish a desire for less firmness from a need for easier depth or more stable response with age. Changing material at the same numerical reference tension does not preserve every aspect of stringbed behaviour.

Compare first in a familiar frame without also changing grip or added mass. The relevant return on the extra cost is whether you can repeat the depth and direction you need more consistently.