Syn guts similar to Super Fine Play?

[TonyB]

Please only respond if you've actually USED both SFP and the strings you recommend. I hate it when people simply repeat the same string recommendations that have been posted a million times on this forum without actually playing with them. Trust me, I've read the recommendations. But there is not one single direct comparison between SFP and another similar string.

But in light of the fact that SFP is being discontinued, I'd like to hear about possible replacements from those of you who have played with SFP and liked it. We're all in the same boat: trying to find a replacement string that is similar enough to SFP that it can be used without completely revamping your strokes.

So let's hear it...

[ROCKinCourier]

Please only respond if you've actually USED both SFP and the strings you recommend. I hate it when people simply repeat the same string recommendations that have been posted a million times on this forum without actually playing with them. Trust me, I've read the recommendations. But there is not one single direct comparison between SFP and another similar string.

But in light of the fact that SFP is being discontinued, I'd like to hear about possible replacements from those of you who have played with SFP and liked it. We're all in the same boat: trying to find a replacement string that is similar enough to SFP that it can be used without completely revamping your strokes.

So let's hear it...

I used to play with regular Babolat Fine Play 16 wayyyyyyy back when -- mid 90's. I really liked the string, and when they were out of fine play, I usually had Gosen OG Micro 16 put in as a replacement -- it was very comparable.

Hope this helps!

[diredesire]

SFP is being discontinued? Man, I am way behind the times..

In terms of similar characteristics, the closest I've found was Gosen OG Micro Sheep in the same gauge, white, not the generic version(s). What gauge have you been playing with, and what did you like about the SFP in particular? I liked that it was soft, and comfortable, but it broke too quickly for me to really gain insight into tension maintenance...

[TonyB]

SFP is being discontinued? Man, I am way behind the times..

In terms of similar characteristics, the closest I've found was Gosen OG Micro Sheep in the same gauge, white, not the generic version(s). What gauge have you been playing with, and what did you like about the SFP in particular? I liked that it was soft, and comfortable, but it broke too quickly for me to really gain insight into tension maintenance...


Yes, it appears as though this is the end for SFP. Can't find it anywhere, and I've gotten many responses from distributors that they're not able to order any more. Babolat doesn't list it on their website, either.


Anyways, I play with the 17 gauge version, white color. Love the comfort, spin potential, and most importantly, CONTROLLABLE power. Quite low powered for a non-poly, but just enough power to rip a winner when you need it. Plus, I could actually FEEL where my shots were going. Over the last couple of years, I've gone through countless multifilaments, gut/poly hybrids, full poly, kevlar hybrids, you name it. Ultimately, I threw in some SFP into my frame almost out of desperation because I got a few sets in a string trade and wanted to get rid of it, but I ended up falling in love with the stuff almost immediately.

Yes, it breaks in about 4 hours (or less) of heavy hitting. Probably 2 hours if you're training. But that's enough for me, I don't mind restringing frequently. Tension maintenance is 100% up until it breaks at that rate, so that's good enough for me as well.

I don't see any OGSM 17 reels (white) available here at TW. Are they available? Having to stomach the $4 per individual set price tag would kind of suck, as I'm currently paying around $2 for the SFP.

I was actually thinking about the Gamma Syn Gut Wearguard, as I've read some good things about it (similar to SFP). But I haven't tried it myself yet.

[diredesire]

Yes, it appears as though this is the end for SFP. Can't find it anywhere, and I've gotten many responses from distributors that they're not able to order any more. Babolat doesn't list it on their website, either.


Anyways, I play with the 17 gauge version, white color. Love the comfort, spin potential, and most importantly, CONTROLLABLE power. Quite low powered for a non-poly, but just enough power to rip a winner when you need it. Plus, I could actually FEEL where my shots were going. Over the last couple of years, I've gone through countless multifilaments, gut/poly hybrids, full poly, kevlar hybrids, you name it. Ultimately, I threw in some SFP into my frame almost out of desperation because I got a few sets in a string trade and wanted to get rid of it, but I ended up falling in love with the stuff almost immediately.

Yes, it breaks in about 4 hours (or less) of heavy hitting. Probably 2 hours if you're training. But that's enough for me, I don't mind restringing frequently. Tension maintenance is 100% up until it breaks at that rate, so that's good enough for me as well.

I don't see any OGSM 17 reels (white) available here at TW. Are they available? Having to stomach the $4 per individual set price tag would kind of suck, as I'm currently paying around $2 for the SFP.

I was actually thinking about the Gamma Syn Gut Wearguard, as I've read some good things about it (similar to SFP). But I haven't tried it myself yet.

Nice post,

That sucks, I never bought much SFP, since to me it wasn't durable enough to stock. Let me ask my friend where he gets his reels, although I'm imagining he is in a similar boat to you...

When I played SFP, I noted the comfort, especially, the spin potential didn't measure up to firmer syn guts, but I didn't really expect them to. I thought the power level was actually a tad on the high side! But then again, I liked firmer syn guts, and I strung them up pretty tight. The character of SFP is similar to the Gosen Micro, like I said, but SFP is relatively unique. I'm thinking the 17g generic reels (natural/crystal) will play a little "plasticky" for you, and perhaps slightly too powerful, if you're picky about feel within syn guts. I'd recommend a set of Ashaway Liberty (16g). Now that I think about it, I would liken it to SFP. (Durability, too, unfortunately). Luckily, it's cheap as beans! Send me an e-mail, maybe I can find a set lying around ;) Although, you might not be interested in the 16g...

I hear you on the feel, though. I've run the gamut too in terms of strings, I'm making my way back through multifilaments, but I'll generally have a frame strung with poly, or a hybrid just as a "security" blanket.

As far as Gamma SG w/WG, i don't think it's particularly like the SFP, I'd definitely try the Prince syn gut Original over that one. I've only with the the GSGWG once, though, so I probably don't have the best frame of reference...

Send me an e-mail ;)

[dancraig]

As far as Gamma SG w/WG, i don't think it's particularly like the SFP,

I think it would be crisper than the Fine Play.

[TonyB]

I'd recommend a set of Ashaway Liberty (16g). Now that I think about it, I would liken it to SFP. (Durability, too, unfortunately). Luckily, it's cheap as beans! Send me an e-mail, maybe I can find a set lying around ;) Although, you might not be interested in the 16g...



I've got a few sets of Liberty 16 in my stash. I've had it for a while... I used to play with it in my Yonex R-22. Played great! However, it stretched like mad during stringing and I had a tough time with it. Also, the durability far outlasted the tension stability, so that caused some problems with trying to figure out exactly WHEN the string was unplayable. It would actually lose tension from one day to the next with the racquet just sitting in my bag! Plus, I think your other comment was pretty accurate and applied to the Liberty: it has a plasticky feel to it. Much more so than the SFP. I also didn't feel that I could generate nearly the same spin with the Liberty as with the SFP... of course, the SFP was 17g, so who knows.

If you can figure out if and where your friend might manage to grab some more SFP reels, I'd appreciate it if you let me know -- email: snurple(at)hotmail(dot)com. Until then, I've got a few reels left in my stash and will keep looking for a close match as a replacement...

[TsongaEatingAPineappleLol]

Wilson NXT. Stick with that, man.

[diredesire]

It's as simple as this. The new babolat synthetic gut is replacing it. they are the same string with different labeling. I go thru a reel or two a week of this stuff and there the same thing.

Removed the competitor reference, as it's against the rules, but I quoted this post because I thought it was important to the thread. Cheers!

[The_Question]

I've used Super Fine Play and Super Fine Play Rough, both are exellent strings. I noticed the 90's SFP is somewhat different compared to the recent years. It is softer, IMO.

I would compare SFP with Prince Original Syn Gut as replacement. Both have that slight softer touch.

Gosen Super Micro OG Sheep is more comparable with Wilson Syn Gut Extreme...

[The_Question]

I think it would be crisper than the Fine Play.

It is, and it feels like it's made of cheap hard plastic...

[TonyB]

I've used Super Fine Play and Super Fine Play Rough, both are exellent strings. I noticed the 90's SFP is somewhat different compared to the recent years. It is softer, IMO.

I would compare SFP with Prince Original Syn Gut as replacement. Both have that slight softer touch.

Gosen Super Micro OG Sheep is more comparable with Wilson Syn Gut Extreme...



Doesn't seem to be any Prince Original reels for sale. I'd like to try it out, though it's a bit more expensive.

Might have to look around for the replacement "Babolat Synthetic Gut".

[dhahntennis]

idk if u only want to know about using SFP in a full job but i used to hybrid it with PHT with SFP on the croses, and i switched to conquest for more durability and i found it very similar.

[PBODY99]

GAMMA SG , the non-wear guard version is the closest I've found.

[TonyB]

GAMMA SG , the non-wear guard version is the closest I've found.


Thanks. Someone else mentioned that to me at my local shop. If it's available in reels, it might be an option.

[Mansewerz]

It's pretty cheap on it's own. Broke pretty fast though (at least my bro and cousin broke it fast). I bought a bunch with my first stringer. I broke it rather fast too (and I didn't/don't hit hard).

[dantesinferno18]

i've used super fine play i actually really liked it.

[star 5 15]

Guys the new Babolat Synthetic gut is the same string with a new name.

[TonyB]

Guys the new Babolat Synthetic gut is the same string with a new name.


Sorry, but it's not. I just strung my racquet with a set of it this week and it wasn't the same string.

I've been using SFP for a while and I know exactly what the string plays like. Bab Syn Gut isn't the same. Different feel, different power, different rebound angle.

That's not to say that I can't adjust to it, but it's not the same.

[barry]

Sorry, but it's not. I just strung my racquet with a set of it this week and it wasn't the same string.

I've been using SFP for a while and I know exactly what the string plays like. Bab Syn Gut isn't the same. Different feel, different power, different rebound angle.

That's not to say that I can't adjust to it, but it's not the same.

I agree with you, Babolat Synthetic gut is not the same and costs more. I found 50 packs of 17 White BSFP on the internet (no reels left, unless you want natural), TW will not let me post where, even if they do not have any (bad policy). I have 3 reels + the 50 packs, and should be good for couple of years.

Supposedly BSFP was one of Babolat top sellers, but they were not making enough money, plus it was cutting into their higher margin products. To bad they killed it after all these years.

Lots of my customers are going to be disappointed, but I have not found any string which plays the same. My house strings are Pro Supex Maxim Touch for multi, Babolat Super fine play for synthetic gut, and Gosen Polylon SP for Poly.

[Keifers]

Do the white and natural SFPs play differently or feel different?

And are there significant differences between the 16ga and 17ga versions?

[barry]

Do the white and natural SFPs play differently or feel different?

And are there significant differences between the 16ga and 17ga versions?

I like the white better; it has an extra coat of material on it and plays a bit firmer. Plus the white string does not move around in the racket as much as the natural. I use a KBlade 98 dense pattern and the 17 gauge works best for me. The 16 gauge is better for the open pattern.

[Keifers]

Thanks, Barry. :cool:

Are the two colors the same in terms of how long playability lasts?

[barry]

Thanks, Barry. :cool:

Are the two colors the same in terms of how long playability lasts?

Pretty much the same. I usually get 3 weeks out of a set (play 3 times a week, mostly hit flat). It is not real durable, but for me has a nice feel, and is reasonable.

[khuang]

I just checked TW and they still have SFP in stock (in reels and in sets). Maybe they just haven't updated it yet?

Also, I love SFP. I never knew that it was being discontinued. This makes me sad. :(

[Keifers]

Pretty much the same. I usually get 3 weeks out of a set (play 3 times a week, mostly hit flat). It is not real durable, but for me has a nice feel, and is reasonable.
Yes, I agree about the feel -- one of the nicest I've ever come across in a syn gut. There's a certain crispness and liveliness about it that is unique.

[TonyB]

If anyone has any reels of 17 gauge white SFP they'd like to get rid of, email me.

I only get about 4-6 hours of hitting per string job, but it's worth it to me. I love these strings.