A word about some cheap strings

TonyB · Oct 8, 2006

A word about some cheap strings -- Ashaway Liberty

Just wanted to see how many people out there have tried the Ashaway Liberty 16 synthetic gut? I strung up a racquet (it strings very easily, by the way, and the stretch is manageable) with some and finally got a chance to play with it last night.

Wow, what a decent string! Nothing out-of-this-world, mind you, but just a really good, solid, all-purpose string. I found the power to be very acceptable, the feel was outstanding, control was above average, and spin production was average to above average. Tension seems just about the same as it did right after I strung it, with minimal loss. I really didn't notice any negatives.

At $1.89 a set (and $25 for a reel), I'm surprised that more people aren't using it. I can't speak to its durability yet, of course, but after a few hours of hitting, I don't see any noticeable wear at all. I've read the reviews here about the string and I don't see durability as a big concern.

Anyways, I was pretty surprised at the quality of this string and think that it's definitely something that could be substituted quite easily for other synthetic guts costing 2-3 times as much. I'm sure in many cases it would actally be an improvement.

Cornel · Oct 8, 2006

Very good overall string... That is if you don't mind stringing your racquet(s) often, because the durability is below average IMO...

It's a very soft string, and after going through half a reel I discovered I like it best when strung a couple of pounds higher than other synthetics (I also use on a regular basis duraflex and gosen generic)

C.

tennisnj · Oct 8, 2006

I've used Ashaway Liberty as well, & I'd have to agree w/both of the previous posters. However, I would stay far away from Ashaway's MonoGut 17. No feel, or crispness whatsoever. One of the worst strings I've ever used.

Bent · Oct 8, 2006

I use it as X in hybrids. Much better/softer than other in the same price range. Durability is ok.

TonyB · Oct 8, 2006

Well, I'll have to see just how long this stuff lasts. I don't expect a whole lot out of a $1.89 set of strings, but in terms of playability, I'm very impressed.

I forgot to comment about the resiliency of the string. Yes, it's very soft. Just as comfortable as can be. And I mentioned the feel... just outstanding feel, better than many others I've tried so far.

Gosen OG SM is another good synthetic gut, but I think this one has even better feel and is much softer. I think the Gosen OG SM has more power and maybe generates a little more spin. But at less than 1/2 the cost, I'd say the Ashaway Liberty has an advantage in the price/performance ratio, for sure.

Valjean · Oct 8, 2006

The Liberty is billed as a "tournament nylon." That's the way they all feel; try some of Prince's or Winn's. Great string for demo racquets, then. Usually they're sold in 15L, which gives them more durability than feel.

TonyB · Oct 8, 2006

That's interesting. I haven't played with "tournament nylon" in over a decade. I suppose it makes sense.

So what are the drawbacks to using this type of string? It seems to have average or above average performance in just about every category.

Bent · Oct 8, 2006

Well, I've tried Prince Tournament Nylon, Forten Nylon and Dunlop Nylon.

The Ashaway is different and softer/more elastic than the others.

Jonny S&V · Oct 8, 2006

Forten Nylon is really nice, a little more durable and stiffer than the Liberty. Definitely string the former looser and the latter tighter (hope that made sense).

diredesire · Oct 8, 2006

Kevo actually likes this stuff a lot, too. I personally haven't had MUCH of a chance to play with it, since it tends to snap (the 16g does) in my frames when I string constant pull, i'm surprised no one has ever mentioned this. I've had 4 STRAIGHT sets snap on me in the mains. It was never at a grommet hole, and was always right in the middle, no kinks or nicks at all. I guess it just can't handle constant pull tensioning? I was stringing as loose as 50 lbs with the same problems. If I ever DO want it in my frames, ill probably have to take a reel into work with me and string it on the crank there

TonyB · Oct 8, 2006

I'm not sure what the problem is with that. I'm using a dropweight (constant pull) stringing machine and I haven't had them break yet. Granted, they only have about 4 hours on them so far. But the tension maintenance is above average and the overall wear on the strings is fairly consistent. Plus, they don't move around a ton compared to other synthetic gut that I've used.

On the other hand, my first set DID break while I was stringing it the first time. But it broke at a grommet hole and I had it set around 65+ lb. on the tension at the time.

I just think they play like a good all-around string. Nothing fancy, just solid.

ryohazuki222 · Oct 8, 2006

could anyone tell me how soft this is in comparison to prince synthetic gut soft (aka ektelon power play) ?

if not... could anyone let me know if it is softer that the prince synthetic gut original (non-duraflex)?

lastly... has anyone compared this string with forten sweet?

thanks!

Valjean · Oct 8, 2006

TonyB said:
That's interesting. I haven't played with "tournament nylon" in over a decade. I suppose it makes sense.

So what are the drawbacks to using this type of string? It seems to have average or above average performance in just about every category.

They don't last--the tension drops earlier and they break. Again, that's why they're mostly available in 15L.

mctennis · Oct 8, 2006

Another plus with Ashaway strings. They are made in the USA.

PBODY99 · Oct 8, 2006

ryohazuki222 said:
could anyone tell me how soft this is in comparison to prince synthetic gut soft (aka ektelon power play) ?

if not... could anyone let me know if it is softer that the prince synthetic gut original (non-duraflex)?

lastly... has anyone compared this string with forten sweet?

thanks!

These are just my few cents worth: Softer than either of the Prince strings or Forten sweet, but doesnot hold its tension as well as any of these. I use a reel of this or so a year for the low level jrs who attend local tennis camps.

RipinRandy · Feb 20, 2007

Alpha Liberty

I just posted this in another thread, but it seems appropriate here, too.

Let me ask a question about Alpha Liberty...When I have tried to string it (twice) the string just stretches and stretches. (I am using a Klippermate) The string stretches then elongates. When it elongates, it makes the string thinner and the clamps won't hold anymore. When I finally adjust the clamps enough to hold, the string breaks half-way though stringing the mains. (And, no I didnt have the clamps to tight.)

It was 16ga @ 60lbs.

I never have any problems with the Gosen OG Micro reels. (And I have even strung it up to 69lbs) I have used up two of the 16 gauge reels and one 17 ga (getting ready to order more)

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/desc...GOSEN-GSR.html

My stringing machine is a drop weight. When I use the Gosen OG Micro, I put the string in the tensioner and slowly let the bar down. Sometimes, I have to raise the bar half way and pull more string through(depends on tension)

But, with the Liberty---I use the same technique...put the string in, slowly lower the bar...lower...lower...lower...touching floor now So, I lift the bar back up, feed more string though, then lower the bar...lower...lower...lower, then raise the bar ----- you get the idea. By this time the string has stretched and gotten thinner and slips out of the clamps....AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGG GG....Now you know why I have this particular avatar. <----

I never have that problem with the Gosen OG Micro reels. And, I have a strung in alot of different situations with the Gosen. ie-In my climate controlled house, at the tennis courts on a 90 degree plus day, at the park at sunset (Quite romantic, I <3 my klippermate...lol) and the Gosen OG Micro has always been consistent.

One of my friends is very, very picky about strings. We tried allot of diff multi filaments, and solid core strings. He finally settled on the Gosen OG Micro. The playibility isn't far off from anything within $5 of its price, and the durability is far better than the inexpensive multies.

Maybe the people who recommend Ashaway Liberty have crank or electronic machines? Or, machines with fixed clamps? Maybe I happened to get two bad packages? I have a third set but i have been apprehensive about stringing with it again. When it snaps it scares my kitty

Anyone have any ideas??

EDIT: I read Diredesire's post--I guess I was wrong about the fixed clamps(I assume his machine has them) , but maybe constant pull is the problem?

Kevo · Feb 20, 2007

Never had any trouble string *Ashaway* Liberty on my dropweight. I used to have a klippermate, and if I remember correctly I only used that string once while I had the klipper, but didn't have any trouble. You are right though it does stretch a lot, so it's not the easiest to do on a klipper. I have strung it many times on my Challenger I and never had any trouble.

TonyB · Feb 20, 2007

Yes, it does stretch quite a bit, but nothing too extreme. More than the Gosen, possibly, but it's not like a rubber band or anything.

I've done probably 6-8 jobs of Liberty on my dropweight and never had an issue with excessive stretch or breakage. (Come to think of it, I did break the Liberty on my very first stringing job, but that was my own fault with my new machine.)

Kevo · Feb 20, 2007

Valjean said:
They don't last--the tension drops earlier and they break. Again, that's why they're mostly available in 15L.

Have you tried Liberty. I found it to hold tension quite well, and I was satisfied playing it right to breakage. I do string on a drop weight, and this string is stretchy so it might perform differently strung on a lock out.

Pusher · Feb 21, 2007

RipinRandy said:
I just posted this in another thread, but it seems appropriate here, too.

Let me ask a question about Alpha Liberty...When I have tried to string it (twice) the string just stretches and stretches. (I am using a Klippermate) The string stretches then elongates. When it elongates, it makes the string thinner and the clamps won't hold anymore. When I finally adjust the clamps enough to hold, the string breaks half-way though stringing the mains. (And, no I didnt have the clamps to tight.)

It was 16ga @ 60lbs.

I never have any problems with the Gosen OG Micro reels. (And I have even strung it up to 69lbs) I have used up two of the 16 gauge reels and one 17 ga (getting ready to order more)

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/desc...GOSEN-GSR.html

My stringing machine is a drop weight. When I use the Gosen OG Micro, I put the string in the tensioner and slowly let the bar down. Sometimes, I have to raise the bar half way and pull more string through(depends on tension)

But, with the Liberty---I use the same technique...put the string in, slowly lower the bar...lower...lower...lower...touching floor now So, I lift the bar back up, feed more string though, then lower the bar...lower...lower...lower, then raise the bar ----- you get the idea. By this time the string has stretched and gotten thinner and slips out of the clamps....AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGG GG....Now you know why I have this particular avatar. <----

I never have that problem with the Gosen OG Micro reels. And, I have a strung in alot of different situations with the Gosen. ie-In my climate controlled house, at the tennis courts on a 90 degree plus day, at the park at sunset (Quite romantic, I <3 my klippermate...lol) and the Gosen OG Micro has always been consistent.

One of my friends is very, very picky about strings. We tried allot of diff multi filaments, and solid core strings. He finally settled on the Gosen OG Micro. The playibility isn't far off from anything within $5 of its price, and the durability is far better than the inexpensive multies.

Maybe the people who recommend Ashaway Liberty have crank or electronic machines? Or, machines with fixed clamps? Maybe I happened to get two bad packages? I have a third set but i have been apprehensive about stringing with it again. When it snaps it scares my kitty

Anyone have any ideas??

EDIT: I read Diredesire's post--I guess I was wrong about the fixed clamps(I assume his machine has them) , but maybe constant pull is the problem?

I've had that problem with a Klippermate with several different strings. The jaws get coated with silicone and the strings slip-as opposed to the string just stretching. I even went so far as to order new parts from Klippermate.

Clean the jaws with vinegar and do more than one wrap on the jaws when stringing. It takes longer and is aggrevating but it worked for me. Eventually I went to an electric stringer and sold the Klippermate.

Pusher · Feb 21, 2007

TonyB said:
Yes, it does stretch quite a bit, but nothing too extreme. More than the Gosen, possibly, but it's not like a rubber band or anything.

I've done probably 6-8 jobs of Liberty on my dropweight and never had an issue with excessive stretch or breakage. (Come to think of it, I did break the Liberty on my very first stringing job, but that was my own fault with my new machine.)

I wouldn't mind trying the Liberty (use PSGD now) but I find their synthetic gut just plain weird-makes a tinny sound when you hit it. Other than that its a decent string.

wksoh · Feb 25, 2007

I have 2 identical rackets at the same tension - one strung with Gamma Live Wire 16 and the other with Liberty 16. The liberty16 is so soft and good. I'm thinking if the Live Wire 16 makes any sense anymore.

Valjean · Feb 25, 2007

Kevo said:
Have you tried Liberty. I found it to hold tension quite well, and I was satisfied playing it right to breakage. I do string on a drop weight, and this string is stretchy so it might perform differently strung on a lock out.

Liberty is, at 16 gauge, thinner, which is why it's stretchier than typical 15L gauge tournament nylon.

supertennis · Feb 25, 2007

kirschbaum super smash $ 74

wksoh · Feb 27, 2007

wksoh said:
I have 2 identical rackets at the same tension - one strung with Gamma Live Wire 16 and the other with Liberty 16. The liberty16 is so soft and good. I'm thinking if the Live Wire 16 makes any sense anymore.

After playing more with this string, found that multis still have more power... the price says it all. My bad!

TonyB · Feb 27, 2007

wksoh said:
After playing more with this string, found that multis still have more power... the price says it all. My bad!

"More power" says it all? I guess if all you're looking for is power, then it would.

But other string characteristics might be more important than just power. Things like comfort, feel/feedback, touch, durability, tension stability, and spin are equally, if not more, important to lots of other people out there.

drhopz · Feb 27, 2007

I am a great fan of Wilson stamina 17. It has a nice synthetic gut and spin friendly feel. What it lacks in durablity is well worth the comfort it offers.
@ 1.99 you cant go wrong.
If you're looking for something durable, i'll go with the goosens proform tuff 15

A word about some cheap strings

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