Similar soft strings to Tourna BHB7?

pfchang · May 18, 2013

I've been looking into trying some new strings, I've dabbled a bit recently with TB soft, MSV Focus Hex, but I keep finding myself going back to BHB7. The power and soft plush touch is just unparalleled to anything else i've ever had, not to mention the price. I've tried similar strings, Black code, and RPM, but BHB7 just has something over them. My only gripe is that the playability duration drops a bit quickly, so I'm asking to see if anyone else has moved on from BHB7 to something that plays just as soft and powerful, but lasts longer?

-PF

drgchen · May 20, 2013

I am also curious. My friend loves this string but breaks it every few hours. That makes restringing inconvenient and expensive. Anything play close to it as a full bed of poly?

SteveI · May 20, 2013

drgchen said:
I am also curious. My friend loves this string but breaks it every few hours. That makes restringing inconvenient and expensive. Anything play close to it as a full bed of poly?

The 16G seems to solve many of the issues reported above for me. The 17G is really more like a 17L or 18G. The 16G is my favorite right now. I found the 17G to be a bit on the springy side and less stable over time. The 16G plays a bit more firm and crisp and the tension loss seems more linear. Hope that helps.. that is my experience. The other strings mentions are all in the same class. I really love the TB soft and Focus Hex. The TB soft is a bit more pricey. The BC and the RPM are not worth the extra money to me..

Regards,
Steve

anubis · May 20, 2013

pfchang said:
I've been looking into trying some new strings, I've dabbled a bit recently with TB soft, MSV Focus Hex, but I keep finding myself going back to BHB7. The power and soft plush touch is just unparalleled to anything else i've ever had, not to mention the price. I've tried similar strings, Black code, and RPM, but BHB7 just has something over them. My only gripe is that the playability duration drops a bit quickly, so I'm asking to see if anyone else has moved on from BHB7 to something that plays just as soft and powerful, but lasts longer?

-PF

Why not just stick with them then? that's my string of choice too. But as far as poly strings are concerned, they have a decent lifespan, but you're not really going to find any poly strings that last a very long time. They all have a short lifespan, that's the tradeoff that you make with going to poly.

If you want strings to last along time, then you shouldn't use poly. A nice, soft multi would be nice an powerful, and you could get perhaps as much as 20 hours per string job.

Prince Premier Attack 17 would be a good one. So would Dunlop DNA or Hexy Fibre.

Otherwise, if you want to continue to use poly, then make sure you have at least two identical sticks in your bag both with the same strings. If you get 12 hours out of each BHB7 job, then with two sticks that's 24 hours before you need to get them re-strung.

BoingTennis · May 20, 2013

Try the Discho Iontec. I have been able to change up between BHB7 and Iontec/Iontec Hex with no problem. Same tension as well, no adjustment with my PB10M.

The BHB7 loses tension and gets notched up pretty quickly. Iontec has a bit better tension maintenance and much better durability.

I think BHB7 still has the edge in spin though. But thats about it.

SteveI · May 20, 2013

anubis said:
Why not just stick with them then? that's my string of choice too. But as far as poly strings are concerned, they have a decent lifespan, but you're not really going to find any poly strings that last a very long time. They all have a short lifespan, that's the tradeoff that you make with going to poly.

If you want strings to last along time, then you shouldn't use poly. A nice, soft multi would be nice an powerful, and you could get perhaps as much as 20 hours per string job.

Prince Premier Attack 17 would be a good one. So would Dunlop DNA or Hexy Fibre.

Otherwise, if you want to continue to use poly, then make sure you have at least two identical sticks in your bag both with the same strings. If you get 12 hours out of each BHB7 job, then with two sticks that's 24 hours before you need to get them re-strung.

Was pretty happy to get 12 + plus hours from the 17G. I get a few more for the 16G. In general, the advice is sound... get two or three sticks and get more hours. If you have our own stringer.. the BHB7 is an outstanding price/performer. I got 17 string jobs out of my last reel. $5.87/ per stringjob.

pfchang · May 20, 2013

SteveI said:
The 16G seems to solve many of the issues reported above for me. The 17G is really more like a 17L or 18G. The 16G is my favorite right now. I found the 17G to be a bit on the springy side and less stable over time. The 16G plays a bit more firm and crisp and the tension loss seems more linear. Hope that helps.. that is my experience. The other strings mentions are all in the same class. I really love the TB soft and Focus Hex. The TB soft is a bit more pricey. The BC and the RPM are not worth the extra money to me..

Regards,
Steve

The 16g is an idea I hadn't considered yet actually. But it's definitely a good idea, one that I will be sure to try out. I usually go for 17g just to get that extra bite, but I'd sacrifice that to get some more playability.

pfchang · May 20, 2013

anubis said:
Why not just stick with them then? that's my string of choice too. But as far as poly strings are concerned, they have a decent lifespan, but you're not really going to find any poly strings that last a very long time. They all have a short lifespan, that's the tradeoff that you make with going to poly.

If you want strings to last along time, then you shouldn't use poly. A nice, soft multi would be nice an powerful, and you could get perhaps as much as 20 hours per string job.

Prince Premier Attack 17 would be a good one. So would Dunlop DNA or Hexy Fibre.

Otherwise, if you want to continue to use poly, then make sure you have at least two identical sticks in your bag both with the same strings. If you get 12 hours out of each BHB7 job, then with two sticks that's 24 hours before you need to get them re-strung.

I'm not saying I'm going to leave BHB7, just that the playability factor is a bit weak. I realize poly doesn't have a good lifespan, but multi is a no go for me, I use too much spin for it to stay on my stick for too long. I do have two identical sticks, the only thing is right now, one of them has the ashaway playtest string in it right now, while the other has BHB7.

I just figured I'd ask around to see if anyone has insight into BHB7-like strings.

BoingTennis said:
Try the Discho Iontec. I have been able to change up between BHB7 and Iontec/Iontec Hex with no problem. Same tension as well, no adjustment with my PB10M.

The BHB7 loses tension and gets notched up pretty quickly. Iontec has a bit better tension maintenance and much better durability.

I think BHB7 still has the edge in spin though. But thats about it.

Never really looked into Discho, but I will now.

Lastly, I've heard that dunlop black widow is very similar, if anyone can offer insight?

parasailing · May 20, 2013

pfchang said:
Never really looked into Discho, but I will now.

Lastly, I've heard that dunlop black widow is very similar, if anyone can offer insight?

BHB7 is a good string but l hate restringing racquets due to tension issues. I tried Black Widow and it has more spin than BHB7 but it doesn't have much power compared to BHB7.

I am still looking for that perfect poly cross.

Sander001 · May 20, 2013

Not as soft or as powerful as BHB717 but pretty close and just as spinny[probably more] is Cyclone 18. And lasts way, way longer in terms playability but if you're a string breaker, it'll obviously snap quicker.
I had to cut BHB717 out before reaching 5hrs but I've used Cyclone18 for nearly 3 times longer.

pfchang · May 20, 2013

Sander001 said:
Not as soft or as powerful as BHB717 but pretty close and just as spinny[probably more] is Cyclone 18. And lasts way, way longer in terms playability but if you're a string breaker, it'll obviously snap quicker.
I had to cut BHB717 out before reaching 5hrs but I've used Cyclone18 for nearly 3 times longer.

Have used Cyclone 18 before. Didn't fit my bill although it was a good string.

BoingTennis · May 21, 2013

pfchang said:
Have used Cyclone 18 before. Didn't fit my bill although it was a good string.

I have the same experience with cyclone. I found it to be quite different than my usual BHB7 or Iontec. Not a bad string by all means, but I just prefer the BHB better.

As for BW, I've heard it's similar and some ppl even said they are the same string. I'm reluctant to try it coz it costs much more than BHB/Iontec.

colowhisper · May 21, 2013

Has anyone played this string and also the Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125? I have been using PTP past few weeks and like the pop and spin. Just wondering how they compare.

SteveI · May 21, 2013

parasailing said:
BHB7 is a good string but l hate restringing racquets due to tension issues. I tried Black Widow and it has more spin than BHB7 but it doesn't have much power compared to BHB7.

I am still looking for that perfect poly cross.

I am confused about this statement "BHB7 is a good string but l hate restringing racquets due to tension issues". Most polys lose tension faster than other types of string. 4G holds tension about the best but.. you have to have some deep pockets to use it only as a cross. I found the BHB7 16G to hold tension quite well and better than 17G and much better than Black Widow.

parasailing · May 21, 2013

SteveI said:
I am confused about this statement "BHB7 is a good string but l hate restringing racquets due to tension issues". Most polys lose tension faster than other types of string. 4G holds tension about the best but.. you have to have some deep pockets to use it only as a cross. I found the BHB7 16G to hold tension quite well and better than 17G and much better than Black Widow.

I should have been more specific in regards to BHB7. I never used 16 gauge polys when I test my string setups so my experience was with BHB7 17g and tension maintenance was one of the worst. I tried it a full bed and got like a good 5 hours of play before the wonderful qualities it offered.

I agree that it would be expensive using this string due not to the cost of a reel of this string but the amount of time spent restringing.

pfchang · May 23, 2013

SteveI said:
I am confused about this statement "BHB7 is a good string but l hate restringing racquets due to tension issues". Most polys lose tension faster than other types of string. 4G holds tension about the best but.. you have to have some deep pockets to use it only as a cross. I found the BHB7 16G to hold tension quite well and better than 17G and much better than Black Widow.

Steve,

I think trying the 16g poly is probably the best bet to my problem, usually i shudder at the sight of a 1.30g string. However, if it's for the up in playability it's certainly worth a try.

However, I just want to ask for the reason why the playability is increased with a 16g poly. Is it simply because as a thicker string, it does not produce as much spin and playability as a 17g and therefore retains its playability because it is not as "active" ? Lastly, this applies to all strings with 17g and 16g right?

pfchang · May 23, 2013

Pbarrow said:
Has anyone played this string and also the Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125? I have been using PTP past few weeks and like the pop and spin. Just wondering how they compare.

Have a set of PTP waiting in the wings, gonna string it up right after ZX pro playtest is over.

parasailing · May 23, 2013

Yonex PTP feels muted and I think it's just a decent string though definitely a value string when factoring the cost.

Only difference I find between Kirschbaum Evolution and PL2 is Evolution offers more power.

pfchang · May 23, 2013

parasailing said:
Yonex PTP feels muted and I think it's just a decent string though definitely a value string when factoring the cost.

Only difference I find between Kirschbaum Evolution and PL2 is Evolution offers more power.

By mute, do you mean "soft?" In that case do you consider BHB7 mute?

Bmr · May 30, 2013

Can anyone else chime in on the difference between Black Widow and BHB7? I have some pretty extensive testing on the BHB7 but I have never hit with Black Widow. I find that the strings I like to use are the crisp, powerful type.

Rozroz · May 30, 2013

will a 17 BHBR have better tension maintenance than BHB7?

Rozroz · May 31, 2013

Rozroz said:
will a 17 BHBR have better tension maintenance than BHB7?

BUMP------

SteveI · May 31, 2013

Rozroz said:
will a 17 BHBR have better tension maintenance than BHB7?

I found the BHB7 to be better when I tested the 17Gs. I use the 16G of the BHB7 now and it seems to hold tension much better than 17G.

Rozroz · May 31, 2013

SteveI said:
I found the BHB7 to be better when I tested the 17Gs. I use the 16G of the BHB7 now and it seems to hold tension much better than 17G.

oh, so you're saying the BHB7 17 holds tension MUCH BETTER than BHBR 17??
hmmm that's not good.. wanted to order a BHBR 17 reel

Bmr · Jun 14, 2013

More feedback on BHB7 vs Black Widow please. Is it basically the same string, but BHB7 has more power and less spin?

Muppet · Jun 14, 2013

Something else to consider, Pro's Pro Stratagem is a clone of Black Widow and it's very inexpensive. The spin and comfort are very good, but I use a vibration dampener with it. I can't comment on the durability or tension maintenance because I don't play frequently, but it's worth trying before buying a reel of something else. bigttennis.com has a good selection.

Torres · Jun 14, 2013

pfchang said:
Have used Cyclone 18 before. Didn't fit my bill although it was a good string.

Cyclone 18 is crap. Cyclone 17 is great though (as is 16 if you want a firmer string or have a larger headed racquet). Terrific combination of bite, power, control, comfort and price.

Yonex PTP and Discho Iontec are nothing like BHB7, so not entirely sure why people are suggesting it.

Doubles · Jun 14, 2013

Torres said:
Cyclone 18 is crap. Cyclone 17 is great though (as is 16 if you want a firmer string or have a larger headed racquet). Terrific combination of bite, power, control, comfort and price.

Yonex PTP and Discho Iontec are nothing like BHB7, so not entirely sure why people are suggesting it.

I've found that some people will suggest that some strings play similarly just because they're the same color.

Torres · Jun 14, 2013

True. But BW, BHB7, Black Magic and Cyclone do actually have similar characteristics to each other, just to varying degrees. They just vary in their elasticity, longevity, feel and price etc on a sliding scale.

Iontec is absolutely nothing like any of those strings. It lacks spin and elasticity for a start. Firmer feeling and more control orientated.

Yonex PTP I quite like but its very muted feeling and not hugely spinny. Comfortable on the arm but its not springy in the way that Black Widow, BHB7 etc are. Lasts ages. In fact, I think PTP is very much in a category of its own because I've yet come across any other poly that plays/feels similar to it.

ChicagoJack · Jun 14, 2013

Bmr said:
Can anyone else chime in on the difference between Black Widow and BHB7? I have some pretty extensive testing on the BHB7 but I have never hit with Black Widow. I find that the strings I like to use are the crisp, powerful type.

Hi BMR I have a few years of court time time on Black Widow 18 and like it a whole lot better than BHB7. I'm partial to the more comfortable poly and found that BHB7 is a bit more harsh on the arm. I don't know how that fits into your paradigm tho, to me "crisp" implies stiff, and stiff is not powerful, elastic and soft is powerful. Softer, more elastic string, means that the ball deforms less on impact and less ball deformation means higher velocity ie increased power. I wouldn't call Black Widow "crisp" but I would say that its one of the more powerful polys. If you want crisp I'd opt for Tour Bite.

fortun8son · Jun 14, 2013

Another possibility is a string that seems to have slipped through the cracks after an initial positive playtest review in RSI.
Gamma ZoTwist 16.

colowhisper · Jun 15, 2013

Torres said:
Yonex PTP I quite like but its very muted feeling and not hugely spinny. Comfortable on the arm but its not springy in the way that Black Widow, BHB7 etc are. Lasts ages. In fact, I think PTP is very much in a category of its own because I've yet come across any other poly that plays/feels similar to it.

Torres, What do you mean by "lasts ages?". Have you tried the Poly Tour Spin version?

Bmr · Jun 15, 2013

ChicagoJack said:
Hi BMR I have a few years of court time time on Black Widow 18 and like it a whole lot better than BHB7. I'm partial to the more comfortable poly and found that BHB7 is a bit more harsh on the arm. I don't know how that fits into your paradigm tho, to me "crisp" implies stiff, and stiff is not powerful, elastic and soft is powerful. Softer, more elastic string, means that the ball deforms less on impact and less ball deformation means higher velocity ie increased power. I wouldn't call Black Widow "crisp" but I would say that its one of the more powerful polys. If you want crisp I'd opt for Tour Bite.

Hi C-Jack,

Thanks for the reply. Let me clarify what I mean by crisp. When I make contact with the ball, I prefer to feel it have a strong response off the stringbed. I've tried strings that are more muted and spongy to me, and I don't like those all that well. That being said, my favorite strings so far have been Gosen Polyquest, Luxilon ALU Power/Rough, BHB7 is good but it's missing something for me, Lux Savage isn't bad. The strings I haven't really liked are Tour Bite, RPM Blast, SPPP and I attribute that to feel. Tour Bite feels incredibly stiff to me and there's nothing about that string that I like. Maybe I need to string it lower. I tend to string in the high 50s to low 60s. I currently use a Speedport Black and Wilson Juice but also dabble with the Head Extreme Pro 2.

I suppose the easiest way to make a comparison is to see if you've ever played with any of those that I like..particular Polyquest. It's powerful, pretty soft and I have yet to use a string that I can abuse people with on my groundstrokes. It produces such a kick off everything that people cannot figure it out. I do not like it very much at the net, though.

Torres · Jun 15, 2013

Pbarrow said:
Torres, What do you mean by "lasts ages?". Have you tried the Poly Tour Spin version?

The performance of alot of polys really drop off after a few hours. PTP seems to play well for ages without a signficant drop off in performance.

Yes, have tried PTS. Terrific, firmish, crisp, spin string when fresh, but unlike PTP, that performances drops off after a few hours whether due tension loss or the string going dead, and itt really doesn't feel anywhere near as good as when it was fresh.

Got reels of both of these strings, but as a full bed, I prefer Cyclone 17.

colowhisper · Jun 15, 2013

Torres said:
The performance of alot of polys really drop off after a few hours. PTP seems to play well for ages with a signficant drop off in performance.

Assume you mean "without a significant drop off" and ages = more than 12 hours. I just got a pack of spin, going to try it hoping for just a little more bite than PTP but I guess will paying for that with less hours of performance.

Torres · Jun 15, 2013

Yep, sorry meant 'without'.

PTS has a lot more bite than PTP but that performance doesn't last. Otherwise, a nice string.

Similar soft strings to Tourna BHB7?

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