AK PRO (not cx) = not bad!!

[tele]

I just hit for about 3 hours with AK pro 17g black in a 2012 rebel 95 (low-powered, flexy, relatively heavy 18x20 racquet) strung at 55 pounds. I thought it was really good for what it is. Compared to the Micro Super 16 that came before it, it felt a little stiffer (less of the "gummy" feel OGSM super has, if that makes sense) and slightly more powerful. It had a higher launch angle, but the spin was significantly better, so I would give it a higher control score than OGSM super. I used to use velocity 17g black, and AK pro gives more feedback and might have slightly more pop (I think 55 pounds is a good starting point), but it felt more comfy and predictable to me (YMMV).

Unlike AK control, which I tried a couple of years ago, the strings did not move around a lot. I did notice denting pretty much right away, but the playability was pretty consistent over the 3 hour session, and although a few crosses went astray, the strings pretty much stayed in place. I have not used the CX version, but AK pro (non-CX) has a reputation for more spin and comfort among Japanese playtesters, which is why I tried it. I will report back regarding durability.

I plan to keep trying the remaining non-poly control strings (Quasi gut armor and mantis synthetic are on the horizon), but I think this is my new default.

 

[TennisJrDad]

@tele Can't wait to hear about the durability and tension maintenance. Also how much the strings start to move around and get stuck out of place.

 

[tele]

@tele Can't wait to hear about the durability and tension maintenance. Also how much the strings start to move around and get stuck out of place.

I injured my leg and took almost a month off just after i posted about hitting with ak pro for the first time. I hit for the first time last night (30 mins rally/30 mins games), and a couple of the crosses were moving around right off the bat (mains stayed put and pretty much still slide back if i pull them, though they are clearly clicking when moved). Based on how easily the crosses moved, I am assuming there was some tension loss from the racquet sitting there for a month. I did not notice a major change in power or playability, and spin was still better than with OGSM, but I also wasn't wowed by any aspect of the string this time around. It was also really cold, though, and I wasn't striking as cleanly due to having been off for a few weeks. I will hit with it again on Thursday.

 

[TennisJrDad]

Thanks

I injured my leg and took almost a month off just after i posted about hitting with ak pro for the first time. I hit for the first time last night (30 mins rally/30 mins games), and a couple of the crosses were moving around right off the bat (mains stayed put and pretty much still slide back if i pull them, though they are clearly clicking when moved). Based on how easily the crosses moved, I am assuming there was some tension loss from the racquet sitting there for a month. I did not notice a major change in power or playability, and spin was still better than with OGSM, but I also wasn't wowed by any aspect of the string this time around. It was also really cold, though, and I wasn't striking as cleanly due to having been off for a few weeks. I will hit with it again on Thursday.

 

[TimePlease]

I think the thing with the CX version is the coating gives much longer lasting performance in terms of snap back and strings not getting stuck out of position. The extra money is arguably worth it for a lot of people.

 

[AmericanTwist]

I like the Gosen AK pro cx line. It is a high durability stiffer feeling syn gut string - a viable substitute for poly in hybrid set-ups. My base set up is still regular syn gut full bed and nat gut/syn gut hybrid, but I'm starting to play around with nat gut/poly too.

 

[TimePlease]

I like the Gosen AK pro cx line. It is a high durability stiffer feeling syn gut string - a viable substitute for poly in hybrid set-ups. My base set up is still regular syn gut full bed and nat gut/syn gut hybrid, but I'm starting to play around with nat gut/poly too.

Yeah, I've heard it's excellent with gut mains (haven't tried it that way myself yet) but I wouldn't compare it with poly for most hybrid situations.

 

[tele]

I think the thing with the CX version is the coating gives much longer lasting performance in terms of snap back and strings not getting stuck out of position. The extra money is arguably worth it for a lot of people.

ak pro is actually the same price or slightly more expensive here, but Japan has significantly more expensive string pricing overall. i think cx refers to fibers in the outer wraps rather than the coating(non-cx also has a slick surface at first), but I am guessing the effect is the same as what you mentioned.the reviews here mentioned less feedback and comfort from cx without an increase in control, and possibly less spin, which it why i went for non-cx.
have you played both? if so, did you notice much of a difference in power or spin?

 

[TimePlease]

ak pro is actually the same price or slightly more expensive here, but Japan has significantly more expensive string pricing overall. i think cx refers to fibers in the outer wraps rather than the coating(non-cx also has a slick surface at first), but I am guessing the effect is the same as what you mentioned.the reviews here mentioned less feedback and comfort from cx without an increase in control, and possibly less spin, which it why i went for non-cx.
have you played both? if so, did you notice much of a difference in power or spin?

No, I've only played with the CX. I'd like to know how they compare so please report back if you try the CX at some point.