Ashaway 100% Zyex monofilament

[Torres]

"Poly-Lite" is how I would be describing the playing characteristics of Monogut ZX at the moment.

During hours 2-3.5 hours, tension within the stringbed seems to have evened out and I'm not noticing that big differential between the cental sweetspot and the area immediately outside the sweetspot anymore. Stringbed characteristics seems ALOT more consistent. The central sweetspot is no longer super soft nor the edge of the stringbed slightly boardy. It's much more even. Maybe the string has simply broken in, or the tension in the stringbed evened out, or the stringbed simply settled. I originally played with the strings in my first hitting session (1 hour) about 2 hours immediately after stringing which may have accounted for the unusual characteristics that I commented on previously during the first hour of hitting. Maybe you have to let this string sit for 24 hours after stringing? Or maybe it needs an hour of hitting to break it in? Either way, the stringbed characteristics feel much more 'normal' and predictable now.

Now (during hours 2-3.5 of hitting) ZX seems to play with soft poly-esque characteristics. I really would describe it as a "poly-lite". It has elements of a soft poly feel to it, but doesn't have the firmness of even a soft co-poly. It's firmer than a multi but not ultimately as firm as even the softest co-poly.

Its not massively overpowered like a multi might be but there is some power on demand particularly if you nail the ball in the sweetspot. Power is very controllable (though note the tension I used and the racquet its strung in). Power is less than a multi, but more than a soft poly provided you nail that central sweetspot. I think my opponent was suprised at how much court length I could get even from defensive positions. Pushed out deep and wide on the BH side I can still get depth and pace right into that cross court corner. You can moderate the power pretty well and adjust based on racquet speed and swing length. That 'volume knob' power modulation is still there, just less extreme at either end. It feels pretty good in terms of the way it plays.

At no time does it feel uncomfortable (though though bear in mind that full bed co-polys are my usual choice of string). I would not describe it as soft pillowy string though (not at the tension I used anyway). It's not as soft or powerful as say Multifeel 17 but it is alot more controlled. It has poly-esque elements to it, and some characteristics of muti and gut in terms of feel and power, though this of course, is a question of degree.

It doesn't quite provide the ultimate nth degree of spin/bite/action on the ball that you would get with a good grabby poly and ton of racquet speed - I certainly couldn't get my sliced serve curving out of the court in the same way I can with the grabby Genesis Black Magic 17 for example - but you can certainly feel that there is some grab on the ball (ALOT more than a multi or synthetic gut) and that the string is adding control to the equation, particularly on groundstrokes. I like how it feels and plays, even though its a somewhat different sensation to what I'm used to.

I played some singles routines and patterns, playing at 90-100%, and I have to say that I enjoyed hitting with this string. Poly-lite characteristics in terms of a degree of control and grab on the ball (though not as much as the best 'grabby' polys), some useful power on demand to hit through the court and get the ball beyond your opponent, the ability to take a big swing at the ball and not hold back (though again, note the racquet that it was strung in), and a reasonable degree of comfort thrown in as well (less than a multi, more than a poly). I have to admit that I enjoyed the hitting session and how the string performed. I'm tempted to get another set and string my 'normal' racquet with this (Wilson JP) to see how it plays.

Got a match on Sunday evening and I think I'm going to give the ZX/6.1 combo its first, full, competitive outing.

I think the key to this string is going to be how long it lasts in terms of playability. If its playability life is noticeably longer than a typical poly without noticeable tennis loss, deadness, or other performance drop offs, we could have something really interesting here.

[mikeler]

My set of Dynamite also played much better at the end of the string life. I'm definitely curious about the durability of Monogut, so keep us posted Torres.

[Boricua]

Interesting string, maybe a midpoint between polys and gut/multis. I will keep on reading to see how it evolves. Thanks.

[Lakers4Life]

I just realized something. In the picture that was posted earlier in this thread:

It shows MG ZX red in 1.27 (16L gauge), but I've only seen red in 1.22 (17 Gauge). The 16 gauge is the light brown (poo) colored string.

I just got a reel of 17 gauge from Ashaway via my client (semi-Pro) who is testing the string for them. I would have like to get the 16 gauge version for my Wilson Steam 99s, in red.

[corners]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

I just realized something. In the picture that was posted earlier in this thread:

It shows MG ZX red in 1.27 (16L gauge), but I've only seen red in 1.22 (17 Gauge). The 16 gauge is the light brown (poo) colored string.

I just got a reel of 17 gauge from Ashaway via my client (semi-Pro) who is testing the string for them. I would have like to get the 16 gauge version for my Wilson Steam 99s, in red.

TW has the 16g Red in sets and reels: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/AshawayString.html

BTW, if you feel like passing on any comments your client makes about the string we'd love to hear it.

[corners]

Originally Posted by Torres

"Poly-Lite" is how I would be describing the playing characteristics of Monogut ZX at the moment.

During hours 2-3.5 hours, tension within the stringbed seems to have evened out and I'm not noticing that big differential between the cental sweetspot and the area immediately outside the sweetspot anymore. Stringbed characteristics seems ALOT more consistent. The central sweetspot is no longer super soft nor the edge of the stringbed slightly boardy. It's much more even. Maybe the string has simply broken in, or the tension in the stringbed evened out, or the stringbed simply settled. I originally played with the strings in my first hitting session (1 hour) about 2 hours immediately after stringing which may have accounted for the unusual characteristics that I commented on previously during the first hour of hitting. Maybe you have to let this string sit for 24 hours after stringing? Or maybe it needs an hour of hitting to break it in? Either way, the stringbed characteristics feel much more 'normal' and predictable now.

Now (during hours 2-3.5 of hitting) ZX seems to play with soft poly-esque characteristics. I really would describe it as a "poly-lite". It has elements of a soft poly feel to it, but doesn't have the firmness of even a soft co-poly. It's firmer than a multi but not ultimately as firm as even the softest co-poly.

Its not massively overpowered like a multi might be but there is some power on demand particularly if you nail the ball in the sweetspot. Power is very controllable (though note the tension I used and the racquet its strung in). Power is less than a multi, but more than a soft poly provided you nail that central sweetspot. I think my opponent was suprised at how much court length I could get even from defensive positions. Pushed out deep and wide on the BH side I can still get depth and pace right into that cross court corner. You can moderate the power pretty well and adjust based on racquet speed and swing length. That 'volume knob' power modulation is still there, just less extreme at either end. It feels pretty good in terms of the way it plays.

At no time does it feel uncomfortable (though though bear in mind that full bed co-polys are my usual choice of string). I would not describe it as soft pillowy string though (not at the tension I used anyway). It's not as soft or powerful as say Multifeel 17 but it is alot more controlled. It has poly-esque elements to it, and some characteristics of muti and gut in terms of feel and power, though this of course, is a question of degree.

It doesn't quite provide the ultimate nth degree of spin/bite/action on the ball that you would get with a good grabby poly and ton of racquet speed - I certainly couldn't get my sliced serve curving out of the court in the same way I can with the grabby Genesis Black Magic 17 for example - but you can certainly feel that there is some grab on the ball (ALOT more than a multi or synthetic gut) and that the string is adding control to the equation, particularly on groundstrokes. I like how it feels and plays, even though its a somewhat different sensation to what I'm used to.

I played some singles routines and patterns, playing at 90-100%, and I have to say that I enjoyed hitting with this string. Poly-lite characteristics in terms of a degree of control and grab on the ball (though not as much as the best 'grabby' polys), some useful power on demand to hit through the court and get the ball beyond your opponent, the ability to take a big swing at the ball and not hold back (though again, note the racquet that it was strung in), and a reasonable degree of comfort thrown in as well (less than a multi, more than a poly). I have to admit that I enjoyed the hitting session and how the string performed. I'm tempted to get another set and string my 'normal' racquet with this (Wilson JP) to see how it plays.

Got a match on Sunday evening and I think I'm going to give the ZX/6.1 combo its first, full, competitive outing.

I think the key to this string is going to be how long it lasts in terms of playability. If its playability life is noticeably longer than a typical poly without noticeable tennis loss, deadness, or other performance drop offs, we could have something really interesting here.

Finally! A review that supports the high expectations of this thread! LOL Thanks Torres for the great review and your contribution to this thread. It seems that this string could really be a winner for some players, me included.

I've got my fingers crossed for durability. Are you getting any notching or strings stuck out of line yet?

[Torres]

No notching, nor any strings out of line.

Then again, the 6.1 18x20 rarely does that because of that closed pattern and the fact I don't think I've ever had strings in there for more than a few weeks, therefore limiting any tension loss (and any subsequent string movement).

Had another hit the ZX/6.1 earlier this evening this time in a singles match, and I stand by my comments above.

[corners]

Originally Posted by Torres

No notching, nor any strings out of line.

Then again, the 6.1 18x20 rarely does that because of that closed pattern and the fact I don't think I've ever had strings in there for more than a few weeks, therefore limiting any tension loss (and any subsequent string movement).

Had another hit the ZX/6.1 earlier this evening this time in a singles match, and I stand by my comments above.

Great. Thanks Torres. String vetted, time to try it in the 99S

[Torres]

^ If 1.25 polys are snapping in 2-3 hours, I would have thought that ZX is going to snap even sooner in a 99S....that racquet seems to eat strings for breakfast.

[corners]

Originally Posted by Torres

^ If 1.25 polys are snapping in 2-3 hours, I would have thought that ZX is going to snap even sooner in a 99S....that racquet seems to eat strings for breakfast.

Yeah, I was mostly kidding, especially since ZX is limited to 60 pounds max tension. But, it might be a great replacement for natural gut in Lendl's setup. Choose a red copoly for the central mains and crosses and no one would be the wiser.

[Torres]

Yeah, I wasn't sure whether you were joking or not!

Something weird happened during my match this evening (well, probably not that unexpected actually) but its put a premature end to my ZX playtest. And before you ask, no, the strings didn't break. Pics to follow though...

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by Torres

Yeah, I wasn't sure whether you were joking or not!

Something weird happened during my match this evening (well, probably not that unexpected actually) but its put a premature end to my ZX playtest. And before you ask, no, the strings didn't break. Pics to follow though...

This will be thread of the year if you broke it over your opponents head. Oh darn, just reread your post. Hope you did not get injured.

[corners]

Originally Posted by mikeler

Hope you did not get injured.

I'm hoping the same.

[Lakers4Life]

Originally Posted by corners

TW has the 16g Red in sets and reels: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/AshawayString.html

BTW, if you feel like passing on any comments your client makes about the string we'd love to hear it.

I see that now, but according to the Ashaway website, red only comes in 17 (1.22), and the 16g (1.27) in the natural. Then there is ZX Pro, which only comes in 16. I was trying to call Ashaway to find out exactly what comes in what. I'll try again on Tuesday.

[Buford T Justice]

Originally Posted by corners

Yeah, I was mostly kidding, especially since ZX is limited to 60 pounds max tension. But, it might be a great replacement for natural gut in Lendl's setup. Choose a red copoly for the central mains and crosses and no one would be the wiser.

I think it's worth a test in a 99s!

[corners]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

I see that now, but according to the Ashaway website, red only comes in 17 (1.22), and the 16g (1.27) in the natural. Then there is ZX Pro, which only comes in 16. I was trying to call Ashaway to find out exactly what comes in what. I'll try again on Tuesday.

I was under the impression that Pro is what Ashaway is calling the 17g version. http://www.ashawayusa.com/NewZXPro.php

[corners]

Originally Posted by Buford T Justice

I think it's worth a test in a 99s!

You got one? String it up!

But Monogut ZX is much less stiff than a copoly like 4G. People are already having problems with excessive string movement in the 16x15, which is most likely caused by tension dropping too low. Because ZX is so flexible, I think it would have to be strung over 70 pounds to be useful in the 99S. If the main strings stretch and slide too far they won't snap back in time to impart extra spin. Instead, the ball will simply launch off the strings at a high angle. 4G works very well because it is a very stiff poly and loses less tension than any other copoly string.

The Lendl setup actually appears to exploit a very different type of stringbed, one espoused by the poster Travlerajm, which he calls Option C, here: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showp...96&postcount=1

[Buford T Justice]

Originally Posted by corners

You got one? String it up!

I've got two! I'm committed to these frames now.

But Monogut ZX is much less stiff than a copoly like 4G. People are already having problems with excessive string movement in the 16x15, which is most likely caused by tension dropping too low. Because ZX is so flexible, I think it would have to be strung over 70 pounds to be useful in the 99S. If the main strings stretch and slide too far they won't snap back in time to impart extra spin. Instead, the ball will simply launch off the strings at a high angle. 4G works very well because it is a very stiff poly and loses less tension than any other copoly

Yes there is excessive string movement in this frame and it gets worse with reduced initial string tension (as in one gets less playtime before strings move the lower the initial tension).

I solved this problem by using the cheap trick mentioned in another thread....hand lotion. It works. There is not even a doubt. I have strings measuring low 40s on RT that snap back into place and play like new. To be honest, I like the way this frame feels with aged strings and hand lotion better than when freshly strung.

The lotion also greatly reduces wear.

So, perhaps this same trick applied with this much softer ZX will allow the string to have a respectable life in the 99S........I shall have to try this.

[maxpotapov]

Originally Posted by Buford T Justice

I've got two! I'm committed to these frames now.



Yes there is excessive string movement in this frame and it gets worse with reduced initial string tension (as in one gets less playtime before strings move the lower the initial tension).

I solved this problem by using the cheap trick mentioned in another thread....hand lotion. It works. There is not even a doubt. I have strings measuring low 40s on RT that snap back into place and play like new. To be honest, I like the way this frame feels with aged strings and hand lotion better than when freshly strung.

The lotion also greatly reduces wear.

So, perhaps this same trick applied with this much softer ZX will allow the string to have a respectable life in the 99S........I shall have to try this.

Hand lotion? Should i wash tennis balls with a soap afterwards?
And for 2HBH players, what about left hand?

[Buford T Justice]

Originally Posted by maxpotapov

Hand lotion? Should i wash tennis balls with a soap afterwards?
And for 2HBH players, what about left hand?

Max-

Just in case you aren't pulling my leg.....hehehehehehe

The hand lotion is for the stringbed. It lubes the strings and reduces string to string friction (so the strings last longer and play new longer).

It's been posted about a few times in the past, but I think most folks don't buy it.

But, I am 100% sure it works for me, and works dramatically well.

It's 100% legal and there is not so much on the strings that it gets all over the ball, etc.