RPM Blast & Cyclone dilemma

Osteo UK · 02-01-2013, 02:17 PM

I'm looking forward to reading the Cyclone Tour reviews, but I have a request from those who have switched strings between RPM Blast and Volkl Cyclone 17 or vice versa.

My racquet is the Pure Drive Roddick GT with a shrink sleeve added to the grip giving it a total weight including strings etc at 357g (12.6oz). The stick is consequently more head light (about 10-12 pts HL, can't remember what I measured it as off the top of my head).

For the past 18 months I've been using Blast 17 at 52lbs and monitoring the tension with the racquetTune app - I'm aware of all of the Blast tension loss issues and of those who do not rate it. Recently I have tried out Volkl Cyclone 17 and have a wish list of the good points from both. My question is; has anyone had the same or similar scenario and did you find a good compromise?

After switching back and forth and playing with different tensions (48-52lbs) here are my experiences:

RPM Blast: more power, more comfortable, volleys and overheads feel smooth, no arm pain, feel is lively, but numb.

Cyclone: less power on ground strokes and serve, but the feel (although pretty dead compared to Blast) is precise and makes me want to rip at the ball with great success on forehand, 2HBH, slice and serve. Volleys and overheads feel clumsy. Arm pain not good.

I've researched numerous threads here and elsewhere including video reviews and am aware of similar classes of strings such as Kirschbaum, Black Widow/Magic etc and am not averse to testing others - but if it can be narrowed down through someone else's similar experiences I would be keen to hear more, including experiences of string tension changes as I now have my own stringing machine.

Opinions appreciated.

lynnbart · 02-01-2013, 02:30 PM

I also play with the PDR. We keep both strings around but I've always preferred the RPM Blast. Focus Hex and Black5Edge both make great substitutes for the RPM and I prefer them to the Cyclone. The Cyclone has great spin potential but always made a weird sound in the PDR that I never could get used to.

The RPM Team seems to play very well and hold tension somewhat better than the Blast. It is just a little softer but plays very well. You may want to try it.

02-01-2013, 02:17 PM	#1
Osteo UK Rookie Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 247	RPM Blast & Cyclone dilemma I'm looking forward to reading the Cyclone Tour reviews, but I have a request from those who have switched strings between RPM Blast and Volkl Cyclone 17 or vice versa. My racquet is the Pure Drive Roddick GT with a shrink sleeve added to the grip giving it a total weight including strings etc at 357g (12.6oz). The stick is consequently more head light (about 10-12 pts HL, can't remember what I measured it as off the top of my head). For the past 18 months I've been using Blast 17 at 52lbs and monitoring the tension with the racquetTune app - I'm aware of all of the Blast tension loss issues and of those who do not rate it. Recently I have tried out Volkl Cyclone 17 and have a wish list of the good points from both. My question is; has anyone had the same or similar scenario and did you find a good compromise? After switching back and forth and playing with different tensions (48-52lbs) here are my experiences: RPM Blast: more power, more comfortable, volleys and overheads feel smooth, no arm pain, feel is lively, but numb. Cyclone: less power on ground strokes and serve, but the feel (although pretty dead compared to Blast) is precise and makes me want to rip at the ball with great success on forehand, 2HBH, slice and serve. Volleys and overheads feel clumsy. Arm pain not good. I've researched numerous threads here and elsewhere including video reviews and am aware of similar classes of strings such as Kirschbaum, Black Widow/Magic etc and am not averse to testing others - but if it can be narrowed down through someone else's similar experiences I would be keen to hear more, including experiences of string tension changes as I now have my own stringing machine. Opinions appreciated.

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