replacement for laserfibre phenom

reflexace · Sep 28, 2008

hi all, seems that TW continues to not have supply of laserfibre phenom... a pity, because it has become one of my favourites because of it's consistent playing characteristics.

could anyone, especially those who have used phenom before, recommend something that could replace it? TGV is a good option, but like phenom it does not seem to be available. like many others, i am waiting on weiss-cannon explosiv to be available here, hopefully quite soon...

thanks in advance

Valjean · Sep 28, 2008

Laserfibre recently claimed to me that Phenom has been on back order because of a modification to the string's coating formula meant to enhance its durability. It is supposed to be en route now to TW; we'll see. They also say that you can buy any string they have direct from them when your supplier is out. You may not want it now, anyhow!

Babolat's new version of Xcel Premium, Xcel 2008, makes a good substitute.

rich s · Sep 28, 2008

reflexace said:
hi all, seems that TW continues to not have supply of laserfibre phenom... a pity, because it has become one of my favourites because of it's consistent playing characteristics.

could anyone, especially those who have used phenom before, recommend something that could replace it? TGV is a good option, but like phenom it does not seem to be available. like many others, i am waiting on weiss-cannon explosiv to be available here, hopefully quite soon...

thanks in advance

I've used phenom before......I would say TF X-One Bi-Phase would be a suitable substitute.

rich

Bad Dog · Sep 28, 2008

Wilson's K-Gut

Valjean said:
Babolat's new version of Xcel Premium, Xcel 2008, makes a good substitute.

Although I have not tried Phenom, Valjean was among those who originally made me aware of the amazing qualities of Wilson’s K-Gut. Personally I prefer K-Gut over Babolat’s Xcel Power, as K-Gut was crisper and had better ball pocketing.

Bad Dog · Sep 28, 2008

WeissCannon Explosiv versus Wilson's K-Gut

reflexace said:
like many others, i am waiting on weiss-cannon explosiv to be available here, hopefully quite soon...

thanks in advance

I am now beginning to playtest WeissCannon Explosiv against K-Gut, which to me has been the current ultimate multifilament champion. The only drawback to K-Gut that I can find is its high price, so that’s why it will be interesting to see whether Explosiv turns out to be directly comparable.

Valjean · Sep 28, 2008

Bad Dog said:
Although I have not tried Phenom, Valjean was among those who originally made me aware of the amazing qualities of Wilson’s K-Gut. Personally I prefer K-Gut over Babolat’s Xcel Power, as K-Gut was crisper and had better ball pocketing.

Xcel *Power* wasn't the one I referred to, of course.

Bad Dog · Sep 28, 2008

Valjean said:
Xcel *Power* wasn't the one I referred to, of course.

Valjean – You are right – but isn’t it safe to assume that Xcel 2008 may not necessarily pocket the ball better, or be crisper than Xcel Power? Do you have different impressions about the two types of new Babolat strings, specifically with respect to the characteristics of crispness and ball pocketing?

reflexace · Sep 28, 2008

thanks for the replies, guys.. yes, i've used x1-biphase before, and did like it... wonder why it seems i forgot... haha..

i think one of the many things i like about phenom is the 'no-fray' coating; i may be mistaken, but my experience is that the playability remains more constant when the strings don't fray too much making the diameter of string change?

meanwhile, what do you think of either x1-biphase or multifeel in a hybrid with a soft poly? would one be more suitable than the other? phenom was versatile enough in a hybrid with anything i felt..

Valjean · Sep 29, 2008

Bad Dog said:
Valjean – You are right – but isn’t it safe to assume that Xcel 2008 may not necessarily pocket the ball better, or be crisper than Xcel Power? Do you have different impressions about the two types of new Babolat strings, specifically with respect to the characteristics of crispness and ball pocketing?

If you examine the front of the two Babolat string containers, you will see that the difference lies in the relative comfort of the one versus the power of the other. And the XRC Phenom I played with, the one before this update, had more in common with Xcel 2008 than either Xcel Power or Wilson's K-Gut--which is a very fine string all the same. The remarkable change in Xcel 2008 is that its comfort is now combined with lower power, and yet it is conducive to strong play--it features excellent control and provides solid ball placement.

Well, I see that since I last wrote too our OP has suddenly declared he now contemplates to use his multi, whichever one, just as a hybrid. Now, that's changes it. Xcel Power is more durable and best suited to the role. It seems the new XRC Phenom, which is apparently headed in the same direction, will be harder too.

eagle · Sep 29, 2008

reflexace,

I love the phenom. I used it exclusively for a while but opted for something else later due to cost.

If you still want to use, simply go to the laserfibre website. They have a list of dealers that sell the strings.

r,
eagle

gotwheels · Sep 29, 2008

A very nice multifilament that does not get a lot of discussion is Signum Pro Fiber High TEC EXP. I enjoyed the 1.25mm (~17 ga.). I preferred it over the TF X-One Biphase as I found it a little less powerful and a little more muted. I found the durability and tension maintenance to be very good (similar to the TF X1 Bp) and it is cheaper than the TF X-1 Bp. When I was using it, the only place that had it was gg tennis in the Atlanta area.

Valjean · Sep 29, 2008

eagle said:
reflexace,

I love the phenom. I used it exclusively for a while but opted for something else later due to cost.

If you still want to use, simply go to the laserfibre website. They have a list of dealers that sell the strings.

r,
eagle

Not only will Laserfibre sell you their string, there is soon to be a Laserfibre web site now that will do that.

reflexace · Sep 30, 2008

thanks guys, i will look up that website. only slight problem is that i am not based in the US.. maybe they will ship outside for not too expensive, i'll have a look.

eagle, what are you using nowdays, and how do you rate it? are you still experimenting?

gotwheels, i've heard good things about the signum, but tw doesn't seem to carry them? and gg doesn't ship overseas..

valjean, you seem to know a lot about the new babolat line-up. would you say the playability remains the same throughout the life of the string? i would probably rate that as the most important aspect for me!

thanks again

Valjean · Sep 30, 2008

Yes; tension maintenance with both Xcel versions is excellent. Depending on how you value "crispness," though, you may have evolved to K-Gut Pro.

It's about the balance of power and resiliency, and feel, you want at this point, too. (OTOH, don't know how much of a role feel can have for you if it's just cross strings you want.)

eagle · Sep 30, 2008

Hi reflexace,

For a looong time, I was using the Phenom XRC. Then I switched to the Laserfibre hybrid set.

Later on, I switched to the Signum strings after learning that the Signum Poly Plasma and the Laserfibre poly were the same.

Then a couple of years ago, I upgraded my racquets to the Prince Tour Diablo Mids. I ran out of the SPPP at the time when I strung both racquets so I simply went a full set with the Signum Ultra SF.

I liked the setup enough that I never bothered to do a hybrid on my racquets. I may try the hybrid setup the next time I have to buy a new reel.

I'm actually trying out the Signum Pro Topspin SF. A little thicker string that is supposed to help impact a bit more spin.

I'm still partial to the Signum Ultra SF.

r,
eagle

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