Tecnifibre Blackcode 17, Tecnifibre X-code 17, and RPM Blast 17

So I am 4.5/5.0 tennis player and have been using RPM blast 17 and Xcel 16 in a hybrid setup at 57/56 lbs respectively. My issue is that I will burn through the strings within a week and a half almost two weeks playing for three times a week for 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours depending on practice or how long my matches go. I tried a full setup of RPM at 52lbs and found that it felt like I was hitting with a lead pipe because it had a dead ball feel and killed my elbow. Some of my teammates have recommended I try Tecnifibre blackcode or their new line X-code. I know the best thing to do is to go out and buy packs of strings and try them out, but I am trying to create a small list of strings so I don't spend large amounts of money on strings. I have tried all the Luxilon strings and did not like any of them as well as kirschbaum, solinco and Signum Pro. Is there anyone currently using blackcode or X-code that can give me better insight about these strings before I start buying new packs of strings.

I would also like x code feedback compared to blackcode or hurricane gut hybrid.

Thank you guys! Mark

"I managed to stick with one racket and that worked, better than changing rackets through the match" Another win for me!

tennisaddict2223 said:

So I am 4.5/5.0 tennis player and have been using RPM blast 17 and Xcel 16 in a hybrid setup at 57/56 lbs respectively. My issue is that I will burn through the strings within a week and a half almost two weeks playing for three times a week for 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours depending on practice or how long my matches go. I tried a full setup of RPM at 52lbs and found that it felt like I was hitting with a lead pipe because it had a dead ball feel and killed my elbow. Some of my teammates have recommended I try Tecnifibre blackcode or their new line X-code. I know the best thing to do is to go out and buy packs of strings and try them out, but I am trying to create a small list of strings so I don't spend large amounts of money on strings. I have tried all the Luxilon strings and did not like any of them as well as kirschbaum, solinco and Signum Pro. Is there anyone currently using blackcode or X-code that can give me better insight about these strings before I start buying new packs of strings.

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IMO the TF BC is a nice choice. I like its ballpocketing quality especially in 17 gauge and compared to RPM and most Luxilons i'd pick it as the 1st option.

I wouldn't recommend the X-code based on what you are looking for. I've been using Black Code since it came out and it is a great string. Soft and good feel for a poly string. I string at 60 in my Prestige Mids and get 10-12 hours of really good life out of BC. After that, it's still than most polys but around the 15 hour mark it's time to cut it out if it hasn't broken.

I will add that the only string that I like as much or better than BC would be SP Tornado.

I would definately suggest black code. Xcode is more like a multi than a poly

Black Code has great spin and decent power, but I don't find it that soft. I have strung it up several times and had elbow pain each time. After about 2 hours, it loosens up and the elbow pain subsides until it loses playability and starts to feel like a board at 12-15 hours, at which time my elbow starts to hurt again.

I prefer Tornado - similar characteristics to Black Code but more comfortable and no elbow pain. I also just ordered some Blue Gear Ultra Spin - heard good things about it.

black code is holds tension extremely well for a poly. the string normally last up until the 15hour mark before dying which i think is really good. spin is great but not awesome.

here are my notes copied over from my string journal pertaining to black code:

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Technifibre Black Code -
i fell in love with black code when testing poly at low tensions. the spin was insane at 32#. i have never seen my ball do the things it was doing before or after playing with low tensioned bc. the ball would literally drop out of the sky like a rock before reaching the baseline and kick up like a mule. so i know what you mean about its spin potential as you drop its tension. the reason i left the low tension stringing was because of the lack of control. i just never had confidence that i could put the ball where i wanted and therefore hit closer to the middle of the court which did not hurt my opponent.

fullbed of bc has been my go to poly setup. my last string job was done up at 57# and feels great. the string does have a muted feel and does not provide the pop you get out of other poly strings but is very very comfortable/soft. some complain that it goes mushy and i wouldn't disagree with them. it also has a plastic feel to it and is unique to what most polys feel like. the plasticy feel is something you either like or dislike - the feel alone can be a deterent. this string is amongst the best in tension maintenance. the spin is very good. power is on the lower end. i do not volley as well with this string.
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So I definitely want to thank everyone for their input and am going to go with Blackcode because of the overwhelming support for the string. Thank you for everyone's input and support.

Up&comer said:

I would definately suggest black code. Xcode is more like a multi than a poly

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No. X-Code is more a poly than a multi. It really doesn't play anything like a multi.

What I mean is that it is very soft, moves around alot and isn't really that spin friendly and it frays ALOT

Up&comer said:

What I mean is that it is very soft, moves around alot and isn't really that spin friendly and it frays ALOT

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No, it's not very soft, it certainly doesn't play soft, it doesn't move around alot, it is relatively spin friendly, it is low powered, and it doesn't really 'fray' - the coating peels.

Are you sure you've actually played with this string?

I am 100% sure. I ordered a backup racket with it in it and I broke it within 3 hours and it was moving around loads. It felt very similar to x-one to me. Honestly. Unless I've finally lost my mind...