SteveI
Legend
Hi BC,
I am not sure what you mean by launchy?? Sorry I have not had the pleasure of using B5E.
Steve
Tourna Big Hitter Black 7
- Thread starter SteveI
- Start date
Hi BC,
I am not sure what you mean by launchy?? Sorry I have not had the pleasure of using B5E.
Steve
bad_call
Legend
some polys are higher in elasticity and return more of the incoming energy. where as others absorb more hence greater control. Kirschbaum PL II is an example of a bit launchy poly whereas B5E is not.
btw - what strings r u using in the 4D100 ?
SteveI
Legend
The BHB7 is just the opposite. The string has just right level of power for my game. The extra spin provided really helped the ball hug the court. The string provides great control. I had almost no balls sailing long.. or launched. I missed the court really only when I did a less than good job with either my footwork (or lack of) or poor strokes. I never felt the ball was going to fly on me. I was very connected to the stringbed. Confidence was high..
. I will try to string a few lbs less next time. I expected the string to drop more tension.. as of now it is still quite firm @ 12 + hours and counting. As PV also indicated the same results. At 12 hours with my regular set-up.. the string is cut out.This going to be my new string.
I have a full Dunlop Poly installed.. but I have not had a real honest playtest with the 4D version so far. I was using a Gamma Zo Power 17 full bed in my AG 100 (non 4D) and loved that set-up. The other 100 had a IsoSpeed Classic full bed.. I was not inpressed and in general do not enjoy that string. It is way too muted for my taste.
bad_call
Legend
The BHB7 is just the opposite. The string has just right level of power for my game. The extra spin provided really helped the ball hug the court. The string provides great control. I had almost no balls sailing long.. or launched. I missed the court really only when I did a less than good job with either my footwork (or lack of) or poor strokes. I never felt the ball was going to fly on me. I was very connected to the stringbed. Confidence was high..
This going to be my new string.
I have a full Dunlop Poly installed.. but I have not had a real honest playtest with the 4D version so far. I was using a Gamma Zo Power 17 full bed in my AG 100 (non 4D) and loved that set-up. The other 100 had a IsoSpeed Classic full bed.. I was not inpressed and in general do not enjoy that string. It is way too muted for my taste.
thanks. what racquet and what tension r u liking the BHB7 ? quite satisfied with B5E but reads like BHB7 is worth a demo when the reel runs out.
SteveI
Legend
Hey BC,
I am using a Dunlop 400G modified to 11.6 oz and 8 points HL (see my review above) http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=6241419#post6241419 . I strung the frame at 56 mains and 52 crosses (Gamma Syn Gut). Next time I will go maybe 52/48 to get a weeeee bit more power.
Sorry I do not have any to send you.. the sets went fast. I picked up a reel for $90.00 plus shipping and set some string out for playtesting to a few folks.
Personally, I wouldn't have described PLII (my experience is about 1.5 years with PLII 1.20 in a K6.1) as a 'launchy' poly. It's powerful, and obviously when it loses tension or its going dead, there's a decrease in control, but I would never describe it as 'launchy'. In fact, I can't think of a single full bed poly I would describe in those terms.
BHB7 and B5E are at different ends of same spectrum.
B5E is stiffer, much lower powered and deadish feeling. Its the sort of string you'd use to tame a high powered racquet. Spin in excellent.
BHB7 is springier/more elastic, has noticeably more adjustability in power levels and has more of a pocketing sensation on contact. Spin is equally excellent, though it should allow you to hit a heavier ball because of its extra power over B5E.
Both have similar amounts of 'grab' on the ball. Directional control is probably comparable (I'm still trying to assess this over the life of the string) though you have to bear in mind that BHB7 is more powerful.
Which you prefer simply depends on what you want from a string, and what's more suited to your setup and playing circumstances.
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bad_call
Legend
thanks SteveI - wasn't looking for free string...free beer YES!! (but only if it's a good IPA or at least quite hoppy)
Currently at the 9-10 hour mark (over a space about a week or so) with my first set of BHB7 17.
It's starting to go a little dead - slightly more rubbery feeling unless you really hit through the ball. Some polys go 'tight, stiff and dead' as they reach the end of their life of usable performance. This doesn't do that but like BHBR it gradually starts feeling a bit wayward, a bit loose, a bit floppy, bit more loss of control etc.
It's playable just nowhere near as good as when first strung. At the 9-10 hour mark, the stringbed doesn't feel anywhere near as 'tight' as when first strung and directional control isn't quite a good. Volleys, drop volleys etc, are feeling a bit loose and the stringbed is feeling a bit springier than I would like. It feels like its lost a fair bit of tension and feels more powerful. The huge spin characteristics of this string seem to be just about holding everything together.
Performance longevity overall is good though - seems to maintain its performance over a longer period of time than BHBR.
I'm impressed with this string so far. Going to try and squeeze a few more hours out of this stringbed to see how it performs, and then string the other set in my main stick (BLX 6.1 18x20) to see how it performs in that racquet.
It's starting to go a little dead - slightly more rubbery feeling unless you really hit through the ball. Some polys go 'tight, stiff and dead' as they reach the end of their life of usable performance. This doesn't do that but like BHBR it gradually starts feeling a bit wayward, a bit loose, a bit floppy, bit more loss of control etc.
It's playable just nowhere near as good as when first strung. At the 9-10 hour mark, the stringbed doesn't feel anywhere near as 'tight' as when first strung and directional control isn't quite a good. Volleys, drop volleys etc, are feeling a bit loose and the stringbed is feeling a bit springier than I would like. It feels like its lost a fair bit of tension and feels more powerful. The huge spin characteristics of this string seem to be just about holding everything together.
Performance longevity overall is good though - seems to maintain its performance over a longer period of time than BHBR.
I'm impressed with this string so far. Going to try and squeeze a few more hours out of this stringbed to see how it performs, and then string the other set in my main stick (BLX 6.1 18x20) to see how it performs in that racquet.
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drkplayer122
Rookie
After about 12 hours of play, I have finally broke the string on a shanked shot. =( I thought the process of becoming dead was similar to BHBR but not as extreme. I would get maybe 10-12 hrs of life on BHBR. I thought I could have gotten another 2 hrs on the BHB7 before it would die. I might change my mains to this string now.
SteveI
Legend
Same here.. If I can get 2-3 hours more out of the BHB7 over the BHS.. I am sold. The extra spin, power and control of the BHB7 along with the extended play makes this a winner for me. I think the BHB7 might be a bit more arm friendly than the BHS in my short playtesting (12 + hours).
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Torres where did you pick up your sets from? Looking for something like this.....
cheers
Meaghan
Hall of Fame
Thanks Torres....
SteveI
Legend
I was a fool... I kept only 1/2 set (my playtest string).. :-(. One section was lost in the mail..sorry to say.
A few on-line retailers and a few wholesalers have it in the USA.
jdunnie014159
Rookie
Steve I can't remember if I thanked you or not for the set. Thanks. I haven't set it up yet because I'm changing frames again out of pure boredom and will be using silverstring and tour bite while tinker with a few frames because they're defaults. Can't wait to use it though.
Nothing foolish about generosity of spirit my friend. Everyone who received a set is appreciative. Even the postie at the USPS sorting depot thanks you! I think he was down at my club the other day playing with PVAudio's set....
SteveI
Legend
Thanks for the kind words. Do not feel like a fool for being generous.. I feel like a fool for not keeping a few sets for myself..
. I love the passion of the many Talk Tennis folks who take the time to test these strings and give excellent write-ups. There are so many great folks on this site and I have received many acts of kindness. Keep on testing...Thanks to all that did testing.
SteveI
Legend
Hi James,
Enjoy the string... I think it is a keeper for me. Next time I have a order ready to go, I will be getting another reel. I am sure TW will have it soon.
D
Deleted member 120290
Guest
When is this string (preferably in a reel) coming to TW???? The "Hi"Bird Sports only has it in sets. You can only get a reel directly from Unique Sports. The last time I ordered BHBR reel from Unique, it took 2 weeks. I got impatient so I ordered another one from the Bird Sports.
COPEY
Hall of Fame
Not exactly. Try a google search. ;-)
DrpShot!
Semi-Pro
I had another couple of hours on the orginal set of string earlier this evening, so probably the 11th or 12th hour on the original strings.
Unlike other polys, it doesn't actually feel dead as such. It now springy and powerful. Squeezing the two centre mains between finger and thumb and there's alot of give, so there's obviously been a fair bit of tension loss over that time. When first strung, the stringbed felt tight, crisp, powerful (but not overly powerful) with a ton of spin and grab on the ball. Now the power and springiness characteristics dominate at the expense of control.
Still playable, just nowhere near as 'tight' and control orientated as when first strung. Spin is still there, its just that its overlaid with the power and springiness. As long as you're still hitting cleanly from the baseline, you're still okay, though its not helping to the same extent as it was when the string was fresher. A few more hours this weekend I think before I switch into my 6.1 freshly strung with BHB7.
The 17 works well with my Prestige MP and I'm sure it will work as well in my 6.1 18x20. For larger, open patterned sticks, I suspect the 16 will be the one to go for.
After I've tried another 10 hours or so of the 17 in my 6.1, I going to try the 16 before buying some reels. Will also probably try adding B5E as a cross (since I have a reel of that to use up) just out of curiosity as to how it might perform.
Based on this initial 10 hour or so playtest, I have to say that I'm very impressed with this co-poly.
Unlike other polys, it doesn't actually feel dead as such. It now springy and powerful. Squeezing the two centre mains between finger and thumb and there's alot of give, so there's obviously been a fair bit of tension loss over that time. When first strung, the stringbed felt tight, crisp, powerful (but not overly powerful) with a ton of spin and grab on the ball. Now the power and springiness characteristics dominate at the expense of control.
Still playable, just nowhere near as 'tight' and control orientated as when first strung. Spin is still there, its just that its overlaid with the power and springiness. As long as you're still hitting cleanly from the baseline, you're still okay, though its not helping to the same extent as it was when the string was fresher. A few more hours this weekend I think before I switch into my 6.1 freshly strung with BHB7.
The 17 works well with my Prestige MP and I'm sure it will work as well in my 6.1 18x20. For larger, open patterned sticks, I suspect the 16 will be the one to go for.
After I've tried another 10 hours or so of the 17 in my 6.1, I going to try the 16 before buying some reels. Will also probably try adding B5E as a cross (since I have a reel of that to use up) just out of curiosity as to how it might perform.
Based on this initial 10 hour or so playtest, I have to say that I'm very impressed with this co-poly.
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Isn't that what happens with bhbr too?
SteveI
Legend
I am going on 14 hours with this string. Getting pretty much the same results. The string is still playable.. not as crisp as before and maybe a tad more power.. but still playable. Really like this string. Next time I place an order, I getting a another reel of the 17G. Tourna has some nice strings for the very fair price. The QC has also never been an issue. I am on my 5th or 6th reel of Tourna Polys.
^ Yes. The difference however is that with BHBR you get a loss of directional accuracy which is more detrimental to your game than anything BHB7 does as it reaches the double digit hour mark.
The perfomance longevity seems to be much, much better with BHB7 because although the stringbed becomes springier, it doesn't seem to hinder your groundstrokes anywhere near as much as BHBR because it never really generated that side to side movement on the ball and unpredictability in the first place. Unlike BHBR, the action on the ball is always a forward rotations action.
Just make sure you're hitting accurately and not being lazy with your stroking or technique. First 5 hours and this string flatters you, even if you're not hitting particularly cleanly. At 10 hours+ any weaknesses in your stroking will start to show, but even at the 10 hour+ mark, the string still hasn't dropped down to anywhere near multifilament levels of wayward perfomance - not from the baseline anyway.
Volleys can feel loose though and it doesn't give you confidence for firm volleys, knifing through the ball etc, situations where a firmer stringbed or a less bouncy one would help. The stringbed feels much springier than is ideal for volleys with the ball jumping up off the stringbed too quickly. You never really feel that you can keep the ball on the strings long enough. As for executing effective drop volleys at this stage, you would need the hands of Jesus......
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D
Deleted member 120290
Guest
SteveI and Torres: After how many hours did you notice the fresh, crisp feel and/or performance diminishing? ~5 hrs? For me after 2 hours I can definitely feel BHBR 17 losing some tension and control in my YT Ext Pro 16x19.
^ It's hard to give an exact 'cut off' time because as you know, strings decline gradually. If I had to give an estimate though, it probably around 6-7 hours, but the performance drop off is different to BHBR.
BHB7 performance seems to stay higher for longer and the decline is more gentle. Bear in mind, that I'm playing 98/18x20 and prefer to drive the ball whenever I can, so there's probably less inherent stress on the stringbed to begin with. In the same stick, with BHBR17, I start to feel a performance drop off at 3-4 hours. First two hours with BHBR17 are bliss though - there really is no other string like it IMO.
Personally, I wouldn't be using BHBR17 in your stick as the gauge runs thin for a 17 - it would have to be a 16. I'd suggest 16 as well for your stick if you want to try BHB7, and maybe experiment with mixing in B5E17 as a cross to stiffen things up if required (though I've yet to try that poly-poly mix).
BHB7 performance seems to stay higher for longer and the decline is more gentle. Bear in mind, that I'm playing 98/18x20 and prefer to drive the ball whenever I can, so there's probably less inherent stress on the stringbed to begin with. In the same stick, with BHBR17, I start to feel a performance drop off at 3-4 hours. First two hours with BHBR17 are bliss though - there really is no other string like it IMO.
Personally, I wouldn't be using BHBR17 in your stick as the gauge runs thin for a 17 - it would have to be a 16. I'd suggest 16 as well for your stick if you want to try BHB7, and maybe experiment with mixing in B5E17 as a cross to stiffen things up if required (though I've yet to try that poly-poly mix).
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SteveI
Legend
It seemed to lose its fresh, crisp feel about the 8 hour mark...but it was a slow change. Very happy with the performance.
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D
Deleted member 120290
Guest
TW finally has BHB7 16g and 17g in sets and reels. However 17g set is $7.49 while 16g is $8.95??? Why the discrepancy? Is it an error (more likely since the reel prices are the same) or is it because 16g has more string?
Also anyone know why TW and GGTennis stopped carrying B5E in a reel? I'm running out of my Cyclone 18g reel and I'm debating among Cyclone 18g, B5E and BHB7 reels. I'm gonna playtest B5E/N.vy 52/56 to see if I can get a less lively bed but not too dead like full bed B5E.
Also anyone know why TW and GGTennis stopped carrying B5E in a reel? I'm running out of my Cyclone 18g reel and I'm debating among Cyclone 18g, B5E and BHB7 reels. I'm gonna playtest B5E/N.vy 52/56 to see if I can get a less lively bed but not too dead like full bed B5E.
SteveI
Legend
Roughly 13-14th hour on the original set and it feels like almost all of the co-poly goodness has already been squeezed out of it. It no longer performs anywhere close to what a freshly strung high performance co-poly should. That control, that 'hit out with abandon' confidence, that certain something, that 'zap', that je ne sais quoi just doesn't seem to be there anymore. It's like Austin Powers without his 'mojo'.
It's still usable as a tennis string but its no longer providing you with that high performance poly goodness. It's performance is more like that of a brittle feeling synthetic gut. Time to cut it out. Terrific performance longevity up to this point though - far longer than any other poly I've played with.
(Head Youtek Prestige MP 98/18x20, originally strung at 54lbs CP)
It's still usable as a tennis string but its no longer providing you with that high performance poly goodness. It's performance is more like that of a brittle feeling synthetic gut. Time to cut it out. Terrific performance longevity up to this point though - far longer than any other poly I've played with.
(Head Youtek Prestige MP 98/18x20, originally strung at 54lbs CP)
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SteveI
Legend
Torres...
"Terrific performance longevity up to this point though - far longer than any other poly I've played with." Same here.. not sure what Tourna did with this string.. but from a price/performace rating.. outstanding!! TW is selling the 17G for $7.49. I am sold.. stop looking. Reels for under $90.00 that would include free shipping in my case. $5.30 a set from a reel. I got 17 and 1/2 sets from the reel I purchased. (40 foot sections).
Thanks for going the distance with this string!!!
Steve
"Terrific performance longevity up to this point though - far longer than any other poly I've played with." Same here.. not sure what Tourna did with this string.. but from a price/performace rating.. outstanding!! TW is selling the 17G for $7.49. I am sold.. stop looking. Reels for under $90.00 that would include free shipping in my case. $5.30 a set from a reel. I got 17 and 1/2 sets from the reel I purchased. (40 foot sections).
Thanks for going the distance with this string!!!
Steve
fortun8son
Hall of Fame
This string looks like a clear winner.
Ytex @ $169 per reel is going to have a hard time competing with this one.
I can't wait to see the RSI test numbers.
Ytex @ $169 per reel is going to have a hard time competing with this one.
I can't wait to see the RSI test numbers.
Torres,
Why would you suggest 16 gauge over 17 for a 16x19 racket? Is it due to durability, playability, or both? thanks.
gd!
Rookie
pjb5s4, you need to build up your own experience with any string, nobody else can be accountable for what you feel being the best compromise.
Prefer thinner strings in a 16x19? Do it, share your experience, too.
Myself, I ordered two sets of 17g because thinner gauge is matching better to my game..........
Prefer thinner strings in a 16x19? Do it, share your experience, too.
Myself, I ordered two sets of 17g because thinner gauge is matching better to my game..........
dacian_irish
New User
Can anyone compare this to Kirschbaum Spiky Shark. I currently use Spiky shark and I am looking to try BHB7. Is it softer, does it have more spin?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
ChicagoJack
Hall of Fame
Which is the stiffer string, BHB7 or BHBR?
Aggressive_tennis
New User
This string really intrigues me look just what I'm looking for anyone know when it will be released in the uk?
drkplayer122
Rookie
definitely BHBR. BHB7 is rather soft for poly.
Can't agree with you on that one. At the same tension/gauge, I'd say they're about the same.
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Everyone will have their own personal preferences but YT Extreme Pro (100/16x19) with its hoop size, pattern, and high SW coupled a 17g that runs thin? I just can't see it. I have to admit that I haven't played with the YTEP but from the specs it looks like a PDR type stick. In which case, I'd want control, and would want to avoid an abundance of power from the string I use.
With 100/16x19, there's increased stress on the mains so a 17 BHB7 is probably going to go dead faster. Given the fact that the 17 BHB7 runs thin, and that BHBR7 16 is more like a 17 gauge from other manufacturers, I'd be going for the 16 (if it were me).
Nothing wrong with using the 17 of course - I'm sure it will probably play just as well - but I don't think it will last long in a 100/16x19. With a 16 in a 100/16x19, I suspect you'll get the same performance but with increased string life compared to the 17.
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D
Deleted member 120290
Guest
I hit with that racket yesterday. One of the coaches let me use it for an hour. What a SWEET racket! Awesome control, feel, spin and just the right amount of power. I was afraid it was too small a racket head but it felt like the WHOLE racket face was a sweet spot.
He had cheap, Gosen OG White syn gut 16g and even then it felt good. 95d is not a Pure Drive, Extreme Pro racket so I think you would be ok with either 16g or 17g. If you want more feel, lively stringbed go with 17g.
blastforehand
Rookie
Agreed. I use Head Extreme Pro IG which is 16/19 100 Sq. inch and fairly stiff. 17ga. (1.25mm claimed) Big Hitter Blue Rough is only good for ten or twenty minutes or so with my swing and spin. It is simply too weak of a string. It will saw through and snap at just about 90 minutes, but its performance will of course have been long gone. The 16ga. (1.30mm claimed) BHBR hits good enough for me for about 90 minutes. With my old Extreme Pro original racquet (not as stiff and not as open a pattern) I could get an hour or slightly more of good hitting with the 17ga. Big Hitter Blue Rough. I believe Torres is right, BHBR 17ga. is really more like a 1.20mm string, which probably won't work well for bigger hitters/advanced players with a Head IG Extreme Pro type racquet.
