Solinco vs. Genesis

Richard1500

New User
Hello, I am a Professional tennis player and lately traveling around the Futures I´ve found that many players are using Solinco, and some others are using Genesis strings. So I´ve tried both and I find that some friends were a little upset about me using Genesis. Why? I don´t know. But this is what I found out about both. First Solinco says something like created in the US, and down there in little letters it says Made in Taiwan. (I think this misleads many) and this players were upset that I was trying a string that was not made in America!!! But I show them it was not made in America and they could´t believe it. Well, I tried the Tour Bite and the Barb something from Solinco. Then I tried the Black Magic and the Typhoon (as Ivo Karlovic is using that one now) and then, I can´t understand how could someone prefer the Taiwan made string against the German made string. This German guys have to be good at making strings. This strings were better in every way compared to the Solinco, but the feeling and the power I was getting from the Genesis is great. Needless to say, I didn´t pay for any of this sets, Solinco and Genesis gives free sets to anyone that wants to try their strings even more we can get Solinco reels for 50usd, instead of 155. But my ATP points cost more to me than 50usd. So I am staying with Genesis for a little while, as RPM feels a little stiffer than the Typhoon, and almost the same as the Black Magic. What I do agree with other players is that the presentation is not as good as the Solinco, but what I say is that my presentation card is in my serve, and in my forehand, not in the way my reel looks like when I go to string my racquets!!!
 

pvaudio

Legend
I don't think it's entirely fair to say that Solinco stinks because it's either not American, or the fact that it's not as good as another string which happens to be German. While Germany is a hotbed for poly strings, the most popular ones are still being made in Belgium/USA (Luxilon) and France (Babolat, Technifibre).
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
who cares where they are made as long as they perform well for you. Both make some good strings, you just need to find out which is best for you, which it seems you already have.

Personally, I prefer the black magic over any other poly. Great string.

On another note, at several futures I string at this year there were quite a bit of players using the Genesis (Black Magic/Typhoon). Also, not sure if Karlovic is using it (Genesis),,,,, I think you meant Gabashavilli,,,,,,,,,,,, and also, Wayne Odesnik uses it.
 

Richard1500

New User
Also, not sure if Karlovic is using it (Genesis),,,,, I think you meant Gabashavilli,,,,,,,,,,,, and also, Wayne Odesnik uses it.[/QUOTE]



I used the Typhoon as they said it is being used by Karlovic, that is what I heard, where can I check if that is truth???
 

Richard1500

New User
While Germany is a hotbed for poly strings, the most popular ones are still being made in Belgium/USA (Luxilon) and France (Babolat, Technifibre).[/QUOTE]

You are totally right, but Gelgium and France are right next to Germany. I know Babolat didn´t have the RPM until Signum Pro made and started selling pretty good the Hyperion and the Tornado. So my guess is that there is only one polymer maker and France and Belgium or France and Germany buys from them. I was talking with one guy that makes Coca Cola bottles and he told me that all the new plastics come from Germany, and Germany sells to everyone in the world the best plastics. That is including Polymers and Polyesters. Second I know only one brand of strings make strings in here, and that one is not Luxilon, and it is not even a great string, at least not for tennis.
 

DrewRafter8

Professional
who cares where they are made as long as they perform well for you. Both make some good strings, you just need to find out which is best for you, which it seems you already have.

Personally, I prefer the black magic over any other poly. Great string.

On another note, at several futures I string at this year there were quite a bit of players using the Genesis (Black Magic/Typhoon). Also, not sure if Karlovic is using it (Genesis),,,,, I think you meant Gabashavilli,,,,,,,,,,,, and also, Wayne Odesnik uses it.

Do you normally do a full bed of BM or a hybrid job?
 

DrewRafter8

Professional
full bed, although I have been experimenting with natural gut/black magic in crosses as well as typhoon with differing tensions. We'll see how that goes.

I've been a typhoon, spinx, and twisted razor user myself. I'm thinking of a gut main / blue typhoon setup.
 

BobFL

Hall of Fame
Hello, I am a Professional tennis player and lately traveling around the Futures I´ve found that many players are using Solinco, and some others are using Genesis strings. So I´ve tried both and I find that some friends were a little upset about me using Genesis. Why? I don´t know. But this is what I found out about both. First Solinco says something like created in the US, and down there in little letters it says Made in Taiwan. (I think this misleads many) and this players were upset that I was trying a string that was not made in America!!! But I show them it was not made in America and they could´t believe it. Well, I tried the Tour Bite and the Barb something from Solinco. Then I tried the Black Magic and the Typhoon (as Ivo Karlovic is using that one now) and then, I can´t understand how could someone prefer the Taiwan made string against the German made string. This German guys have to be good at making strings. This strings were better in every way compared to the Solinco, but the feeling and the power I was getting from the Genesis is great. Needless to say, I didn´t pay for any of this sets, Solinco and Genesis gives free sets to anyone that wants to try their strings even more we can get Solinco reels for 50usd, instead of 155. But my ATP points cost more to me than 50usd. So I am staying with Genesis for a little while, as RPM feels a little stiffer than the Typhoon, and almost the same as the Black Magic. What I do agree with other players is that the presentation is not as good as the Solinco, but what I say is that my presentation card is in my serve, and in my forehand, not in the way my reel looks like when I go to string my racquets!!!

You don't understand how those things work. It is not German vs Taiwanese vs Chinese vs Martian. It is about business entity which makes orders and define specs and price points. You can order both junk and state of the art stuff. It is up to you and they can make either. For example, Ray Ban admits that Chinese factories are FAR superior to Italian and every day they transfer glasses production to China.

Now, back to the topic - I have tried many, almost every significant string in the market and nothing from Genesis comes close to Solinco. Typhoon is going dead super-fast, faster than Lux. Tour Bite however is one of the finest polys in the market hands down.
 

pvaudio

Legend
While Germany is a hotbed for poly strings, the most popular ones are still being made in Belgium/USA (Luxilon) and France (Babolat, Technifibre).

You are totally right, but Gelgium and France are right next to Germany. I know Babolat didn´t have the RPM until Signum Pro made and started selling pretty good the Hyperion and the Tornado. So my guess is that there is only one polymer maker and France and Belgium or France and Germany buys from them. I was talking with one guy that makes Coca Cola bottles and he told me that all the new plastics come from Germany, and Germany sells to everyone in the world the best plastics. That is including Polymers and Polyesters. Second I know only one brand of strings make strings in here, and that one is not Luxilon, and it is not even a great string, at least not for tennis.
Perhaps what you say is true, and I have no reason to doubt it's not. I'm just saying that country doesn't indicate quality. If it did, then all of the top manufacturers for racquets wouldn't sell their business over to China and have their racquets made simply to their specifications. That said, there is one company that simply trumps when it comes to quality control: Yonex. They're made in Japan which is simply known for attention to detail and zero compromise in their products' quality. This does not mean that Yonex frames are superior to Wilson, Head or Babolat.
 

dodgers

New User
Richard1500, you had better stick to being a so called "Professional tennis player" as I don’t think you really understand what the ins and outs of tennis gear actually is.
I think it was a bit of a strange statement you were trying to get across.
Bet your racquet is made in China, and your shoes too............. oh, how about your shirt..
 

Richard1500

New User
That said, there is one company that simply trumps when it comes to quality control: Yonex. They're made in Japan which is simply known for attention to detail and zero compromise in their products' quality. This does not mean that Yonex frames are superior to Wilson, Head or Babolat.[/QUOTE]



I want to know about Yonex strings, I´ve never tried one before, are they good? I know they are good for badminton, but for tennis, I haven´t see any player using it.
 

Richard1500

New User
Richard1500, you had better stick to being a so called "Professional tennis player" as I don’t think you really understand what the ins and outs of tennis gear actually is.
I think it was a bit of a strange statement you were trying to get across.
Bet your racquet is made in China, and your shoes too............. oh, how about your shirt..

Your are right. Everything else is being made in China. But wasn't that the reason why America is in crisis??? At the end I found something really interesting about this thread. When you try several strings from LUX to RPM, and from Ashaway and Pacific, to Kirschbaum and Signum Pro, for me it was pretty amazing finding a string that doesn´t cost 240usd with the same quality. Even more, I received an e-mail from a friend in Europe today telling me there are many secrets in Tennis. There are strings that say Made in France, that are made in Germany. And packed in France. Also he told me Nadal never used the Pro Hurricane Tour and he sent me a photo of Nadal when he was using PHT, and his string looks more like a Polyester than the Hurricane Tour. Also his racquet (Nadal racquet) has the Cortex painted. The same with Djokovic, a lot of secrets, and Federer. So I guess at the end a company that pays 16usd for each reel made in Taiwan and selling it for 155usd, cannot be better than a reel made in Germany that probably costs 40usd and it is sold for 180usd. How much do you think a racquet costs being made in China? 20? 30usd? And how much does a regular player pays for it? I wish America was not in Crisis, and I wish I could still find tennis shoes being made here, and clothing, and Racquets:) If I would have money I would start working in making good quality sports products in America!!!
 

BobFL

Hall of Fame
Why is this thread still open? :)

LOL.gif
 

pvaudio

Legend
That said, there is one company that simply trumps when it comes to quality control: Yonex. They're made in Japan which is simply known for attention to detail and zero compromise in their products' quality. This does not mean that Yonex frames are superior to Wilson, Head or Babolat.



I want to know about Yonex strings, I´ve never tried one before, are they good? I know they are good for badminton, but for tennis, I haven´t see any player using it.
I have little experience with Yonex strings. Their racquets are fantastic however.
 
great news for Genesis to sign up Karlovic. typhoon is holding tension really well. I think it's a great combo typhoon and NG. Anybody knows if he is using a blue or gray typhoon?
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
typhoon is holding tension really well. I think it's a great combo typhoon and NG.

Agree. Typhoon, in my testing had possibly the best tension maintenance of all the strings I have playtested.

As for hybriding it with natural gut, so far, it plays great, although I stiil like the black magic better.
 

blackfrido

Hall of Fame
what a confusing post by Richard1500 "a professional tennis player"
I read only once, maybe I have to go over again..........
 

fortun8son

Hall of Fame
Yes, very odd.
I would not be surprised if all the raw polyester was made by either AGFA or Bayer in Germany, just as the raw Nylon is made by DuPont.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
I am so glad Alex is doing good, I was one of the first ones to switch full time to typhoon as simply it was nothing that comes close to it at the market today. Just as original poster stated in my testing solinco tour bite was just tas stiffer to the point of being unconfortable. This is of course highly personal but for me typhoon is better performing Alu power, more comfortable with great tension maintenance until it dies and every poly will die no question about that.
 

BobFL

Hall of Fame
I am so glad Alex is doing good, I was one of the first ones to switch full time to typhoon as simply it was nothing that comes close to it at the market today. Just as original poster stated in my testing solinco tour bite was just tas stiffer to the point of being unconfortable. This is of course highly personal but for me typhoon is better performing Alu power, more comfortable with great tension maintenance until it dies and every poly will die no question about that.

It is amazing what a few free sets, hats, and wristbands can do to a man's integrity :)
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Hahah if I did not know any better I would think that my friend Bobby is trying to discredit my genuine typhoon enthusiasm and my professional opinion on this string...
For the record i spent at least $500 or more on typhoon in the last 2 years just so people don't think I am getting it for free.

Come on bobby give the guy a chance Alex is really nice once you get to know him better. He has our euro blood. Don't let personal opinions stand in between you and at least half of ntrp level up if not a whole point up...yes it's that good. You could be 3.5 with that string :)
 

BobFL

Hall of Fame
Hahah if I did not know any better I would think that my friend Bobby is trying to discredit my genuine typhoon enthusiasm and my professional opinion on this string...
For the record i spent at least $500 or more on typhoon in the last 2 years just so people don't think I am getting it for free.

Come on bobby give the guy a chance Alex is really nice once you get to know him better. He has our euro blood. Don't let personal opinions stand in between you and at least half of ntrp level up if not a whole point up...yes it's that good. You could be 3.5 with that string :)

You are adorable and knowing you is priceless :)
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Hahah if I did not know any better I would think that my friend Bobby is trying to discredit my genuine typhoon enthusiasm and my professional opinion on this string...
For the record i spent at least $500 or more on typhoon in the last 2 years just so people don't think I am getting it for free.

Come on bobby give the guy a chance Alex is really nice once you get to know him better. He has our euro blood. Don't let personal opinions stand in between you and at least half of ntrp level up if not a whole point up...yes it's that good. You could be 3.5 with that string :)

Not sure I am able to read into what you and bobfl are talking about, but I'll give some feedback.

The Tennis Depot, being that they knew I reviewed strings wanted an unbias review of a string without posting about it on TW. The review was to be solely for Tennis Depot. They asked if I was interested, so I said yes. I was provided a black poly string in a clear bag. That is all. No name, company information, or other info.

After I hit with it, I asked what the name of the string was, who made it, and where could I purchase it, as I wanted to make it my new string. This is how much I liked it. I was told it wouldn't be available for perhaps up to a year, but was given a few more free sets. A little less than a year of waiting, the string was released by Gensis and named Black Magic.

Not sure why people are so quick to think or presume that their is hidden agendas with everything posted, as if anyone posting a positive note about any Genesis string, they must be being paid.
 

brooker

Rookie
Hello, I am a Professional tennis player and lately traveling around the Futures I´ve found that many players are using Solinco, and some others are using Genesis strings. So I´ve tried both and I find that some friends were a little upset about me using Genesis. Why? I don´t know. But this is what I found out about both. First Solinco says something like created in the US, and down there in little letters it says Made in Taiwan. (I think this misleads many) and this players were upset that I was trying a string that was not made in America!!! But I show them it was not made in America and they could´t believe it. Well, I tried the Tour Bite and the Barb something from Solinco. Then I tried the Black Magic and the Typhoon (as Ivo Karlovic is using that one now) and then, I can´t understand how could someone prefer the Taiwan made string against the German made string. This German guys have to be good at making strings. This strings were better in every way compared to the Solinco, but the feeling and the power I was getting from the Genesis is great. Needless to say, I didn´t pay for any of this sets, Solinco and Genesis gives free sets to anyone that wants to try their strings even more we can get Solinco reels for 50usd, instead of 155. But my ATP points cost more to me than 50usd. So I am staying with Genesis for a little while, as RPM feels a little stiffer than the Typhoon, and almost the same as the Black Magic. What I do agree with other players is that the presentation is not as good as the Solinco, but what I say is that my presentation card is in my serve, and in my forehand, not in the way my reel looks like when I go to string my racquets!!!


I prefer the made-in-Taiwan Solinco tour bite. I have used 2 reels of it and will continue using it. I tried some other popular strings, including Black Magic, RPM, Black/Red/Rough code, and a few others made by Genesis. But I always count on Tour-bite whenever I need to play more competitively. I don't feel Tour-bite is that stiff , compared to my previous regular Alu Power.

There are quite some good strings which are made-in-Taiwan, such as Tour-bite and Pro Supex Big Ace (Revo). Unlike you, I understand why people use them. It is rather simple -- they are good quality strings and reasonably priced.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Not sure I am able to read into what you and bobfl are talking about, but I'll give some feedback.

The Tennis Depot, being that they knew I reviewed strings wanted an unbias review of a string without posting about it on TW. The review was to be solely for Tennis Depot. They asked if I was interested, so I said yes. I was provided a black poly string in a clear bag. That is all. No name, company information, or other info.

After I hit with it, I asked what the name of the string was, who made it, and where could I purchase it, as I wanted to make it my new string. This is how much I liked it. I was told it wouldn't be available for perhaps up to a year, but was given a few more free sets. A little less than a year of waiting, the string was released by Gensis and named Black Magic.

Not sure why people are so quick to think or presume that their is hidden agendas with everything posted, as if anyone posting a positive note about any Genesis string, they must be being paid.


BobFL and dgoran are buddies. We in the Central Florida area used to get accused of being shills for these products. I believe that is at least part of the joke.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Genesis forever :)
Problem is bobfl does not play like he means it...So maybe this string is not a good fit.
I think he is a Donald young fan as well which could explain tour bite preference :)
 
I prefer the made-in-Taiwan Solinco tour bite. I have used 2 reels of it and will continue using it. I tried some other popular strings, including Black Magic, RPM, Black/Red/Rough code, and a few others made by Genesis. But I always count on Tour-bite whenever I need to play more competitively. I don't feel Tour-bite is that stiff , compared to my previous regular Alu Power.

There are quite some good strings which are made-in-Taiwan, such as Tour-bite and Pro Supex Big Ace (Revo). Unlike you, I understand why people use them. It is rather simple -- they are good quality strings and reasonably priced.

I'm with 100%, but I do prefer Typhoon to Barb wire. Typhhon will play for me to the very end, where BW only great for the very first hit. Never liked TB.
I wish BW could perform as long as typhoon.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Not sure I am able to read into what you and bobfl are talking about, but I'll give some feedback.

The Tennis Depot, being that they knew I reviewed strings wanted an unbias review of a string without posting about it on TW. The review was to be solely for Tennis Depot. They asked if I was interested, so I said yes. I was provided a black poly string in a clear bag. That is all. No name, company information, or other info.

After I hit with it, I asked what the name of the string was, who made it, and where could I purchase it, as I wanted to make it my new string. This is how much I liked it. I was told it wouldn't be available for perhaps up to a year, but was given a few more free sets. A little less than a year of waiting, the string was released by Gensis and named Black Magic.

Not sure why people are so quick to think or presume that their is hidden agendas with everything posted, as if anyone posting a positive note about any Genesis string, they must be being paid.

Hi drak I have a question for you offline could you email me at your earliest convenience at gdraskovic at gmail dot com
 
I'm with 100%, but I do prefer Typhoon to Barb wire. Typhhon will play for me to the very end, where BW only great for the very first hit. Never liked TB.
I wish BW could perform as long as typhoon.

Sorry to dig this thread up but after a year of testing personally and for about a dozen other players I string for everyone has said how good the genesis string is and how stable in tension it is. My personal favorite is twisted razor. I have not used black magic or typhoon. Spinx was not too impressive but average in all categories, not bad but twisted razor was wow. And by the way I play this string at 38 ref tens and also at 62. Those are my favorite tensions full bed. Just thought I would chime in because I am not getting paid nor get free strings from genesis. Also I don't see a lot of love on this forum for it. Is it because it's not sold at TW ?
 

ron schaap

Hall of Fame
Sorry to dig this thread up but after a year of testing personally and for about a dozen other players I string for everyone has said how good the genesis string is and how stable in tension it is. My personal favorite is twisted razor. I have not used black magic or typhoon. Spinx was not too impressive but average in all categories, not bad but twisted razor was wow. And by the way I play this string at 38 ref tens and also at 62. Those are my favorite tensions full bed. Just thought I would chime in because I am not getting paid nor get free strings from genesis. Also I don't see a lot of love on this forum for it. Is it because it's not sold at TW ?
I dont understand. 38 and 62lbs are opposite and quite extreme tensions for poly. Why dont you string at a normal tension which would me tell more about characteristics of the strings you use?
 

Big Bagel

Professional
Solinco is dominating the College arena now and pros as well. Genesis is no where to be seen these days
Unfortunately Genesis doesn't have the marketing and commitment that Solinco has had to get players to try their products. The college team I strung for used Genesis and they all loved it, mainly either Black Magic or Pro Advantage, their cheapest poly. I've seen a few other college teams use it as well, though definitely not as common as Solinco.
 

topspn

Legend
All the stuff about where it’s made aside, only genesis string I’ve ever played was black magic and its a good string. Decent comfort, feel, heavy top spin just plays a little lively for me. I do like Solinco revolution, tour bite and hyper-g quite a bit and find the quality and control very good. Playability wise for me i’d take any of these Solinco strings over Black Magic.
 

zaskar1

Professional
Hello, I am a Professional tennis player and lately traveling around the Futures I´ve found that many players are using Solinco, and some others are using Genesis strings. So I´ve tried both and I find that some friends were a little upset about me using Genesis. Why? I don´t know. But this is what I found out about both. First Solinco says something like created in the US, and down there in little letters it says Made in Taiwan. (I think this misleads many) and this players were upset that I was trying a string that was not made in America!!! But I show them it was not made in America and they could´t believe it. Well, I tried the Tour Bite and the Barb something from Solinco. Then I tried the Black Magic and the Typhoon (as Ivo Karlovic is using that one now) and then, I can´t understand how could someone prefer the Taiwan made string against the German made string. This German guys have to be good at making strings. This strings were better in every way compared to the Solinco, but the feeling and the power I was getting from the Genesis is great. Needless to say, I didn´t pay for any of this sets, Solinco and Genesis gives free sets to anyone that wants to try their strings even more we can get Solinco reels for 50usd, instead of 155. But my ATP points cost more to me than 50usd. So I am staying with Genesis for a little while, as RPM feels a little stiffer than the Typhoon, and almost the same as the Black Magic. What I do agree with other players is that the presentation is not as good as the Solinco, but what I say is that my presentation card is in my serve, and in my forehand, not in the way my reel looks like when I go to string my racquets!!!
richard
why does it matter where your strings come from. its the playability that matters, doesnt it?
are german or belgium made strings better, i know they are more expensive?
anyway, you should do what works for you, dont worry about what your "friends" say.
z
 

graycrait

Legend
In my string box I keep reels of Genesis Black Magic, Genesis Pro Advantage, Solinco Tour Bite and Solinco Outlast. Tour Bite mains with Black Magic crosses works pretty nice together.
 

mmk

Hall of Fame
richard
why does it matter where your strings come from. its the playability that matters, doesnt it?
are german or belgium made strings better, i know they are more expensive?
anyway, you should do what works for you, dont worry about what your "friends" say.
z
Do you realize you are responding to a six year old post from a poster with 14 total posts?
 
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