Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro & ZX Playtest!

TW Staff

TW Staff

Administrator
Attention Talk Tennis Members:

We are no longer taking requests for this playtest. The strings will ship by Monday or Tuesday of next week (April 29 or 30). We will send notifications when they ship.

*** Please do not post "Email Sent", as those posts will be deleted. Feel free to post questions or comments.

We have a limited quantity of strings to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors.

This playtest is FREE of charge. The only thing that we require is that you post your findings in this thread by May 30 . If you do not post a review, or if your review is clearly lacking effort, you will be excluded from future playtests.

** No Hybrids **

Include the following in your review:

String, gauge, & color received
Tension used for playtest
Regular string set up
Racquet brand and model used for test
Power of test string
Feel
Spin
Comfort
Durability
Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time)
Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)
Compare to the string you use most often
Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?)
List any final thoughts.

BE careful during installation. DO NOT pulls knots too tight as this string has a lower tensile strength than polyester.
 
Last edited:
T

Torres

Banned
I think you should make some suggestions regarding tension and stringing as its a very unique string, that's tension sensitive (don't go too low) and can break when tying knots if you're too brutal (don't use alot of force when tying off as you might with a poly).
 
TW Staff

TW Staff

Administrator
Torres said:
I think you should make some suggestions regarding tension and stringing as its a very unique string, that's tension sensitive (don't go too low) and can break when tying knots if you're too brutal (don't use alot of force when tying off as you might with a poly).
Click to expand...

Torres,

Good point. I want to invite people like yourself to share their tension strategies. I agree with your advice about not tensioning too low, along with not pulling knots too tight. Brittany - a big hitting poly player - found that 50 lbs was too powerful in her Yonex VCore 100S (strung on a lockout), while 61 lbs was a little to firm and underpowered. She liked 56 lbs, which is a few pounds below her preferred nylon reference tension.

The string packets are now shipping with the following instructions from Ashaway:

* Don't pull knots too tight

* Don't scrape or nick string. Be careful when using a starting clamp anywhere on the string.

* Allow time for string to elongate under tension. Count to ten (10).

* Use slower tensioning speed on electronic machines. Fifty % suggested.

* String with at least 10% less tension than nylon strings.

* Don't apply over 60 lbs tension.

* For poly players, use light pre-stretch for more muted response.

* Be careful with use of sharp tools.

* When using double action clamps, release the base first.

* Check racquet grommets for extensive wear.

Thanks,
Jon
 
Last edited:
T

Torres

Banned
I've gone through about 10 sets of the 1.27mm and would make the following comments:

* It's a unique material unlike anything I've played with before. It's not poly or nylon or natural gut so put aside any preconceptions.

* It's a comfortable string even though it doesn't obviously seem soft out of the packet. The string will stretch more than poly or nylon when pulling tension during stringing.

* Be careful when tying off knots. The string can become brittle and prone to breakage in the area where its done 360 degree bends over the X,Y,Z axis ie a knot. Do not worry about over tightening the knot or really cinching it down into a tiny knot. Be careful not overpull the on the second loop when tying off. Do not be brutal when tying off a knot like you might with a poly.

* If you should break the string when tying off, its not the end of the world. I've never broken the string when tying off mains, but have on the crosses. If so, just lose the last cross and tie off on the next available hole. It still seems to play okay.

* Stringing at too low a tension can result in balls flying and the stringbed feeling like it doesn't have sufficient control. Optimum tension obviously requires some guesswork and trial and error, but personally, I would err against going too low. This string plays at it best when you get the tension exactly right for your racquet / playing style ie not too high, not too low.

* Ashway suggest a tension 10% lower than the equivalent nylon but I think that's slightly low. The optimum tension obviously requires a degree of trial and error based on the racquet and particular player, but I've found most success stringing the 1.27mm at the same sort of tensions as I would with a 17 gauge soft co-poly, or at a fractionally higher tension, even though its nowhere near as stiff as a soft co-poly. For comparison:

Genesis Black Magic 17 - 52-53lbs CP (full bed)
Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough 16 - 53-54lbs CP (full bed)
Tourna Blue Hitter Blue Rough 17 - 54-55lbs CP (full bed)
Weiscannon Silverstring 1.20mm - 50-51lbs CP (full bed)
Ashaway Red Monogut ZX 1.27mm - 53-54lbs CP (full bed). (56lbs CP started feeling a bit low powered and slightly boardy)

All strung on the same electronic constant pull (CP) machine (Wilson Baiardo) in a Wilson BLX Juice Pro (96sq" / 16x20)

* Ashaway say that the red is slightly stiffer than the natural but I found this to be only marginal.

* The string seems to play better and settle down after an initial breaking in period comprising some ball hitting so allow for that if necessary.

* Would suggest a long playtest to get the best sense of what this string is about, maybe 7,8,9,10 hours plus. You can tell what a poly or nylon is like in the first hour. This string is a bit more unusual.

* Personally, I wasn't bothered by having the slowest pull setting when stringing. It seemed to take out some of the crispness though Ashaway say that slower pulls may result in improved stringbed consistency.

* The string works well as a full bed IF you get the tension right and string it consistently. It also seems to work exceptionally well as cross with poly mains if you're wanting a bit more power, comfort and feel from the stringbed (though note that this playtest is a fullbed ZX playtest).

* Tension maintenance is very good - better than poly, better than nylon - so allow for that.

* I haven't tried the 1.22mm so can only comment on the 1.27mm.
 
Last edited:
TW Staff

TW Staff

Administrator
LanEvo said:
Can we request which one we want Reg. vs Pro? Or do we get it out of randomness?
Click to expand...

Hi LanEvo,

We are not taking requests. This playtest is intended for players who don't mind playing with and evaluating either gauge.

Thanks,
Jon
 
LanEvo

LanEvo

Hall of Fame
TW Staff said:
Hi LanEvo,

We are not taking requests. This playtest is intended for players who don't mind playing with and evaluating either gauge.

Thanks,
Jon
Click to expand...

Oh ok, I dont mind playing with either one, I just saw/see that there were two available kinds, usually it is just one, so I was just wondering if there was choice or not.
 
P

pvaudio

Legend
So what exactly is this material? Is it simply a proprietary monofilament developed by Zyex, much like if Dupont made a monofilament tennis string? It's very intriguing. :)
 
C

corners

Legend
pvaudio said:
So what exactly is this material? Is it simply a proprietary monofilament developed by Zyex, much like if Dupont made a monofilament tennis string? It's very intriguing. :)
Click to expand...

It's a monofilament made entirely of Zyex.

There's a long thread on it. Pretty much all available information about the string is in there.
 
P

pvaudio

Legend
Oh, is it made out of PEEK? TW, could you explain to us / does Ashaway say how this makes for a great string material? I've heard of it being used for intensive moving applications like valves and gears where there's a lot of heat. Is it just its toughness that's of interest? Thanks!
 
S

scotus

G.O.A.T.
pvaudio said:
Oh, is it made out of PEEK? TW, could you explain to us / does Ashaway say how this makes for a great string material? I've heard of it being used for intensive moving applications like valves and gears where there's a lot of heat. Is it just its toughness that's of interest? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Like natural gut, zyex is used for musical instrument strings.
 
mikeler

mikeler

Moderator
corners said:
LOL. Are you in on the play test? With your wide string experience your impressions would be very valuable.
Click to expand...

PVAudio, you definitely need to try and get in on this one. Corners too. The Ashaway Dynamite 16 was a very unique string that played pretty well, so I'm hoping I'm not too late in the game to get in on this playtest. For any string junkie, Zyex is definitely a must try.
 
Doubles

Doubles

Legend
mikeler said:
PVAudio, you definitely need to try and get in on this one. Corners too. The Ashaway Dynamite 16 was a very unique string that played pretty well, so I'm hoping I'm not too late in the game to get in on this playtest. For any string junkie, Zyex is definitely a must try.
Click to expand...

I knew there was a good reason for me to sign up for this test. Something that sounds like it doesn't fall in any category of string I've tried so far definitely piques my interest.
 
djNEiGht

djNEiGht

Legend
for the sake of asking, are the two strings offered in the play test similar in make but just in different gauge?

MonoGut ZX (1.27mm) and MonoGut ZX Pro (1.22mm)
 
T

TimothyO

Hall of Fame
I've signed up for the playtest and should note that while I wouldn't string the frame personally my friend, Ed Matheson, would be doing the work.

Ed is known by a number of other TT members and is a USRSA MRT. He attends the annual GSS Racquet Stringers Symposium in Florida each year. Definitely a hardcore stringer and he's familiar with ZX having talked to folks about it at the most recent RSS. I'm certain that he would enjoy being part of the playtest! :)
 
db10s

db10s

Hall of Fame
TimothyO said:
I've signed up for the playtest and should note that while I wouldn't string the frame personally my friend, Ed Matheson, would be doing the work.

Ed is known by a number of other TT members and is a USRSA MRT. He attends the annual GSS Racquet Stringers Symposium in Florida each year. Definitely a hardcore stringer and he's familiar with ZX having talked to folks about it at the most recent RSS. I'm certain that he would enjoy being part of the playtest! :)
Click to expand...

Well then.... Guess who is stringing it if I'm included in the playtest? The (not so) famous db10s.:)
 
djNEiGht

djNEiGht

Legend
TW Staff said:
Torres,

Good point. I want to invite people like yourself to share their tension strategies. I agree with your advice about not tensioning too low, along with not pulling knots too tight. Brittany - a big hitting poly player - found that 50 lbs was too powerful in her Yonex VCore 100S (strung on a lockout), while 61 lbs was a little to firm and underpowered. She liked 56 lbs, which is a few pounds below her preferred nylon reference tension.

The string packets are now shipping with the following instructions from Ashaway:

* Don't pull knots too tight

* Don't scrape or nick string. Be careful when using a starting clamp anywhere on the string.

* Allow time for string to elongate under tension. Count to ten (10).

* Use slower tensioning speed on electronic machines. Fifty % suggested.

* String with at least 10% less tension than nylon strings.

* Don't apply over 60 lbs tension.

* For poly players, use light pre-stretch for more muted response.

* Be careful with use of sharp tools.

* When using double action clamps, release the base first.

* Check racquet grommets for extensive wear.

Thanks,
Jon
Click to expand...

As I am learning to string, much of the above is general practice but the other details I find very helpful to me. I'll use that as more info as I learn how to string. Should I get in on this test, this will be my 1st play test that I string myself.
 
mad dog1

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
djNEiGht said:
As I am learning to string, much of the above is general practice but the other details I find very helpful to me. I'll use that as more info as I learn how to string. Should I get in on this test, this will be my 1st play test that I string myself.
Click to expand...

tbh, your first string job will be pretty awful. looking back, i know mine was compared to my string jobs now. of course at the time, i didn't realize it though.

so to give the string a fair shake, if you do participate and are selected, have someone who knows what they're doing string it. otherwise, if the string plays awful, you won't know if it's the string or your string job that's responsible for it.
 
Last edited:
P

pvaudio

Legend
^^^ Can't agree with this more. You'll be shocked at how much better your stringjobs are even six months from now.
 
T

Torres

Banned
If you're still practising or you're self taught, then the first few string jobs won't be very good.

If you've been taught properly by a proper stringer, there's no reason why your initial strings jobs on the same racquet on a good stringing machine shouldn't be fine.
 
mad dog1

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Torres said:
If you're still practising or you're self taught, then the first few string jobs won't be very good.

If you've been taught properly by a proper stringer, there's no reason why your initial strings jobs on the same racquet on a good stringing machine shouldn't be fine.
Click to expand...

i can think of 2 good reasons...

  1. Repetition
  2. Technique (which can only be mastered with practice)
 
T

Torres

Banned
cluckcluck said:
^^^Way to hijack this thread guise.
Click to expand...

It's important. You don't want to be giving this string to a Mickey Mouse or inexperienced stringer. It elongates alot during stringing, its easy to break the string when tying off, you need a good guestimate as to initial tension, it's likely to be more fiddly on a dropweight etc. All of which are best served by having an experienced stringer who doesn't assume that 'its just another string'.
 
cluckcluck

cluckcluck

Hall of Fame
Torres said:
It's important. You don't want to be giving this string to a Mickey Mouse or inexperienced stringer. It elongates alot during stringing, its easy to break the string when tying off, you need a good guestimate as to initial tension, it's likely to be more fiddly on a dropweight etc. All of which are best served by having an experienced stringer who doesn't assume that 'its just another string'.
Click to expand...

I understand that and read your first request to TW about it, which is enough. Though, is it really necessary to debate with another board member on stringing experience on a thread by the mods offering free string to willing testers?
 
mikeler

mikeler

Moderator
cluckcluck said:
I understand that and read your first request to TW about it, which is enough. Though, is it really necessary to debate with another board member on stringing experience on a thread by the mods offering free string to willing testers?
Click to expand...

I'm sure the Mods will take that into consideration when doling out strings for testing though. I would.
 
T

Torres

Banned
cluckcluck said:
I understand that and read your first request to TW about it, which is enough. Though, is it really necessary to debate with another board member on stringing experience on a thread by the mods offering free string to willing testers?
Click to expand...

I doubt that they would mind. To get the best out of the string, and given that its 1 set that they're sending out (and therefore no room for trial and error), the playtester would best served by having the best string job possible until they're familiar with stringing it.
 
Last edited:
djNEiGht

djNEiGht

Legend
note taken

good stuff on both ends of the "court"

I'm not tooting my own horn but the racquets I've done for myself have been getting better (all w syn gut). 1st few jobs where horrible...now they are getting better. I strung my brother-in-law's AG100 & AG200 and didn't struggle as much as my 1st couple string jobs but it took a while for me to study the racquet/pattern and I did the 100 w a multi (learned about ghosting).

Taking the notes from you guys, I will consider deferring this string to be done by my go-to stringer as I do not have experience with this material.
 
db10s

db10s

Hall of Fame
I coincidentally strung some last night (for a friend turned customer)... Pretty easy imo. I just strung it like I would string natural gut, be gentle. I didn't tighten the knots like I tighten poly, and everything came out fine. I strung it at 55 lbs on a NEOS 1000.
 
SteveI

SteveI

Legend
Thanks Man!! ... great info

Torres said:
I've gone through about 10 sets of the 1.27mm and would make the following comments:

* It's a unique material unlike anything I've played with before. It's not poly or nylon or natural gut so put aside any preconceptions.

* It's a comfortable string even though it doesn't obviously seem soft out of the packet. The string will stretch more than poly or nylon when pulling tension during stringing.

* Be careful when tying off knots. The string can become brittle and prone to breakage in the area where its done 360 degree bends over the X,Y,Z axis ie a knot. Do not worry about over tightening the knot or really cinching it down into a tiny knot. Be careful not overpull the on the second loop when tying off. Do not be brutal when tying off a knot like you might with a poly.

* If you should break the string when tying off, its not the end of the world. I've never broken the string when tying off mains, but have on the crosses. If so, just lose the last cross and tie off on the next available hole. It still seems to play okay.

* Stringing at too low a tension can result in balls flying and the stringbed feeling like it doesn't have sufficient control. Optimum tension obviously requires some guesswork and trial and error, but personally, I would err against going too low. This string plays at it best when you get the tension exactly right for your racquet / playing style ie not too high, not too low.

* Ashway suggest a tension 10% lower than the equivalent nylon but I think that's slightly low. The optimum tension obviously requires a degree of trial and error based on the racquet and particular player, but I've found most success stringing the 1.27mm at the same sort of tensions as I would with a 17 gauge soft co-poly, or at a fractionally higher tension, even though its nowhere near as stiff as a soft co-poly. For comparison:

Genesis Black Magic 17 - 52-53lbs CP (full bed)
Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough 16 - 53-54lbs CP (full bed)
Tourna Blue Hitter Blue Rough 17 - 54-55lbs CP (full bed)
Weiscannon Silverstring 1.20mm - 50-51lbs CP (full bed)
Ashaway Red Monogut ZX 1.27mm - 53-54lbs CP (full bed). (56lbs CP started feeling a bit low powered and slightly boardy)

All strung on the same electronic constant pull (CP) machine (Wilson Baiardo) in a Wilson BLX Juice Pro (96sq" / 16x20)

* Ashaway say that the red is slightly stiffer than the natural but I found this to be only marginal.

* The string seems to play better and settle down after an initial breaking in period comprising some ball hitting so allow for that if necessary.

* Would suggest a long playtest to get the best sense of what this string is about, maybe 7,8,9,10 hours plus. You can tell what a poly or nylon is like in the first hour. This string is a bit more unusual.

* Personally, I wasn't bothered by having the slowest pull setting when stringing. It seemed to take out some of the crispness though Ashaway say that slower pulls may result in improved stringbed consistency.

* The string works well as a full bed IF you get the tension right and string it consistently. It also seems to work exceptionally well as cross with poly mains if you're wanting a bit more power, comfort and feel from the stringbed (though note that this playtest is a fullbed ZX playtest).

* Tension maintenance is very good - better than poly, better than nylon - so allow for that.

* I haven't tried the 1.22mm so can only comment on the 1.27mm.
Click to expand...

Hi Torres,

Great info. I got a set of the 1.22 for playtesing. Love the color. I play my poly hybrids 50/48... any insights? I will be installing on a Head IG Instinct MP 16 x 19. BTW.. there are shared holes on this frame..:)

Have a great one..
Steve
 
Last edited:
T

Torres

Banned
SteveI said:
Hi Torres,

Great info. I got a set of the 1.22 for playtesing. Love the color. I play my poly hybrids 50/48... any insights? I will be installing on a Head IG Instinct MP 16 x 19. BTW.. there are shared holes on this frame..:)

Have a great one..
Steve
Click to expand...

Alright mate!

I'm not sure to be honest. I haven't tried the 1.22 but it will probably depend on what gauge poly you're using. If its a 16g stiff poly, then I'd definitely choose a higher tension for the ZX. If its a soft poly, then maybe slightly higher. From my experience of other strings, even the same string in different gauges can require particular tensions and individual fettling, so who knows....

If it was me trying that gauge in that stick for the first time (having regard to your previous tensions), I would probably take a stab at maybe 54 or 55lbs but I think it really depends on the poly and cross string you're currently using and what sort of stiffness those strings are. Trial and error and adjusting with the next set I'm afraid.
 
Last edited:
SteveI

SteveI

Legend
Torres said:
Alright mate!

I'm not sure to be honest. I haven't tried the 1.22 but it will probably depend on what gauge poly you're using. If its a 16g stiff poly, then I'd definitely choose a higher tension for the ZX. If its a soft poly, then maybe slightly higher. From my experience of other strings, even the same string in different gauges can require particular tensions and individual fettling, so who knows....

If it was me trying that gauge in that stick for the first time (having regard to your previous tensions), I would probably take a stab at maybe 54 or 55lbs but I think it really depends on the poly and cross string you're currently using and what sort of stiffness those strings are. Trial and error and adjusting with the next set I'm afraid.
Click to expand...

Hey.. thanks..

I am using Tourna Big Hitter 17G (mains) and Head PPS 16G Crosses 50/48.

I was thinking about 54..or 55. Thanks for the insights!! I was, like PV waiting to string a new frame. The same frame with that I used for the Volkl V-Torque 17G playtest. Gonna string tonight and be ready to go on Tues!!

Enjoy the ride mates. The Red color is very cool..... maybe I should string it in my Head Prestige Pro.. :)
 
T

Torres

Banned
SteveI said:
Silver...:)
Click to expand...

Oooh, that's going to play quite soft then....Silver gets soft quickly after that initial crispness, and with a 1.24mm synthetic gut cross...

Maybe something in the 53-56lbs range then for ZX 1.22 if you're normally stringing at 50/48. Bear in mind that ZX can be quite powerful if you go too low, and you won't have the stiffness of a poly in there to reign back the power. Try and string carefully and consistently with no super fast pulls particularly if you're using a LO machine.
 
Last edited:
Doubles

Doubles

Legend
I was told my set arrived earlier today. I don't know what set it was, but after my exams this week I'll string it up and start to play with it.
 
A

aced_Tezuka

Rookie
I just received the strings today. It was great coming home after league finals to find a package from TennisWarehouse on my table! Thank you so much for the oppurtunity (and just after I pop my strings!)!

I received the ZX Pro I believe, the 1.22mm (17G). I am looking forward to this playtest! Thanks again!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

TW Staff
Ashaway MonoGut ZX & MonoGut ZX Pro (black) Playtest!
2 3
Replies
104
Views
14K
CopolyX
CopolyX
TW Staff
Ashaway Hybrid Playtest
2 3
Replies
148
Views
14K
MIKEPANTELAKIS
M
TW Staff
Volkl V-Torque Playtest
Replies
47
Views
19K
flaspur
F
TW Staff
Head Hawk Playtest!
2
Replies
96
Views
18K
Matchball
Matchball
TW Staff
Volkl Cyclone Tour Playtest
2 3
Replies
118
Views
30K
Torres
T
Top