Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro & ZX Playtest!

Torres said:

I don't think that's a valid conclusion at all. You used one thin gauge at a tension that was lower than ideal, which is always going to result in less than ideal characteristics.

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Higher tension on the thicker gauge seems to be where this one needs to be used. I'm wondering how a 1.32mm version would play. The thing would take forever to break and might have even more control but would probably feel a little boardy.

mikeler said:

Higher tension on the thicker gauge seems to be where this one needs to be used. I'm wondering how a 1.32mm version would play. The thing would take forever to break and might have even more control but would probably feel a little boardy.

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That's just one reason I agree that this string is a bust.

It falls between the stools in the tension - feel spectrum.

To improve control and mitigate the uneven power performance one must increase tension or, as you suggest, diameter.

But as tension/diameter increases you lose feel and this string already has a funky feel which is made worse as tension increases. Even the ZX fanboy Torres noted that the string becomes boardy at 55+.

Meanwhile, you can get both control and feel with soft co-polys at low tension or multi-filaments at medium tension, all at the same cost or less and without the stringing headaches.

As others have noted, Ashaway doesn't know where this should fit in the market and with good reason. It really doesn't have a place since it can't compete with existing solutions across a full spectrum of features.

taking cost out of the equation, the 1.27 mgzx could be for me a very good solution as mains with a soft multi as a cross. the first set i played i strung at my regular poly-tension (21kg, ~46lbs) and that was definitely too low as i had serious control issues on faster balls. the second set i strung at 22kg (~48lbs), also upping the tension on the crosses and i got it pretty well under control. still i'm tempted to go slightly higher whenever i will get to play with it again.

the different sound didn't bother me and stringmovement was present but not really annoying. i even get stringmovement with fresh poly but as long as it is not excessive i don't really care.

this string somehow reminds me about my hitting experience with the first blade tour stick (the one djokovic has briefly sported) - an really wonderful stick but too demanding for my old bones. if i would have hit the gym for two hours a day i would most probably have been able to enjoy that stick. the mgzx is moving right along this line for me - when i set up properly for my strokes i can do whatever i want with this string, but to consistently do that i should hit the gym ... and that would only increase the bill of playing with the mgzx.

TimothyO said:

Meanwhile, you can get both control and feel with soft co-polys at low tension or multi-filaments at medium tension, all at the same cost or less and without the stringing headaches.

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You've missed the point again.

Polys don't last. They lose tension quickly and go dead. I can barely get 5 hours out of Black Magic for instance.

Similar tension loss problems with nylon. You string at a reference tension and it plays well for 2 maybe 3 hours. On the 2nd and 3rd outing, you're further and further away from your reference tension. Nylon will stretch with hitting and it will not stretch back entirely. Maybe it doesn't affect you at your level but having a stringbed that's a moving feast in performance terms is far from ideal.

If Ashaway can produce a string that has the control and spin of a poly, the tension maintenance of natural gut, and the forgivness of nylon, they will be onto a winner. I'm not unconvinced that ZX entirely does that but does have elements of all those types of string. Subject of course to stringing, finding the right tension, racquet / player factors etc.

mikeler said:

Higher tension on the thicker gauge seems to be where this one needs to be used. I'm wondering how a 1.32mm version would play. The thing would take forever to break and might have even more control but would probably feel a little boardy.

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Personally, I'd like to see a 1.27mm in a stiffer, spinnier formulation.

Torres said:

I don't think that's a valid conclusion at all. You used one thin gauge at a tension that was lower than ideal, which is always going to result in less than ideal characteristics.

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The bottom line in my experience and in this test (1.22) was just too much trouble for the price. There are so many better options out there for a better price. I was very excited about this playtest since in general, I like the offerings from Ashaway and their pricing. I just to do not "get" this offering. Does not know what it is.. and I have not the time nor the money to experiment to get it to work for me. I my case and in a high percentage of the playtesters.. a bust. I would use something like Wilson HollowCore before this.

Tension on the 1.22 I suspect needs to be higher than what you strung it at. Too low a tension on the 1.27 results in a lack of control, so I don't see why 1.22 would be different.

Torres said:

Tension on the 1.22 I suspect needs to be higher than what you strung it at. Too low a tension on the 1.27 results in a lack of control, so I don't see why 1.22 would be different.

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The lack of consistent control was the issue. I never felt connected to the string bed. One ball would fly and the next would land short. I also let a few of my hitting partners play it... pretty much same feedback.

Tension's too low for the gauge / racquet / player. Was the ball flying at 60lbs?

KoolTennisKid said:

*all categories except for durability and playability duration are only about the first 6ish hours with the string, because the characteristics of the string drastically changed after

if I'm honest, I LOVED this string for the first 5-6 hours on court, I felt like I could've actually makes a switch, no joke, but then it went all down hill for me and the string were moving, spin production went down and for some reason I noticed that instead of the string becoming MORE powerful they became LESS powerful which was very weird to adjust to, this is one if not the only problem I had with this string

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I had similar experiences in that the characteristics of the string seemed to change over its lifetime of 10-12 hours. Once it had broken in and setttled down, it played really well, then after a few hours, I noticed that I was struggling to produce heavy balls.

After manually manipulating the strings at the cross sections (there seemed to minor abrasion and some sticking) it seemed to play slightly better again as a result of the strings being 'freed up'. Then towards the end of its lifetime, it seemed to be become lower powered and more predictable and precise which was great control but not necessarily so great for hitting through the court.

Then at around 10-12 hours, the string started feeling tinny/stiff as if the strings weren't sliding well against each anymore. I cut it out at 12 hours.

1.27mm in a 6.1 95/18x20:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=7199331&postcount=201

1.27mm in a BLX JP 96/16x20
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=7250715&postcount=352
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=7257342&postcount=362
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=7260543&postcount=383

My set got lost in the mail but I did end up receiving the playtest set. I was only able to play with it, for the first time, a couple of hours last night so I will post my first impressions here.

I received the 16g Red version of Mono Gut ZX.

Tension: 56m/54c

Racquet: Volkl X10 295

Normal set up: Various multis between 58-53lbs.

First impressions: This string played well from the beginning and did not seem to have a break-in period. Comfort and feel were what I typically experience from a multifilament, so it was a pleasant surprise to find this in a mono. It may have actually felt a little too soft for my taste - not terribly so and still extremely playable, but next time I will bump the tension up to 60/58.

Power level was average to above average when compared to the last sting I had in the racquet, Alpha Gut 2K 17g, and significantly higher than the Gamma playtest string I finished last season with. I had volleys, groundies and serves going long more than I like, but I think I could make the necessary adjustments, given more time with this string. The heavy swirling winds I played in last night didn't help.

I was very happy with the spin production I had on both serves and ground strokes. Spin serves were either changing direction or slicing as well or better than with any string I typically use. I was able to hit several effective short angle cross court forehands with ease and confidence. I was pretty confident in hitting deep, looping forehands and flatter topspin drives had good court penetration.

String movement is basically non-existent, which is nice since the only other Ashaway string I have used, Dynamite 17g, might be the worst moving string ever.

Overall, I like this string very much for its combination of power, spin and comfort. My favorite multi, Gamma Pro 16, is also a Zyex string, and shares many of the playability characters of AMGZX. The ZX may lack a little of the control, feel and pocketing of the Gamma Pro, but it is still very playable in those areas as well. If the playability holds up for as long as, say, Prince Premier Attack and a bump up in tension crisps the stringbed a little, then I can see myself gaming this string in the long run.

I can see what I think Ashaway was trying to accomplish with Mono Gut ZX - combining the most desirable characteristics of a co-poly with those of a multifilament. Imo, they did a very good job of it. There was nothing I didn't like about this string.

Thanks Tennis Warehouse for the opportunity to test!

^^^ And another great review for the 16g.

Torres said:

If Ashaway can produce a string that has the control and spin of a poly...

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It definitely doesn't have the control of a poly, nor its spin potential. In fact, a common theme in the feedback from the start of the test has been the lack of consistency and control. Spin potential degrades rapidly as the surface dents and ripples locking up like any multi. Taking a big cut with a low powered poly is one thing. That doesn't work with ZX.

Torres said:

the tension maintenance of natural gut...

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4G has excellent tension maintenance and even many synthetic guts do so. Tension maintenance isn't the only factor in durability. Unfortunately, ZX dents and ripples like many polys thereby degrading whatever low friction qualities it might possess initially. And while natural gut exhibits both great tension maintenance and control over its lifespan ZX clearly drops in control and feel as it ages. It plays like some dying polys do.

Torres said:

and the forgivness of nylon...

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Again, a common theme in the reports has been an inconsistent string bed response with respect to power and control, especially over time. I would not equate that erratic performance with "forgiveness".

I fully understand your point and that of the Ashaway marketing department. They're trying to claim that ZX exhibits the positive aspects of various string types and none of the challenges. I was truly excited when the fellow who strung this for me returned last fall from the RSS with Ashaway's spec sheets on this string. In theory, it makes lots of sense: produce a slippery monofilament with playing and durability characteristics that combine the best of polys and natural gut. You'd get the spin of a poly and the longevity, feel, and control of natural gut.

But this string feels nothing like natural gut. It lacks natty gut's unique, consistent feel. Gut is powerful but it's also very consistent. ZX is erratically powerful.

Nor is it like a poly. The surface significantly dents and ripples preventing it from performing like a smooth poly over time and its erratic power means that you can't take a huge cut at the ball as with a low powered poly.

The objective makes complete sense. But they definitely didn't achieve it.

I'm a 4.5 with a lot of time on the 1.27 mm version and it is barely notched.

TimothyO said:

It definitely doesn't have the control of a poly, nor its spin potential. In fact, a common theme in the feedback from the start of the test has been the lack of consistency and control. Spin potential degrades rapidly as the surface dents and ripples locking up like any multi. Taking a big cut with a low powered poly is one thing. That doesn't work with ZX.



4G has excellent tension maintenance and even many synthetic guts do so. Tension maintenance isn't the only factor in durability. Unfortunately, ZX dents and ripples like many polys thereby degrading whatever low friction qualities it might possess initially. And while natural gut exhibits both great tension maintenance and control over its lifespan ZX clearly drops in control and feel as it ages. It plays like some dying polys do.



Again, a common theme in the reports has been an inconsistent string bed response with respect to power and control, especially over time. I would not equate that erratic performance with "forgiveness".

I fully understand your point and that of the Ashaway marketing department. They're trying to claim that ZX exhibits the positive aspects of various string types and none of the challenges. I was truly excited when the fellow who strung this for me returned last fall from the RSS with Ashaway's spec sheets on this string. In theory, it makes lots of sense: produce a slippery monofilament with playing and durability characteristics that combine the best of polys and natural gut. You'd get the spin of a poly and the longevity, feel, and control of natural gut.

But this string feels nothing like natural gut. It lacks natty gut's unique, consistent feel. Gut is powerful but it's also very consistent. ZX is erratically powerful.

Nor is it like a poly. The surface significantly dents and ripples preventing it from performing like a smooth poly over time and its erratic power means that you can't take a huge cut at the ball as with a low powered poly.

The objective makes complete sense. But they definitely didn't achieve it.

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... TimO ...Nailed it. I know there have been some very positive reviews of the 16g. The 17G is the one I playtested and the results are pretty much right on with the above post.

mikeler said:

I'm a 4.5 with a lot of time on the 1.27 mm version and it is barely notched.

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That's odd. The retired fellow/MRT who strung my frame is in his 70s and his is heavily notched and rippled. He liked ZX specifically because he doesn't have to hit hard.

I had actually purchased a package of ZX intending to try it as a cross with gut mains. After reading a negative report by another TT member who tried gut/ZX and examining my friend's frames I decided against that experiment. The other TT member reported that a gut/ZX bed locks up. His description is consistent with my experience in this test using full bed ZX and with what I observed of my friend's frames.

Maybe there's significant variation in ZX manufacturing processes?

It seems that lots of people are reporting that ZX dents, ripples, and makes grinding/squeaking/crunchy noises when trying to slide the mains over crosses. For me it dented far more than even 4G.

On behalf of Ashaway, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the playtest and TW for facilitating.

The variability in experience with Monogut Zx and Pro in the playtest mirrors the response we have gotten elsewhere. We believe it is a function of the uniqueness of the string.

I can explain a few of the most discussed topics from this thread from Ashaway's perspective. The comparison to natural gut comes from the perspective of the strings dynamic stiffness measurement. On TW string finder, you find this measurement used in both the power and arm friendliness categories. MZX is bested only by natural gut in this measurement. Not surprisingly the power and comfort were 2 of the benefits often mention by the testers in this thread.

Where the comparison to natural gut clearly falls short is in the control department, where the monofilament structure combined with the power have proven difficult to tame for many players.

In addition to power and comfort, Zyex has the added benefit of providing a string bed that maintains its tension longer than either Poly or Nylon strings.

The price of the string is high because the raw material is very expensive. PEEK is 10 to 20 times the cost of Polyester or Nylon.

Clearly, the racket, stinging tension, and the player are all key factors in being able to tame MZX and maximize the benefits (power, arm friendliness, and tension maintenance) and minimize the potential wildness.

The string holds a lot of potential in hybrid stringing. Different combinations will help maximize the benefits and provide more control.

julianashaway said:

On behalf of Ashaway, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the playtest and TW for facilitating.

The variability in experience with Monogut Zx and Pro in the playtest mirrors the response we have gotten elsewhere. We believe it is a function of the uniqueness of the string.

I can explain a few of the most discussed topics from this thread from Ashaway's perspective. The comparison to natural gut comes from the perspective of the strings dynamic stiffness measurement. On TW string finder, you find this measurement used in both the power and arm friendliness categories. MZX is bested only by natural gut in this measurement. Not surprisingly the power and comfort were 2 of the benefits often mention by the testers in this thread.

Where the comparison to natural gut clearly falls short is in the control department, where the monofilament structure combined with the power have proven difficult to tame for many players.

In addition to power and comfort, Zyex has the added benefit of providing a string bed that maintains its tension longer than either Poly or Nylon strings.

The price of the string is high because the raw material is very expensive. PEEK is 10 to 20 times the cost of Polyester or Nylon.

Clearly, the racket, stinging tension, and the player are all key factors in being able to tame MZX and maximize the benefits (power, arm friendliness, and tension maintenance) and minimize the potential wildness.

The string holds a lot of potential in hybrid stringing. Different combinations will help maximize the benefits and provide more control.

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Nice to see someone from Ashaway taking the time to respond and post here!

Couple of questions:

-What types of hybrids would you recommend? How would MXZ work best as a cross? Would it work as a cross for a soft nylon main like multi or gut?

-Is there anything you will due in future iterations of this string to add more spin? Many users complain of low spin levels and the ball "sliding" off the stringbed with little "grab".

-since so many complain about too much power and lack of control...why tell people to go LOWER in tension than normal? I think a better recommendation would be to go maybe 2 lbs lower than you would for a gut or multi.

- What "niche" does this string actually fill? Many say it's OK in many aspects, but they have a hard time pinpointing where this string beats others? For example, for soft feel and power, a premium multi would do better. For spin and control, a copoly would do better. MZX's best qualities seem to be: comfort, power & durability. What's the best player profile for these benefits?

TimothyO said:

That's odd. The retired fellow/MRT who strung my frame is in his 70s and his is heavily notched and rippled. He liked ZX specifically because he doesn't have to hit hard.

I had actually purchased a package of ZX intending to try it as a cross with gut mains. After reading a negative report by another TT member who tried gut/ZX and examining my friend's frames I decided against that experiment. The other TT member reported that a gut/ZX bed locks up. His description is consistent with my experience in this test using full bed ZX and with what I observed of my friend's frames.

Maybe there's significant variation in ZX manufacturing processes?

It seems that lots of people are reporting that ZX dents, ripples, and makes grinding/squeaking/crunchy noises when trying to slide the mains over crosses. For me it dented far more than even 4G.

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Tim...it appears that the best use for ZX is to soften up a poly mains hybrid and also to add power to that setup. It will offer a durable, soft cross that won't get sawed through (like nylon) and will add more pop to the stringbed.

JackB1 said:

Tim...it appears that the best use for ZX is to soften up a poly mains hybrid and also to add power to that setup. It will offer a durable, soft cross that won't get sawed through (like nylon) and will add more pop to the stringbed.

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I believe that it works best as a cross with Kevlar (i prefer 18g). Poly loses too much tension and therefore control and stops grabbing the ball (plus I break almost any poly within 2 hours). Kevlar, although it loses tension, it's characteristics do not change and it is still very control-oriented. It gives great spin and, when crossed with Zyex, it becomes more powerful and provides greater pop. It doesn't get sawed.

julianashaway said:

On behalf of Ashaway, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the playtest and TW for facilitating.

In addition to power and comfort, Zyex has the added benefit of providing a string bed that maintains its tension longer than either Poly or Nylon strings.

The price of the string is high because the raw material is very expensive. PEEK is 10 to 20 times the cost of Polyester or Nylon.

Clearly, the racket, stinging tension, and the player are all key factors in being able to tame MZX and maximize the benefits (power, arm friendliness, and tension maintenance) and minimize the potential wildness.

The string holds a lot of potential in hybrid stringing. Different combinations will help maximize the benefits and provide more control.

Click to expand...

Many thanks to you and Ashaway for providing the play test and providing 'straight talking', honest information about this string. Also thanks to 'corners' for originally stirring my interest in this string.

Its definitely a material like no other, playing beautifully at times and frustrating at other times. I didn't realise that PEEK was so expensive. I've found that it works fabulously well as a cross string - far superior to any nylon cross string that I've tried - as it offers power, greater 'slipperyness', feel, forgiveness, softness, and excellent tension maintenance to what would otherwise be a stiffer (poly) string bed.

I'd be happy to keep a few sets of this to use as a premium cross string.

Now if Ashaway could produce a stiffer, shaped, spinny version of this string that could entirely replace poly but without the downsides of poly (principally short playing life) that really would be something....

Torres said:

Many thanks to you and Ashaway for providing the play test and providing 'straight talking', honest information about this string. Also thanks to 'corners' for originally stirring my interest in this string.

Its definitely a material like no other, playing beautifully at times and frustrating at other times. I didn't realise that PEEK was so expensive. I've found that it works fabulously well as a cross string - far superior to any nylon cross string that I've tried - as it offers power, greater 'slipperyness', feel, forgiveness, softness, and excellent tension maintenance to what would otherwise be a stiffer (poly) string bed.

I'd be happy to keep a few sets of this to use as a premium cross string.

Now if Ashaway could produce a stiffer, shaped, spinny version of this string that could entirely replace poly but without the downsides of poly (principally short playing life) that really would be something....

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Thanks, Torres, for the kind words and the suggestions!

Your contributions on TT have added a lot to the cumulative knowledge base of this product.

Keep searching for that perfect set-up!

Torres said:

Now if Ashaway could produce a stiffer, shaped, spinny version of this string that could entirely replace poly but without the downsides of poly (principally short playing life) that really would be something....

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They already make something that does everything you're looking for - braided kevlar is stiffer, shaped (rough braided surface), and holds tension much, much better than poly (once it's either pre-stretched thoroughly or broken in). And once it's broken in, it doesn't feel much stiffer than poly.

^ I've ordered some Kevlar 18 to try out with ZX. My only concern is that Kevlar might be too stiff. At least with ZX even if they were to stiffen that it wouldn't really be truly 'stiff' as its so comfortable to begin with.

JackB1 said:

Nice to see someone from Ashaway taking the time to respond and post here!

Couple of questions:

-What types of hybrids would you recommend? How would MXZ work best as a cross? Would it work as a cross for a soft nylon main like multi or gut?

-Is there anything you will due in future iterations of this string to add more spin? Many users complain of low spin levels and the ball "sliding" off the stringbed with little "grab".

-since so many complain about too much power and lack of control...why tell people to go LOWER in tension than normal? I think a better recommendation would be to go maybe 2 lbs lower than you would for a gut or multi.

- What "niche" does this string actually fill? Many say it's OK in many aspects, but they have a hard time pinpointing where this string beats others? For example, for soft feel and power, a premium multi would do better. For spin and control, a copoly would do better. MZX's best qualities seem to be: comfort, power & durability. What's the best player profile for these benefits?

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I'll do my best here and take them one at a time.

- Not sure the real benefit of using a hybrid with Nylon. The ZX may be a little more powerful that most Nylon strings, however the real benefit of ZX over Nylon is the ability to maintain tension. In a hybrid with Nylon, you are limiting the life of the ZX to the tension maintenance of the Nylon.

Definitely an option with a Poly main to add some power and arm friendliness to the Poly set-up. Once again you are limiting the life of the ZX to the tension maintenance of the Poly.

To maximize the tension maintenance of the ZX and bring control into the equation I recommend a ZX Kevlar hybrid. The only down-side here is wasting the arm-friendliness of the ZX with potentially harsh Kevlar. For this reason, I am pushing for the first ZX hybrid offering from Ashaway to be ZX with Kevlar Plus. Kevlar Plus is more arm-friendly Kevlar and may allow the benefits of ZX to be used best and also bring some control to the string bed.

A hybrid with natural gut is a great idea to bring the cost of the string bed down and not waste the gut with the tension loss of Poly or Nylon strings.

- Thinner gauges will provide more spin potential or maybe shaped or textured surfaces. Time will tell.

-It definitely seems that tension is key with this string. I can tell you that the original recommendation to string 10-15% lower than Nylon or Poly was based on the idea that Poly and Nylon lose tension so much quicker. It was thought that players who like Poly strung at 50 would like ZX at 45 because they are used to their Poly losing tension. Now that there is a larger knowledge base on this unique product, I would say throw Poly and Nylon reference points out. This string is different and needs to be thought of as different. There is plenty of power there. Most have reported best results between 55 and 60 lbs. There straight pull tensile strength on knots for 16 gauge ZX is between 65 and 70 lbs. If you string above 60 you risk snapping during stringing.

- You nailed the three benefits. Durability specifically in respect to better tension maintenance of the string bed. Players who don't get enough power with Poly or enough string bed longevity with Nylon can benefit from ZX, especially if they are willing to learn to tame the string by finding the correct racquet/ tension/ hybrid set-up to maximize the benefits and minimize the lack of control that comes with such a powerful mono. Also anyone with a sore elbow could benefit from playing with ZX for a while. For older players who don't want to swing hard, this is a no-brainer.

Gauge & color: Monogut ZxPro 17 g/wheat

Tension used for playtest: 50

Regular string set-up: Kneissl Pro Star/Pro's Pro synthetic gut at 48 lbs.

Racquet brand/model: Kneissl Tom's Machine (green)

Power: Very good; no problem hitting with pace

Feel: Was disappointed in this area. The string had kind of a plastic feel to it. I did not get the kind of "thud" feel that I was hoping for.

Spin: Generated spin like a soft poly.

Comfort: Very good but again did not like the feel.

Durability: Very good. Did not see any signs of notching.

Playability: String remained very consistent over several weeks of play. I don't think hard hitters would have any problems with the string. Would consider it a good middle of the road string. I don't see folks who like multi-filaments heading for this string though.

Control: Very good, especially directional. Spin was like a soft poly.

Tension: Despite Ashaway's recommendation to string lower, I think that dropping it down lower is not necessary. I do feel that it should be strung at 55 or higher.

I would not choose it as my string but the soft poly crowd might. Unlike some of the other posters, I actually like the regular Monogut better.

julianashaway said:

- Thinner gauges will provide more spin potential or maybe shaped or textured surfaces. Time will tell.

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I'll say it again, the powerful strings like multis and ZX tend to get springy when they get thinner. In order to get the 1.22mm to work based on what I'm reading, I think you would almost have to make a shaped string so the ball stays in. The 1.27mm is really good, I will try out the natural version sometime. If you do go with a shaped string, hopefully you'll keep the round string in the line up too but I guarantee you that I will try a shaped one if you sell it in the future.

The thinner the gauge, the more elastic the string, the higher the tension people need to go. That's the case with ZX.

There's no point people stringing natural gut 1.25 or a very thin multi at a reference tension of 52lbs for instance and then complaining that it has 'no control' or is too powerful.

Having re-used a half set of ZX (harvested from a strung racquet) as a cross in a hybrid, it maintains its elasticity amazingly well so unlike a poly, a high or higher tension is unlikely to be adverse to the string.

julianashaway said:

A hybrid with natural gut is a great idea to bring the cost of the string bed down and not waste the gut with the tension loss of Poly or Nylon strings.

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That was my original interest in ZX. But another TT member tried gut/ZX and reported that the stringbed quickly locked up like any mundane full multi thereby eliminating a prime advantage of a gut/poly hybrid. That report makes sense given how ZX degrades with use: it dents deeply and the surface acquires lots of ripples both of which increase friction significantly.

4G provides tension maintence equal to gut and ZX and does great as a cross with gut mains for that reason. It dents and ripples too but not nearly as much as ZX thus providing great control and spin for a longer period of time with gut mains.

A pre-stretched soft co-poly also works great in a gut/poly hybrid since tension loss isn't an issue.

I agree with your comment on this string being perfect for older folks seeking comfort and power with slower swings at a cost lower than gut. Strung in the low to mid 50s it certainly provides power and comfort at afforable rates!

My retired friend who is an oustanding MRT enjoys ZX precisely for that reason. It should do well in the Florida retirement tennis community!

But moving to the high 50s there have been reports that ZX becomes significantly more boardy and loses lots of feel (eg Torres reported that). So either you get power and feel or control with ZX but you can't get both at the same time due to how it behaves at various tensions.

Clearly, the racket, stinging tension, and the player are all key factors in being able to tame MZX and maximize the benefits (power, arm friendliness, and tension maintenance) and minimize the potential wildness.

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I think that's the key challenge facing ZX. The common theme seems to be lack of consistency and control compared to other products. People are struggling to figure out how to "tame" the string while not being able to maintain all of its benefits at any given tension or in any given hybrid.

Torres said:

Having re-used a half set of ZX (harvested from a strung racquet) as a cross in a hybrid, it maintains its elasticity amazingly well so unlike a poly, a high or higher tension is unlikely to be adverse to the string.

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Torres said:

Ashaway Red Monogut ZX 1.27mm - 53-54lbs CP (full bed). (56lbs CP started feeling a bit low powered and slightly boardy)
.

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hmmm...

10char

TimothyO said:

That was my original interest in ZX. But another TT member tried gut/ZX and reported that the stringbed quickly locked up like any mundane full multi thereby eliminating a prime advantage of a gut/poly hybrid. That report makes sense given how ZX degrades with use: it dents deeply and the surface acquires lots of ripples both of which increase friction significantly.

4G provides tension maintence equal to gut and ZX and does great as a cross with gut mains for that reason. It dents and ripples too but not nearly as much as ZX thus providing great control and spin for a longer period of time with gut mains.

A pre-stretched soft co-poly also works great in a gut/poly hybrid since tension loss isn't an issue.

If you are happy with the tension maintenance with 4G or soft co-poly in a hybrid with gut, why did you have hopes for ZX? Are you looking for something softer on the arm, more powerful, or more playable to mix with your gut?

I think that's the key challenge facing ZX. The common theme seems to be lack of consistency and control compared to other products. People are struggling to figure out how to "tame" the string while not being able to maintain all of its benefits at any given tension or in any given hybrid.

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You are right about this being the key challenge. Some have struggled to tame the string, some have loved the string right from the beginning. Remember this is a completely new string with completely different characteristics than any that has come before. There will be an educational period before its proper use is fully understood. When mono filament polyester strings first hit the market reviews were awful. Players thought it would never work to have something so stiff used for playing Tennis. 20+ years later, Poly dominates the market.

julianashaway said:

You are right about this being the key challenge. Some have struggled to tame the string, some have loved the string right from the beginning. Remember this is a completely new string with completely different characteristics than any that has come before. There will be an educational period before its proper use is fully understood. When mono filament polyester strings first hit the market reviews were awful. Players thought it would never work to have something so stiff used for playing Tennis. 20+ years later, Poly dominates the market.

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No doubt there will be a period of education. The price is high due to the cost of the material. That will also have to be tamed somewhat to make an impact on the marketplace. Ashaway has always delivered great products at a fair price along with great customer support. Sorry I could not report a better experience in my playtest. The 1.27 mm might have worked better for my game and frame. Good luck..

julianashaway said:

You are right about this being the key challenge. Some have struggled to tame the string, some have loved the string right from the beginning. Remember this is a completely new string with completely different characteristics than any that has come before. There will be an educational period before its proper use is fully understood. When mono filament polyester strings first hit the market reviews were awful. Players thought it would never work to have something so stiff used for playing Tennis. 20+ years later, Poly dominates the market.

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Perhaps a period of both education based on court experience and further development in the material?

Since polys were first introduced they have evolved in composition, shape, and texture.

Today there are co-polys that play relatively soft in spite of the high stiffness values they generate in lab testing. And some, such as 4G, demonstrate tension loss rates on par with natural gut, multis, and ZX.

For me the perfect evolution of ZX would result in a soft cross for natural gut mains that maintained a glassy smooth surface that remained dent and ripple free for an extended period of time. That ZX cross would also compliment natural gut's tension loss and long term playability characteristics while also providing outstanding control.

So far, in the world of synthetic crosses, the only solutions that I've found close to those requirements are 4G (which does tend to dent/ripple over time) and pre-stretched Focus Hex (which, in spite of being pre-stretched, will continue to degrade in control over time). Other synthetic crosses provide too little control, especially with tension loss, dent/ripple too much, or become uncomfortably boardy.

I commend Ashaway for thinking outside the box and exploring new materials. While I was not excited about the results of this particular test I hope that you continue your innovative efforts.

I also appreciate your honesty in discussing ZX. I've served as a vice president for product management for tech companies and feel strongly that the best path to competitive dominance is being ruthlessly honest with yourself as an innovator. Too many companies see marketing strictly as "MarCom" and fail to engage the market in a manner that provides actionable feedback for product development. They treat their prospective customers with disdain and will go as far as to deceive them rather than admitting when a product faces certain challenges. Ashaway is clearly not one of those companies and you deserve success for your honest efforts when gathering market feedback for further product development. Others in the tennis industry could learn from your company.

Good luck!

TimothyO said:

Perhaps a period of both education based on court experience and further development in the material?

Since polys were first introduced they have evolved in composition, shape, and texture.

Today there are co-polys that play relatively soft in spite of the high stiffness values they generate in lab testing. And some, such as 4G, demonstrate tension loss rates on par with natural gut, multis, and ZX.

For me the perfect evolution of ZX would result in a soft cross for natural gut mains that maintained a glassy smooth surface that remained dent and ripple free for an extended period of time. That ZX cross would also compliment natural gut's tension loss and long term playability characteristics while also providing outstanding control.

So far, in the world of synthetic crosses, the only solutions that I've found close to those requirements are 4G (which does tend to dent/ripple over time) and pre-stretched Focus Hex (which, in spite of being pre-stretched, will continue to degrade in control over time). Other synthetic crosses provide too little control, especially with tension loss, dent/ripple too much, or become uncomfortably boardy.

I commend Ashaway for thinking outside the box and exploring new materials. While I was not excited about the results of this particular test I hope that you continue your innovative efforts.

I also appreciate your honesty in discussing ZX. I've served as a vice president for product management for tech companies and feel strongly that the best path to competitive dominance is being ruthlessly honest with yourself as an innovator. Too many companies see marketing strictly as "MarCom" and fail to engage the market in a manner that provides actionable feedback for product development. They treat their prospective customers with disdain and will go as far as to deceive them rather than admitting when a product faces certain challenges. Ashaway is clearly not one of those companies and you deserve success for your honest efforts when gathering market feedback for further product development. Others in the tennis industry could learn from your company.

Good luck!

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Thanks for the kind words and honest opinions!

I still think you shouldn't give up on ZX as a cross for gut until you try it for yourself. 16 gauge at 56-58 lbs.

julianashaway said:

Thanks for the kind words and honest opinions!

I still think you shouldn't give up on ZX as a cross for gut until you try it for yourself. 16 gauge at 56-58 lbs.

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Torres has B5E/ZX strung up. I'm eager to hear about his results on court.

mikeler said:

Torres has B5E/ZX strung up. I'm eager to hear about his results on court.

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one might think that his prior posted disdain for B5E might "bias" this test. why not use BHBR (a fave of his) ?

I received a confirmation email from TW to partake in the playtest about a month ago. But I just received the string yesterday? :-?

bad_call said:

one might think that his prior posted disdain for B5E might "bias" this test. why not use BHBR (a fave of his) ?

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I don't believe he has tried it as a hybrid. His dislike was a full bed of B5E.

Stringers said:

I received a confirmation email from TW to partake in the playtest about a month ago. But I just received the string yesterday? :-?

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Maybe my original test set will show up 1 day.

JackB1 said:

Tim...it appears that the best use for ZX is to soften up a poly mains hybrid and also to add power to that setup. It will offer a durable, soft cross that won't get sawed through (like nylon) and will add more pop to the stringbed.

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Spot on. My experience exactly with Black Widow in the mains and ZX Pro in the crosses.

Yes, there are control issues, and also I experiences dead spots with this combo when hitting off-centre with a rushed stroke without full follow through, but the general benefits of tremendous power and spin far outweigh the negative.