Big Hitter (Blue) Rough

Orion3

Semi-Pro
Thanks for the reply about TE. I have had issues with that, so I will avoid a full bed for now. I have used poly/mains with gut/xs to maximize spin in the past. The reverse setup gives you more feel, but less spin?

The spin is a little less than a fully poly setup, but still very good. I love a the fully polly setup the spin and control is fantastic...but given an ageing body gut mains and poly crosses are a more sensible option.
The gut gives exceptional feel and a little extra power but the poly crosses allow the gut to slide and snap back so I'm getting great spin and control too. Personally, this is will be my go-to setup from her on in.
 

NE1for10is?

Semi-Pro
Gut mains poly cross has more spin potential than poly main gut cross. Gut mains are slippery on poly crosses. With poly mains they get stuck on the gut cross. I've used both as well as full poly. Gut main is as much spin as full poly.

The spin is a little less than a fully poly setup, but still very good. I love a the fully polly setup the spin and control is fantastic...but given an ageing body gut mains and poly crosses are a more sensible option.
The gut gives exceptional feel and a little extra power but the poly crosses allow the gut to slide and snap back so I'm getting great spin and control too. Personally, this is will be my go-to setup from her on in.

Very helpful. I'll try it out. Any suggestions as far as tension?
 

Nojoke

Rookie
The spin is a little less than a fully poly setup, but still very good. I love a the fully polly setup the spin and control is fantastic...but given an ageing body gut mains and poly crosses are a more sensible option.
The gut gives exceptional feel and a little extra power but the poly crosses allow the gut to slide and snap back so I'm getting great spin and control too. Personally, this is will be my go-to setup from her on in.

Do you keep the poly cross until the gut main breaks? Do gut mains blunt the feel of dying/dead poly?
 

Orion3

Semi-Pro
I've only recently started with a gut poly hybrid, so others will have a lot more experience to me.

In Answer to Your questions:

After taking advice from a Prince tech I went 52/46 vs gut 16 mains/ BHBR 17 x's
I will get my second EX03 tour done late but will up the poly tension to 48lb

I'm expecting/hoping to restring the poly twice in the guts life. I've not played long enough with setup for the poly to go dead yet so can't comment on feel - sorry.
 

arche3

Banned
Big hitter blue rough 16. Strung 55/52 on a constant pull machine on my apdgt.

Played outside in sunny 55 degree weather.

The power level is very low. Slightly lower than full rpm 16 at same tensions. Spin is comparable. More or less the same. Feels softer than rpm. More muted. But not sure if it is stiffer or not. It might be stiffer than rpm is my first impression even though it feels softer.

Will restring at 52/49 and post my thoughts again.
 

NE1for10is?

Semi-Pro
I used a gut/Big Hitter Blue Rough hybrid for a league doubles match today. It was fantastic. I don't usually experiment with new string jobs during a match, but it felt good so I kept playing with it. Good spin and enough pop. I was holding easily and we won 3 and 2. Arm feels great, so I'll be sticking with this setup for a while. I may try tweaking it with a little lower tension for a bit more power. Not sure if I should lower the gut or the BHBR or both...
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I used a gut/Big Hitter Blue Rough hybrid for a league doubles match today. It was fantastic. I don't usually experiment with new string jobs during a match, but it felt good so I kept playing with it. Good spin and enough pop. I was holding easily and we won 3 and 2. Arm feels great, so I'll be sticking with this setup for a while. I may try tweaking it with a little lower tension for a bit more power. Not sure if I should lower the gut or the BHBR or both...

What racquet was this used in?
 

arche3

Banned
round 2: Big hitter blue rough 16. Strung 53/50 on a constant pull machine on my apdgt.

I like it better lower. Still,very muted and low powered. again similar to RPM 16 at similar tensions in power and spin. I do think this string is just as stiff as RPM 16. Both are softer playing but I think the BHBR is more deceiving as it plays softer than the RPM blast. Not the holy grail as others have posted. I still prefer full bed RPM 16 to BHBR 16 in a full bed.

compared to VS16/RPM16 hybrid it is no contest. Gut mains Poly crosses play much better in all aspects for me.

Big hitter blue rough 16. Strung 55/52 on a constant pull machine on my apdgt.

Played outside in sunny 55 degree weather.

The power level is very low. Slightly lower than full rpm 16 at same tensions. Spin is comparable. More or less the same. Feels softer than rpm. More muted. But not sure if it is stiffer or not. It might be stiffer than rpm is my first impression even though it feels softer.

Will restring at 52/49 and post my thoughts again.
 

Torres

Banned
I think the vast majority of people in this thread have missed a trick (myself included).

Everyone's been using BHBR17 (myself inlcuded) thinking its a typical 17 gauge when in fact in runs closer to the characeristics of an 18.

I've been trying BHBR16 recently (which plays closer to a typical 17)....and I think its a better string. Stiffer, and not quite as bendy, or as powerful or extreme as the 17 gauge, but more controlled and it still generates the similar crazy amount of action and unpredictable trajectories on the ball off the bounce which causes so much discomfort to opponents. I've played opponents who hit a heavy ball, but I've never experienced the unpredictable trajectories that a BHBR strung opponent can produce when the ball they hit comes at me up off the bounce.

I'd strongly suggest to anyone to interested in this string try both gauges, particularly if they find 17 too powerful or lacking sufficient directional control after the inital 3-4 hours or so.
 
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kaiser

Semi-Pro
I'm very happy to hear that, Torres! My reel of BHBR16 just arrived in the mail and I'm going to have my rackets strung with it later this week... I went for the 16g because I like my rackets strung low, in the upper 30's or lower 40's, and based on your and pvaudio's feedback I was worried the 17g might become too powerful at such low tensions. Given what you now report on
BHBR16 I'm even more excited to try this string out, will report back once I had a good hit with it.
 

arche3

Banned
Very helpful. I'll try it out. Any suggestions as far as tension?


Hi,
As far as Gut mains/poly hybrid tension advice I would string it towards the upper end of the frame reference in a tweener frame like my APDGT's. And the poly cross 4 pounds less. Strung like that it really has great control. And a lot of spin. For me as much as full poly. I don't hit like Nadal BUT I do hit way more TS than people I play with. The ball dips like crazy and the feel is awesome on my arm. No harshness. It's like another posted about Fed's setup... "gummy bears" so much pocketing and the ball stays on the strings and spin for days.
If you string with the gut high it tames the power but it will still give you an extra gear of power when you hit all out. This does not happen in a full poly bed. the gut /poly hybrid has just as much control but an extra power curve available.
 

USERNAME

Professional
Is BHBR high or low powered? There are a good amount of people saying both.

I was ready for a cannon when I first was told about these but I found that it really doesnt provide much zip at all. Tons of control and good spin potential with a solid stroke, I swung out often with BHBR.
 

Torres

Banned
Is BHBR high or low powered? There are a good amount of people saying both.

BHBR17 is high powered compared to other polys out there. It's very elastic for a poly. During the peak playing window for the string though - the first few hours - its not uncontrolled power. It's definitely not a low powered poly. Anyone who suggests that it is comparing it to multifilaments etc, rather than other polys. BHBR17 runs thin and really plays like a 18 gauge.

BHBR16 is a stiffer version of 17. Starts off feeling a bit low powered and more control orientated than the 17, but then it softens up and same characteristics come to the fore (spin, action, pace on the ball etc). Basically, BHBR16 is the slightly more sensible older brother of the 17 - everything is slightly less extreme but they're still brothers from the same family with the same characteristics.
 
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USERNAME

Professional
BHBR17 is high powered compared to other polys out there. It's very elastic for a poly. During the peak playing window for the string though - the first few hours - its not uncontrolled power. It's definitely not a low powered poly. Anyone who suggests that it is comparing it to multifilaments etc, rather than other polys. BHBR17 runs thin and really plays like a 18 gauge.

BHBR16 is a stiffer version of 17. Starts off feeling a bit low powered and more control orientated than the 17, but then it softens up and same characteristics come to the fore (spin, action, pace on the ball etc). Basically, BHBR16 is the slightly more sensible older brother of the 17 - everything is slightly less extreme but they're still brothers from the same family.

Compared to beast, rpm, lux alu, savage, PHT, PLII, Hepta, Hex, B5E, it has less or at least equal zip.
 

Torres

Banned
Compared to beast, rpm, lux alu, savage, PHT, PLII, Hepta, Hex, B5E, it has less or at least equal zip.

That's a pretty vague and too generalised a comment. You've mentioned a multitude of strings there - each with different characteristics. Not in a million years for example does BHBR16 or 17 has less or equal power to B5E. BHBR is noticeably more powerful. B5E much lower powered.
 
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dmcb101

Professional
I played with the 16g in my Ntour at about 52 pounds and for the first 4-6 hours it was pretty stiff. after that I noticed the ball pocketing more and it also just felt better. I think id probably try stringing next time at like 48.
 

kaiser

Semi-Pro
BHBR17 is high powered compared to other polys out there. It's very elastic for a poly. During the peak playing window for the string though - the first few hours - its not uncontrolled power. It's definitely not a low powered poly. Anyone who suggests that it is comparing it to multifilaments etc, rather than other polys. BHBR17 runs thin and really plays like a 18 gauge.

BHBR16 is a stiffer version of 17. Starts off feeling a bit low powered and more control orientated than the 17, but then it softens up and same characteristics come to the fore (spin, action, pace on the ball etc). Basically, BHBR16 is the slightly more sensible older brother of the 17 - everything is slightly less extreme but they're still brothers from the same family with the same characteristics.

I can vouch for BHBR16 starting off relatively low powered even at 16 kg / 36#. I got more depth than with SPHex16, but that was nearing the end of its life. Topspin was very good, but my slice backhand was absolutely amazing! Deep skidders on the approach, deep floats on the defensive that just died on the bounce, short chips that died within the service box, it was all there. I played for one hour with my pro, a former Belgian #1 and Fed Cup player who is not easily dazzled with spin, but she commented that she found my slice bh very difficult to read. We did drills to build up points and she also noted improved touch and consistency on my part. I'm very happy with this string!

Torres, how long does BHBR16 take to soften up? I only played with it for one hour, so I'm curious if it has even more in store for me!
 

USERNAME

Professional
That's a pretty vague and too generalised a comment. You've mentioned a multitude of strings there - each with different characteristics. Not in a million years for example does BHBR16 or 17 has less or equal power to B5E. BHBR is noticeably more powerful. B5E much lower powered.

That's the point. Comparing this to other polys it's average in the power department, nothing to rave about at all. It was about equal to B5E from what I remember when hitting with it. The low power and ease of spin generation is what I like about BHBR, also that dull feel that reminds me just a bit about Lux, it has everything a big hitter could want.
 

Torres

Banned
Strung up a Speed MP the other day with with BHBR16.

Still a great string that stands the test of time. There are grippier polys out there these days but it's blend of crispness, just the right amount of springiness and the amount of movement you can put on the ball is terrific. The errors that come off the racquets of your opponents because the ball is moving at the last moment is second to none, particularly on a fast court and if you're playing an aggressive, attacking game. For me it starts losing its magic after about 3-4 hours or a couple of hitting sessions, but until then what a glorious few hours hitting.

An all time great string.

I'm looking forward to Big Hitter Red....:-D
 
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SoCalJay

Semi-Pro
Strung up a Speed MP the other day with with BHBR16.

Still a great string that stands the test of time. There are grippier polys out there these days but it's blend of crispness, just the right amount of springiness and the amount of movement you can put on the ball is terrific. The errors that come off the racquets of your opponents because the ball is moving at the last moment is second to none, particularly on a fast court and if you're playing an aggressive, attacking game.

An all time great string.

I'm looking forward to Big Hitter Red....:-D

Well said! BHBR 17 is still my go-to match string and is always freshly strung in one of my Dunlops at my reference tension of 48# when I'm going to try a new string out in another of the Dunlops so I can hit both in the same session. I hadn't heard about Big Hitter Red until you mentioned it... Do you happen to have any more info about it?
 

Torres

Banned
I hadn't heard about Big Hitter Red until you mentioned it... Do you happen to have any more info about it?

Unfortunately, Big Hitter Red is only in my mind.....but it is time that Tourna brought out a new offering of some sort...

Silver, blue, black.....red would be the next logical progression and would look good too.... ;-)
 
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logrock

Rookie
I used to play with BHBR 17 years ago and got the bug to try so many other strings it's not funny.
Recently went back to it in a full bed at 48lbs. and am kicking myself for leaving.
This is such a well rounded soft poly (very comfy) that has power, control, feel and is affordable at half the price of the usual suspects.
What more can you ask for in a string!
 

sansaephanh

Professional
I used to play with BHBR 17 years ago and got the bug to try so many other strings it's not funny.
Recently went back to it in a full bed at 48lbs. and am kicking myself for leaving.
This is such a well rounded soft poly (very comfy) that has power, control, feel and is affordable at half the price of the usual suspects.
What more can you ask for in a string!

and god is the spin immense. To me it has such a nice pop to it. As much as i love playing with the Black Magics and Typhoons of super soft control/feel. Sometimes the stiffer/livelier feeling BHBR17 is too nice to pass up. It has been my go to string for the better part of the year and some.

Great string.
 

Rozroz

G.O.A.T.
yesterday i played in a colder weather for the first time this year,
i usually play with BHBR at 50/48,
but in the cold weather (around 10-8 c) suddenly the groundstokes felt so much more FUN, precise and safe!

why is that? because the balls are heavier in the cold? or is it the string that shrinks? does it mean i should play in a higher tension in warmer weather?
or is it all those things combined?
seriously, i felt much better because of this situation.
appreciate any thoughts on the subject (regarding BHBR perhaps).
 

TobyTopspin

Professional
I've tried this string a few times. It's one of the few strings that I can't think of anything positive to say about it. It matches my over grips in the summer?
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
I've tried this string a few times. It's one of the few strings that I can't think of anything positive to say about it. It matches my over grips in the summer?

i've tried it a few times as well and came to the same conclusion as you. it's a unique string for sure because it seems this string is either loved or hated. there's just no in between.
 

rev200g

Rookie
For those of you who had also tried the Big Hitter Silver Rough, what were the differences? Why did you prefer one over the other? I am contemplating trying out the BHSR once my reel of BHBR runs out. Note that I am using it in my 18x20 Dunlops. Thanks in advance for any and all inputs. Cheers.
 

swfh

Semi-Pro
For those of you who had also tried the Big Hitter Silver Rough, what were the differences? Why did you prefer one over the other? I am contemplating trying out the BHSR once my reel of BHBR runs out. Note that I am using it in my 18x20 Dunlops. Thanks in advance for any and all inputs. Cheers.

I used to use bhbr in my 300 tours. Got a reel of bhsr, and I wish I had stayed with the blue. More spin, pop, and feel with the blue. The silver is by no means bad, but I liked the blue more.
 
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