Anyone tried Gosen AK Pro CX yet?

I'm curious about the string, which is new, as I'm trying to get back to more power oriented strings to hybrid with Kirschbaum Proline X.

All in 17 guage. I tend to play dense string patterns.
 

Chotobaka

Hall of Fame
I am also interested. The cross section illustration on the package is the most bizarre string geometry I have ever seen.
 
I am also interested. The cross section illustration on the package is the most bizarre string geometry I have ever seen.

If no one replies to this thread, I will create a review of my own. I couldn't resist the half price offer on TW, and ordered 10 sets, more than enough to develop a good idea of how the string performs.
 

Chotobaka

Hall of Fame
If no one replies to this thread, I will create a review of my own. I couldn't resist the half price offer on TW, and ordered 10 sets, more than enough to develop a good idea of how the string performs.

Thanks for the heads up. I think I will order a few sets too.
 

Chotobaka

Hall of Fame
Yeah that is weird looking construction. I have a feeling that is just for marketing purposes.

I feel just the opposite -- the complexity of the construction leads me to believe that Gosen actually had something in mind (functionally speaking) with this string. Also, Gosen has been around for a very long time and has been much less prone to hyperbole than other major string manufacturers during that time. They are one of the very few who are capable of actual in-house design and manufacturing.
 

anirut

Legend
I've tried the older AK Pro and it's actually pretty good. Too bad they've stopped importing this model to Thailand.
 

bad_call

Legend
If no one replies to this thread, I will create a review of my own. I couldn't resist the half price offer on TW, and ordered 10 sets, more than enough to develop a good idea of how the string performs.

interested in how this works for you in the poly hybrid. holding off on getting sets since have a few others ahead in the queue.
 

mikeler

Moderator
I feel just the opposite -- the complexity of the construction leads me to believe that Gosen actually had something in mind (functionally speaking) with this string. Also, Gosen has been around for a very long time and has been much less prone to hyperbole than other major string manufacturers during that time. They are one of the very few who are capable of actual in-house design and manufacturing.

Good points. They don't seem to do much marketing/hype. It just seems that constructing a string like this would be expensive but you have more insider knowledge than me.
 

SCRAP IRON

Professional
I have used this string just recently as a cross string in a hybrid set-up with shaped co-poly mains. I can tell you that this is a very good product. I once read that using a crisp synthetic gut can be better than a multi-filament in a hybrid. It is due to the snap back effect. After using this set-up in an open string pattern for roughly six sets, I liked it so much that I ordered more. The results have been favorable, and I do not see myself going back to soft multi crosses. Though I use a lot of topspin, I don't break strings too often because I primarily play doubles, but I can definitely say that these Gosen strings are more durable than most. They don't fray and they don't move around much for a synthetic string. So far so very good!
 

Chotobaka

Hall of Fame
Good points. They don't seem to do much marketing/hype. It just seems that constructing a string like this would be expensive but you have more insider knowledge than me.

I have no insight into this one -- just taking a flyer since it is so different. And, 2 for 1 is just too easy.
 

Molk

New User
A friend gave me a set to try and I really like it! Agree with Scrap Iron.
The strings move back into place and it has a great coating. It also plays very consistently. I used it as a full set. I have been very disappointing with the inconsistent play of most polys. I also could not understand the marketing jargon bullet points on the package. Definitely worth a try though!
 
Well, it seems pretty fragile in 17g form. I snapped a set on the stringer today. I also had a frame-break today on the racquet I strung last night. That, as with some other strings, could simply be early production runs: I snapped it at 55#.

As for playability, the jury is out, but it definitely hangs with all of the multis I've been using and as a fresh set certainly snapped back.
 

Chotobaka

Hall of Fame
I finally got out with AK Pro CX today. I played a full bed at 55 pounds in an X-Force Pro. Strings up very easily. Seemed maybe a tad thicker than 1.24 but I did not break out the micrometer.

I like it a lot. Very good spin for a "composite" string (Gosen's description). Not quite poly-like but better than syn guts I play. Also not over powered so, between these two characteristics, control was good for me. Excellent comfort, too. Despite not being a power string, when I needed to dial it up I could.

This string has been out in Japan for a while. The price there -- hold on to your seats -- is between $20-$25 US per set.

http://item.rakuten.co.jp/racket/gos-ts760/

Part of the construction is supposed to be Aramid fibers with nylon. Part of the sales pitch is "not poly, not nylon". This video doesn't give a lot of detail but has some info absent from the TW description.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL-XTG3IW_o

Too early for me to speak on durability or tension maintenance, although these are selling points from Gosen.
 
Update.

I've had success stringing and playing with this in hybrid and full-bed setups at this point, and have had more time to make observations.

First, tension maintenance is better than OG Sheep Micro and PSGO, which have been my go-to synthetics.

Second, it is a lively, crisp string that gives hybrid setups a more immediate feel than the alternatives I've been using, namely Sensation and Multi-Feel.

Third, full bed it is just like every other synthetic gut in the sense that after a short while it doesn't snap back and does stick. You will have to adjust strings. I've always been able to find plenty of spin with synthetic guts, however, and this is no exception.

Lastly, it is not as harsh feeling as PSGD, a string I dislike intensely.

Overall a solid string. I am through about half of the sets I purchased, and don't see any reason not to continue playing it. I like it more than multi in the cross, and full-bed it is nice because it doesn't seem to lose tension as quickly as other synthetics. Nice string, but not one I would consider at full price.
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
Old thread but what is the durability of fullbed of AK Pro CX 17 for a 4.5 heavy spin player?
+1 funny I was just looking at this package as well as per suggested by Troy. Would like to also know if anyone could tell me the differences between this string Multi CX? Are these also a step up from their AK Control/Power string?

Thanks
 

liftordie

Hall of Fame
+1 funny I was just looking at this package as well as per suggested by Troy. Would like to also know if anyone could tell me the differences between this string Multi CX? Are these also a step up from their AK Control/Power string?

Thanks
I tried AK Control 17 and it was very good! Really good spin and control for a multi. Great comfort and feel. But broke in 4 hours... So I'm interested about AK Pro CX 16! Maybe same goodness but with better durability...
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
AK Pro CX, Rip Control or Yonex Tour Super 850 PRO for best control and spin?
I've tried them all, I wouldn't say any of them have great spin. For the amount of texture rip has I thought it'd have better spin but sadly was disappointed. Spin: RC, AK, 850. Control: AK and 850 very close with the edge to 850, and RC last. Moreover, RC should be at the bottom of a garbage can because that's where it belongs. ;)
 

liftordie

Hall of Fame
I've tried them all, I wouldn't say any of them have great spin. For the amount of texture rip has I thought it'd have better spin but sadly was disappointed. Spin: RC, AK, 850. Control: AK and 850 very close with the edge to 850, and RC last. Moreover, RC should be at the bottom of a garbage can because that's where it belongs. ;)
You hate RIP but you play with it? :)
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
You hate RIP but you play with it? :)
Played with is 10 years ago, remembered liking it, decided to string it up a few weeks ago and realized I either I had extremely different taste, or I was dead wrong about that memory ahaha. It's getting cut out this week...
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
Reporting back, I can't stop playing with AK Pro CX, buying a reel it's that good. Comfort, pop and control, this string compliments the ezone line so well. Drop off in tension around the 16-17 hour mark. Works well in a FB but prefer it in a hybrid setup — a must try from me! Also tried OGSM for the first time, and not sure what all the rave is about, it felt subpar in all categories... I cut it after 3 hitting sessions.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Reporting back, I can't stop playing with AK Pro CX, buying a reel it's that good. Comfort, pop and control, this string compliments the ezone line so well. Drop off in tension around the 16-17 hour mark. Works well in a FB but prefer it in a hybrid setup — a must try from me! Also tried OGSM for the first time, and not sure what all the rave is about, it felt subpar in all categories... I cut it after 3 hitting sessions.

Good specs on AK Pro CX 16 ... stiffness 158, tension loss 14. I guess it's a sg and not a muti. If hybrid with Velocity 16 ... would you say V/CX or CX/V? If I like V @52-54 ... what CX tension? I think you tried V ... if not, never mind. I guess I could buy a set and try both hybrids. Interesting about OGSM. I have not hit with it, but was considering V/OGSM since many have liked it.

Look like multi parts :eek:

http://www.gosen.jp/eng/special/ak_pro_cx/
 
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ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Reporting back, I can't stop playing with AK Pro CX, buying a reel it's that good. Comfort, pop and control, this string compliments the ezone line so well. Drop off in tension around the 16-17 hour mark. Works well in a FB but prefer it in a hybrid setup — a must try from me! Also tried OGSM for the first time, and not sure what all the rave is about, it felt subpar in all categories... I cut it after 3 hitting sessions.

Did you ever play with AK Control?

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/honorable-mention.588462/#post-11171022
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
Good specs on AK Pro CX 16 ... stiffness 158, tension loss 14. I guess it's a sg and not a muti. If hybrid with Velocity 16 ... would you say V/CX or CX/V? If I like V @52-54 ... what CX tension? I think you tried V ... if not, never mind. I guess I could buy a set and try both hybrids. Interesting about OGSM. I have not hit with it, but was considering V/OGSM since many have liked it.

Look like multi parts :eek:

http://www.gosen.jp/eng/special/ak_pro_cx/
Heya! Yeah it definitely packs more punch than V, so I'd go a click or two above your mid reference point. I've been stringing it at 59, but I might start lower because I find it really starts to shine around 57/56. Having said that you might want to have it in your crosses first if you want more of V and take it from there
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
Yeah ... wonder why US TW doesn’t carry the multi CX. Thx for input ... right now V/sg VX moved ahead of V/OGSM. Why am I still trying strings? :eek:
What is SG VX? Hahah I thought I found my favourite string with Signum Micronite, then I couldn't stop buying sets of strings... it's a bad addiction! No more strings till the end of summer! I did treat myself to test Biphase one and NRG2, just to see what all the hype is about
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
What is SG VX? Hahah I thought I found my favourite string with Signum Micronite, then I couldn't stop buying sets of strings... it's a bad addiction! No more strings till the end of summer! I did treat myself to test Biphase one and NRG2, just to see what all the hype is about

SG VX was typo ... meant your string... SG CX. Too damn many CX , AK ...

Post what you think about X-1 ... I have been curious for a while.

Do you think AK Pro CX 16 would be as durable a main as Velocity? I still get a good 20 hours from fb V ... notched at 10 but keeps on ticking. Same with Origin/V ...
 

hurworld

Hall of Fame
What is SG VX? Hahah I thought I found my favourite string with Signum Micronite, then I couldn't stop buying sets of strings... it's a bad addiction! No more strings till the end of summer! I did treat myself to test Biphase one and NRG2, just to see what all the hype is about
Tell me about it. I've just started using shaped poly...and I like it!
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
SG VX was typo ... meant your string... SG CX. Too damn many CX , AK ...

Post what you think about X-1 ... I have been curious for a while.

Do you think AK Pro CX 16 would be as durable a main as Velocity? I still get a good 20 hours from fb V ... notched at 10 but keeps on ticking. Same with Origin/V ...
Hahah agreed, too many acronyms! I find it a very durable string with negligible notching... I think it has to do with the wrap they use? I think you could stretch it to 20 in a cross no problem. Mine die out slightly earlier because I have poly in the cross and I notice a sharper drop off in performance. But when I tested it in a fb, tension loss was very good; very stable. It definitely is a crisper (yet comfortable) string, so if that is a quality you enjoy you'll like this string.
 
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anfield

Semi-Pro
It worked pretty well as a main with Max Power Rough 18 cross in 18x20. But I really don't like MPRough and strung it too tight, so cut it out a day later and went full RPM Blast 18. But will try again with a better cross at a lower tension.

If you believe their marketing there is a video out about how the CX is super temperature resistant.
 

Caol-ila

Rookie
Reporting back, I can't stop playing with AK Pro CX, buying a reel it's that good. Comfort, pop and control, this string compliments the ezone line so well. Drop off in tension around the 16-17 hour mark. Works well in a FB but prefer it in a hybrid setup — a must try from me! Also tried OGSM for the first time, and not sure what all the rave is about, it felt subpar in all categories... I cut it after 3 hitting sessions.

I have been playing for months with AK PRO CX 16 full bed on my Angell K7 Red. I am quite happy and I am not planning to change. I have played 18 hours, now I think it is time to cut.

I have just bought a Head Prestige 660, it has a different pattern, 18x19, I have chosen a fullbed of AK PRO CX 17. It feels ok, but I have played only 1 hour.
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
Did you ever play Isospeed Control or Isospeed Classic?
Only Classic, I didn't like it at all, everyone found it comfortable in the reviews but I found it anything but. I found it jarring and ended up with wrist pain. I cut it after 2 hitting sessions. Are you thinking about hybriding it with V?
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Only Classic, I didn't like it at all, everyone found it comfortable in the reviews but I found it anything but. I found it jarring and ended up with wrist pain. I cut it after 2 hitting sessions. Are you thinking about hybriding it with V?

Not anymore. :eek:
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Hahaha ouch I feel guilty having done so!

I need a @Znak baseline .... give me your impression of fb Velocity ... and maybe compare to fb AK PRO CX.

I am actually fine with fb V ... and keep trying stuff because of addiction and not need. o_O I did like that Origin/Velocity added a little more pop ... and maybe a little more spin. Also love the sound ... O/V makes even my shots sound big. hehehehe. O/V and HDX/V proved that is a good non-poly cross ... so experimenting with different mains keeps it simpler. My arm says no to even a tiny % of poly now ... so no need to keep trying the Cream's or HDXs ... that also narrows the testing. The main thing (besides a Znak thumbs up) that puts AK PRO CX as a potential main for me is tension maintenance ... and that it sounds durable enough, I think great tension maintenance is an important thing for mains ... more so than crosses. (All my theory and logic ... rather than any failure from testing). Origin has that going for it ... fantastic like AK PRO CX on the tension maintenance (at least the stats). From what I read here (Mikeler) ... x-one plays awesome but loses tension pretty fast. Seems like some or pre-stretching x-one and that helps a lot. I do not have my stringer pre-stretch any string ... would prefer to like a string "as is out of the package", and not rely on my stringer doing that the same every time. I have to say x-one 15l seemed like a maybe for a main ... for my game and racquet 15l main would be fine ... and maybe that much more durability. Keep posting your findings .... hehehehe.
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
I need a @Znak baseline .... give me your impression of fb Velocity ... and maybe compare to fb AK PRO CX.

I am actually fine with fb V ... and keep trying stuff because of addiction and not need. o_O I did like that Origin/Velocity added a little more pop ... and maybe a little more spin. Also love the sound ... O/V makes even my shots sound big. hehehehe. O/V and HDX/V proved that is a good non-poly cross ... so experimenting with different mains keeps it simpler. My arm says no to even a tiny % of poly now ... so no need to keep trying the Cream's or HDXs ... that also narrows the testing. The main thing (besides a Znak thumbs up) that puts AK PRO CX as a potential main for me is tension maintenance ... and that it sounds durable enough, I think great tension maintenance is an important thing for mains ... more so than crosses. (All my theory and logic ... rather than any failure from testing). Origin has that going for it ... fantastic like AK PRO CX on the tension maintenance (at least the stats). From what I read here (Mikeler) ... x-one plays awesome but loses tension pretty fast. Seems like some or pre-stretching x-one and that helps a lot. I do not have my stringer pre-stretch any string ... would prefer to like a string "as is out of the package", and not rely on my stringer doing that the same every time. I have to say x-one 15l seemed like a maybe for a main ... for my game and racquet 15l main would be fine ... and maybe that much more durability. Keep posting your findings .... hehehehe.

I tried a FB of V only once and as a hybrid only once. It was a while ago, but from my recollection, I remember it not performing up to the hype, at least in my racquet — it was giving me wrist problems (I tore it when I was younger so it's the first thing to flare up). AK CX will def give you more pop, it's more lively, I found V more muted, so if you're looking for that pairing it might turn out to be an interesting combo!
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
I tried a FB of V only once and as a hybrid only once. It was a while ago, but from my recollection, I remember it not performing up to the hype, at least in my racquet — it was giving me wrist problems (I tore it when I was younger so it's the first thing to flare up). AK CX will def give you more pop, it's more lively, I found V more muted, so if you're looking for that pairing it might turn out to be an interesting combo!

Good to hear ... AK CX even more arm friendly than V. I have played a lot of hours with fb v 16 natural with zero arm twinge ... so my "safe" string. I will post if I try it. I have decided I would try AK CX/V @55/52 first ... that would be an exact comparison to O/V. I am surprised given the reported slickness of AK CX that the strings move around. That is a good attribute of O/V ... stays very straight in my tight 16/19.
 

Znak

Hall of Fame
Good to hear ... AK CX even more arm friendly than V. I have played a lot of hours with fb v 16 natural with zero arm twinge ... so my "safe" string. I will post if I try it. I have decided I would try AK CX/V @55/52 first ... that would be an exact comparison to O/V. I am surprised given the reported slickness of AK CX that the strings move around. That is a good attribute of O/V ... stays very straight in my tight 16/19.
Let me know how it goes!
 
Good to hear ... AK CX even more arm friendly than V. I have played a lot of hours with fb v 16 natural with zero arm twinge ... so my "safe" string. I will post if I try it. I have decided I would try AK CX/V @55/52 first ... that would be an exact comparison to O/V. I am surprised given the reported slickness of AK CX that the strings move around. That is a good attribute of O/V ... stays very straight in my tight 16/19.
Now that things appear to be opening up again any news on the AK CX/V vs. O/V head to head? Cheaars, JMac
 

g4driver

Legend
Going to put this in the string trade thread.. [emoji6]
325281d5d0bb3d37fbb7b866ddccfb40.jpg
 

g4driver

Legend
No news to report ... I am still on winter + covid + building a fence tennis hiatus. Hope to hit again by 2025.8-B(y)

What have you been up to for 3 months ? Been fortunate to hit 7-9 times a week since April 1st. Took a free test for Covid -19 even though I had no symptoms. Negative Ghost Rider [emoji28]

@ByeByePoly where do you live ?

Still using velocity / cream ?
 
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