Mikeler's Polys
- Thread starter mikeler
- Start date
mikeler
Moderator
Not yet sir.
sansaephanh
Professional
WOAH 60#s lol. The highest I can go is 56. Then i put in 2-4 hard hours to loosen it up. But yes i agree that typhoon is very spinny with a CONSISTENT feel. I'd use it if my wallet could handle it. It has pretty good tension maintenance for me, but i've never been a huge hitter.
mikeler
Moderator
Good info. I played with the GoldenSet today and it is starting to get a little launchy.
Fuji
Legend
mikeler
Moderator
PowerChord. Thought I wrote that above but obviously I did not.
mikeler
Moderator
Head Lynx 1.30mm
Tension(s) used for playtest
60 pounds on a lockout machine
Regular string set up
Volkl Cyclone Tour 16g @ 60 pounds
Racquet brand and model used for test
Prince Tour 100T ESP (16x16)
Power of test string
Low/Medium
Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp?)
Not stiff or mushy. Perhaps crisp is the best term.
Spin
Good for a round string but not as much as shaped polyester strings.
Comfort (off-center shock?)
It was about normal for a polyester string. No arm problems to report.
Durability
I played 7 sets of singles and 2 set of doubles with it before I broke it in the warm up yesterday.
Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time)
It seemed to lose a little bit of control the last few sets but maybe I just had an off day my last full match with it.
Control (predictable trajectory? Easy to control depth? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)
This string really does what it says on the package. Control and touch were very good. Spin was OK and power was low. Just as advertised. Return of serve was just spectacular but my problem was I did not serve well with it. So it was a constant battle of trying to break my opponent's serve just to stay in the match.
Compare to the string you use most often
Less spin and power but better touch. Control is about the same.
Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?)
60 pounds and this frame just work for me.
List any additional thoughts (optional)
If I served better with this string, I would switch to it. I recently tried the anthracite version of this string in a tournament. The plan was to switch to this string on returns against a big lefty server. It didn't seem to have the same magic on returns that I remembered or perhaps the quality of my opponent's serve was just too much.
Tension(s) used for playtest
60 pounds on a lockout machine
Regular string set up
Volkl Cyclone Tour 16g @ 60 pounds
Racquet brand and model used for test
Prince Tour 100T ESP (16x16)
Power of test string
Low/Medium
Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp?)
Not stiff or mushy. Perhaps crisp is the best term.
Spin
Good for a round string but not as much as shaped polyester strings.
Comfort (off-center shock?)
It was about normal for a polyester string. No arm problems to report.
Durability
I played 7 sets of singles and 2 set of doubles with it before I broke it in the warm up yesterday.
Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time)
It seemed to lose a little bit of control the last few sets but maybe I just had an off day my last full match with it.
Control (predictable trajectory? Easy to control depth? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)
This string really does what it says on the package. Control and touch were very good. Spin was OK and power was low. Just as advertised. Return of serve was just spectacular but my problem was I did not serve well with it. So it was a constant battle of trying to break my opponent's serve just to stay in the match.
Compare to the string you use most often
Less spin and power but better touch. Control is about the same.
Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?)
60 pounds and this frame just work for me.
List any additional thoughts (optional)
If I served better with this string, I would switch to it. I recently tried the anthracite version of this string in a tournament. The plan was to switch to this string on returns against a big lefty server. It didn't seem to have the same magic on returns that I remembered or perhaps the quality of my opponent's serve was just too much.
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mikeler
Moderator
From what I can find, it is $6 more. I might pick up a set of that tonight and string it up.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
You are right on, mixed up Lynx with Hawk.
mikeler
Moderator
No problem. I bought Luxilon ALU Power Spin tonight and strung it up. It seems to have a LOT of vibration fresh off the stringer. If it does not improve tomorrow, I'll cut out $18 worth of string and complain about it on here for the rest of my life.
Personally never liked the touch/feel of the alupower , and way to stiff for my elbow.
Mikeler, how do you compare the new lynx 1,3 with the ripspin 1,35 in overall and especially durability
I´m on my second reel of ripspin and it didn´t help on holiday in the on us on hardcourt either. It breaks every single time after a little more than 2 hours.
On a diiferent note, I tried the Ai 100 yesterday as my daugther has a yonex sponser ship, but its was way to uncomfortable compared to the esp 100t.
I think the esp 100t is the ideal racket for me , I just have to find a solution with the durability of the strings. Comfort seems to be given in the esp, regardless of string and tension.
thanks in advance
Mikeler, how do you compare the new lynx 1,3 with the ripspin 1,35 in overall and especially durability
I´m on my second reel of ripspin and it didn´t help on holiday in the on us on hardcourt either. It breaks every single time after a little more than 2 hours. On a diiferent note, I tried the Ai 100 yesterday as my daugther has a yonex sponser ship, but its was way to uncomfortable compared to the esp 100t.
I think the esp 100t is the ideal racket for me , I just have to find a solution with the durability of the strings. Comfort seems to be given in the esp, regardless of string and tension.
thanks in advance
mikeler
Moderator
Personally never liked the touch/feel of the alupower , and way to stiff for my elbow.
Mikeler, how do you compare the new lynx 1,3 with the ripspin 1,35 in overall and especially durability
On a diiferent note, I tried the Ai 100 yesterday as my daugther has a yonex sponser ship, but its was way to uncomfortable compared to the esp 100t.
I think the esp 100t is the ideal racket for me , I just have to find a solution with the durability of the strings. Comfort seems to be given in the esp, regardless of string and tension.
thanks in advance
I forget, have you tried Prince Tour XC 1.40mm yet? That might be the only solution for you to get better string life.
Tour XC was a great string when I played with it before my foray into Pro's Pro. And right now at $6.67 a set it's at a great price. Hell, throw it in a hybrid if you enjoy it and you cut the cost to $3.34 per frame + the cost of the cross. Not bad at all for what I and--based on Mikeler's review and position in his list--Mikeler consider a pretty good string.
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Personally never liked the touch/feel of the alupower , and way to stiff for my elbow.
Mikeler, how do you compare the new lynx 1,3 with the ripspin 1,35 in overall and especially durability
On a diiferent note, I tried the Ai 100 yesterday as my daugther has a yonex sponser ship, but its was way to uncomfortable compared to the esp 100t.
I think the esp 100t is the ideal racket for me , I just have to find a solution with the durability of the strings. Comfort seems to be given in the esp, regardless of string and tension.
thanks in advance
Another good budget string I can suggest is Pro's Pro Concept 1.38. A friend of mine has great success with it in his Juice 100S.
Timbo's hopeless slice
Hall of Fame
Hey Mikeler.
I did start a thread, but I thought I may as well ask the guru!
You ever hear of a bright green poly called 'poly gut' ( brand unknown)
Seems to be a mono, nice feel, consistent string bed, no shock but not a lot of spin.
Cheers
I did start a thread, but I thought I may as well ask the guru!
You ever hear of a bright green poly called 'poly gut' ( brand unknown)
Seems to be a mono, nice feel, consistent string bed, no shock but not a lot of spin.
Cheers
mikeler
Moderator
Which Pro's Pro string?
Any other info on it?
Poly gut? I'd name that combo Oil Water.
Sorry I reread my post and realized it was misleading. Was not indicating a pp string that you had reviewed. Was saying you had a favorable review on tour xc and was referring to the price tw and others are offering it for ATM.
Tour XC was my first poly before trying pp strings.
Fuji
Legend
mikeler
Moderator
You can't wait for the review?
I hit with it this AM. Kind of a middle of the road poly for me. I'm just a shaped poly guy.
Fuji
Legend
You can't wait for the review?
I hit with it this AM. Kind of a middle of the road poly for me. I'm just a shaped poly guy.
Hahaha! I thought you were cutting it short, I didn't know if it warranted a full review!
Definitely on with you there. It goes well with softer hybrids in my experience, usually I pair it with a syngut or multi for the folks that can't handle stiffness.
-Fuji
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
What do you want to know? I can ask him and then come back to you with his answers.
mikeler
Moderator
Hahaha! I thought you were cutting it short, I didn't know if it warranted a full review!
Definitely on with you there. It goes well with softer hybrids in my experience, usually I pair it with a syngut or multi for the folks that can't handle stiffness.
-Fuji
I plan on playing with it until death or close to it.
I did try the XC in 1,40 and while I liked it it only lasts at little linger than the ripspin. It actually looked the thinnest out of the three, the yptp 1,3 in yellow looked a lot thicker than the ripspin and the XC .
I might give the pro´s pro concept in 1,38 a go, doing a quick search, I could only find a 1,32. Thanks though.
IceNineTX
Semi-Pro
mikeler
Moderator
Yes sir. I broke it tonight. If my internet hadn't gone out, it would be up soon. Bottom line is that I'm switching to it until I find something better.
IceNineTX
Semi-Pro
Your welcome, then.
Glad you liked it. You'll want to try spin-x next. Or not. Just enjoy the purple stuff.
mikeler
Moderator
Your welcome, then.
Do you think Spin-X is better than Typhoon? I bought the gray version of Typhoon at a local shop and strung it up last night. I'll hit with it in the morning.
mikeler
Moderator
Genesis Typhoon Blue 16L
Thanks to IceNineTX for sending a set of this string my way. This one is a shaped and twisted poly and is not too bad to string up. Still not as easy as a smooth poly though.
Tension it is strung: 60# on a lockout
Your regular string set up: Volkl Cyclone Tour @ 60#
String pattern of your racquet: 16 x 16 (Prince Tour 100T ESP)
Power (or lack there of): Low/Medium powered
Feel: Excellent after I got used to the string.
Tension maintenance: I only got 1 reading. After 2 sets it was down about 20% like most other polys.
Price: $9.90/set
Overall comments and feedback: See below
General: I was not expecting much from this string after trying the similar looking Genesis True Grit. My playing experience with this was enjoyable enough that I bought a set of the Genesis in gray to try and probably will stick with this string for a little while moving forward (until I find something better).
Serve/Return of Serve: The string has enough power on serves but not too much were groundstrokes suffer. Spin is huge when you want it. Returns are solid.
Strokes: I really like this string on the forehand wing. The firmness made me confident in that stroke. My backhand is pretty consistent with almost any string including this one. Slices seemed better than with most other polys. Spin potential is high and control is good.
Volleys: Pretty good.
Touch shots: My drop shots were lethal at times. One of the best polys for droppers.
Softness: No arm issues to report but this string is quite firm. I would not recommend it to anyone with arm issues.
Tension: 60# played great.
Durability: I broke this after 8 sets of singles.
Movement: Not a whole lot of string movement.
Color: The blue color was pretty ugly and did bleed on the ball.
Conclusion: This is a control and spin string that just fits my game. It is my new #1 poly. Thanks again to IceNineTX for allowing me to play test this for everyone.
Thanks to IceNineTX for sending a set of this string my way. This one is a shaped and twisted poly and is not too bad to string up. Still not as easy as a smooth poly though.
Tension it is strung: 60# on a lockout
Your regular string set up: Volkl Cyclone Tour @ 60#
String pattern of your racquet: 16 x 16 (Prince Tour 100T ESP)
Power (or lack there of): Low/Medium powered
Feel: Excellent after I got used to the string.
Tension maintenance: I only got 1 reading. After 2 sets it was down about 20% like most other polys.
Price: $9.90/set
Overall comments and feedback: See below
General: I was not expecting much from this string after trying the similar looking Genesis True Grit. My playing experience with this was enjoyable enough that I bought a set of the Genesis in gray to try and probably will stick with this string for a little while moving forward (until I find something better).
Serve/Return of Serve: The string has enough power on serves but not too much were groundstrokes suffer. Spin is huge when you want it. Returns are solid.
Strokes: I really like this string on the forehand wing. The firmness made me confident in that stroke. My backhand is pretty consistent with almost any string including this one. Slices seemed better than with most other polys. Spin potential is high and control is good.
Volleys: Pretty good.
Touch shots: My drop shots were lethal at times. One of the best polys for droppers.
Softness: No arm issues to report but this string is quite firm. I would not recommend it to anyone with arm issues.
Tension: 60# played great.
Durability: I broke this after 8 sets of singles.
Movement: Not a whole lot of string movement.
Color: The blue color was pretty ugly and did bleed on the ball.
Conclusion: This is a control and spin string that just fits my game. It is my new #1 poly. Thanks again to IceNineTX for allowing me to play test this for everyone.
IceNineTX
Semi-Pro
Honestly, I think the variation between Spin-X and Typhoon is smaller than the variation in my day to day game. I do kind of like the red color though. I like the purple typhoon more than gray, but seriously it's probably mental. I've only ever played them in hybrids with a very soft multi. They were both standouts.
mikeler
Moderator
I just realized you are an Exo3 Tour user from your signature. You also string high, so that is probably why we both like the same thing. I'll try the gray version tomorrow and report back. Thanks for hooking me on a new string and have a great weekend.
IceNineTX
Semi-Pro
Yes, the exos can handle the high tension poly really well. I have 3 racquets with 3 diff string now: pacific xforce18, iontec black (no shears on plenty of shanks), gosen polybreak. All 18g. I suck equally on them all these days. Just no time to play.
You should try xforce too. It's unique.
My wife uses the same racquet as you. She goes full xforce or iontec with multifeel16 or origin 16 cross. Origin is surprisingly durable. She plays 3-5x a week and is a 4.5.
I string a lot, needless to say. The only family member who doesn't break all the time is my kid in orange ball. And it really bugs him.
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mikeler
Moderator
The guy who sells Iontec is only a few cities away. Maybe I'll try black.
mikeler
Moderator
Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Spin 16
This one is a shaped poly and was easy to install.
Tension it is strung: 60# on a lockout
Your regular string set up: Genesis Typhoon 16L @ 60#
String pattern of your racquet: 16 x 16 (Prince Tour 100T ESP)
Power (or lack there of): Medium powered
Feel: Better than most polys
Tension maintenance: I didn't get a 2nd measurement before it broke.
Price: $18.00/set
Overall comments and feedback: See below
General: I had to try out a version of ALU Power at some point. It was nicet at first and then just good in the 2nd half of the playtest.
Serve/Return of Serve: Serves had good pop and pretty good spin. I struggled on my forehand return.
Strokes: Spin was on par with other polys. It has a unique feel that I can't seem to describe. I can see why some might like this string.
Volleys: Pretty good.
Touch shots: Pretty good.
Softness: I was surprised with the soft feel. Not an arm killer for me at all.
Tension: 60# played great.
Durability: I broke it after about 5 sets of singles and 1 set of doubles. Notching was quite apparent after just 2 sets.
Movement: Some string movement but nothing too bad.
Color: I like the bland silver.
Conclusion: This is a very good string but like others have mentioned, the performance does tail off after a few hours and the durability is poor. The price makes this one a deal breaker for me. Luxilon is ingrained in the pro game but there are better and cheaper alternatives.
This one is a shaped poly and was easy to install.
Tension it is strung: 60# on a lockout
Your regular string set up: Genesis Typhoon 16L @ 60#
String pattern of your racquet: 16 x 16 (Prince Tour 100T ESP)
Power (or lack there of): Medium powered
Feel: Better than most polys
Tension maintenance: I didn't get a 2nd measurement before it broke.
Price: $18.00/set
Overall comments and feedback: See below
General: I had to try out a version of ALU Power at some point. It was nicet at first and then just good in the 2nd half of the playtest.
Serve/Return of Serve: Serves had good pop and pretty good spin. I struggled on my forehand return.
Strokes: Spin was on par with other polys. It has a unique feel that I can't seem to describe. I can see why some might like this string.
Volleys: Pretty good.
Touch shots: Pretty good.
Softness: I was surprised with the soft feel. Not an arm killer for me at all.
Tension: 60# played great.
Durability: I broke it after about 5 sets of singles and 1 set of doubles. Notching was quite apparent after just 2 sets.
Movement: Some string movement but nothing too bad.
Color: I like the bland silver.
Conclusion: This is a very good string but like others have mentioned, the performance does tail off after a few hours and the durability is poor. The price makes this one a deal breaker for me. Luxilon is ingrained in the pro game but there are better and cheaper alternatives.
I tried the Lux Big Banger ALU stuff a long time ago. I agree, it starts out great but tails off quickly. The 4G stuff is better if you want something with longer playability, but again, it's pricey.
Fuji
Legend
Really?! I'm honestly amazed it has lasted you this long! It's honestly one of the best smooth poly's I've used for the ESP frames. Customers really like it!
-Fuji
mikeler
Moderator
Both of the polys from GoldenSet have lasted awhile. I may cut it out soon.
Fuji
Legend
mikeler
Moderator
I'll take another reading before I cut it out.
I could see playing a tournament or league match and using Lynx only on my return games.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
what is Head Lynx ? is it good
Fuji
Legend
Fuji
Legend
Cool! I've never actually measure tension loss on it. I'm interested to see how well it did in the 16x16.
-Fuji
mikeler
Moderator
Almost all the polys I've tested seem to fall into the 20% to 25% tension loss range.
Doubles
Legend
It's a string of the Gods, Fedace.
