Cream vs Cyber Blue

ByeByePoly · Feb 27, 2017

I am never, ever playing with poly again. REALLY!!!

But let me ask a question anyway. I have read several threads that make me think post TE (think my elbow is pretty good now) that cream would be probably post TE safe. My plan was to play my first sets soon with the gut in my racquet, and if I'm healthy try cream. I really like the comments that it holds it's tension well. I am hoping for a 2 month string ... and then restring. I just read the string stiffness numbers for Cyber Blue 17 and it looks pretty good also. I was wondering if anyone has tried both ... and could give me some feedback. I also looked at big hitter blue ... but it was 220ish on stiffness. That's out.

Context: I never broke rpm blast 16 @50-52 in a PD ... in fact, very little notching. I'm thinking 17g cream or cyber blue is most likely to last the 2 months until I restring.

It's very possible I should be gut or multi from now on post TE ... but a co-poly may still work for me.

Traffic · Feb 27, 2017

I don't have experience with either of those strings. But I am learning the value of identifying a good, SOFT, poly string. I seem to be prone to over-use type injuries on any activity I'm engaging in. And I'm trying to get my tennis life re-engaged with some Flights, skills class, and just playing with my kids.

I was hitting with my son that recently experienced some arm pains. He is seeing a PT today to start working on ways to ensure he can keep playing. His racquet is strung with full bed of S-gut right now. He likes playing with the setup, but HATES having to straighten his strings.

But looking at the description and reviews of the Isospeed Cream made me want to include a couple sets of those with my next string order to try out.

My current setup is Cyclone 17/OGSM 17 @ 51/54. I like how it hits, but wouldn't mind even softer. It can still feel very jarring on slight miss-hits.

ByeByePoly · Feb 27, 2017

Paul Cho said:
I don't have experience with either of those strings. But I am learning the value of identifying a good, SOFT, poly string. I seem to be prone to over-use type injuries on any activity I'm engaging in. And I'm trying to get my tennis life re-engaged with some Flights, skills class, and just playing with my kids.

I was hitting with my son that recently experienced some arm pains. He is seeing a PT today to start working on ways to ensure he can keep playing. His racquet is strung with full bed of S-gut right now. He likes playing with the setup, but HATES having to straighten his strings.

But looking at the description and reviews of the Isospeed Cream made me want to include a couple sets of those with my next string order to try out.

My current setup is Cyclone 17/OGSM 17 @ 51/54. I like how it hits, but wouldn't mind even softer. It can still feel very jarring on slight miss-hits.

If we could only hit dead center every time. I am nuts to even say "poly" again ... I just don't want to have to have my racquet restrung constantly. I also am not a fan of fraying strings.

btw ... Cyclone Tour is the softer version of Cyclone. It sounds like cream is only soft poly that is good at keeping tension. I was hoping maybe cyber blue also.

Don't get tennis elbow ... it sucks.

Traffic · Feb 27, 2017

I have a set of Cyclone Tour 17 in my string inventory. I was thinking of cutting out my Cyclone 17 (about 5hrs of play time on them) and try the Tour. I figure PT session probably costs $100/hr? What's $9 string? Actually, I hybrid with OGSM @ $5/set. So works out to be like $7 to re-string. Oh and an hour of my time. Probably less painful than icing 20min after a hitting session...

ByeByePoly · Feb 27, 2017

Paul Cho said:
I have a set of Cyclone Tour 17 in my string inventory. I was thinking of cutting out my Cyclone 17 (about 5hrs of play time on them) and try the Tour. I figure PT session probably costs $100/hr? What's $9 string? Actually, I hybrid with OGSM @ $5/set. So works out to be like $7 to re-string. Oh and an hour of my time. Probably less painful than icing 20min after a hitting session...

In case you don't know about TW string tool ... this gives you some guidance on string stiffness. Cyclone 17 190 ... Cyclone Tour 170 ... OGSM 160

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/comparestrings.php

I have read where many like full cyclone tour ... maybe others can speak to life of string. The ogsm probably holds tension better ... but I bet more spin with full cyclone tour.

Traffic · Feb 27, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
In case you don't know about TW string tool ... this gives you some guidance on string stiffness. Cyclone 17 190 ... Cyclone Tour 170 ... OGSM 160

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/comparestrings.php

I have read where many like full cyclone tour ... maybe others can speak to life of string. The ogsm probably holds tension better ... but I bet more spin with full cyclone tour.

That is a very handy tool. Beats scrolling through the entire database trying to compare a few different strings. It's quite amazing how the Cream apparently has such little tension loss? Can that be true?

I bought a reel of the OGSM to use for hybriding. I figure with the cost of the reel, it could make almost any string job more affordable. In terms of spin, I agree that a full bed of whatever poly will yield more spin, but I'm actually thinking that less spin is probably good for me in terms of working on my technique to generate my own power and spin.

I just got done stringing my racquet with the Cyclone Tour 17. It was interesting to note how "stretchy" the string was while pulling tension. It didn't appear to be very elastic when uncoiling it from the pack. I wasn't sure what to set the tension to. According to the table as well TW reviews, the CT loses quite a bit of tension. So I strung at 51/53 with OGSM 17 in the crosses.

So now we have 3 PS 97LS strung with Cyclone 17, Cyclone Tour 17, and full bed of OGSM in the bag (I don't have my own bag and usually carry my racquet in my son's bag). I'll be able to compare the different strings to see how they feel.

And for future comparison, I have a set of Gosen Sidewinder 17. Supposedly just as stiff as the OGSM. That'll be interesting to try out and compare.

ByeByePoly · Feb 28, 2017

Paul Cho said:
That is a very handy tool. Beats scrolling through the entire database trying to compare a few different strings. It's quite amazing how the Cream apparently has such little tension loss? Can that be true?

I bought a reel of the OGSM to use for hybriding. I figure with the cost of the reel, it could make almost any string job more affordable. In terms of spin, I agree that a full bed of whatever poly will yield more spin, but I'm actually thinking that less spin is probably good for me in terms of working on my technique to generate my own power and spin.

I just got done stringing my racquet with the Cyclone Tour 17. It was interesting to note how "stretchy" the string was while pulling tension. It didn't appear to be very elastic when uncoiling it from the pack. I wasn't sure what to set the tension to. According to the table as well TW reviews, the CT loses quite a bit of tension. So I strung at 51/53 with OGSM 17 in the crosses.

So now we have 3 PS 97LS strung with Cyclone 17, Cyclone Tour 17, and full bed of OGSM in the bag (I don't have my own bag and usually carry my racquet in my son's bag). I'll be able to compare the different strings to see how they feel.

And for future comparison, I have a set of Gosen Sidewinder 17. Supposedly just as stiff as the OGSM. That'll be interesting to try out and compare.

Before TE and TTW ... strings were easy. Syn gut for 35 years ... then full rpm blast for 5. I had tried a few poly/syn gut hybrids and never liked it. For me it killed the spin which was the only reason to put up with a string that didn't feel as good as syn gut. I was never a big string breaker. But I liked the rpm spin and the straight strings. My groundstrokes aren't dependent on poly ... where I will miss it most would be kicker serve. So now I have a dilemma ... coming back from 7+ months TE at age 59. I want to play another 50 years

... even if that meant 20# Xcel ... so any poly is a risk. My other problem is no second V1 Pro yet ... and I don't string myself anymore ... so I have been asking for a lot of input here to limit my choices. It will be easier if I pick up a second racquet. I have a ball machine and hit a lot of balls with it ... so it will always be smart to have a comfortable string for those sessions. The vs 16 was great for those ball machine sessions the end of last year.

I don't experiment much with strings, but I tend to match up with Chris's opinions on his TW string reviews. He gave a really good review on fullbed ogsm. Before rpm ... I was mainly Wilson Sensation. If I try full syn gut again ... the first one I would try is ogsm. I also was totally thumped by a guy using forten sweet 15g ... massive topspin ... so much for theory you need poly and thin guage for topspin.

My guess is cream @45-50 is in my future. I wanted the "blue" part of ts cyber blue ... it would look awesome in v1 pro. If my game sucked ... at least racquet would look good.

CopolyX · Feb 28, 2017

glad you guys are keeping the tension med-low!
also, i have great success with adding origin in the mix..but that does have to be cranked up - 58+ (60) depending ...still very arm friendly and has good spin potential on its own at .lower tensions (sub 56) ..people/players/I do not like like....

Moveforwardalways · Mar 1, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
I am never, ever playing with poly again. REALLY!!!

But let me ask a question anyway. I have read several threads that make me think post TE (think my elbow is pretty good now) that cream would be probably post TE safe. My plan was to play my first sets soon with the gut in my racquet, and if I'm healthy try cream. I really like the comments that it holds it's tension well. I am hoping for a 2 month string ... and then restring. I just read the string stiffness numbers for Cyber Blue 17 and it looks pretty good also. I was wondering if anyone has tried both ... and could give me some feedback. I also looked at big hitter blue ... but it was 220ish on stiffness. That's out.

Context: I never broke rpm blast 16 @50-52 in a PD ... in fact, very little notching. I'm thinking 17g cream or cyber blue is most likely to last the 2 months until I restring.

It's very possible I should be gut or multi from now on post TE ... but a co-poly may still work for me.

If you never broke or even moved the mains of RPM at 50 in an APD, I would question whether you would be getting much benefit from poly strings at all. Try natty gut, since it sounds like it will last you several months at least (if not 6 -8 months) and it feels great with plenty of spin.

ByeByePoly · Mar 1, 2017

Moveforwardalways said:
If you never broke or even moved the mains of RPM at 50 in an APD, I would question whether you would be getting much benefit from poly strings at all. Try natty gut, since it sounds like it will last you several months at least (if not 6 -8 months) and it feels great with plenty of spin.

I hit with moderate spin on rally ball and big topspin on topspin lob and cc fh pass, so rpm actually did help. I have friends that I have played with for years ... complain that shots were dipping in at baseline. I actually played my best baseline tennis ever (if we ignore foot speed baseline coverage). I think most string breakers hit a heavy topspin ball. I'm somewhere in the middle between spinny and heavy, and heavy top is not my repetitive rally ball.

I have gut now (VS 16 @55) in the V1 Pro. I mainly hit ball machine sessions last year due to TE ... and kept a log. At 13 hours ... I have a string about to pop. But it's just one bad notch/fray ... the rest looks new. I have no idea if this was one bad hit, kinked at stringing, hiiting to much near tip as I adjusted to new racquet. I posted a pic/thread ... I think you commented at the time.

It doesn't really matter ... I don't like fraying strings or string savers. I am glad I tried gut once ... pretty awesome feel ... particularly on volley.

I want a string that doesn't exist:
- post te arm friendly ... lasts 2 months and is still safe for elbow
- doesn't fray
- maintains playability until restringing at 2 months
- good spin (don't have to match rpm)

With the great input here ... my list is:
- origin
- ppc
- cream
- zx/syn or multi

I suspect origin will be everything I want other than spin ... and not in love with $22 price

I'm guessing cream would be enough spin ... would have to see if it was elbow friendly during full 2 months

ppc sounds like a good low fraying control option ... 2 month part probably suspect. I would probably buy the 15l reel and just restring as often as required

Zx/multi intrigues me ... but I have to take to stringer, and really don't want a string stringer might break

No perfect string ... just trying to make a good first choice.

junior74 · Mar 1, 2017

Origin has everything you ask for exept the little dip...

If you want a string that plays close to Origin, but has more dip: Check out the Wilson NXT control.

You could try and use a silicon stick/ fret cleaner to prolong the strings' lives. They don't notch as easily then.

Good luck

ByeByePoly · Mar 1, 2017

junior74 said:
Origin has everything you ask for exept the little dip...

If you want a string that plays close to Origin, but has more dip: Check out the Wilson NXT control.

You could try and use a silicon stick/ fret cleaner to prolong the strings' lives. They don't notch as easily then.

Good luck

No fraying, no string savers, no lube ... I don't want to think about string until restringing. Now ... I might type a 1000 words before picking one ... that is whack.

I thought there would be more here that had played with TS Cyber Blue. Looks like cream will be it if I actually risk poly again.

ByeByePoly · Mar 1, 2017

junior74 said:
Origin has everything you ask for exept the little dip...

If you want a string that plays close to Origin, but has more dip: Check out the Wilson NXT control.

You could try and use a silicon stick/ fret cleaner to prolong the strings' lives. They don't notch as easily then.

Good luck

Did you ever play with ppc? Mikeler gave it good marks on spin ... and he has played with every multi ever made.

junior74 · Mar 1, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
Did you ever play with ppc? Mikeler gave it good marks on spin ... and he has played with every multi ever made.

No, I've heard it breaks quickly... So haven't tried it. Mikeler has tried a lot of strings, and he is very helpful. Ask for advice in one of his threads and tag him, I'm sure he will respond

I am gonna try Cream soon, too...

Trade off it will be. Origin is the closest to a string that has everything - but sometimes that's not enough

Muppet · Mar 1, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
No fraying, no string savers, no lube ... I don't want to think about string until restringing. Now ... I might type a 1000 words before picking one ... that is whack.

I thought there would be more here that had played with TS Cyber Blue. Looks like cream will be it if I actually risk poly again.

Cyber Blue is a really nice string. My gauge of choice was 1.20mm. The 1.25 is a tougher string, but it feels very muted. It is a poly, so when it dies it does freeze up and can hurt you. I tried the 1.25 as mains with a multi cross and I found that on serves and overheads the balls were long by about 1.5'. The only other string I've had this happen with is Discho Iontec 1.25.

Other than that, Cyber Blue doesn't have much bite on the ball. But the muted comfort is definitely there and the power is med to high. My strokes are like flat drives with spin technique added. When I see an opportunity, I switch to a stronger grip and I can add a lot of topspin.

The Cyber Blue 1.20 really is a very nice string. It's not quite as muted as the 1.25 and it's more flexible and forgiving. But if I were choosing between Cyber Blue and Cream for arm protection, I would try Cream first. I haven't tried it myself yet though.

Doc Hollidae · Mar 1, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
No fraying, no string savers, no lube ... I don't want to think about string until restringing. Now ... I might type a 1000 words before picking one ... that is whack.

I thought there would be more here that had played with TS Cyber Blue. Looks like cream will be it if I actually risk poly again.

Cyber Blue and Tourna Big Hitter Blue are the same string. That said, Big Hitter Blue is the softest poly I've ever hit with and the only string I've used in the past 10 years. I have never tried Cream however. Hyper G while stiffer, pockets similarly to Big Hitter Blue, but with a ton more ball bite.

ByeByePoly · Mar 1, 2017

junior74 said:
No, I've heard it breaks quickly... So haven't tried it. Mikeler has tried a lot of strings, and he is very helpful. Ask for advice in one of his threads and tag him, I'm sure he will respond

I am gonna try Cream soon, too...

Trade off it will be. Origin is the closest to a string that has everything - but sometimes that's not enough

hahaha ... has everything but not enough. That is perfect. I think your logic (and Olsson) is sound ... try Origin first and then cream. I might find I don't need to look any further than Origin. I suspect I will, because even though I could live with vs 16 spin, I remember rpm spin. Chris said he got less with Origin than gut. I guess a good test would be cream spin vs gut spin.

btw ... I did ask Mikeler about origin vs ppc. Origin didn't do anything extra over ppc ... and cost more. I saw he bought a reel of 15g ppc ... but

ByeByePoly · Mar 1, 2017

Muppet said:
Cyber Blue is a really nice string. My gauge of choice was 1.20mm. The 1.25 is a tougher string, but it feels very muted. It is a poly, so when it dies it does freeze up and can hurt you. I tried the 1.25 as mains with a multi cross and I found that on serves and overheads the balls were long by about 1.5'. The only other string I've had this happen with is Discho Iontec 1.25.

Other than that, Cyber Blue doesn't have much bite on the ball. But the muted comfort is definitely there and the power is med to high. My strokes are like flat drives with spin technique added. When I see an opportunity, I switch to a stronger grip and I can add a lot of topspin.

The Cyber Blue 1.20 really is a very nice string. It's not quite as muted as the 1.25 and it's more flexible and forgiving. But if I were choosing between Cyber Blue and Cream for arm protection, I would try Cream first. I haven't tried it myself yet though.

Thx ... yes, cream first. In 40 years of tennis I have never played anything other than 16g other than the 15g xcel in my backup Yonex RDIS 200. Actually ... the cream 17g would be a fun experiment. I plan on 16g origin for durability if I go that route.

ByeByePoly · Mar 1, 2017

Doc Hollidae said:
Cyber Blue and Tourna Big Hitter Blue are the same string. That said, Big Hitter Blue is the softest poly I've ever hit with and the only string I've used in the past 10 years. I have never tried Cream however. Hyper G while stiffer, pockets similarly to Big Hitter Blue, but with a ton more ball bite.

Interesting they are same string. The ttw string stiffness numbers must be wrong. They have ts cyber blue 17 at 180 and big hitter blue 17 at 220. I was interested and big hitter bkue, but the stiffness number scared me off.

What guage do you use, and how often do you restring?

Doc Hollidae · Mar 1, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
Interesting they are same string. The ttw string stiffness numbers must be wrong. They have ts cyber blue 17 at 180 and big hitter blue 17 at 220. I was interested and big hitter bkue, but the stiffness number scared me off.

What guage do you use, and how often do you restring?

17 gauge. About every 3 week-ish. Or once the strings go to mush. It doesn't have the best tension maintenance, but it does the job for me. The pocketing is unmatched imo. I've tried both strings and couldn't tell the difference. I use BHB because its cheaper in reel form.

Black Zone is a tad stiffer than BHB, but has better tension maintenance.

ByeByePoly · Mar 1, 2017

Doc Hollidae said:
17 gauge. About every 3 week-ish. Or once the strings go to mush. It doesn't have the best tension maintenance, but it does the job for me. The pocketing is unmatched imo. I've tried both strings and couldn't tell the difference. I use BHB because its cheaper in reel form.

Black Zone is a tad stiffer than BHB, but has better tension maintenance.

I was playing with rpm for 3+ months (and I'm sure much longer than that sometimes) for 5 years. Then throw in ball sessions the last 2 years of that 5 years. It's a miracle it took 5 years to get TE. Everyone playing poly needs a stringing machine ... or constantly drop off racquets. I gave my alpha drop weight table top stringer away years ago ... should have kept it.

Hey ... you still loving your Project One? That reminds me ... I have a Pure Strike to go sell one day.

Doc Hollidae · Mar 1, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
I was playing with rpm for 3+ months (and I'm sure much longer than that sometimes) for 5 years. Then throw in ball sessions the last 2 years of that 5 years. It's a miracle it took 5 years to get TE. Everyone playing poly needs a stringing machine ... or constantly drop off racquets. I gave my alpha drop weight table top stringer away years ago ... should have kept it.

Hey ... you still loving your Project One? That reminds me ... I have a Pure Strike to go sell one day.

RPM Blast lasts me one hitting session before it loses all tension and becomes unplayable. While it's a good string, I think there's a ton of other polys that are better.

I've decided to use the Graphene Speed Pro as my main racket. While I like the PO7, the GSP better fits my game. I'll probably be putting my pair up on the board for sale soon as well.

Traffic · Mar 2, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
I don't experiment much with strings, but I tend to match up with Chris's opinions on his TW string reviews. He gave a really good review on fullbed ogsm. Before rpm ... I was mainly Wilson Sensation. If I try full syn gut again ... the first one I would try is ogsm. I also was totally thumped by a guy using forten sweet 15g ... massive topspin ... so much for theory you need poly and thin guage for topspin.

My guess is cream @45-50 is in my future. I wanted the "blue" part of ts cyber blue ... it would look awesome in v1 pro. If my game sucked ... at least racquet would look good.

I actually enjoyed playing with the full bed of OGSM. However, I did not like straightening my strings every few rallys. At least in a match situation, you have the time between points to reset things. I think playing with poly and poly hybrids really spoiled me regarding that aspect.

With respect to spin, I was able to generate sufficient spin. But I didn't put stupid spin on it like I did with Black Widow. In fact, when my son hit with Black Widow compared to Cyclone, he was able to generate a noticeable increase in spin that I had to adjust to. He hits harder, with more spin and is more consistent in every aspect of the game except second serves.

But I think for the time being, we are going back to basics for a while and work on hitting some fundamental shots. Flatten the hits. We can add the monster spin back later. But.... I play on a skills class that is made up of 3.5 and under players. I'm probably one of the younger players in the group. I suck at net and that's what I'm working on. But many will let my groundstrokes go thinking it's going long. Then it dips 6" in on the baseline... Love it!

ByeByePoly · Mar 2, 2017

Paul Cho said:
I actually enjoyed playing with the full bed of OGSM. However, I did not like straightening my strings every few rallys. At least in a match situation, you have the time between points to reset things. I think playing with poly and poly hybrids really spoiled me regarding that aspect.

With respect to spin, I was able to generate sufficient spin. But I didn't put stupid spin on it like I did with Black Widow. In fact, when my son hit with Black Widow compared to Cyclone, he was able to generate a noticeable increase in spin that I had to adjust to. He hits harder, with more spin and is more consistent in every aspect of the game except second serves.

But I think for the time being, we are going back to basics for a while and work on hitting some fundamental shots. Flatten the hits. We can add the monster spin back later. But.... I play on a skills class that is made up of 3.5 and under players. I'm probably one of the younger players in the group. I suck at net and that's what I'm working on. But many will let my groundstrokes go thinking it's going long. Then it dips 6" in on the baseline... Love it!

You figure mishits have to be the major factor in te/ge. Once we have grooved a stroke ... we hit less mishits. It makes sense to me to play with a more forgiving string as one "grooves" a stroke or technique.

I would say the following are transition times:
- learning initial strokes
- changing strokes ... adding fh flip, 1hbh -> 2hbh, 2hbh -> 1hbh, learning kick serve
- introducing more spin ... more low to high swing path
- changing grips

I think trying to add the flip w/poly got me. Maybe with low tension multi or gut I could have gone through learning/timing curve safely ... and then come back to stiffer string. I will never know. I think we underestimate just how much timing we have worked through just to hit the ball near the center of the racquet most of the time. Any small change can effect that timing.

Yeah ... I like the straight strings also. I would have said that is silly ... but after 5 years of rpm I NEED straight strings.

Traffic · Mar 2, 2017

I think at this point, there is much to enjoy about tennis than just winning a match. I for one am enjoying the research and testing of different strings. I'd like to test different racquets, but they are more expensive. Bing free from injury. Definitely a priority.

I much prefer matching string colors over straightening strings...

Traffic · Mar 2, 2017

Doc Hollidae said:
Cyber Blue and Tourna Big Hitter Blue are the same string. That said, Big Hitter Blue is the softest poly I've ever hit with and the only string I've used in the past 10 years. I have never tried Cream however. Hyper G while stiffer, pockets similarly to Big Hitter Blue, but with a ton more ball bite.

This is what I don't quite understand. BHB 17 has a stiffness rating of 222. Hyper G 17 is 195. Cyber Blue 17 is 183. So what gives? I know that I've hit with Black Widow 17 before and it felt much cushier than Gamma Moto Soft 17. But the stiffness ratings are 217 and 202 respectively. How am I supposed to use the stiffness rating to equate it to comfort?

Just using the string tool: http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/comparestrings.php

I'm very tempted to try Cream vs Cyclone 19. Similar stiffness, similar power, similar tension maintenance. But sounds like Cyclone has very high spin potential.

ByeByePoly · Mar 2, 2017

Paul Cho said:
I think at this point, there is much to enjoy about tennis than just winning a match. I for one am enjoying the research and testing of different strings. I'd like to test different racquets, but they are more expensive. Bing free from injury. Definitely a priority.

I much prefer matching string colors over straightening strings...

hahaha ... use the search and you will see I spent my first months here talking about te and FHs. I have just started to talk more about strings... I find talking about strings a relief.

ByeByePoly · Mar 2, 2017

Paul Cho said:
This is what I don't quite understand. BHB 17 has a stiffness rating of 222. Hyper G 17 is 195. Cyber Blue 17 is 183. So what gives? I know that I've hit with Black Widow 17 before and it felt much cushier than Gamma Moto Soft 17. But the stiffness ratings are 217 and 202 respectively. How am I supposed to use the stiffness rating to equate it to comfort?

Just using the string tool: http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/comparestrings.php

I'm very tempted to try Cream vs Cyclone 19. Similar stiffness, similar power, similar tension maintenance. But sounds like Cyclone has very high spin potential.

I think the stiffness tool is a good guideline ... but people feel differences that don't match up with the numbers. You would hope it at least puts us in the right ball park.

Doc Hollidae · Mar 2, 2017

Paul Cho said:
This is what I don't quite understand. BHB 17 has a stiffness rating of 222. Hyper G 17 is 195. Cyber Blue 17 is 183. So what gives? I know that I've hit with Black Widow 17 before and it felt much cushier than Gamma Moto Soft 17. But the stiffness ratings are 217 and 202 respectively. How am I supposed to use the stiffness rating to equate it to comfort?

Just using the string tool: http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/comparestrings.php

I'm very tempted to try Cream vs Cyclone 19. Similar stiffness, similar power, similar tension maintenance. But sounds like Cyclone has very high spin potential.

TW measures one sample of the string. It's not an average like their racket specs I believe. Ratings are just a reference, I wouldn't use them as fact necessarily. I know BHB is softer than Hyper G, I've played with both side by side for the past few months trying to determine if I want to make the switch to Hyper G. One thing I always do with polys I try is bending them at the tip to see how much give it has or if it will kink/ghost the string. BHB reacts more like a stiff syn gut like Spiraltek or Gosen OG Sheep than it does your typical poly.

I'd suggest Hyper-G 18 gauge over Cyclone 19. There was nothing special about Cyclone 19, other than it didn't feel as plasticky as thicker gauges of Cyclone. IMO, Hyper G is an all around improvement over Cyclone.

Traffic · Mar 2, 2017

Doc Hollidae said:
TW measures one sample of the string. It's not an average like their racket specs I believe. Ratings are just a reference, I wouldn't use them as fact necessarily. I know BHB is softer than Hyper G, I've played with both side by side for the past few months trying to determine if I want to make the switch to Hyper G. One thing I always do with polys I try is bending them at the tip to see how much give it has or if it will kink/ghost the string. BHB reacts more like a stiff syn gut like Spiraltek or Gosen OG Sheep than it does your typical poly.

I'd suggest Hyper-G 18 gauge over Cyclone 19. There was nothing special about Cyclone 19, other than it didn't feel as plasticky as thicker gauges of Cyclone. IMO, Hyper G is an all around improvement over Cyclone.

Very interesting. So no on Cyclone. What are your thoughts on Cyclone Tour in the 18g flavor?
Is there even a softer version of Hyper G 18?

Doc Hollidae · Mar 2, 2017

Paul Cho said:
Very interesting. So no on Cyclone. What are your thoughts on Cyclone Tour in the 18g flavor?
Is there even a softer version of Hyper G 18?

I don't want to necessarily discourage you from Cyclone. Tennis equipment is subjective, so while I think Cyclone is crap. Others may swear by it and that's ok. I just know its not for me.

I've never tried Cyclone Tour. From what I understand it drops tension faster than even Cyclone. My dubs partner said he thought it felt stiffer than Cyclone. Since I don't like regular Cyclone, I have no interest in trying Cyclone Tour.

I am unaware of a softer version of Hyper G. Tour Bite Soft might be what you are looking for, but I've never used Tour Bite Soft.

Muppet · Mar 3, 2017

Paul Cho said:
Very interesting. So no on Cyclone. What are your thoughts on Cyclone Tour in the 18g flavor?
Is there even a softer version of Hyper G 18?

A comfortable, shaped poly that was popular for some time when it came out was Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough. Lots of spin, but not always the type of spin you expect. They were saying it keeps your opponent guessing, but also you.

ByeByePoly · Mar 3, 2017

Doc Hollidae said:
I don't want to necessarily discourage you from Cyclone. Tennis equipment is subjective, so while I think Cyclone is crap. Others may swear by it and that's ok. I just know its not for me.

I've never tried Cyclone Tour. From what I understand it drops tension faster than even Cyclone. My dubs partner said he thought it felt stiffer than Cyclone. Since I don't like regular Cyclone, I have no interest in trying Cyclone Tour.

I am unaware of a softer version of Hyper G. Tour Bite Soft might be what you are looking for, but I've never used Tour Bite Soft.

"I don't want to necessarily discourage you from Cyclone."

"Cyclone is crap."

LOL ... I'm looking forward to when you want to discourage something.

I only played 2 sets with tour bite soft ... the last two sets with TE before my hiatus. I thought my kick serve was kicking more than rpm ever did ... and with a 2/3rd serve due to elbow. After a couple of service games, the friend I was playing said "your serve is jumping like crazy". I have played him for several years. I have no idea how it holds up tension wise ... but fresh off the stringer it felt great to me. I think I had it strung in the pure strike (old version) @45.

Just looked at tw review ... bad score on tension maintenance. They also said rpm had more spin than tbs ... not on my kicker.

Doc Hollidae · Mar 3, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
"I don't want to necessarily discourage you from Cyclone."

"Cyclone is crap."

LOL ... I'm looking forward to when you want to discourage something.

I only played 2 sets with tour bite soft ... the last two sets with TE before my hiatus. I thought my kick serve was kicking more than rpm ever did ... and with a 2/3rd serve due to elbow. After a couple of service games, the friend I was playing said "your serve is jumping like crazy". I have played him for several years. I have no idea how it holds up tension wise ... but fresh off the stringer it felt great to me. I think I had it strung in the pure strike (old version) @45.

Just looked at tw review ... bad score on tension maintenance. They also said rpm had more spin than tbs ... not on my kicker.

Well, tennis equipment is very subjective. The point I was trying to make is one makes trash, can be another man's treasure when it comes to strings, rackets, etc. What works for me, may not work for others, and vice versa. So I encourage everyone to at least try something once.

I tried Cyclone due to all the hype and it just flat for me. I had previously tried Pro Supex Blue Gear and in comparison, Cyclone didn't grab the ball nearly as much. Then I tried Hyper G after Cyclone and felt that it was an improvement in all categories over Cyclone. I just felt like Cyclone was a re-branded Polystar Turbo. It was very plasticky and didn't hold tension well, and the shape really didn't add much ball bite.

Hyper G supposedly has better tension maintenance than TB Soft. Same shape though, so you would get similar results, but a different/stiffer feel probably.

I'm not a big fan of RPM Blast either. I would say it's similar to Cyclone with better feel, but terrible tension maintenance. I've tried RPM Blast on three different occasion in 3 different rackets and had the same result. One good, initial hitting session, then a massive tension drop to the point the strings are unplayable. I'd recommend Hyper G over RPM Blast as well.

ByeByePoly · Mar 3, 2017

Doc Hollidae said:
Well, tennis equipment is very subjective. The point I was trying to make is one makes trash, can be another man's treasure when it comes to strings, rackets, etc. What works for me, may not work for others, and vice versa. So I encourage everyone to at least try something once.

I tried Cyclone due to all the hype and it just flat for me. I had previously tried Pro Supex Blue Gear and in comparison, Cyclone didn't grab the ball nearly as much. Then I tried Hyper G after Cyclone and felt that it was an improvement in all categories over Cyclone. I just felt like Cyclone was a re-branded Polystar Turbo. It was very plasticky and didn't hold tension well, and the shape really didn't add much ball bite.

Hyper G supposedly has better tension maintenance than TB Soft. Same shape though, so you would get similar results, but a different/stiffer feel probably.

I'm not a big fan of RPM Blast either. I would say it's similar to Cyclone with better feel, but terrible tension maintenance. I've tried RPM Blast on three different occasion in 3 different rackets and had the same result. One good, initial hitting session, then a massive tension drop to the point the strings are unplayable. I'd recommend Hyper G over RPM Blast as well.

Yeah ... I knew what you meant, and I agree... I was just having fun. String choice is different for all of us ... at least for those who care. I know a lot of good players that don't spend a second thinking about strings. I have had several matches with RPM when I was treed from the baseline beyond my normal game ... felt like I could almost call my line. Perhaps those were days when it was freshly string ... I do remember thinking they were magic for a couple of matches. I had never heard anyone say poly went dead until I started reading/posting here. I just thought is was special for a while ... and then still a pretty good control string. I tried Cyclone ... I like RPM better. I also noticed how a string feels is not always how I play with it. I grabbed my buddies Pure Drive with spikey shark strung tight one day. It felt terrible ... but I almost couldn't miss a shot. My control was excellent ... passing shots all day ... and yet hated the feel. Jeeze ... there is no hope in picking a string.

Traffic · Mar 3, 2017

Doc Hollidae said:
I don't want to necessarily discourage you from Cyclone. Tennis equipment is subjective, so while I think Cyclone is crap. Others may swear by it and that's ok. I just know its not for me.

I've never tried Cyclone Tour. From what I understand it drops tension faster than even Cyclone. My dubs partner said he thought it felt stiffer than Cyclone. Since I don't like regular Cyclone, I have no interest in trying Cyclone Tour.

I am unaware of a softer version of Hyper G. Tour Bite Soft might be what you are looking for, but I've never used Tour Bite Soft.

At this point, we are considering Cyclone as a benchmark. Not because it is amazing. But because it seems to strike a pretty good balance of all around performance and predictability. Other strings are better control, comfort, spin, power, but always with some sort of trade-off. And as we explore those trade-offs, gotta have a string to come back to and compare.

But I appreciate your thoughts and sharing your experience as I've added Hyper G to the shopping cart.

Doc Hollidae · Mar 3, 2017

Paul Cho said:
At this point, we are considering Cyclone as a benchmark. Not because it is amazing. But because it seems to strike a pretty good balance of all around performance and predictability. Other strings are better control, comfort, spin, power, but always with some sort of trade-off. And as we explore those trade-offs, gotta have a string to come back to and compare.

But I appreciate your thoughts and sharing your experience as I've added Hyper G to the shopping cart.

Let me know how Hyper G works out for you.

ByeByePoly · Mar 3, 2017

fyi ... ordered origin and cream. Cream backordered until Mar 12. Will post impressions of both.

SpinToWin · Mar 4, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
fyi ... ordered origin and cream. Cream backordered until Mar 12. Will post impressions of both.

Have you ever tried a gut/poly hybrid?

ByeByePoly · Mar 4, 2017

SpinToWin said:
Have you ever tried a gut/poly hybrid?

I have not ... but have read a lot about it here, including your great gut/poly thread. I totally believe you guys that gut/poly is super spin and comfortable. I just think gut is overkill for my game at this stage, and I want a non-fraying string solution. I REALLY don't like chasing frays with string savers. That said ... never say never. I'm going to test my elbow with full bed origin, and then full bed cream ... and go from there.

SpinToWin · Mar 4, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
I have not ... but have read a lot about it here, including your great gut/poly thread. I totally believe you guys that gut/poly is super spin and comfortable. I just think gut is overkill for my game at this stage, and I want a non-fraying string solution. I REALLY don't like chasing frays with string savers. That said ... never say never. I'm going to test my elbow with full bed origin, and then full bed cream ... and go from there.

Fraying is no problem really. I have a 40+ friend whom I have got to switch to gut/poly. He comes at most three times per year for a restring and finds a smaller playability drop than with poly. He keeps joking around about what he would have done had he known about this option earlier haha.

ByeByePoly · Mar 4, 2017

SpinToWin said:
Fraying is no problem really. I have a 40+ friend whom I have got to switch to gut/poly. He comes at most three times per year for a restring and finds a smaller playability drop than with poly. He keeps joking around about what he would have done had he known about this option earlier haha.

I may end up there.

My idea is to hit the ball machine with the Origin ... and pull out the cream for my fun singles matches if I need it ... maybe origin is it. First I have to see if my elbow is good to go. I will be back to talk about gut/poly ... maybe.

ByeByePoly · Mar 4, 2017

SpinToWin said:
Fraying is no problem really. I have a 40+ friend whom I have got to switch to gut/poly. He comes at most three times per year for a restring and finds a smaller playability drop than with poly. He keeps joking around about what he would have done had he known about this option earlier haha.

Three times per year is good. I heard TenFanLA talking about restringing gut/poly every 12 hours ... wtf? Maybe he is a lottery winner.

SpinToWin · Mar 4, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
Three times per year is good. I heard TenFanLA talking about restringing gut/poly every 12 hours ... wtf? Maybe he is a lottery winner.

Depends on the individual I guess

I'd recommend Tonic + anyways though, and I doubt you'd go through it that fast

Traffic · Mar 4, 2017

SpinToWin said:
Depends on the individual I guess

I'd recommend Tonic + anyways though, and I doubt you'd go through it that fast

So the VS is not worth the added cost?

SpinToWin said:
Have you ever tried a gut/poly hybrid?

What do you suggest as a good poly to use in the cross?

I'm interested in trying gut/poly. I'm assuming I should look into a round poly? I've got a little box of a bunch of shaped/textured poly right now. I think I traded my Silverstring to try out Pro Line II Rough and Max Power Rough. I think the closest that I have to smooth poly is Gosen Sidewinder. It is literally slippery to handle.

SpinToWin · Mar 4, 2017

Paul Cho said:
So the VS is not worth the added cost?

Not really IMO, certainly not for your average rec player.

What do you suggest as a good poly to use in the cross?

I'm interested in trying gut/poly. I'm assuming I should look into a round poly? I've got a little box of a bunch of shaped/textured poly right now. I think I traded my Silverstring to try out Pro Line II Rough and Max Power Rough. I think the closest that I have to smooth poly is Gosen Sidewinder. It is literally slippery to handle.

Depends what you want from the cross really, but I indeed would recommend a round string. Let me know what attributes interest you most.

Regarding Sidewinder, I believe that @TenFanLA may have used it as a cross in the past (may be confusing him with someone though).

Traffic · Mar 4, 2017

SpinToWin said:
Not really IMO, certainly not for your average rec player.

Depends what you want from the cross really, but I indeed would recommend a round string. Let me know what attributes interest you most.

Regarding Sidewinder, I believe that @TenFanLA may have used it as a cross in the past (may be confusing him with someone though).

Probably 2 slightly different attributes for my son and myself. Either way, we'd like:
1) good comfort to keep arms and shoulders safe.
2) predictable play
2) good spin potential

3) ME: a bit of added power
4) My son: Not really added power to keep his control higher priority.
5) I'm not a string breaker by any means. My son has a bit more potential to shred multis after a week. Durability is probably lowest of the priorities.

Deleted member 120290 · Mar 4, 2017

ByeByePoly said:
Three times per year is good. I heard TenFanLA talking about restringing gut/poly every 12 hours ... wtf? Maybe he is a lottery winner.

I'm string rich, cash poor.

Be careful when you try out gut/poly. I've been able to quit heroin, crack, gambling, etc. but not gut/poly.

SpinToWin · Mar 4, 2017

Paul Cho said:
Probably 2 slightly different attributes for my son and myself. Either way, we'd like:
1) good comfort to keep arms and shoulders safe.
2) predictable play
2) good spin potential

3) ME: a bit of added power
4) My son: Not really added power to keep his control higher priority.
5) I'm not a string breaker by any means. My son has a bit more potential to shred multis after a week. Durability is probably lowest of the priorities.

Well you shouldn't have to worry in regards to comfort, except perhaps with 4G as a cross.

For predictable play I found Head Hawk pretty great, though it produced a flatter trajectory and IMO is more suitable to a racquet with an open string pattern. Wilson Revolve is less predictable but offers easier spin, a higher trajectory, and easier depth. I'd recommend one of the two to you personally.

From my experience I'd recommend Kirschbaum Max Power as a cross for your son. Definitely drop the tension on the crosses more than you would with others strings, as MP's tension maintenance is superior to that of other polys.

Traffic · Mar 4, 2017

SpinToWin said:
Well you shouldn't have to worry in regards to comfort, except perhaps with 4G as a cross.

For predictable play I found Head Hawk pretty great, though it produced a flatter trajectory and IMO is more suitable to a racquet with an open string pattern. Wilson Revolve is less predictable but offers easier spin, a higher trajectory, and easier depth. I'd recommend one of the two to you personally.

From my experience I'd recommend Kirschbaum Max Power as a cross for your son. Definitely drop the tension on the crosses more than you would with others strings, as MP's tension maintenance is superior to that of other polys.

We both play with PS97LS which is a light racquet with 18x16 open pattern.

Cream vs Cyber Blue

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Talk Tennis Guru

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

Talk Tennis Guru

Legend

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Legend

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Talk Tennis Guru

G.O.A.T.

Talk Tennis Guru

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

Talk Tennis Guru

Hall of Fame

Talk Tennis Guru

Hall of Fame

Deleted member 120290

Guest

Talk Tennis Guru

Hall of Fame

Similar threads