Mikeler's Polys

djNEiGht

Legend
I have one more Tier One offering to try and then the thread may go dormant again.
all the same..good to see a review. From your multi thread to this one, many of the strings you have reviewed and liked I have gravitated to.

I'm fighting an arm issue though. I don't think it's TE/GE but maybe a pinched nerve. It is really frustrating. One day my game is good...then the next my arm feels disconnected on my FH side. I can still serve, volley, and BH. SMH.
 

392Hemi

Professional
@mikeler, thanks for the Firewire BOOST review. I just tried and really liked Firewire and am perhaps interested in the Firewire hybrid. What other round polys does the Neos-2 compare to? Is there anything distinctive about it or would any slick round poly give comparable results to the packaged hybrid?
 

djNEiGht

Legend
@392Hemi
I haven't tried Neos-2 but I've done smooth poly crosses a few times. The most common that I have done was IsoSpeed Baseline Spin and the Speed. They are cheap round polys but I found did a good job in a hybrid. I also used it as an option to cross with a more expensive poly to the players I've strung for. Some have really liked it and I have x3 players who have been doing the Rough Poly / Baseline hybrid for a couple years now. I've usually had requests for Diadem Solstice Power or T1 as the rough poly
 

392Hemi

Professional
@392Hemi
I haven't tried Neos-2 but I've done smooth poly crosses a few times. The most common that I have done was IsoSpeed Baseline Spin and the Speed. They are cheap round polys but I found did a good job in a hybrid. I also used it as an option to cross with a more expensive poly to the players I've strung for. Some have really liked it and I have x3 players who have been doing the Rough Poly / Baseline hybrid for a couple years now. I've usually had requests for Diadem Solstice Power or T1 as the rough poly

I've never tried IsoSpeed Baseline Speed or Spin but have Firewire strung with an IsoSpeed Cream cross now and it feels / performs great. I was just wondering if the T1 Neos, or anything else might be more suited to the Firewire's sharp edges
 

mikeler

Moderator
@392Hemi
I haven't tried Neos-2 but I've done smooth poly crosses a few times. The most common that I have done was IsoSpeed Baseline Spin and the Speed. They are cheap round polys but I found did a good job in a hybrid. I also used it as an option to cross with a more expensive poly to the players I've strung for. Some have really liked it and I have x3 players who have been doing the Rough Poly / Baseline hybrid for a couple years now. I've usually had requests for Diadem Solstice Power or T1 as the rough poly

I guess the closest comparison I can think of is a round version of Ytex Square-X. The next string I'm trying is the Tier One Neos 3.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Mikeler have you tried the Black Knight by Tier One?

I think Neos 3 is Black Knight. If that is correct, then I strung it up last night. I'm more curious about the Boost if it will last a whole match, so I'll probably test that again today. But the Knight shall have its day in court soon.
 

Adisor

Rookie
I think Neos 3 is Black Knight. If that is correct, then I strung it up last night. I'm more curious about the Boost if it will last a whole match, so I'll probably test that again today. But the Knight shall have its day in court soon.
Waiting for your report. Thx!
 

mikeler

Moderator
Well, I got to test out the Black Knight aka Neos 3 today since the FireWire broke after less than a set. This time, it began unraveling in the middle of the string bed during the warm up and that is where it broke. @TierOneSportsOfficial, you must have sent me a different gauge than 16. This is just strange that the first set had great durability and the 16g I bought can't make it a set.

Anyway, the Neos 3 kind of feels like a smoother version of Cyclone to me. It's pretty good for those who like smooth strings but I feel like there is more spin to be had when I use shaped strings.
 

Adisor

Rookie
Well, I got to test out the Black Knight aka Neos 3 today since the FireWire broke after less than a set. This time, it began unraveling in the middle of the string bed during the warm up and that is where it broke. @TierOneSportsOfficial, you must have sent me a different gauge than 16. This is just strange that the first set had great durability and the 16g I bought can't make it a set.

Anyway, the Neos 3 kind of feels like a smoother version of Cyclone to me. It's pretty good for those who like smooth strings but I feel like there is more spin to be had when I use shaped strings.
Tell me where would you place Pro Supex Big Ace on your list? You played with it for a year. How about Big Ace Micro, is it a better choice?
 

mikeler

Moderator
Tell me where would you place Pro Supex Big Ace on your list? You played with it for a year. How about Big Ace Micro, is it a better choice?

I believe Big Ace was one of the first polys I ever tried. Looking back, it was just OK. I never tried Micro.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Thanks to @TierOneSportsOfficial for offering a refund but as I told him offline, I want the set of strings I reviewed. I love them. It's either the 17g or 18g. I'm pretty sure it was the 17g and I'll update the review to 17g if that is the case.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Played another 2 sets with Black Knight tonight. @TierOneSportsOfficial is this a square string? I can't really tell what the shape is.

It seems a little softer than Cyclone. That is one thing I like about many of the Tier One strings is how soft they are. It felt nice on volleys in the warm up but my opponent blasts the ball so I didn't get many opportunities up there in live battle.
 

Adisor

Rookie
Played another 2 sets with Black Knight tonight. @TierOneSportsOfficial is this a square string? I can't really tell what the shape is.

It seems a little softer than Cyclone. That is one thing I like about many of the Tier One strings is how soft they are. It felt nice on volleys in the warm up but my opponent blasts the ball so I didn't get many opportunities up there in live battle.
Where would this string be on your list?
 

mikeler

Moderator
I've been consulting with @TierOneSportsOfficial. I strung up a racket tonight with Firewire Boost and made several adjustments to my stringing machine and technique plus dropped the tension from 60 to 52. Gosh I hope this works! Apparently I'm the only one having this problem, so I wouldn't let it scare others off. The first time I used it, the strings lasted a long time so it is strange.
 

mikeler

Moderator
I got through 2 long sets tonight with the stringing technique and tension changes. Hopefully this does the trick and then I can switch to Firewire Boost permanently. Such a great feeling string, soft yet I'm so confident I know what the ball will do coming off the strings.
 

Muppet

Legend
I got through 2 long sets tonight with the stringing technique and tension changes. Hopefully this does the trick and then I can switch to Firewire Boost permanently. Such a great feeling string, soft yet I'm so confident I know what the ball will do coming off the strings.
I've had trouble with Outlast 18 notching the crosses pre-maturely after just one service practice. It was in my signature racquet, 1-piece, @49 lbs. The frame is flexible and the crosses string bottom to top, per Dunlop's recommended pattern. If I tried it again I thought of trying 2-piece @49/47. The machine is a drop weight. Do you have any suggestions?
 

mikeler

Moderator
I've had trouble with Outlast 18 notching the crosses pre-maturely after just one service practice. It was in my signature racquet, 1-piece, @49 lbs. The frame is flexible and the crosses string bottom to top, per Dunlop's recommended pattern. If I tried it again I thought of trying 2-piece @49/47. The machine is a drop weight. Do you have any suggestions?

Yes, don't use 18g!
 

mikeler

Moderator
I got in another 2 sets with Firewire Boost today. Yesterday, I was moving slow but timing the ball well. Today, my movement was good (except those small adjustment steps) but I was framing everything. Temperatures in the upper 90s with no shade can make you play less than your best. Anyhoo, I think the breakage issues are now solved but I'm going to try and play tomorrow so stay tuned...
 

Dennylee60

New User
Can you tell me what did you change to your string machine and stringing technique? I would like to give the string a try. I tried Firewire a while back and it never lasted past 4 hrs, so if there is something I can do to make the string last longer, I would be interested. Thanks.

Denny

I've been consulting with @TierOneSportsOfficial. I strung up a racket tonight with Firewire Boost and made several adjustments to my stringing machine and technique plus dropped the tension from 60 to 52. Gosh I hope this works! Apparently I'm the only one having this problem, so I wouldn't let it scare others off. The first time I used it, the strings lasted a long time so it is strange.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Can you tell me what did you change to your string machine and stringing technique? I would like to give the string a try. I tried Firewire a while back and it never lasted past 4 hrs, so if there is something I can do to make the string last longer, I would be interested. Thanks.

Denny


I loosened the pressure on both clamps and the tensioner. I tested the calibration on my machine and it was perfect. I dropped the tension from 60 to 52. I also clamped an inch away from the frame on every main.

Now that the strings have lasted, I plan to try 60 pounds again on the next string job. Higher tensions just work better in my frame.
cleardot.gif
 

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
I loosened the pressure on both clamps and the tensioner. I tested the calibration on my machine and it was perfect. I dropped the tension from 60 to 52. I also clamped an inch away from the frame on every main.

Now that the strings have lasted, I plan to try 60 pounds again on the next string job. Higher tensions just work better in my frame.
cleardot.gif
Any reason given for the one-inch clamping on the mains?
 

mikeler

Moderator
Any reason given for the one-inch clamping on the mains?

The two times I broke Firewire on a shank, it was right next to the grommet of the main. So my thinking was not to expose the area near the grommet to extra stress. Sure the tension isn't perfect but its worth it if that is all it takes to get the strings to last.
 

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
The two times I broke Firewire on a shank, it was right next to the grommet of the main. So my thinking was not to expose the area near the grommet to extra stress. Sure the tension isn't perfect but its worth it if that is all it takes to get the strings to last.
Have trouble breaking strings on or near knots. Are you using a brake or a boomerang?
 

mikeler

Moderator
Have trouble breaking strings on or near knots. Are you using a brake or a boomerang?

I've only had issues with a few strings that I really like breaking on shanks. Iontec and Firewire come to mind. I string the crosses 50/50, so I don't use either (brake/boomerang). Since Firewire Boost only has Firewire in the mains, I don't worry about the cross strings.
 

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
I've only had issues with a few strings that I really like breaking on shanks. Iontec and Firewire come to mind. I string the crosses 50/50, so I don't use either (brake/boomerang). Since Firewire Boost only has Firewire in the mains, I don't worry about the cross strings.
Thanks
 

mikeler

Moderator
Update on FireWire Boost: it doesn't break prematurely in my racket at 52 pounds but it loses the mojo. I tried another set at 60 again and it broke on the 3rd point of the match yesterday. So I tried 56 pounds on the mains and 60 pounds on the crosses today. The magic is there at this tension and it lasted over 2 hours today. Fingers crossed that this works out...
 

mikeler

Moderator
I am still playtesting the Black Knight, it does not seem to be interested in breaking. Tonight I faced a red hot opponent in the first set with the Dark Knight and didn't fare well. So I brought Excalibur out (Firewire Boost) for the 2nd set. I ended up winning in a very long tiebreak set. Firewire at 56 pounds passed another durability test. Anything that can ease a tennis player's mind on court is worth using. I just don't feel like I'm going to make many unforced errors with the Boost combo.

A brief kudos for @TierOneSportsOfficial. When you combine a college level player targeting strings for recreational players, you get some really unique stuff. Their strings may not be for everyone but I can say they seem to be unique from all the other ones I've tried. That may be great for some players and horrible for others. The pre-packaged sharp poly main hybrid with a smooth poly cross is brilliant IMHO.
 

topspn

Legend
Tier One Firewire Boost Hybrid 1.30mm (I think it was 16g, I threw away the package months ago)

This is a poly/poly hybrid meant to have the very sharp Firewire in the mains with their Neos-2 smooth poly in the crosses.

Tension it is strung: 60# on a lockout
Your regular string set up: Volkl Cyclone 16 @ 60#
String pattern of your racquet: 16 x 16 (Prince Tour 100T ESP)
Power (or lack there of): Medium powered
Feel: Between good and great
Tension maintenance: I forgot to use RacquetTune, sorry everyone.
Price: $8.95/set
Overall comments and feedback: See below

General: If you've followed this thread, you know I'm a fan of shaped polys. Awhile back, I tried a full bed of Firewire and really enjoyed it. Since I'm not a clean ball striker, it broke after only a few sets on a shank. So I was intrigued by this offering wondering if this may help the shank problem. Read on for the results...

Serve/Return of Serve: Serves have nasty spin with this setup. My first serve has been dialed in recently with Cyclone and this string so that comparison is a wash. I was able to be aggressive on returns and put a lot of balls back in the court. It was rare to miss a service return unless I was pulled way off to one side.

Strokes: I felt the most confident I've ever felt on court with this setup the last 2 matches I've played. It literally feels like its grabbing the ball and slinging it. Flattening out balls I had all the confidence in the world to take big cuts. If I missed taking a big cut, it usually hit the top of the tape so I didn't miss by much at all. Even my slice backhand which is average came alive with this setup. I'm a defensive grinder but this setup gives me the confidence to take control of the points when I have the opportunity.

Volleys: Good on regular volleys, terrific when hitting drop volleys probably with all the extra spin it provides.

Touch shots: My drop shots were pretty good with this setup.

Softness: This felt pretty soft on the arm. Definitely no arm issues.

Tension: 60# played great. I love the crisp sound of the ball on contact.

Durability: I've been using this on and off for months for a random set at a time because I didn't want to switch strings too often during league play. I don't really see much notching on the crosses, so I may be able to get quite a bit more life out of it. I didn't keep track of the hours but in a 16x16 pattern, I'm surprised how good it still looks for the number of hours I've logged with it. No shanking issues yet.

Movement: Some string movement but nothing too bad. I think the smooth cross poly allows the strings to slide mostly back even as they age. The OCD folks will like this one.

Color: The red and white color is pretty nice IMHO. Federer and Stan should consider this one. :)

Conclusion: I think I may be looking for a home for the rest of my Cyclone reel that I just opened. The spin with this setup is off the charts, the durability is outstanding and the price is reasonable. If you are looking at the sub $10 poly class, this may be better than Cyclone or Cyclone Tour if you are a fan of either of those strings. I think I'll be making the switch to this hybrid!

I tried firewire not the hybrid not too long ago and I agree with comfort and massive spin potential. However you played at what i would consider a tension beyond high. I can see you have a frame that is very open pattern and perhaps have to go that amazingly high for control. When i played the string it was strung @52 and i normally play full poly from 48-52 in a TC100. I thought the power was way too high and response was pretty erratic . This was not a predictable low powered response which i look for. I had to change my strokes to emphasize constant heavy top spin to have a level of control. Not a good choice at all for a tempered response imho.
 

mikeler

Moderator
I tried firewire not the hybrid not too long ago and I agree with comfort and massive spin potential. However you played at what i would consider a tension beyond high. I can see you have a frame that is very open pattern and perhaps have to go that amazingly high for control. When i played the string it was strung @52 and i normally play full poly from 48-52 in a TC100. I thought the power was way too high and response was pretty erratic . This was not a predictable low powered response which i look for. I had to change my strokes to emphasize constant heavy top spin to have a level of control. Not a good choice at all for a tempered response imho.

Correct, higher tensions in the open patterns work better for me. I've been having breakage problems at 60 pounds, so I too tried 52 pounds and the magic is gone in my racket at that tension. My most recent experiment is 56/60. No breakage yet after 2 long tiebreak sets and it has the same magical feel as 60#. More to come...
 
I tried firewire not the hybrid not too long ago and I agree with comfort and massive spin potential. However you played at what i would consider a tension beyond high. I can see you have a frame that is very open pattern and perhaps have to go that amazingly high for control. When i played the string it was strung @52 and i normally play full poly from 48-52 in a TC100. I thought the power was way too high and response was pretty erratic . This was not a predictable low powered response which i look for. I had to change my strokes to emphasize constant heavy top spin to have a level of control. Not a good choice at all for a tempered response imho.

I can totally understand your experience. I personally have the same experience with the FireWire. You would probably like the Black Knight which offers a bit less spin potential but is excellent in the depth and directional control department. May I ask your approximate NTRP?
 

mikeler

Moderator
I got in another set with Firewire and a set with Black Knight yesterday. I'm partial to the spinnier Firewire but I could see an audience for Black Knight as well. Both great strings. If I ever break the Black Knight, I'll write a review.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Tier One Black Knight 1.28mm

This is a very nice smooth poly that is a piece of cake to string up.

Tension it is strung: 60# on a lockout
Your regular string set up: Tier One Firewire Boost 16 @ 60#
String pattern of your racquet: 16 x 16 (Prince Tour 100T ESP)
Power (or lack there of): Medium powered
Feel: Nice and soft
Tension maintenance: I forgot to use RacquetTune, sorry everyone.
Price: $8.95/set
Overall comments and feedback: See below

General: If you've followed this thread, you know I'm a fan of shaped polys. That being said, this is my favorite round poly.

Serve/Return of Serve: Serves have plenty of pop with this setup. I particularly like it on colder days when the Har Tru may be wet and the balls get heavy. I used this setup a lot in doubles and felt like I could not miss returns unless I was completely stretched out.

Strokes: It has a great blend of power and control, especially in slower conditions. The only area where it is inferior to Tier One Firewire Boost is in the spin department. It's just average for spin for a poly.

Volleys: As I mentioned earlier, I tended to use this setup a lot for doubles since returns and volleys are outstanding.

Touch shots: My drop shots were pretty good with this setup.

Softness: This felt pretty soft on the arm. Definitely no arm issues.

Tension: 60# played great.

Durability: I've been using this on and off for probably 6 months for a random set at a time and mainly for doubles which I don't play often. I'm amazed how long this setup lasted in my 16x16 rackets. I was almost getting to the point of thinking that it was unbreakable. Then I had to loan it to a friend who broke 2 strings and he broke it on the very first shot he hit!

Movement: Some string movement but nothing too bad.

Color: It's black and doesn't bleed ink on the balls which is a pet peeve of mine.

Conclusion: This is an awesome string and for those who like a smooth poly, you need to try it. The durability is off the charts and the price is reasonable.
 

haqq777

Legend
Tier One Black Knight 1.28mm

This is a very nice smooth poly that is a piece of cake to string up.

Tension it is strung: 60# on a lockout
Your regular string set up: Tier One Firewire Boost 16 @ 60#
String pattern of your racquet: 16 x 16 (Prince Tour 100T ESP)
Power (or lack there of): Medium powered
Feel: Nice and soft
Tension maintenance: I forgot to use RacquetTune, sorry everyone.
Price: $8.95/set
Overall comments and feedback: See below

General: If you've followed this thread, you know I'm a fan of shaped polys. That being said, this is my favorite round poly.

Serve/Return of Serve: Serves have plenty of pop with this setup. I particularly like it on colder days when the Har Tru may be wet and the balls get heavy. I used this setup a lot in doubles and felt like I could not miss returns unless I was completely stretched out.

Strokes: It has a great blend of power and control, especially in slower conditions. The only area where it is inferior to Tier One Firewire Boost is in the spin department. It's just average for spin for a poly.

Volleys: As I mentioned earlier, I tended to use this setup a lot for doubles since returns and volleys are outstanding.

Touch shots: My drop shots were pretty good with this setup.

Softness: This felt pretty soft on the arm. Definitely no arm issues.

Tension: 60# played great.

Durability: I've been using this on and off for probably 6 months for a random set at a time and mainly for doubles which I don't play often. I'm amazed how long this setup lasted in my 16x16 rackets. I was almost getting to the point of thinking that it was unbreakable. Then I had to loan it to a friend who broke 2 strings and he broke it on the very first shot he hit!

Movement: Some string movement but nothing too bad.

Color: It's black and doesn't bleed ink on the balls which is a pet peeve of mine.

Conclusion: This is an awesome string and for those who like a smooth poly, you need to try it. The durability is off the charts and the price is reasonable.
Thanks, was very curious about this one and there is not much info out there on on Black Knight as well. What would you compare it closest to in current soft/round poly mainstream offerings?
 

mikeler

Moderator
Thanks, was very curious about this one and there is not much info out there on on Black Knight as well. What would you compare it closest to in current soft/round poly mainstream offerings?

It's tough to compare for me since the majority of my reviews are for shaped polys. I tend to like lower powered strings but if that is your cup of tea, just try it.
 

haqq777

Legend
It's tough to compare for me since the majority of my reviews are for shaped polys. I tend to like lower powered strings but if that is your cup of tea, just try it.
Thanks. Will do. My fav poly for the last few months has been RS Lyon. Round, soft and very control-oriented. Can't find anything that plays like it let alone a cheaper alternative.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Thanks. Will do. My fav poly for the last few months has been RS Lyon. Round, soft and very control-oriented. Can't find anything that plays like it let alone a cheaper alternative.
This. Boy, if it plays like an RS Lyon at its price I’m sold. RS Lyon got even more expensive though and now it’s really not worth it :( (hence I’m using YPTP, but I miss a crisper feel)

Planning to test the Tier One strings in March... seriously annoying that I don’t have much time before then...
 
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