2012 Wilson Prototype Blue String Playtest

[SteveI]

After reading the multitudes of negative reviews, I was NOT looking forward to this playtest. I strung this on my k blade tour at 50 lbs on the mains x Gosen OGSM 16 on the crosses at 54. Normal set up for this stick is BHBR 17 @ 50 x OGSM 16 @ 54.

Same lackluster performance like everybody else said. No added power bonus as a poly, no exceptional feel, etc. Definitely won't be buying this if it ever comes to market...

This "Prototype" string and not like the Wilson A and B test strings. The A and B seem to be strings that Wilson was producing no matter what. The playtesting indicated that both strings not really great leaps in string technology. The A and B playtests were SEED testing.. or really just pre-release marketing. The Blue string seems to be a concept string as it seems to be a shot at some new technology. IMO Wilson is trying to create a better low end poly.. ie 1st gen version 2. Low cost but possible mass high market.

Not really sure Wilson made it with this Prototype. While I did not hate the string, there was nothing really to love about. I was also testing the Tourna Big Hitter Black 7 17G that is a wonderful new 3rd Gen poly that really impresssed me and others. That did not help my impression of the string, not to mention that it hurt my elbow and no other string in my life has. I think the string may have appeal to a young, baseline heavy-hitter with a limited budget.

 

[JT_2eighty]

So I am about finished using this string. I made a point to not read this thread until I finished reviewing it so I could be as neutral as possible.

I strung it up in two hybrids, one as a main to multi crosses: 50/50 lbs. Secondly as a cross to gut mains: 52/48 lbs.

My full detailed review is on page 4 of this thread, thanks TW!

Short version: Average all-round poly main, and very nice poly cross to gut mains. Solid tension maintenance and control, average across the board otherwise (spin, feel, power were all medium/mediocre). The string lacks any sort of 'wow' factor; yet, is a solid string for pure control with no frills or drastic tension drop issues.

Details here: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=6228629&postcount=77

 

[BobFL]

TW staff, since my Tennis elbow flare for the worst I gave the string in person to a friend and poster here in TW BobFL. He will do the review for me this time.
Like Brittney told me next time that I enroll I will state in the email that I just can play with multis or Natural Gut.

Regards!!

Your regular string set up: Solinco Tour Bite 16L, full job, 49-51lbs

Racquet brand and model string is installed in: Wilson H22

Power: I would say average. I have no issues to generate pace and this string falls in the middle. A bit more effort was necessary on serve. The balls lacked usual jumpiness and heaviness compared to what the Bite is able to do. Also, block returns were lacking some depth but it could be me.

Feel: Definitely less feel than Solinco. It had that ‘disconnected’ feel. Hard to describe but it has to do something with the fact that the cupping effect was not there. I couldn’t fell the ball sinking into the string bed. Also, it felt kind of muted which I dislike to put it mildly. Driving the ball and hitting sharp angles was problematic for me. Slice was ok but it was a bit higher and more floaty.

Tension maintenance: above average. Didn’t feel anything unusual in this dept. The stringbed was very consistent w/o hot spots etc.

Overall comments and feedback: The string was OK for me. Not in the same league with my beloved Bite but certainly interesting string if the price stays around $8. Stringing was easy and in this area it is more user friendly than the Bite.

 

[Nuke]

Finally got to play with the test string a few times this past weekend and early this week.

Tension it is strung (please note if strung as hybrid or full set): hybrid with Gosen OGSM in the crosses, both at 55 lbs.

Your regular string set up: Cyber Flash 17 or Big Hitter Silver 17 mains with OGSM or PSGD crosses, both at 55 lbs.

Racquet brand and model string is installed in: Prince OS Warrior.

Power (or lack there of): A bit lower than I'm used to. I did find myself swinging harder to get more pace and depth on the ball. I suppose if this were my first experience with poly strings, I might have been OK with a lower powered string, but after three outings, for a total of 5 or 6 hours playing time, I was anxious to get back to my regular setup. My shoulder was getting sore from trying to overhit my serves to get some speed on them.

Feel: wasn't terrible for a poly. I don't spend a lot of time at the net, but my few volleys felt comfortable enough. I prefer a firm-crisp feel, and these strings are pretty good in that respect.

Tension maintenance (how long it holds its tension): Doing OK for 5 or 6 hours of singles league play. It's probably got some more life in it, but I’ve switched back to my other racquets now because of the shoulder soreness from overhitting.

Overall comments and feedback. No surprises in directional control -- it goes where you aim (or mis-aim) it. I rely on spin for a lot of shots, and this string was just OK in that department. I could generate the spin, but I had to make more of a conscious effort to really get the RPMs up there. That and the lower power probably make this a no-sale for me. It's not a terrible string, but just not to my liking. Could be a OK choice for poly newbies if it's not premium-priced. I'd say this ought to be a $6 or $7 "basic" poly sort of string in the stores. I'll probably string up the other half of the set as a cross-string with one of my preferred polys.

 

[TW Staff]

Hi Playtesters!


There are a few of you left that have not posted your comments on the Wilson Blue Prototype String. We are trying wrap up this string playtest and it is important that we get all of your feedback. Please post your review by the end of this week, February 17.

Thanks,

Brittany

 

[SteveI]

Hi Playtesters!


There are a few of you left that have not posted your comments on the Wilson Blue Prototype String. We are trying wrap up this string playtest and it is important that we get all of your feedback. Please post your review by the end of this week, February 17.

Thanks,

Brittany

Hi Brittany,

Any news on this string? Will it be released? Price? Was it a 16G or a 17G?
What will it be called?

Thxs..

 

[mikeler]

I had to give my set away to another poster but I did specify I only wanted to test it if it was a multi in my e-mail.

My friend thought the poly was above average in feel and about average with spin. The color was an added bonus. Since he is a home stringer, he indicated if this was a mid-priced poly that he would consider stocking it.

 

[TW Staff]

Hi Brittany,

Any news on this string? Will it be released? Price? Was it a 16G or a 17G?
What will it be called?

Thxs..

SteveI,

I will have to get back to you on this. I haven't heard anything new yet but will try and find out some more information.

Brittany, TW

 

[pvaudio]

Update: While the string is still holding tension well.. my elbow got a bit tender in 3 sets of doubles tonight. 1st time ever with any string set-up.. Red flag for me. Went back to my mostly spent (14 hours) Big Hitter Black 7 hybrid and the soreness is gone. Not a good sign.

This, if nothing else, screams FIRST GEN POLY. You went from a poly to a different poly to help soothe your elbow. Very, VERY similar to first-gen poly feel in that regard.

 

[SteveI]

This, if nothing else, screams FIRST GEN POLY. You went from a poly to a different poly to help soothe your elbow. Very, VERY similar to first-gen poly feel in that regard.

I played it again for a bit again..and the pain came back. The string is really low powered. I think I may be getting a sore arm and elbow from trying to swinging too hard. It plays stiffer than Gosen Polylon Ice 17G to be sure. No arm pain with that set-up and I played that one for an entire season.

 

[corbind]

It's been a year and a half now...so what string is it?