Any stiff polys that compare to Max Power as a cross string?

L

Louis33

Semi-Pro
Longtime user of kirschbaum max power as a cross string in multi/poly and gut/poly hybrid setups. The stiff low powered response has given me the best results in both performance and durability with these setups. Nearing the end of my reel and open to testing other strings to see if there is anything I like better.

As far as what I am looking for I would say perhaps increased snap back duration for improved string bed consistency. I am quite happy with max power as a cross string, but mostly was just curious if there is anything else people here like better and why?

From my limited research I have seen a few strings that look interesting to try out.

1. MSV bussard
2. Isospeed grey and black fire
3. Restring sync

Any experience with these strings or any other strings and how they compare to max power? Would love to hear your thoughts.
 
I've spent a pretty decent amount of time comparing Max Power against like strings, and for me, I like Head Hawk more — not Hawk Touch, not Hawk Power, just plain, original Hawk — for me, it beats Max Power on dent resistance, snapback level and snapback lifespan, a better balance of having the slightest, more linear amount of suppleness mixed in with all its firmness, and just a bit more playable longevity as well. As for the closest in feel to Max Power, specifically Hawk Silver or Hawk White (Black is a tad more muted and smoother playing; still very nice, just a less similar in feel to Max Power than Silver or White).

As for the strings you mentioned, Bussard will come the closest, with a slicker finish when new to middle-aged and an equal or even slightly more crisp feel, but playable longevity I don't think will be much longer, if any. Both IsoSpeed strings, IMHO, won't last quite as long as Max Power will in general, and Sync, while nice overall, including the most and longest lasting snapback of all strings mentioned here, is noticeably softer than any of them, so if similar firmness is your thing, I think the likes of Hawk or Bussard will be a better match for this use-case.

And don't get me wrong, Lux 4G/4GS, or the tension-maintenance king, Dunlop Explosive Speed, will beat pretty much anything on total playable longevity, but regular 4G and Explosive Speed can be quite firm and lifeless, and are best used as a control cross for only the most lively mains, or full-bed if you really know you want a firm plank of wood for a string bed, and 4G/4GS don't have quite the slickness level for snapback promotion that even Max Power has, so that's a bit of a knock as well.

Hope that helps.
 
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Great information, this helps me a lot. Question regarding the head hawk are you stringing at the same reference tension as max power?
 
My friend said max power rough is pretty good. He also likes/uses max power.

From me, Poly Tour Strike. I like the 1.20 guage for more feel but still very good durability and tension maintenance.
 
Once it becomes publicly available, the new Tour Bite Round should be a string to look out for ;)

It is slightly softer and more powerful than regular TB, but not quite as mushy as the soft version - a nice all-round fit and close to the Alu Powers, Max Powers etc
Also one shoutout to the German brand PLYGN - they have an Alu Soft string that is quite close
 
Louis33 said:
Great information, this helps me a lot. Question regarding the head hawk are you stringing at the same reference tension as max power?
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Very welcome and yes, just about the same tension, maybe 1lb higher in certain setups, as Hawk is ever-so-slightly more supple and pliable per unit tension, but I like that, as I find Max Power can have a bit of harshness to it if the DT is too high, whereas Hawk seems like it has a higher tension ceiling due to that hair of extra "give" to it, plus it helps it pocket and rebound in a slightly more "true" fashion, at least for my taste and mechanics (I hit fairly flat), while still being similarly low-powered, predictable and controllable, if not more so.

I know that's a fair amount of waxing poetic over Hawk, but it really is an excellent string that has stood the test of time as one of the best firm, round and slick poly's ever made.
 
Trip said:
Very welcome and yes, just about the same tension, maybe 1lb higher in certain setups, as Hawk is ever-so-slightly more supple and pliable per unit tension, but I like that, as I find Max Power can have a bit of harshness to it if the DT is too high, whereas Hawk seems like it has a higher tension ceiling due to that hair of extra "give" to it, plus it helps it pocket and rebound in a slightly more "true" fashion, at least for my taste and mechanics (I hit fairly flat), while still being similarly low-powered, predictable and controllable, if not more so.

I know that's a fair amount of waxing poetic over Hawk, but it really is an excellent string that has stood the test of time as one of the best firm, round and slick poly's ever made.
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You have convinced me to buy a pack of the hawk to try out. One of the factors I have noticed that contributes to better performance and durability with these setups is lower reference tension on the crosses. When I have tried softer polys I have to string higher to keep the control and noticed spin is reduced and the string bed locks up quicker. Max power really shines at lower tensions.
 
Louis33 said:
You have convinced me to buy a pack of the hawk to try out. One of the factors I have noticed that contributes to better performance and durability with these setups is lower reference tension on the crosses. When I have tried softer polys I have to string higher to keep the control and noticed spin is reduced and the string bed locks up quicker. Max power really shines at lower tensions.
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I think you'll find Hawk does equally well at lower tensions, and resists notching/denting even better in most scenarios. Looking forward to your thoughts on it. If you're playing Max Power 1.25, I would probably start with Hawk Grey (Silver) 1.25.
 
Chairman3 said:
My friend said max power rough is pretty good. He also likes/uses max power.

From me, Poly Tour Strike. I like the 1.20 guage for more feel but still very good durability and tension maintenance.
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Grey or black slicker? Softer more power. Color?
 
maksp said:
Grey or black slicker? Softer more power. Color?
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I assume you are talking about PT Strike, I've used the blue and grey.
Basically exactly the same, I generally don't find alot of difference in different colors.
I like the look of the blue better.
 
Trip said:
I think you'll find Hawk does equally well at lower tensions, and resists notching/denting even better in most scenarios. Looking forward to your thoughts on it. If you're playing Max Power 1.25, I would probably start with Hawk Grey (Silver) 1.25.
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I was not able to find hawk silver just white and black. White would be the closest?
 
I never yelled with Max Power. Not sure why. +1 for Hawk (white or silver). The thing about it for me was resistance to denting. Either gut or a multi as mains and good to go. My second is Revolve, and for the same reasons. 4g is very good as a cross and depending on the ride you like, will certainly deliver a controlled/firmer feel. Last is ALU Power just because it is a fine performer for a set or two, then dents and locks stringbed.
 
Louis33 said:
Longtime user of kirschbaum max power as a cross string in multi/poly and gut/poly hybrid setups. The stiff low powered response has given me the best results in both performance and durability with these setups. Nearing the end of my reel and open to testing other strings to see if there is anything I like better.

As far as what I am looking for I would say perhaps increased snap back duration for improved string bed consistency. I am quite happy with max power as a cross string, but mostly was just curious if there is anything else people here like better and why?

From my limited research I have seen a few strings that look interesting to try out.

1. MSV bussard
2. Isospeed grey and black fire
3. Restring sync

Any experience with these strings or any other strings and how they compare to max power? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Click to expand...
I used max power for a while. Good string. One of the few you can string over 70lbs. Moved on to 4G because its firmer and manages tension better so it lasts longer.

I have one pack of max power and if you send me a prepaid envelope I will send it to you.
 
Shroud said:
I used max power for a while. Good string. One of the few you can string over 70lbs. Moved on to 4G because its firmer and manages tension better so it lasts longer.

I have one pack of max power and if you send me a prepaid envelope I will send it to you.
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Appreciate the offer. I think with shipping costs it might cost more than buying it? I still have enough for a couple string jobs and will be experimenting with head hawk crosses if I can find somewhere to purchase it at a reasonable price.
 
Louis33 said:
Appreciate the offer. I think with shipping costs it might cost more than buying it? I still have enough for a couple string jobs and will be experimenting with head hawk crosses if I can find somewhere to purchase it at a reasonable price.
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Its an outlier and not sure many have tried it but for a cheap option you may want to try the ashaway monogut (not monogutzx). Its a solid string for the money

Ashaway MonoGut 16L/1.27 String | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com www.tennis-warehouse.com
 
Shroud said:
Its an outlier and not sure many have tried it but for a cheap option you may want to try the ashaway monogut (not monogutzx). Its a solid string for the money

Ashaway MonoGut 16L/1.27 String | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com www.tennis-warehouse.com
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Off topic maybe, I've been giving this string a try with my Max Power white 1.30 recently. Tension maintenance seems to allude me for this string (maybe it's the combination) ... I get to see my racquet head shape change over time.
 
calmlyTryin said:
Off topic maybe, I've been giving this string a try with my Max Power white 1.30 recently. Tension maintenance seems to allude me for this string (maybe it's the combination) ... I get to see my racquet head shape change over time.
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It might be that I prestretch my polys manually like 90% of the time. Not the around the pole method, but pulling on one end to PERMANENTLY ELONGATE the string. Even ones that are prestretched at the factory like 4g get stretched....it helps with the tension maintenance. FWIW, I heard that this string is Ashaways attempt at Alu Power...
 
Shroud said:
It might be that I prestretch my polys manually like 90% of the time. Not the around the pole method, but pulling on one end to PERMANENTLY ELONGATE the string. Even ones that are prestretched at the factory like 4g get stretched....it helps with the tension maintenance. FWIW, I heard that this string is Ashaways attempt at Alu Power...
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One would wonder why this stuff isn't already prestretched... as for pretretching at home goes... there seems to be too many variables
 
calmlyTryin said:
One would wonder why this stuff isn't already prestretched... as for pretretching at home goes... there seems to be too many variables
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Some strings are like 4g and I THINK max power. But they don’t go far enough. Variables? Sure I guarantee you that its always a bit different. But tension maintenance is always better. Rather have prestretch variables than stringbed variables in terms of tension.

If I can have a more consistent tension maintenance from some prestretching sign me up.

If its a big deal you could limit the variables by using a weight and pulley system and consistent timing. You could also measure permanent elongation like 2” or 20” etc depending on the string
 
I found max power via the TW charts, and I've used reels of this stuff. Started with 1.30 but too thick for 18x20 pattern. Went down to 1.25 to pair with syn gut, but now only stock 1.20 to be used as a cross string paired with a shaped poly or a solid core syn gut string. Great value and great performance. Keeps its tension enough without being too stiff and boardy (4g). ALU is great string for a few sets, but loses tension quickly. Why people (and pros) like it is because it is a soft poly that pockets like a solid core syn gut string with superior spin ability. But longevity is poor.

To answer your question I haven't found any that are better, but perhaps Kirschbaum or MSV or Luxilon have other round polys that hold tension well enough.
 
Long time Kirschbaum Max Power (CROSS ONLY) user here. Recently switched over to Yonex Poly Tour Strike (CROSS ONLY) and it's been great. I think the tension maintenance is actually better than Max Power. I think Strike provides a better stringbed overall but of course, that's subjective.

But the tension maintenance, and a consistent stringbed until the gut mains snap for me are the main selling point.
 
Trip said:
Yep I would go for White over Black, to get closest to Max Power.
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Have 2 sets of hawk 1.25 white on the way, thanks for the recommendation. Another string I have been looking at is grapplesnake tour M8. Do you or anyone else have experience with this as a cross string? I understand it will play softer than hawk or max power but the nearly round 8 sided profile and reviews about consistency/playing well at lower tensions seems like something to experiment with.
 
@Louis33 - Very welcome, and yes, I have experience with Tour M8, another favorite of mine in my Prestige MP-L's (specifically M8 1.30 mains, 1.25 crosses, for a little bit of extra bite, spin access and shot curvature). It's an excellent string all the way around, and certainly plays well at a wide range of tension, though IMHO it's best utilized in a full bed, to really bring out its mostly-unique characteristics and playability. As a cross only, I tried it once, Tour Sniper 1.30 mains / Tour M8 1.30 crosses, in the MP-L, and while I thought the combo didn't necessarily play poorly, I didn't think it played any better than Sniper full bed, or M8 full bed. As such, I couldn't conclude if M8 as a cross was good or bad, just that in that particular combo, it wasn't necessarily the answer I was looking for.

Hope some of that helps!
 
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Tested Hawk white out as a poly cross the last couple months in the multi/poly setups I normally play with and it is a good string but Max Power is still at the top. Hawk is initially slicker and performs well the first 4-5 hours but then starts to move out of place with increased vibration. Max Power is not as slick initially but after the coating on Hawk wears off they are pretty even. I would play Hawk the first 2 hours over Max Power but after this Max Power is the better string due to the consistency and longer playability duration about 3-4 hours longer of consistent play over Hawk. Will be testing Bussard soon. I would recommend both Max Power 1.25 and 1.20 over Hawk 1.25 as a poly cross.
 
I have recently tested Hawk White 16g in hopes of it having longer playability duration than the 17g. It had similar issues as the 17g. It goes dead somewhat quickly (about 5 hours in) and starts losing its slickness. Strings like Max Power 18g are still superior in my opinion. I am currently testing O-Toro Snap Tour Flex in black as a cross with Triax 1.28 in a Microgel Prestige MP 18x20 at 23.5kg/23kg (Triax/Snap Tour) and have a little over an hour and a half so far. Extremely slick and didn't experience as big of an initial drop as Hawk. Initial testing is promising. I will also be testing Razor Code White 18g soon as a cross as I have had good results with Razor Code White 17g with holding tension and playability duration.
 
@Louis33 and @cjh777 - Thank you for sharing your trials, and I hope I didn't cause you to feel like you wasted your efforts there. Truth be told it was a different experience for me when using KMP and Hawk as crosses to Gamma Ocho Silver mains in my Prestige MP-L's, but that's why individual take-aways are important. Oh well.

And cjh your initial feedback on Snap TF is very encouraging. Perhaps it will become the new premier, de-facto ultra-slick and firm cross?
 
Trip said:
@Louis33 and @cjh777 - Thank you for sharing your trials, and I hope I didn't cause you to feel like you wasted your efforts there. Truth be told it was a different experience for me when using KMP and Hawk as crosses to Gamma Ocho Silver mains in my Prestige MP-L's, but that's why individual take-aways are important. Oh well.

And cjh your initial feedback on Snap TF is very encouraging. Perhaps it will become the new premier, de-facto ultra-slick and firm cross?
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Definitely not, appreciate your insight. At the end of the day the only way to know is to experiment yourself. I trialed PLP based off your posts and it’s now my top string for multi/poly setups.
 
Trip said:
@Louis33 and @cjh777 - Thank you for sharing your trials, and I hope I didn't cause you to feel like you wasted your efforts there. Truth be told it was a different experience for me when using KMP and Hawk as crosses to Gamma Ocho Silver mains in my Prestige MP-L's, but that's why individual take-aways are important. Oh well.

And cjh your initial feedback on Snap TF is very encouraging. Perhaps it will become the new premier, de-facto ultra-slick and firm cross?
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Not a waste by any means. I still enjoyed it, but it wasn't what I was looking for. Thanks, Trip.

The Triax/Snap Tour now has 2.5 hours. Super consistent after a very slight/small tension drop. Firm with nice pocketing. Great control in a 18x20 pattern at 23kg. And yes, I do think it could be the new defacto slick and firm cross. Time will tell. It is very promising so far.
 
I'm a big fan of stiff, round polys. I usually use them in a full bed, so that should temper how you interpret my thoughts. My favorite is the Dunlop Explosive Speed. Very crisp and responsive. If money weren't an object, I would be playing with Explosive Speed all the time. However, I'm currently playing with Max Power, due to its relative value. By comparison, Max Power feels just a bit rubbery'er (not quite as crisp feeling) on contact and is less slick to the touch. Give Explosive Speed a try when you can.
 
boosto23 said:
I'm a big fan of stiff, round polys. I usually use them in a full bed, so that should temper how you interpret my thoughts. My favorite is the Dunlop Explosive Speed. Very crisp and responsive. If money weren't an object, I would be playing with Explosive Speed all the time. However, I'm currently playing with Max Power, due to its relative value. By comparison, Max Power feels just a bit rubbery'er (not quite as crisp feeling) on contact and is less slick to the touch. Give Explosive Speed a try when you can.
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Stiff is my jam! How do both of them compare to 4g?
 
Shroud said:
Exactly. That is why I am asking!
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I have not used the Dunlop, but have used 4g, 4g soft, and Max Power.

Max Power could be a good alternative to 4g. It doesn't firm up the frame quite like 4g does, but is plenty stiff and responsive. I would say it's more comparable to 4g soft as far as stiffness level. Just a solid all round string
 
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