Anyone play with a black bear?
- Thread starter topspn
- Start date
topspn
Legend
So it is more control oriented with comfort and doesn’t play lively like some softer polys?
I also tested and found it to be quite a good string. I'm not sure I will be using it myself yet or not. I have a new reel of Ultra Cable that I'm currently using and like it quite a bit too. Seems to have slightly less feel than the bear claw, but a bit more spin potential. I might have to try them both side by side again when my reel is close to empty. I also think I preferred the round one a little bit more, but overall I think it's a very good poly that you should put on your list to try if you're looking to change strings and poly is your jam.
Notirouswithag
Professional
Im also talking to Dan(the owner) about possibly trying to release a round co poly i playtested in the future. I just ordered some reels of it for my personal use and plan on handing out some samples
I liked it a little more than the shaped string but for now i think people will like this string
I liked it a little more than the shaped string but for now i think people will like this string
Moveforwardalways
Hall of Fame
Word on the street is that it is similar to big hitter black 7. Maybe even a derivative. Will have to get me a set.
Notirouswithag
Professional
My arm didnt gel with BHB7 but this worked magic in different racquets from 52# all the way upto 57#
drummerdan
Semi-Pro
Hey, guys! I'm the Dan behind Black Bear strings. Thanks to those play testers who chimed in about how the string plays. What I've been very pleasantly surprised about Bear Claw is that it has played with a lot of spin but it's not the typically harsh (stiff) spin string. It's soft and comfortable plus I've had a set in now for 12 plus hours and it hasn't moved a bit.
"Word on the street is that it is similar to big hitter black 7. Maybe even a derivative. Will have to get me a set."
I played with BH7 years ago and I wouldn't put Bear Claw in the same category. I think it's softer with better tension maintenance. Plus it's 5 sided. PM me and I'll send you a coupon code!
Thanks to all for your interest!
"Word on the street is that it is similar to big hitter black 7. Maybe even a derivative. Will have to get me a set."
I played with BH7 years ago and I wouldn't put Bear Claw in the same category. I think it's softer with better tension maintenance. Plus it's 5 sided. PM me and I'll send you a coupon code!
Thanks to all for your interest!
Moveforwardalways
Hall of Fame
Softer than big hitter black 7? That’s tough to pull off for a poly string. But if it gets similar spin while being softer and with better tension maintenance, that would be incredible.
LocNetMonster
Professional
I was a play tester and also liked the round version of the string better. I felt like I got a tad more bit of spin out of the round sample I tested and absolutely loved it. I will be ordering a couple of reels because of the spin and control just worked like magic for me. Also looking forward to hybriding it with my fav Tier One strings.
drummerdan
Semi-Pro
There's a very good chance that the round poly you talk about will be coming out in 2019!
c-had
Rookie
5 sided? Doesn't the website say 6?
Anyone played it and Solinco Revolution and able to compare? That's another 6 sided softer co-poly (and my current go-to string).
drummerdan
Semi-Pro
5 sided? Doesn't the website say 6?
Oops! Finger slipped when I was tying. It's six-sided.
Oops! Finger slipped when I was tying. It's six-sided.
OldschoolKIaus
Hall of Fame
Soft, good tensiom maintence and round option for 2019?
I must keep this string brand on my radar!
I must keep this string brand on my radar!
drummerdan
Semi-Pro
Soft, good tensiom maintence and round option for 2019?
I must keep this string brand on my radar!
All true! Plus, new color options. What do you think?
I must keep this string brand on my radar!
All true! Plus, new color options. What do you think?
JordanWinning
Rookie
Super excited to try it out! I was lucky enough to win a reel of it in the giveaway. It gets here Saturday, and I'm stringing I think that night hopefully. Sounds like a great option. I've fought about every arm injury in the books but still love the few shaped polys I can play with. I'm very hopeful I'll be adding Bear Claw as one of my go to strings!
drummerdan
Semi-Pro
Please let me know what you think! If you have some arm issues, string it down a bit to soften the feel. You'll maintain good control and the spin will be excellent!
JordanWinning
Rookie
I'm putting it in my Phantom 100P. When I'm using cyclone I usually go 48. Thinks that's good or should I a notch lower?
Notirouswithag
Professional
try it at 48 and see first how it feels on your arm
drummerdan
Semi-Pro
Agreed!
LocNetMonster
Professional
haqq777
Legend
Signed up for a playtest long time back but never heard back 
can you pls check if I'm on the list @drummerdan?
can you pls check if I'm on the list @drummerdan?
topspn
Legend
Ah, thanks for input @drummerdan. I purchased 1 set to check out. I’ll be playing it side by side on my TC95s with Black Night and comparing.
drummerdan
Semi-Pro
Signed up for a playtest long time back but never heard back
You're on the list. I'll send out something after the first of the year (maybe before) about the upcoming play test. Thanks!
drummerdan
Semi-Pro
Awesome! Thanks and let me know how it works out for you.
PBODY99
Legend
drummerdan
Semi-Pro
Colors are not yet available. Going through testing very soon and then hopefully out early 2019. These are brand new strings for 2019. Also some other strings coming out in 2019. Gonna be busy!
PBODY99
Legend
@drummerdan
Thank you.
Thank you.
topspn
Legend
For those who have already played Bear Claw string 1.29. I string Tier 1 Black Night 1.28 @ 46 or 47lbs on my TC95s. What is a good starting point tension wise to test Bear Claw? I don’t know if it plays lively or truly a control poly and description says soft. Not sure what tension to test it at.
Notirouswithag
Professional
Try 50, it really does play soft so i would start least 2-3# higher from your normal tension and string.
topspn
Legend
Wow but i have explained I play a comfortable control poly @46 so that is a massive jump. I am simply adjusting to characteristics of a new string so wondering if i need to adjust a bit higher if it is pretty soft or plays more lively for a poly
Notirouswithag
Professional
As I said try 2-3# higher and go from there. Its not stiff and lively but its more controlled and softer so it sounds like it may play to your liking based on your go to poly
Its not a lively string, but it does play on the softer side and there is power when you want it.
topspn
Legend
Cool, I will try it @48lbs
I always suggest staying at the same tension when testing a new string unless you know it's significantly stiffer or softer. I think the strings will be comparable, I'd keep the same tension the first go around.
Are you kidding me? Invite me over and I'll come play with them!
LocNetMonster
Professional
Agreed. I always buy at least 3 sets of a new string. The first install is always at my normal tension. The next stringing is adjusted to enhance or mute play characteristics. The third set is to have ready for the next string while waiting for another set or two to be ordered or to use in hybrid with other favorite strings.
BlueB
Legend
I hope you don't mind playing with dear, raccoons, coyotes, too?
Sent from my SM-G965W using Tapatalk
Raccoons and deer are hit-or-miss, but definitely coyotes!
djNEiGht
Legend
@drummerdan have been following you on IG. Congrats on getting this going. Hope to try out some strings. Most of my clients/students have been enjoying Solstice, T1 FireWire, Yellow Jacket as well as some LaserFibre strings. Some in a full bed and some with a round poly in the cross.
haqq777
Legend
Got the email and unfortunate that you have to close down Black Bear Tennis @drummerdan - best of luck to you in whatever you decide to pursue in life.
djNEiGht
Legend
Saw that email as well.
I appreciate your passion that you put into this lifestyle. Wishing you well on your next adventure. @drummerdan
I appreciate your passion that you put into this lifestyle. Wishing you well on your next adventure. @drummerdan
Notirouswithag
Professional
I emailed him back about potentially stepping in for the process
Waiting to hear back. Id hate for this to suddenly die down
Waiting to hear back. Id hate for this to suddenly die down
