Ashaway Monogut ZX tension recommendations?

M

Moppet52

Rookie
Hi,

I am experimenting with different hybrid setups as full poly bed has proven to be a bit much (even the softer ones). I am going to be trying a Ashaway Monogut ZX 17/Alpha Vengeance hybrid next and have a question regarding tension for any Monogut ZX users.

Reading reviews / comments on the board, I am unsure of where I should start with the ZX mains (tension-wise). Below are my typical ranges for string types on my Head IG Prestige Pro:

- Poly: 43-48 lbs
- Multi: 52-57 lbs

Can anyone recommend whether I should tension the ZX mains closer to my typical poly setup or multi setup? Whatever tension I use on the mains, I typically will lower by 3 lbs for the crosses as a starting point.

Any insight or thoughts would be appreciated.
 
Moppet52 said:
Hi,

I am experimenting with different hybrid setups as full poly bed has proven to be a bit much (even the softer ones). I am going to be trying a Ashaway Monogut ZX 17/Alpha Vengeance hybrid next and have a question regarding tension for any Monogut ZX users.

Reading reviews / comments on the board, I am unsure of where I should start with the ZX mains (tension-wise). Below are my typical ranges for string types on my Head IG Prestige Pro:

- Poly: 43-48 lbs
- Multi: 52-57 lbs

Can anyone recommend whether I should tension the ZX mains closer to my typical poly setup or multi setup? Whatever tension I use on the mains, I typically will lower by 3 lbs for the crosses as a starting point.

Any insight or thoughts would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

You must treat these Zyex strings as if they were gut! That's how much power they have. Use tensions that are slightly higher than a multi. I hope that you don't mind the lack of feel in Monogut Zyex as they are a completely different animal.
 
SCRAP IRON said:
You must treat these Zyex strings as if they were gut! That's how much power they have. Use tensions that are slightly higher than a multi. I hope that you don't mind the lack of feel in Monogut Zyex as they are a completely different animal.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the input and warning. I am hoping that Zyex can be a lost cost alternative to guy for a gut-like/poly hybrid. When I purchased my Alpha Revo this past holiday season, the seller included a reel of the Alpha Vengeance. So if the Zyex/Vengeance combo works for me, then it becomes a ~7.50 string job for the next 20-25 string jobs. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.
 
The reason why gut / poly works (according to the internet) is that gut has natural oils that slide well against poly rails.

Monogut does not.
 
souledge said:
The reason why gut / poly works (according to the internet) is that gut has natural oils that slide well against poly rails.

Monogut does not.
Click to expand...

Hmm. Fair enough. Had not thought of / realized that this could be a problem. Have you or do you use Monogut? If so, are you using it in a full bed?

If you have used it, do you agree with others that I should start at higher than my normal multi tension?
 
Moppet52 said:
Sounds like a Zyex is softer than most multi's and closer to gut. I will give it a try in the next week or so. Thanks.
Click to expand...

It stretches more than most multis but it does not feel like gut. The feel is more like polyester with less arm pain.
 
mikeler said:
It stretches more than most multis but it does not feel like gut. The feel is more like polyester with less arm pain.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the further clarification on Monogut. Polyester feel with less arm pain sounds very good to me. Can you comment on how slick the string feels, i.e. whether it has a low friction that will allow string movement / snap-back?

Came home today and found an unexpected surprise. I had not received an email or any notification, but I was selected for the Prince Hybrid play test (I received the Warrior Hybrid Control). Looks like I will need to put the Monogut test on hold.
 
I hope you don't mind me hi-jacking the thread moppet, I'm after tension recommendations too.

My usual setup is RIP Control 24.5/23kgs on 18x20, I was planning to string the monogut the same. Is that wise or should I go lower/higher?

(Also, I was going to pull with 10% prestretch)
 
ls206 said:
I hope you don't mind me hi-jacking the thread moppet, I'm after tension recommendations too.

My usual setup is RIP Control 24.5/23kgs on 18x20, I was planning to string the monogut the same. Is that wise or should I go lower/higher?

(Also, I was going to pull with 10% prestretch)
Click to expand...

Hijack away. Always want to hear more constructive input. It seems to me that others are recommending going a touch higher than you would normally with your typical multi setup. For me, that would be the high 50's (lbs). But I play with a 16x19... do not know if that changes things for you or anyone else with a closed pattern.
 
ls206 said:
I hope you don't mind me hi-jacking the thread moppet, I'm after tension recommendations too.

My usual setup is RIP Control 24.5/23kgs on 18x20, I was planning to string the monogut the same. Is that wise or should I go lower/higher?

(Also, I was going to pull with 10% prestretch)
Click to expand...

As others have said, string Monogut ZX the same as you would string natural gut, which mean about 10% higher than multi. That's especially true if you are comparing it to RIP Control, which is low powered and can be strung lower than most multis. A 10% prestretch is probably a good idea, and also pull it as slowly as possible. On my drop weight machine I don't have a prestretch option so I let it pull for about 30 seconds before clamping. Others have done a manual prestretch and reported good results.
 
Thanks guys :)

I'll make sure to think in terms of gut rather than poly. I've read that the string is pretty delicate too, I ordered a couple of sets incase of a breakage.

Moppet52 said:
Hijack away. Always want to hear more constructive input. It seems to me that others are recommending going a touch higher than you would normally with your typical multi setup. For me, that would be the high 50's (lbs). But I play with a 16x19... do not know if that changes things for you or anyone else with a closed pattern.
Click to expand...
Yea I string the denser patterns a few pounds lower otherwise it gets very boardy.
 
ls206 said:
Thanks guys :)

I'll make sure to think in terms of gut rather than poly. I've read that the string is pretty delicate too, I ordered a couple of sets incase of a breakage.


Yea I string the denser patterns a few pounds lower otherwise it gets very boardy.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't call it delicate, but I would call it brittle. Make sure you don't overtighten the clamps or the gripper, and avoid using pliers to tie it off unless you grip it some place where you wouldn't mind it breaking. However, once it's on, it's a tough string; much tougher than any nylon string. The full bed tends to notch, so for durability I use a synthetic gut cross. On my Tour 98 ESP, I use Monogut ZX 1.27mm in the mains and Gamma Marathon 15L in the crosses. I string it at 66 pounds because of the extreme open pattern. This combination lasts longer than full 16 gauge poly on my racquet.
 
Ramon said:
As others have said, string Monogut ZX the same as you would string natural gut, which mean about 10% higher than multi. That's especially true if you are comparing it to RIP Control, which is low powered and can be strung lower than most multis. A 10% prestretch is probably a good idea, and also pull it as slowly as possible. On my drop weight machine I don't have a prestretch option so I let it pull for about 30 seconds before clamping. Others have done a manual prestretch and reported good results.
Click to expand...

Listen to Ramon's posts and you'll be fine. The string is very slick btw. You may also want to consider not clamping the string very close to the top of the frame as the string can be prone to shanks up there.
 
mikeler said:
Listen to Ramon's posts and you'll be fine. The string is very slick btw. You may also want to consider not clamping the string very close to the top of the frame as the string can be prone to shanks up there.
Click to expand...

is there a sound app for this? ...or am I missing out on "new stuff". ;)
 
As long as we're hijacking... Opinions on String/Tension preference?
  1. Monogut ZX full bed
  2. Monogut ZX main with poly/multi/SG/NG cross hybrid
  3. poly/multi/SG/NG main with Monogut ZX cross hybrid
A lot of folks are raving about this string so I purchased a couple of sets to experiment... After reading through almost the endless reviews/comments I'm not so sure what the big deal is... At $15/set Monogut ZX is on the upper range of what I want to spend on synthetic strings (Hybrid NG/poly or NG/SG doesn't cost much more). I've been using Rip Control or Hexy Fiber mains with Isospeed Baseline Spin crosses at 50~55/45~50lbs (crosses strung ~5lb lower than mains). ~$5/string job with great comfort, good spin + control and the durability is good enough for me.... Love this setup.
 
Moppet52 said:
Hmm. Fair enough. Had not thought of / realized that this could be a problem. Have you or do you use Monogut? If so, are you using it in a full bed?

If you have used it, do you agree with others that I should start at higher than my normal multi tension?
Click to expand...

I have not but I will.
 
So my monogut arrived today.
One of the stringing tips is to be careful with starting clamp. I will string 2 piece, is it better to use a starting knot rather than hold the string with a starting clamp?
 
ls206 said:
So my monogut arrived today.
One of the stringing tips is to be careful with starting clamp. I will string 2 piece, is it better to use a starting knot rather than hold the string with a starting clamp?
Click to expand...


Starting knot is ok to use. For my racquet I string crosses 50/50 because of the O-ports, and I use starting clamp. However. I don't pull against the starting clamp directly. My fist pull is held by a fixed clamp. Then I use a starting clamp to secure it.
 
I tried Monogut Zyex 16 /Black Code 16 hybrid strung in the 60's recently and thought it was too low because of control issues. Then after an hour or two it kind of settled and played very well so I'm thinking next time I will drop the tension to get more spin. And if it does give more spin, that would be a dream.
 
Sander001 said:
I tried Monogut Zyex 16 /Black Code 16 hybrid strung in the 60's recently and thought it was too low because of control issues. Then after an hour or two it kind of settled and played very well so I'm thinking next time I will drop the tension to get more spin. And if it does give more spin, that would be a dream.
Click to expand...

Did you pre-stretch? If not, it sounds like you could benefit from a pre-stretch. Especially if you are going to try to lower the tension!
 
Sander001 said:
I tried Monogut Zyex 16 /Black Code 16 hybrid strung in the 60's recently and thought it was too low because of control issues. Then after an hour or two it kind of settled and played very well so I'm thinking next time I will drop the tension to get more spin. And if it does give more spin, that would be a dream.
Click to expand...

What tension did you string the Black Code crosses? Thanks for your reply.
 
julianashaway said:
Did you pre-stretch? If not, it sounds like you could benefit from a pre-stretch. Especially if you are going to try to lower the tension!
Click to expand...
I will make sure to ask the stringer to do that, good idea, thank you!

Moppet52 said:
What tension did you string the Black Code crosses? Thanks for your reply.
Click to expand...
Normally I string very low, especially on the crosses I'm into the 30's but on this racquet I do the opposite and go to 65lbs because it's a very open 18x10 pattern.
 
julianashaway said:
Did you pre-stretch? If not, it sounds like you could benefit from a pre-stretch. Especially if you are going to try to lower the tension!
Click to expand...

Knowing the benefit pre stretching for better tension maintenance and reducing risk of breakage during stringing, i think Ashaway should really pre-stretch the Zyex at the factory before selling them.
I like the string but the annoyance with the fairly costly string breaking during stringing is enough to stop me from using it.
 
Moppet52 said:
Hijack away. Always want to hear more constructive input. It seems to me that others are recommending going a touch higher than you would normally with your typical multi setup. For me, that would be the high 50's (lbs). But I play with a 16x19... do not know if that changes things for you or anyone else with a closed pattern.
Click to expand...

I strung the full bed at 25/24kg. I used 10% pre-stretch and let the pull for 10 seconds on the mains.. I lost patience on the crosses though.

Played with it today and the tension advice was spot on, cheers Moppet.
 
jaspert said:
Knowing the benefit pre stretching for better tension maintenance and reducing risk of breakage during stringing, i think Ashaway should really pre-stretch the Zyex at the factory before selling them.
I like the string but the annoyance with the fairly costly string breaking during stringing is enough to stop me from using it.
Click to expand...

I understand where you are coming from. Factory stretching the string was discussed as an option. The flip side to your point of view is that some players prefer the string to be as powerful and lively as possible - with no pre-stretch. Obviously, if we were to pre-stretch the string, those who prefer not stretched would be out of luck. Leaving the string not stretched allows those who want to stretch to stretch. Those who don't want to stretch don't have to. We decided that it was the better option!
 
ls206 said:
I strung the full bed at 25/24kg. I used 10% pre-stretch and let the pull for 10 seconds on the mains.. I lost patience on the crosses though.

Played with it today and the tension advice was spot on, cheers Moppet.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the update! I am excited to get this setup a try after I complete the Prince Hybrid string review. I use a manual lock-out machine, so I usually do a manual pre-stretch if needed. I generally pull slow, but maybe not 10 seconds slow, so I will work on that.

Can you comment on the playability, comfort, and control level of the full bed setup? Any thoughts on durability / tension maintenance as you continue / discontinue use of the setup would also be appreciated.

Thanks again!
 
julianashaway said:
I understand where you are coming from. Factory stretching the string was discussed as an option. The flip side to your point of view is that some players prefer the string to be as powerful and lively as possible - with no pre-stretch. Obviously, if we were to pre-stretch the string, those who prefer not stretched would be out of luck. Leaving the string not stretched allows those who want to stretch to stretch. Those who don't want to stretch don't have to. We decided that it was the better option!
Click to expand...

I think this is the right approach.
 
!

julianashaway said:
Did you pre-stretch? If not, it sounds like you could benefit from a pre-stretch. Especially if you are going to try to lower the tension!
Click to expand...
Good advice, this setup is brilliant so far. It doesn't have the most spin, or the most power, nor the most control but it does have an outstanding combination of these things. Can't wait to get on court to play with it again. Very comfortable too.
Cheers.
 
I pre-stretched mine and so far I'm liking the results with Kevlar. The Kevlar keeps sliding back to normal and there is no notching at all on the monogut. It's been on the APD for about 2-3 months now and still plays just like the first day. Then again it's been cold as hell so I haven't gone out that much.
 
Stringing Help

Mikeler or other stringers could you please help with my stringing because I might be wrong.I'm using Monogut zx 17 in the mains and Prince lightningxx 16 in the crosses.I have been going at 56 on both,what do you think??My racket is a Pro Kennex ki20 and I am very interested in arm safety.Any help will be appreciated.
 
Bobs tennis said:
Mikeler or other stringers could you please help with my stringing because I might be wrong.I'm using Monogut zx 17 in the mains and Prince lightningxx 16 in the crosses.I have been going at 56 on both,what do you think??My racket is a Pro Kennex ki20 and I am very interested in arm safety.Any help will be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I've never used lightning so hard to comment. My first attempt I'd probably try them at the same tension but that is just me.
 
Moppet52 said:
Thank you for the update! I am excited to get this setup a try after I complete the Prince Hybrid string review. I use a manual lock-out machine, so I usually do a manual pre-stretch if needed. I generally pull slow, but maybe not 10 seconds slow, so I will work on that.

Can you comment on the playability, comfort, and control level of the full bed setup? Any thoughts on durability / tension maintenance as you continue / discontinue use of the setup would also be appreciated.

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

I'll do my best to comment on the string but I can only really draw comparisons on RIP Control (RC).

So, initial impressions...

I played for 1.5hrs working on groundstroke drills and ended with a tiebreak.

Power level I would say was medium/low (about on a par with RC). I didn't find it hard to hit deep behind the service line but the power wasn't so high that I couldn't drop the length to make for some nice angles.

The comfort/feel of the strings is quite hard to explain. There is definitely no harshness in the string but off centre hits did feel stiff. I didn't feel any soreness in my arm while playing or after.
I wouldn't say there was good "feel", somewhat plasticky which was heightened by the pinging sound on contact. I struggled with touch volleys.

Now, bear in mind that I have been playing with multifilament strings for the past 2 years. I was very impressed with the amount of spin when taking big swings. I could see the ball dipping more than usual and got the impression that there was some extra venom on the ball.

Will definitely continue playing with the Monogut, I think it only falls short on volleys for me. If the tension stability and durability impress then I'll likely make the switch.
 
I've tried Mono ZX mains with a variety of synthetic cross strings. I generally string mains and crosses the same. I tried stringing the ZX 4 pounds higher than a PPA cross but couldn't tell much of a difference.

My least favorite was ZX/Rip Control. It had great control and touch but felt dead. It's like the RC crosses took all the power out of it.

With PPA crosses it plays and feels just like PPA. You'll get a bit more durability out of it, but that's the only benefit.

My favorite combo on a traditional string pattern was ZX/DNA. You get poly like spin and great feel. Too bad it frays too quickly with an extreme open string pattern. ZX/Hexy Fiber was quite good too but more muted.

I'm using ZX/Gamma Marathon in my Prince ESP racquet. It's very durable and plays almost as well as ZX/DNA.
 
^ Ramon, why are you using the ZX in hybrid? Is it just cost savings or are you trying to add something the ZX is missing?
 
ls206 said:
^ Ramon, why are you using the ZX in hybrid? Is it just cost savings or are you trying to add something the ZX is missing?
Click to expand...


I used to do it to get the feel of multi, but now I do it for durability. ZX full bed notches. A nylon cross doesn't cut into the mains, so the hybrid with Gamma Marathon lasts longer, especially with an open pattern. With DNA, you won't get the durability benefit because DNA frays too quickly.
 
tomseek said:
IS206, would you say that the zx generates more spin than Rip Control? thanx.

Tom
Click to expand...

mikeler said:
RIP Control has a little more spin than ZX. Both are good for non-poly strings.
Click to expand...

Hmm.. I would say that the ZX has better spin than RIP Control but then my setup is pretty different from Mikeler's.

To follow up on my impressions of ZX, I had a game of doubles today.
- Tension stability is very impressive, I didn't notice a change in the string bed. I will likely string a little lower next time though.
- My elbow felt a little sore on flat serves and off centre hits were a little jarring :(
- Volleys were good, control and touch was there and knifed backhands stayed low. I would prefer a more muted feel though, maybe I'll have to use a more effective dampener.
 
ls206 said:
Hmm.. I would say that the ZX has better spin than RIP Control but then my setup is pretty different from Mikeler's.



To follow up on my impressions of ZX, I had a game of doubles today.

- Tension stability is very impressive, I didn't notice a change in the string bed. I will likely string a little lower next time though.

- My elbow felt a little sore on flat serves and off centre hits were a little jarring :(

- Volleys were good, control and touch was there and knifed backhands stayed low. I would prefer a more muted feel though, maybe I'll have to use a more effective dampener.
Click to expand...


I also think ZX has more spin than RIP Control. One way to get a more muted feel is to put Dunlop Hexy Fiber in the crosses. It's actually too muted for me.
 
It has been awhile since I've used RIP Control. So we don't all agree here but I think we would all say those are probably two of the most spin friendly non polyester strings. Monogut is superior in almost every other category so it is worth a go.
 
eelhc said:
As long as we're hijacking... Opinions on String/Tension preference?
  1. Monogut ZX full bed
  2. Monogut ZX main with poly/multi/SG/NG cross hybrid
  3. poly/multi/SG/NG main with Monogut ZX cross hybrid
Click to expand...

Bump...

What is the pros/cons of the stringbed/tension preference for Monogut ZX?

I find it interesting that quite a few folks are using this string as a cross. Isn't it pricey for a cross?
 
So I thought I would update this thread my some more thoughts after playing with the monogut a bit more.

The tension seems to have dropped a little, to the point where I'm not really getting any bite on the ball. The string bed is also a little unpredictable and balls are sailing long that used to dip well in. I don't want to, but I'm considering using the words "trampoline like".

I think I will use the remaining set trying out a couple of hybrids with RIP Control which is my go to string now.

(sorry eelhc, I can't really help you there. Hopefully Ramon will chime in)
 
ls206 said:
So I thought I would update this thread my some more thoughts after playing with the monogut a bit more.

The tension seems to have dropped a little, to the point where I'm not really getting any bite on the ball. The string bed is also a little unpredictable and balls are sailing long that used to dip well in. I don't want to, but I'm considering using the words "trampoline like".

I think I will use the remaining set trying out a couple of hybrids with RIP Control which is my go to string now.

(sorry eelhc, I can't really help you there. Hopefully Ramon will chime in)
Click to expand...
How many hours you got on them?

I've got about 6hrs of doubles on mine and they play great but the Zyex mains are notched halfway through. I'm using them in a spin set configuration with Pro Line 2 1.20 for crosses. 55lbs/60lbs tension, 20% pre-stretch
 
I strung the Monogut ZX in the crosses with a multifilament main (Lightning XX). The lightning slides nicely along the ZX and snaps back well. Mains at 60, Monogut at 50.

For me, ZX works much better as a cross string.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Low tension Ashaway Monogut ZX
Replies
12
Views
761
calmlyTryin
C
TripleB
Kevlar hybrid tension?
Replies
9
Views
2K
vergica
vergica
eelhc
Hybrid: Babolat Origin and Ahshaway Monogut zx
Replies
47
Views
10K
SJSA
SJSA
eelhc
Revisiting Monogut ZX
7 8 9
Replies
447
Views
40K
TypeRx
TypeRx
tele
nylon mains/monogut zx crosses
Replies
8
Views
759
tele
tele
Back
Top