Big Hitter (Blue) Rough

[kcmiser]

Hadn't seen this mentioned in the stringing forum, and I've never seen it carried anywhere, so I'm presuming this is just coming out:

http://www.uniquesports.us/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=USP&Product_Code=BHBR&Category_Code=STRG

....so it's pentagonal, with a twist. I may give it a try if someone carries it, but I didn't care for the regular BH Blue when I tried it. I really, really wish they would do the same thing for the BH Silver (my current string of choice), but I'm guessing nothing is in the works. (I figure they'd have called this "Big Hitter Blue Rough" if they were planning a "Big Hitter Silver Rough". Instead, they just called it "Big Hitter Rough").

This sounds very similar in shape to the Topspin Cyber Twirl, and Unique (makers of BH) and Topspin have a history of producing suspiciously similar strings, but the actual composition of BH Rough and Cyber Twirl could be nothing alike for all I know.

If nothing else, hats off to Unique for being clear that this is BH Blue in textured form. I suspect Topspin's new shaped strings have the same composition as some of their old strings, just with the rough shape and different colors. However, I have absolutely no idea which strings are related to which. I think they've done an absolutely terrible job of helping players who like their old strings understand which new strings might be similar, but with added benefits. Hopefully, they will learn from Unique, which has been refreshingly clear on what this string is.

Finally, it looks like the pricing on the Unique site as BH Rough the same as BH blue. Topspin looks to be putting a twenty to thirty percent markup on their shaped strings versus their regular, round strings. Good for Unique if they really do put this out at the same price as CyberBlue.

 

[fgs]

i'm just about to test the big hitter silver and blue (in the plain, round version of the blue) and would be interested to find out what the differences were that you experienced. thank you in advance.

 

[DrpShot!]

Silver seems a little stiffer, more control oriented, but a little more durable than the Blue.

 

[fgs]

thank you drpshot. looking forward to testing them.

 

[Lefty5]

blue is fairly powerful so you might want to string that up a couple # higher than the silver. i love the unique strings for the price.

 

[000KFACTOR90000]

anyone tried this string yet?

 

[Uvijek Argen]

I had play with this string for the past week, including hitting with friends from "TW"forum (BobFl, DGoran & Bad Call). When i got it in the mail I saw it and touched it, only one thing came to mind...."This string come from the same company that make Typhoon genesis". Funny is that I bough that string cause I didn't like Typhoon as hybrid cause my ball were flying like no other,so I decide to do a full job of BHB Rough 48/46#. As difference of Typhoon this string absorb the speed from the other player and grabs very well.
Its totally control oriented, I cant see anybody hitting with this one like Soderling style, it wont work.

Now I have one racquet with ALU power/Syn Gut for power play, and BHB Rough. BHB Rough kinda calm me down with the control.

Only downside its the color, of course I don't care about those cutie things, but in a yellow RDS 001 looks horrible:neutral:


PS. I was having a conversation with DGoran and we believe that Topspin,Tourna strings and Genesis probably come from the same manufacture.

 

[Doubles]

I had play with this string for the past week, including hitting with friends from "TW"forum (BobFl, DGoran & Bad Call). When i got it in the mail I saw it and touched it, only one thing came to mind...."This string come from the same company that make Typhoon genesis". Funny is that I bough that string cause I didn't like Typhoon as hybrid cause my ball were flying like no other,so I decide to do a full job of BHB Rough 48/46#. As difference of Typhoon this string absorb the speed from the other player and grabs very well.
Its totally control oriented, I cant see anybody hitting with this one like Soderling style, it wont work.

Now I have one racquet with ALU power/Syn Gut for power play, and BHB Rough. BHB Rough kinda calm me down with the control.

Only downside its the color, of course I don't care about those cutie things, but in a yellow RDS 001 looks horrible:neutral:


PS. I was having a conversation with DGoran and we believe that Topspin,Tourna strings and Genesis probably come from the same manufacture.

Interesting. I was actually looking into Genesis strings. Maybe if toura is cheaper, and comes from the same factory, I might get that instead...

 

[pvaudio]

Maybe I'm blind, but this cross section does not look pentagonal.

 

[Uvijek Argen]

Yes that was just a mini error from kcmiser,no biggie...yes its actually octagonal.;-)

 

[MarrratSafin]

PS. I was having a conversation with DGoran and we believe that Topspin,Tourna strings and Genesis probably come from the same manufacture.

In terms of German co-polys, Topspin's Cyberblue/Flash and Tourna's BigHitter/Blue are like the same strings, so that could be a valid point. I'll try Big Hitter Rough soon and expect it to be just like Cyber Whirl/Twirl. Going by the feel and feedback provided by strings, Genesis feels that way too. Genesis strings feel slightly muted, could be with either Topspin or Signum Pro. Topspin have just one crisp feeling string in Cyberflash, while everything from Signum Pro are muted.

MSV is crisp, so that's definitely different. WiessCannon meanwhile are in a league of their own altogether, no one makes strings like them.

 

[Uvijek Argen]

Bump!!

3 weeks with this string full bed and no loss tension what so ever. Felt like I just string it. Extremely soft,its like having a multi with the material of Co-poly.

Definitely not for the people that like poly's at 60 something pounds and looking for that 2x4 feel.

 

[Torres]

I'm really surprised, that there's not more talk about this string. Comfortable, control, power, spin, good price, shaped, twisted, etc. What's not to like? Isn't the best all round poly that you can buy?

Great review by RSI - their highest rated poly.

http://www.racquetsportsindustry.com/articles/2011/02/playtest_tourna_big_hitter_blu.html

I've bought a set of the blue rough to see what its like, but am waiting for the silver rough to be released as well.

 

[Deleted member 120290]

I'm really surprised, that there's not more talk about this string. Comfortable, control, power, spin, good price, shaped, twisted, etc. What's not to like? Isn't the best all round poly that you can buy?

Great review by RSI - their highest rated poly.

http://www.racquetsportsindustry.com/articles/2011/02/playtest_tourna_big_hitter_blu.html

I've bought a set of the blue rough to see what its like, but am waiting for the silver rough to be released as well.

Because of the posts and RSI review, I bought a reel of BHBR 17 and hit with it on my YouTek Extreme Pro (45lb) yesterday. It was very soft and comfortable for a full bed poly. When I went from Lux BB to RPM I felt a definite increase in comfort. BHBR gives me the same increase in comfort compared to RPM.

BHBR has a very soft feel for a poly. I was afraid I was going to hit everything long because it felt so soft but the wicked spin kept the ball well in. It almost does not feel like a poly. It is not as soft as my pre-poly favorite NXT 17 Tour but for a poly, it is worlds apart from Lux. I was getting very pronounced, heavy topspin on my groundstrokes. I was able to really hit out with good pace and spin. The kick serve was nasty, bouncing high and sharply to my opponent's backhand. The slice was even more wicked. A few of my slice backhands just died. My hitting partner said he just could not handle some of the nasty topspin and slice into his backhand.

I'm very excited about BHBR. I'm hitting with it again tonight. In a few weeks I will post regarding tension maintenance and durability. A few years ago I was excited when I hit with Lux BB Ace. Last year I fell in love with RPM and I would still use it if the performance didn't drop so drastically after a few hours. If BHBR can maintain its performance for at least 8-10 hours (which is when I usually break polys), it will be the string for me. A couple of big pluses: I feel no shoulder pain as I did with BB Ace and a little with RPM. Also the reel is 1/3 the price of RPM reel.

 

[dunlop1857]

Love This String!!!!

 

[CDestroyer]

I do to man. Its my favorite poly but I have only played about 20 different ones.

 

[Carolina Racquet]

It's my string of choice now. IMO, the best value out there for the performance and durability.

 

[Carolina Racquet]

Though I'm interested in trying the new BH Silver Rough. Only available on Unique Sport's web site. Priced the same there as BHB Rough..

From their web site...
"Big Hitter Silver Rough is the same excellent string as the Big Hitter Silver but with a twist. It is crafted into a pentagonal shaped string and then twisted into its final shape. This creates a rough surface that delivers the ultimate spin. The rough, pentagonal surface bites into the ball on every shot. The punishing topspin is absorbed by the superb durability of Tourna Big hitter Rough. Truly a superb engineered string that delivers ultimate in spin, power and control."

 

[Deleted member 120290]

Though I'm interested in trying the new BH Silver Rough. Only available on Unique Sport's web site. Priced the same there as BHB Rough..

Please provide feedback if anyone has played with both BHSR and BHBR, and how they compare. I want to compare the 2 as well.

 

[smucker007]

Going to try it out tonight..will report in later. Stringing @ 44#

 

[levy1]

Strung it up tonight as a cross at 40 lbs and Klip natty gut at 45lbs, 18 ga. I am playing tomorrow.

 

[mctennis]

Strung it up tonight as a cross at 40 lbs and Klip natty gut at 45lbs, 18 ga. I am playing tomorrow.

I'm interested in this set up. I normally use gut mains in my hybrid set up. So this one has peaked my interest. Hope to see your thoughts on this one.

 

[smucker007]

Review: Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough 17

Tension: 45 (on Gamma 6004 Lockout), regular tension 58(M2Pro) 61(PSGD17)
Racket: BLX Pro Open 16x19

I was skeptic at first about using low tension with a full polys since I always hybird them with a synthetic to soften them up so my arm doesn't hurt.

Stringing this string was easier than, say, BBO. String was soft and more pliable than other polys. Felt like the M2 with texture. At first I thought the shape and twist of the string would make stringing harder but it was not the case. Towards the end of the crosses there was more friction but it was easily minimized.

After stringing, the tension of the middle mains (L1, R1) were 40#. I took it out to the courts and started hitting..at first there was a ping in the stringbed but after a few minutes it went away. There was ample power and spin on both forehand and backhand sides. I hit a moderate topspin forehand and a moderate topspin/flat backhand. The pocketing effect was a nice feeling. Slices were great..the balls tend to stop in their tracks. Dropshots actually rolled back towards the net rather than just stop or slow down. After about 30 minutes of hitting the middle mains ended up around 35# and the feel was fantastic..everything seemed to go in. Volleys were great. I read that low tension full poly created bad volleys ..that was not the case with me. My volleys hit deep and hard and I feel I can punch through and guide the ball more whereas before it just bounced off my strings. Serves were amazing! Every serve was going in with more pace than before..flat, slice, and kick. (I don't hit flat serves much anymore because my arm tends to hurt afterwards). Seemed like I was able to aim it better as well. Kicks were kicking up to my opponents shoulders and the poor 1hbh couldn't handle it, forcing them to hit late and at the side fence. The string was very comfortable at this tension.

There is moderate notching in the string after playing 3 hours on it. We will see how long it lasts. I will play more tomorrow!

All in all a good string with big bite. I would suggest anyone who use moderate to heavy spin to drop their tension and go with a full poly setup. Who knows, I might be able to hit my flat bombs again!

 

[dapara]

This string is getting favourable reviews all around.

A question about the 'blue' colour.

How does it compare to the blue of the orginal pro supex blue gear?

It looks darker (from the internet pictures) but I haven't seen it in person.

I see the new blue gear ultra is a lighter blue when compared to the original pro supex blue gear.

 

[smucker007]

the blue is almost the same blue as a tourna grip blue...when it is clean!

 

[JT_2eighty]

I'm interested in this set up. I normally use gut mains in my hybrid set up. So this one has peaked my interest. Hope to see your thoughts on this one.

If the non-rough BHB is the same stiffness/composition, then gut mains go great with it. I think the rough cross though will be less durable than the non-rough version. Non-rough was easy to string, and made for a very nice pair with gut so far. I posted comments in the gut/poly thread, won't hijack the rough thread (again).

 

[Lefty5]

This string is getting favourable reviews all around.

A question about the 'blue' colour.

How does it compare to the blue of the orginal pro supex blue gear?

It looks darker (from the internet pictures) but I haven't seen it in person.

I see the new blue gear ultra is a lighter blue when compared to the original pro supex blue gear.

going from now a distant memory - the pro supex was a tad lighter but WAY stiffer a string so I could not use it for very long.

 

[Deleted member 120290]

I hit with BHBR 17 last night for the 2nd time. This time I played doubles. The ball seems to dwell on the stringbed more so than with other polys. I was surprised and almost confused because I hadn't felt like that after I switched from NXT 17 Tour to Lux 3 years ago. I feel like I can swing with little or a ton of topspin, swing as hard as I want (with proper technique and timing of course), and still keep the ball in.

I was able to hit touch volleys, put away volleys and backhand overheads pretty easily. But the biggest difference I saw in doubles was the ridiculous side-to-side movement on my slice and kick serves. I usually have a pretty decent kick serve but a few of the kick 2nd serves were moving side-to-side as if it was being remote controlled. I hit 6 second serve aces in 3 sets.

I've hit with the same BHBR 17 string for 3 hours now and it feels great. I feel like I can let loose and swing away with good pace, spin and control. My shoulder and elbow after hitting in 55 degree weather for 2 hours are painfree which is rare since I switched to polys. If the playability is maintained for a few more hours, this will be my string and my RPM 17, PS Energy 17 and Cyclone 18 reels will just have to gather dust.

 

[Ross K]

I definitely want to check out BHB/BHBR again but in a less stiff racket.

 

[JT_2eighty]

I'm really surprised, that there's not more talk about this string. Comfortable, control, power, spin, good price, shaped, twisted, etc. What's not to like? Isn't the best all round poly that you can buy?

Great review by RSI - their highest rated poly.

http://www.racquetsportsindustry.com/articles/2011/02/playtest_tourna_big_hitter_blu.html

I've bought a set of the blue rough to see what its like, but am waiting for the silver rough to be released as well.

It's my string of choice now. IMO, the best value out there for the performance and durability.

Anyone use rough and also non-rough? Same as far as softness and tension stability?

 

[Torres]

Just strung this up. The coil memory is a pain. You spend the first 5 mins just trying to untangle and straighten it.

Looking forward to playing with it though.

 

[Carolina Racquet]

Anyone use rough and also non-rough? Same as far as softness and tension stability?

JT... Started using the "non-rough" first. I really liked it, but had some concerns about durability. I find the rough to be more durable. Seems like it doesn't notch as easily.

In other aspects, they play very much alike, with the rough providing a little more spin.

 

[levy1]

Just strung this up. The coil memory is a pain. You spend the first 5 mins just trying to untangle and straighten the string.

Had the same problem,

 

[Torres]

How does it compare to the blue of the orginal pro supex blue gear?

BHBR is pale blue. As someone said above, similar to the color of TournaGrip.

 

[dapara]

the blue is almost the same blue as a tourna grip blue...when it is clean!

At present I use pro supex blue gear.

I was just curious as to whether tourna big hitter blue rough was almost the same colour blue as pro supex blue gear, or, whether it was a darker blue because I haven't had a chance to see it in person.

I can see that the new pro supex blue gear ultra is a lighter coloured blue when compared to the original pro supex blue gear.

Are there any players out there that have actually used PSBG and BHBR that can provide a factual comparison ?

 

[Carolina Racquet]

At present I use pro supex blue gear.

I was just curious as to whether tourna big hitter blue rough was almost the same colour blue as pro supex blue gear, or, whether it was a darker blue because I haven't had a chance to see it in person.

I can see that the new pro supex blue gear ultra is a lighter coloured blue when compared to the original pro supex blue gear.

Are there any players out there that have actually used PSBG and BHBR that can provide a factual comparison ?

I've used the PSBG and BHBR, and PSBGU. The previous post nailed the color of BHBR. Identical to TournaGrip. PSBG is more translucent and true to its description as "pearl blue". PSBGU is a bright blue... like a marine blue.

I'm feeling too blue with this post...

 

[Swood010]

would you huys suggest stringing this a full bed or as a hybrid? would stringng it at 58lbs kill its life and all the benefits this string brings to the table? i use a microgel radical pro and a baseliner

 

[Deleted member 120290]

would you huys suggest stringing this a full bed or as a hybrid? would stringng it at 58lbs kill its life and all the benefits this string brings to the table? i use a microgel radical pro and a baseliner

Personally BHBR is so soft for a poly that I don't need to hybrid. Some people like the stiff, boardlike feel of Lux but I much prefer the soft, comfortable feel of BHBR. The only concern I had was that since I strung BB Ace 18 and RPM 17 at 45lbs I would lose control using the same tension with BHBR. But I get more power and about the same control because of the added spin. I don't think 58lbs would kill its durability or the benefits. It is a very durable string.

 

[Swood010]

Personally BHBR is so soft for a poly that I don't need to hybrid. Some people like the stiff, boardlike feel of Lux but I much prefer the soft, comfortable feel of BHBR. The only concern I had was that since I strung BB Ace 18 and RPM 17 at 45lbs I would lose control using the same tension with BHBR. But I get more power and about the same control because of the added spin. I don't think 58lbs would kill its durability or the benefits. It is a very durable string.

awesome thats what i like to hear. and the price is so much cheaper then the other stuff i normally use

 

[dapara]

I've used the PSBG and BHBR, and PSBGU.

And in your opinion, the winner was ?

 

[Carolina Racquet]

And in your opinion, the winner was ?

Big Hitter Blue Rough. To me, it felt much more responsive. I know Blue Gear has its fans, but I didn't care much for either Blue Gear or Blue Gear Ultra.

 

[Deleted member 120290]

My final thoughts on BHBR 17 (5 hour mark)

Played with BHBR 17 for the 3rd time today. This time singles match. I hit a few nasty topspin forehands that were, dare I say, Nadalesque. Unfortunately for me only 1/2 of them went for winners and the other 1/2 unforced errors (barely). Obviously not the string's fault but my sloppy footwork's doing. I played pretty intensely for 2 hours in 60 degree weather. The amazing thing is that my elbow and shoulder do not hurt. In fact they are not even sore. It's as if I hit with gut or NXT.

After 5 hours of heavy, topspin hitting, the string is moving and not snapping back into place. It may be on its last legs. But it is not far from snapping anyway. So I may cut them out if it does not feel responsive the next time I play. So the bottom line: Polystar Energy 17 feels very comfortable but does not have as much control; BB Ace 18 feels nice and crisp, but hurts my elbow and shoulder after intense hitting; RPM 17 is wonderful for 2 hours and feels softer than most polys but the playability drastically plummets after 2 hours and is not as comfortable as BHBR 17.

Fortunately I am not limited to certain strings based on cost so that is not really a factor for me. So even if BHBR cost the same as RPM, I'd still use BHBR. I'm not using BHBR because it is great value for the money. I'm using it because it is the best string for me period. In fact I have 2 reels of RPM 17 that are going to sit around for quite a while next to 20 sets of VS Team gut 17 (recovering stringaholic).

 

[Lefty5]

Played with BHBR 17 for the 3rd time today. This time singles match. I hit a few nasty topspin forehands that were, dare I say, Nadalesque. Unfortunately for me only 1/2 of them went for winners and the other 1/2 unforced errors (barely). Obviously not the string's fault but my sloppy footwork's doing. I played pretty intensely for 2 hours in 60 degree weather. The amazing thing is that my elbow and shoulder do not hurt. In fact they are not even sore. It's as if I hit with gut or NXT.

After 5 hours of heavy, topspin hitting, the string is moving and not snapping back into place. It may be on its last legs. But it is not far from snapping anyway. So I may cut them out if it does not feel responsive the next time I play. So the bottom line: Polystar Energy 17 feels very comfortable but does not have as much control; BB Ace 18 feels nice and crisp, but hurts my elbow and shoulder after intense hitting; RPM 17 is wonderful for 2 hours and feels softer than most polys but the playability drastically plummets after 2 hours and is not as comfortable as BHBR 17.

Fortunately I am not limited to certain strings based on cost so that is not really a factor for me. So even if BHBR cost the same as RPM, I'd still use BHBR. I'm not using BHBR because it is great value for the money. I'm using it because it is the best string for me period. In fact I have 2 reels of RPM 17 that are going to sit around for quite a while next to 20 sets of VS Team gut 17 (recovering stringaholic).

good review, thank you. I also agree its one of the only polys I can play with as a full job and not get arm pain.

 

[DrpShot!]

Big Hitter Blue Rough didn't tear up my arm either and a full bed gave me some nasty, unbelievable topspin. I plan to try it over a longer haul to see if my arm can take it, and see how it hybrids with some syn guts.

 

[mctennis]

This string is getting favourable reviews all around.

A question about the 'blue' colour.

How does it compare to the blue of the orginal pro supex blue gear?

It looks darker (from the internet pictures) but I haven't seen it in person.

I see the new blue gear ultra is a lighter blue when compared to the original pro supex blue gear.

Why does the color matter? And why does it matter if it is lighter or darker than some of the other strings mentioned? Just wondering why the interest in the color?

 

[mctennis]

A question for all that have used this as a full bed or as a hybrid set up. Did you use the same tension as your old string set up or if you didn't what tension difference did you make? I see some used 40's and some used higher tensions.

 

[Deleted member 120290]

A question for all that have used this as a full bed or as a hybrid set up. Did you use the same tension as your old string set up or if you didn't what tension difference did you make? I see some used 40's and some used higher tensions.

I used the same tension 45lbs with BHBR, RPM and BB Ace. When I went from BB Ace to RPM, it felt softer but due to added spin, the balls did not fly out. When I went from RPM to BHBR, it felt softer and I get more power, but I don't lose any control.

 

[mctennis]

I used the same tension 45lbs with BHBR, RPM and BB Ace. When I went from BB Ace to RPM, it felt softer but due to added spin, the balls did not fly out. When I went from RPM to BHBR, it felt softer and I get more power, but I don't lose any control.

You using a full string bed of BHBR at 45 lbs?

 

[thebuffman]

got some of this stuff coming. thanks to a previous poster who shared the idea of asking the manufacturer to allow usta league members in on the 2 for 1 deal being to usrsa members. i called and asked for the deal and was granted. got 4 packs coming. can't wait to string it up.

to be honest, i probably never should have said anything about not being an usrsa member. it seems that the agent was going to let me in on the deal before i raised the issue.

 

[dapara]

Why does the color matter? And why does it matter if it is lighter or darker than some of the other strings mentioned? Just wondering why the interest in the color?

Racquet aesthetics of course.

I don't use anything I don't like the look of