Black Code 4s
- Thread starter yessir
- Start date
pabletion
Hall of Fame
Love it! I do feel it really grabs the ball, low powered. If he smashes the ball he might like those features. Not too durable if you brush the heck out of the ball, but ok in durarion (so thats why maybe playabilitys might not be an issue)
Ive used 16G, 17G currently, and just about to try 18G (1.20mm).
I'll let u guys know!
Strung one of my Gravity Pros with Solinco Confedential 1.25 / Ice-code 1.25 to compare with my usual setup: Black code 4s 1.20 / ice-code 1.25.
The Solinco hybrid had a more trampoline feeling than the Black code 4s hybrid. I was netting my slices and hitting out on forehands for some reason. I didn't feel I got more power out of Solinco either. Spin was equal or better with Solinco.
I didn't like the more mushy feeling anyway.
I have now restrung another stick with Black code 4S 1.25 / Ice-code 1.25 to compare. According to the string database, the 4S 1.25 has lower friction and better spin potential for some reason. Pulling the crosses seemed to be easier with less friction compared to the 1.20 but that could be placebo effect. Definitely less friction than Confedential. Will test on court soon.
The Solinco hybrid had a more trampoline feeling than the Black code 4s hybrid. I was netting my slices and hitting out on forehands for some reason. I didn't feel I got more power out of Solinco either. Spin was equal or better with Solinco.
I didn't like the more mushy feeling anyway.
I have now restrung another stick with Black code 4S 1.25 / Ice-code 1.25 to compare. According to the string database, the 4S 1.25 has lower friction and better spin potential for some reason. Pulling the crosses seemed to be easier with less friction compared to the 1.20 but that could be placebo effect. Definitely less friction than Confedential. Will test on court soon.
MICHELUZZO
Professional
Lots of bite on the ball . Tension maintenance is top-notch. Harsh on ligaments.....definitely not for the youngins...
BillKid
Hall of Fame
…nor for the « elderly »…
McLovin
Legend
If he's truly a 5.0/5.5 and smashes the ball, I wouldn't worry much about playability duration. I'd suspect he'll break it before it goes dead, especially since the thickest they offer is 16g/1.30mm (unless he's using something along the lines of a Prestige Mid...e.g., 18x20 in a < 95 sq in frame).
pabletion
Hall of Fame
okay...... finally tried out 4S 18G (1.20mm): I absolutely loved it......
I've been using 4S in 17 gauge (1.25mm) and really like it, its soooo spin friendly, and control oriented, but doesnt feel harsh, kinda low powered and lets me swing out. I just feel it really REALLY grabs the ball, that I can place it where I want, can deep it low, or really spin it up, hit a spinny high ball that lands deep or really pull it cross court, or inside out to throw my opponent outside the court.......
First impressions, I'm in love...................................................................... lets just see about the duration, not really expecting much there, but hey, all of the other aspects, definitely worth a try.
If you're not a stringbreaker, youre gonna love it.
I've been using 4S in 17 gauge (1.25mm) and really like it, its soooo spin friendly, and control oriented, but doesnt feel harsh, kinda low powered and lets me swing out. I just feel it really REALLY grabs the ball, that I can place it where I want, can deep it low, or really spin it up, hit a spinny high ball that lands deep or really pull it cross court, or inside out to throw my opponent outside the court.......
First impressions, I'm in love...................................................................... lets just see about the duration, not really expecting much there, but hey, all of the other aspects, definitely worth a try.
If you're not a stringbreaker, youre gonna love it.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
is this new Poly string ? is it made for power and Spin ?
I have been trying the 1.25 mm now for a few sessions comparing it to the 1.20 that I have used for a long time. I'm using them both as mains in a hybrid with a slippery round poly in the crosses for maximum string movement and snap-back.
Strangely enough, the 1.25 feels softer and more spinny than the 1.20. It's not night and day but seems to be a real effect.
The string database indicates this can be measured: https://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/comparestrings.php (both these strings are in the database.)
1.25 is slightly less stiff, has a little more energy return, more tension loss and much more spin potential.
Subjectively, I like the feeling of 1.20 better so far but that is probably just from habit.
I will test the 1.30, which seems to be a bit different according to the database.
Strangely enough, the 1.25 feels softer and more spinny than the 1.20. It's not night and day but seems to be a real effect.
The string database indicates this can be measured: https://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/comparestrings.php (both these strings are in the database.)
1.25 is slightly less stiff, has a little more energy return, more tension loss and much more spin potential.
Subjectively, I like the feeling of 1.20 better so far but that is probably just from habit.
I will test the 1.30, which seems to be a bit different according to the database.
That's exactly the reason why I went with the 1.25 version of 4S
galapagos
Hall of Fame
How would you compare Black Code to 4s?
Haven't yet tried it... have 2 Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 currently strung with Ice Code 120 and Black Code 125 Fire, will try 4S next
galapagos
Hall of Fame
i still have some sets waiting to be reviewed. (1.25 and 1.30). Black Code is really good. Razor Code even better (for me). Ice Code not my style.
rv75
Rookie
what tension did you use?
Tension...
I guess it depends on many parameters like racquets, type of play and subjective preferences.
Personally, I have tried everything from 20 - 24 kg (44 - 53.5 lbs) and I don't like anything below 23 kg (51 lbs) in my Gravity Pros.
I seems I loose control when the going gets tough and incoming balls exceed a certain speed. This is for the 1.20 mm.
The 1.25 feels a bit softer and I would go up a bit in tension for that one to get the same feeling of control.
The 1.30 looks promising from the numbers in the string database.
I guess it depends on many parameters like racquets, type of play and subjective preferences.
Personally, I have tried everything from 20 - 24 kg (44 - 53.5 lbs) and I don't like anything below 23 kg (51 lbs) in my Gravity Pros.
I seems I loose control when the going gets tough and incoming balls exceed a certain speed. This is for the 1.20 mm.
The 1.25 feels a bit softer and I would go up a bit in tension for that one to get the same feeling of control.
The 1.30 looks promising from the numbers in the string database.
pabletion
Hall of Fame
54 lbs TFight rs 300
pabletion
Hall of Fame
I play in high altitude so maybe 5-10% less is what I would use near sea level
JRstriker12
Hall of Fame
Just put 4s 17 gauge in my Yonex Vcore 98's. Strung one at 52 and the other at 48.
Fresh off the machine, very stiff, felt like a board to me.
A day later it settled in and gave really good control, bite and spin. It's on the stiffer side still, but control is top-notch. No fear of going long.
Next hit, really seemed to loosen up. I could feel the ball pocket and the spin was incredible..... but I felt like it was going a little soft and I was losing the control I liked at that point.
Fresh off the machine, very stiff, felt like a board to me.
A day later it settled in and gave really good control, bite and spin. It's on the stiffer side still, but control is top-notch. No fear of going long.
Next hit, really seemed to loosen up. I could feel the ball pocket and the spin was incredible..... but I felt like it was going a little soft and I was losing the control I liked at that point.
Black Code feels crispier. 4S feels deader, more dampened, a little less elastic and a tad more comfortable. Both provide the similarity good control and ball grab. I prefer the original Black Code.
I have now logged a few hour with Black code 4s, 1.30mm. According to TWU database, this one is a bit stiffer compared to 1.25 but has similar spin potential.
I played all three gauges at 23 kg (1.2, 1.25, 1.3) in matched racquets together to be able to compare properly. All these were in hybrid with Ice-code 1.25. Racquets are extended Gravity Pro with a hefty swing weight in need of much control from the string bed. The Black code 4s 1.20 / Ice code hybrid has been my standard string for a while now so this is my reference.
I liked the 1.30 much better than the 1.25, which I found very spinny and with more trampoline feeling compared to 1.20.
The 1.30 is more in between with very good spin and still firm enough to give confidence when there is a lot of incoming pace.
To give some further comparison data for anyone wondering about Black code 4s I can share a bit from another test the other day.
I recently acquired two TGT 344.4 Pro stock frames (Gravity Pro) from a previous owner. They happened to be freshly strung with Solinco Tour Bite and Robin Söderling Lyon respectively (both full beds). I had a chance to compare them to a stock Gravity Pro with Black code 4S / Ice-code hybrid. Evaluation was performed with ball machine and on hardcourt.
The Solinco was much softer with more trampoline feeling than the other two. The RS Lyon was a nice surprise (never tested that one before). Comfort and control and very easy to like. However, the Black code 4S hybrid was superior in all aspects as far as I could tell. I got more pace, spin, control with 4S and connection was equal or slightly better than with RS Lyon. It could just be me accustomed to this combo though so I will continue testing RS Lyon for a while. It was easily the second best string I tried on these racquets so far. Unfortunately, TWU database lists the tension loss at 36% compared to 26% for Black code 4S. This is bad for me who seldom breaks strings and also rotates among several racquets, which means the strings don't get replaced every other week.
After switching between the standard length frames for a while, I compared to my extended racquets with Black code 4S. I got reminded why I went that way to begin with... If you wonder how Basilashvili can hit so much harder than other pros, I can recommend testing extended Gravity Pro. The Black Code 4s has been the enabler for me handling all that power without sacrificing any other properties.
I also tried the RS Lyon racquet for some practice match play yesterday. Not as much pace as I get from my extended racquets so I just went for placement and never-miss-mode. For this, the string worked fine.
Anyway, the Black Code 4S 1.30 might be the one for me replacing the 1.20 for more spin.
I played all three gauges at 23 kg (1.2, 1.25, 1.3) in matched racquets together to be able to compare properly. All these were in hybrid with Ice-code 1.25. Racquets are extended Gravity Pro with a hefty swing weight in need of much control from the string bed. The Black code 4s 1.20 / Ice code hybrid has been my standard string for a while now so this is my reference.
I liked the 1.30 much better than the 1.25, which I found very spinny and with more trampoline feeling compared to 1.20.
The 1.30 is more in between with very good spin and still firm enough to give confidence when there is a lot of incoming pace.
To give some further comparison data for anyone wondering about Black code 4s I can share a bit from another test the other day.
I recently acquired two TGT 344.4 Pro stock frames (Gravity Pro) from a previous owner. They happened to be freshly strung with Solinco Tour Bite and Robin Söderling Lyon respectively (both full beds). I had a chance to compare them to a stock Gravity Pro with Black code 4S / Ice-code hybrid. Evaluation was performed with ball machine and on hardcourt.
The Solinco was much softer with more trampoline feeling than the other two. The RS Lyon was a nice surprise (never tested that one before). Comfort and control and very easy to like. However, the Black code 4S hybrid was superior in all aspects as far as I could tell. I got more pace, spin, control with 4S and connection was equal or slightly better than with RS Lyon. It could just be me accustomed to this combo though so I will continue testing RS Lyon for a while. It was easily the second best string I tried on these racquets so far. Unfortunately, TWU database lists the tension loss at 36% compared to 26% for Black code 4S. This is bad for me who seldom breaks strings and also rotates among several racquets, which means the strings don't get replaced every other week.
After switching between the standard length frames for a while, I compared to my extended racquets with Black code 4S. I got reminded why I went that way to begin with... If you wonder how Basilashvili can hit so much harder than other pros, I can recommend testing extended Gravity Pro. The Black Code 4s has been the enabler for me handling all that power without sacrificing any other properties.
I also tried the RS Lyon racquet for some practice match play yesterday. Not as much pace as I get from my extended racquets so I just went for placement and never-miss-mode. For this, the string worked fine.
Anyway, the Black Code 4S 1.30 might be the one for me replacing the 1.20 for more spin.
Last edited:
canadad
Semi-Pro
Not sure how this turned out for you. I absolutely love the string and I'm coming to the end of the reel. I am searching for a cheaper alternative because it looks like the price has increased here in Canada(I got the last reel for 60% off for some reason). I had been getting so-so durability, but this year it has been worse than last. The last couple of racquets lasted a few hours for some reason, one lasted 2 hours. Last year I was getting maybe 6-10 hours. I hit fairly hard with spin. I like it a lot besides this year's durability.
TropicalFruit
Rookie
Is it possible the string is giving you such great feedback that your swing speed has actually increased over the last year? Or do you think it's just different conditions or a lower quality production run?
canadad
Semi-Pro
It’s possible. It’s been a few years, I can’t remember anymore. I should really get some more of this stuff.
