Black Magic 17 (1.23) - How does it compare to other polys?

[HitItHarder]

I searched around and I haven't found a lot of recent discussion on Genesis Black Magic. So I thought I would ask for some opinions for those that are still using it. I recently picked up a reel of the Black Magic 17 (1.23) and I am wondering a how it compares with other polys since I will end up stringing it for some of my customers as well as myself -- and I am sure the questions will come up.

I typically use thinner full poly setups in my leaded MG Radicals strung in the low to Mid-50s. I have used a lot of different polys, including SPPP, RPM Blast, WC Turbotwist (my personal favorite), ALU rough, MSV Hex, Black Code, Hyperion, Tornado, Silversting, to name some. But this is my first go with Black Magic. Since I usually tweak my tension setup depending on the string characteristics, I am looking for some starting points.

If I do hybrid, I typically use a stiffer synthetic gut cross such as OG Sheep Micro.

So can anyone comment on what Black Magic plays similar to and how it performs in general? As a full bed verses a hybird? How is the tension maintenance?

Thanks. . . HIH

 

[fantom]

I've been using GENESIS black magic for about 6 months now. I think it is a great overall string. It isn't outstanding at anything, but doesn't have any bad qualities either. I use it in a full stringbed at 58 lbs on my Youtek Prestige Pro. I'm playing the best tennis of my life and feel 100% confident in my racquet/string setup. If I'm not playing well....it's my own fault.

 

[Mighty Matteo]

what is the difference between pro supex black magic and genesis black magic?

 

[tennisfreak565]

what is the difference between pro supex black magic and genesis black magic?

Lol there is a genesis black magic and there isn't a pro supex black magic

 

[rodrigoamaral]

your search probably did not return anything as there is no such thing as pro supex black magic (at least not to my knowledge).. it's called genesis black magic..

well, this string is pretty good, has good feel and comfort for a poly and is a great all-around string for the price

 

[nvottennis]

it used to be a big topic. Known mostly for spin from what i can recall

 

[Pinkskunk]

Genesis Black Magic is very soft and has decent amount of spin and is cheap. i have 660' of it and it will last me a loooooooooooong time.

just make sure you add around 10-15% more to the tension when stringing with a cranking stringer, with a dropweight it's different.

 

[drakulie]

My string of choice being that it is less expensive than Lux Alu Power. Although a bit softer feeling, and not as crisp as the Alu, it has great feel, pocketing, power, spin, etc.

A great string at a more reasonable price compared to other brands.

 

[Rabbit]

My string of choice being that it is less expensive than Lux Alu Power. Although a bit softer feeling, and not as crisp as the Alu, it has great feel, pocketing, power, spin, etc.

A great string at a more reasonable price compared to other brands.

So you're off the Typhoon now and onto Black Magic?

 

[drakulie]

Hey, Rabbit. Although I think the Typhoon is a better all-around string, I have never switched to it. I stuck with the BM (I like the feel more).

 

[Fedace]

Where does Spin X fit into all this equation ? better than black magic ? It is more expensive so i figure it is a better string ??

 

[mawashi]

My string of choice being that it is less expensive than Lux Alu Power. Although a bit softer feeling, and not as crisp as the Alu, it has great feel, pocketing, power, spin, etc.

A great string at a more reasonable price compared to other brands.

drakulie,

I too like bm a lot but it looses playability within 30 mins for me. I'm not sure why but the moment strings start notching, I feel I'm loosing control and start to blast long.

How's typhoon compare against duration of playability vs bm?

Cheers,

mawashi

 

[drakulie]

^^^Much better all around string. (Tension maintenance, spin, etc.)

I haven't experienced what you are...... what tension do you string it at, and what frame are using??

 

[mawashi]

^^^Much better all around string. (Tension maintenance, spin, etc.)

I haven't experienced what you are...... what tension do you string it at, and what frame are using??

So typhoon is better iyo? I strung bm at 57lbs on my vantage 95 16x19.

mawashi

 

[Nojoke]

OP-

Black Magic is a good all around string. That said, I prefer your personal favorite, Turbotwist. Is as good or better in every category, particularly (in my opinion), touch and power. But if budget is a concern, Black Magic is very solid and cheaper.

Joe

 

[Explorer3903]

Check this Tennis blog out as they just reviewed Genesis strings and will be reviewing more:

http://blog.timesunion.com/tennis/category/tennis-gear/string-review/

 

[blackfrido]

^^^Much better all around string. (Tension maintenance, spin, etc.)

I haven't experienced what you are...... what tension do you string it at, and what frame are using??

question;
Genesis Spin X or Thypoon? I tried before as you probably know Black Magic but still looking as many others for the right stuff.
I appreciate and respect your opinion, gracias!

 

[airman88]

question;
Genesis Spin X or Thypoon? I tried before as you probably know Black Magic but still looking as many others for the right stuff.
I appreciate and respect your opinion, gracias!

Genesis Spin x, typhoon, and bm are very different strings.

Spin x is lower power, can kind of become mushy but initially is stiffer. Not as much ball pocketing, ball grip, or spin potential. Overall, not as good as the other two in my opinion, but okay as a hybrid. If you want a decent low power poly to hybrid with a synthetic, this is for you.

Typhoon plays softer and more powerful than spin x with better ball pocketing, ball grip, and spin potential (as good as any string in these 3 categories). This string plays awesome in full bed since it is softer, and has okay comfort and feel. Kind of soft for my taste in a hybrid, but I am a full bed poly player for the most part. If you want to rip the fizz off of the ball and get the ball up and down better than any string, this is for you.

Black magic has a power level and softness similar to that of Typhoon, maybe slightly softer and more powerful. This string is really meant for poly players who want good feel. Much better feel and comfort than the other two strings, but the superior ball grip and spin is forfeit. Still has decent pocketing. If you want a comfortable poly, go with this one.

 

[Pwned]

question;
Genesis Spin X or Thypoon? I tried before as you probably know Black Magic but still looking as many others for the right stuff.
I appreciate and respect your opinion, gracias!

I've been using Typhoon since May. I was going to use SpinX but really liked Typhoon. I found they both shared a lot of properties. Since my reel of Typhoon is running low I decided to try SpinX again. I have a few sets to string up. I'll give you a comparison when I get out and play.

 

[blackfrido]

^^^^^
thanks very much guys for the comments on those strings!
I'm prone to try Typhoon this time based on the characteristics mentioned above in both #18 & #19.
I tried Black Magic for a while but did not convinced at all.
I did not find any "ball pocketing, ball grip, and spin potential" in the Magic. It's going to be full bed for sure, I don't try hybrid set ups until I have the feel of a new string in full bed.
thanks again!

 

[airman88]

^^^^^
thanks very much guys for the comments on those strings!
I'm prone to try Typhoon this time based on the characteristics mentioned above in both #18 & #19.
I tried Black Magic for a while but did not convinced at all.
I did not find any "ball pocketing, ball grip, and spin potential" in the Magic. It's going to be full bed for sure, I don't try hybrid set ups until I have the feel of a new string in full bed.
thanks again!

I did find typhoon to play very different in a hybrid than full bed. The ball grip/bite is its best attribute and it is also a soft poly. So much of those two attributes are lost in a hybrid (loses the grip from the cross and becomes even softer). String full bed about the same you would a normal poly hybrid since the stuff is powerful.

 

[mawashi]

Genesis Spin x, typhoon, and bm are very different strings.

Spin x is lower power, can kind of become mushy but initially is stiffer. Not as much ball pocketing, ball grip, or spin potential. Overall, not as good as the other two in my opinion, but okay as a hybrid. If you want a decent low power poly to hybrid with a synthetic, this is for you.

Typhoon plays softer and more powerful than spin x with better ball pocketing, ball grip, and spin potential (as good as any string in these 3 categories). This string plays awesome in full bed since it is softer, and has okay comfort and feel. Kind of soft for my taste in a hybrid, but I am a full bed poly player for the most part. If you want to rip the fizz off of the ball and get the ball up and down better than any string, this is for you.

Black magic has a power level and softness similar to that of Typhoon, maybe slightly softer and more powerful. This string is really meant for poly players who want good feel. Much better feel and comfort than the other two strings, but the superior ball grip and spin is forfeit. Still has decent pocketing. If you want a comfortable poly, go with this one.

I was able to string up my stick with spin x and had a 1 hr hitting session with it.

I agree that it doesn't have the same feel or pocketing as bm and it's a bit lower in power.

For guys who drive through the ball, bm is a better fit while those who hit with more spin may prefer either spin x or typhoon.

mawashi

 

[rudester]

Agree with all the raves about Typhoon, has been my go to string all summer, and i too progressed from spinX. My latest evolution is crossing the Typhoon with natural gut for the winter, can keep tension tight but with softer feel and a bit more power.

 

[Pwned]

^^^^^
thanks very much guys for the comments on those strings!
I'm prone to try Typhoon this time based on the characteristics mentioned above in both #18 & #19.
I tried Black Magic for a while but did not convinced at all.
I did not find any "ball pocketing, ball grip, and spin potential" in the Magic. It's going to be full bed for sure, I don't try hybrid set ups until I have the feel of a new string in full bed.
thanks again!

I just tried SpinX again. I really prefer Typhoon. Pocketing, feel, comfort, and power are all superior in Typhoon. Perhaps a bit more spin with SpinX but I do not find it a better string.

 

[airman88]

I just tried SpinX again. I really prefer Typhoon. Pocketing, feel, comfort, and power are all superior in Typhoon. Perhaps a bit more spin with SpinX but I do not find it a better string.

Agreed. Even spin I find is much better in typhoon.