Calling all polyester gurus

[EasternRocks]

Still really, really liking it. The control I'm getting is unbelievable. Low-level power and great spin also. I'm ordering some more for my other racket and will try at a lower tension. It does play slightly stiffer than what I normally like but I feel that a drop in tension might sort that.

How low is the power on the string in your opinion? In addendum, do you think the power level has been kept the same from the regular Luxilon ALU? What are the differences b/w the regular and the Soft... is it merely just the tiny bit softer feel? I keep circling back to whether or not regular ALU or the Soft is a better fit for me. As of now, I intend to use Soft. If I had to nit pick, this would be its Achilles heel. It could use a bit more pop, but I suppose it would lose its Luxilon tradition if it was made more elastic.

The playtest team compared this string to Cyclone. IME, Cyclone doesn't have the same crisp feel as Lux. I also think power levels are the same.

 

[Roland G]

I would say it is low powered. Probably a bit lower in power than cyclone IMO, more like B5E I'd say. Will be trying it at a lower tension next to see if that gives a bit more pop. Never tried regular Alu so can't compare I'm afraid

 

[EasternRocks]

I would say it is low powered. Probably a bit lower in power than cyclone IMO, more like B5E I'd say. Will be trying it at a lower tension next to see if that gives a bit more pop. Never tried regular Alu so can't compare I'm afraid

Yeah, I actually got done with an extended practice today and have realized that this string won't have enough pop for me. I think I'll look to use either Cyclone or Sonic Pro Edge, 2 other strings on my top 5 list.

I think you're spot on with the assessment that it's similar in terms of power level to B5E. It's a bit more comfortable but the power level and spin potential on both are almost the same.

I don't think I've ever asked this, but have you ever tried Cyclone or SPE? Could you describe your opinions on both if you have? Also, what gauge did you try a Cyclone in? I tried the 17, but will be looking to give the 16 a try.

 

[EasternRocks]

Will not be using ALU Soft moving forward. It is indeed too low powered even though it has a ton of attributes I like. The metallic feel (aluminum fiber composition) also is still present as it is part of the ALU family and even though it's softer than regular ALU, it doesn't exactly play immensely more forgiving. It's only a tad bit softer. I've determined that it is not in line with my preferences. Overall, the stiffness was ok, I just didn't think I was getting enough jump out of the stringbed. Like Roland mentioned, I find that ALU Soft is similar in power to B5E and Moto, which were 2 strings I thought were solid, but were a bit too stiff/underpowered. ALU Soft isn't as stiff, but it definitely could use a bit more power, which I hope the following string below can give me.

I do believe that Cyclone has a tiny bit more elasticity so I will be playing that as my next string of choice. I will be using the 16g @52 (Apparently Chris Edwards uses this setup) to get a tiny stiffer feel than the 17g which I've described as too pillowy and plush after a short stint of being crisp. Hoping I can settle on it!

 

[Roland G]

Yeah, I actually got done with an extended practice today and have realized that this string won't have enough pop for me. I think I'll look to use either Cyclone or Sonic Pro Edge, 2 other strings on my top 5 list.

I think you're spot on with the assessment that it's similar in terms of power level to B5E. It's a bit more comfortable but the power level and spin potential on both are almost the same.

I don't think I've ever asked this, but have you ever tried Cyclone or SPE? Could you describe your opinions on both if you have? Also, what gauge did you try a Cyclone in? I tried the 17, but will be looking to give the 16 a try.

I've just played with Cyclone and really like it - good power, comfort and spin, just doesn't really last a huge amount of time

What tension have you tried Alu Soft?
Would you consider trying at mid-40's?

 

[TennisManiac]

Cyclone... good power? :?

In what, a Pure Drive?

 

[SpinToWin]

No SPE EasternRocks? How about stringing up one racquet with Cyclone and SPE each and playing a practice match? From what I could tell, you were pretty even on both strings. By the way, IMO thicker gauges play less crisp and more muted, so you may not like Cyclone in the thicker gauge either.

 

[EasternRocks]

No SPE EasternRocks? How about stringing up one racquet with Cyclone and SPE each and playing a practice match? From what I could tell, you were pretty even on both strings. By the way, IMO thicker gauges play less crisp and more muted, so you may not like Cyclone in the thicker gauge either.

I'm convinced that SPE doesn't have the dwell time I need. I love the power and spin of the string... and it possesses a nice crisp feel. I would switch to it 100% if it pocketed the ball better.

I honestly played better with the SPE 17 than the Cyclone 17. I thought I was able to play more aggressively, but I thought the lack of pocketing was a big downside.

I definitely can do that...string both strings up and making another decision based on how I feel between those two.

With your thoughts on the thicker gauge, it will definitely play a little stiffer, so that's why I'm rationalizing that the string will play a bit crisper. I hope the feel isn't completely muted, otherwise I will probably be forced to use SPE.

Cyclone... good power? :?

In what, a Pure Drive?

Cyclone doesn't have the pop of SPE, but it definitely has average power, it's not as low as strings like ALU/RPM/Tour Bite IMO.

I've just played with Cyclone and really like it - good power, comfort and spin, just doesn't really last a huge amount of time

What tension have you tried Alu Soft?
Would you consider trying at mid-40's?

What gauge did you try? If playability duration is an issue and you used 17, try 16 like what I'm doing. I did the ALU Soft at 52 lbs. I don't like to go under 50 because the string loses its crispness IMO. It becomes more trampoline like and I don't prefer that feel. My first experiment with under 50 tension was with regular ALU Power at 48 and it wasn't great IMO.

 

[Power Player]

Holy cow..this is still going?

Just try some Silver String. Honestly polys are not so different that you need to obsess over it. Pick a shape preference (I found I prefer the feel of round), a color and a gauge and go play. SS has no weaknesses. It is one of those polys I forgot about, and then said - "how did I forget this string?". It does everything.

Poly doesnt have "pop". It has control. If you want pop, try gut mains and poly crosses.

 

[EasternRocks]

Holy cow..this is still going?

Just try some Silver String. Honestly polys are not so different that you need to obsess over it. Pick a shape preference (I found I prefer the feel of round), a color and a gauge and go play. SS has no weaknesses. It is one of those polys I forgot about, and then said - "how did I forget this string?". It does everything.

Poly doesnt have "pop". It has control. If you want pop, try gut mains and poly crosses.

Sonic Pro Edge does, Big Hitter Black 7 does. So do a ton of other polys that are very elastic.

It's not really "going" anymore. I have a top 5, I'm just trying to choose the one I like the most out of the 5. It's really down to SPE and Cyclone, as it was a long time ago. I preferred SPE 17 to Cyclone 17...I'm just giving Cyclone 16 a try under the pretense that certain things I didn't get out of the 17 will be there with the 16.

 

[mikeler]

Sonic Pro Edge does, Big Hitter Black 7 does. So do a ton of other polys that are very elastic.

It's not really "going" anymore. I have a top 5, I'm just trying to choose the one I like the most out of the 5. It's really down to SPE and Cyclone, as it was a long time ago. I preferred SPE 17 to Cyclone 17...I'm just giving Cyclone 16 a try under the pretense that certain things I didn't get out of the 17 will be there with the 16.

Cyclone 16 reminds me of a thicker B5E.

 

[Power Player]

Sonic Pro Edge does, Big Hitter Black 7 does. So do a ton of other polys that are very elastic.

It's not really "going" anymore. I have a top 5, I'm just trying to choose the one I like the most out of the 5. It's really down to SPE and Cyclone, as it was a long time ago. I preferred SPE 17 to Cyclone 17...I'm just giving Cyclone 16 a try under the pretense that certain things I didn't get out of the 17 will be there with the 16.

Ive tried both gauges. It's not a huge difference and not worth overthinking too much.

 

[Roland G]

Cyclone... good power? :?

In what, a Pure Drive?

No, a Dunlop 400 tour at 50/48. Plenty of power for a poly

 

[EasternRocks]

Cyclone 16 reminds me of a thicker B5E.

Interesting. I thought B5E lacked feel, was a tad too firm for me. Interested in seeing if Cyclone 16 will give me more feel and less firmness. I can definitely envision the power levels being the same with both strings.

Ive tried both gauges. It's not a huge difference and not worth overthinking too much.

We'll see when I hit it tomorrow

No, a Dunlop 400 tour at 50/48. Plenty of power for a poly

16 or 17?

 

[Roland G]

17g

10 char

 

[EasternRocks]

17g

10 char

Yeah the 17g does not last at all. The yellow notched after 3 hours of hitting. The black turns plush/mush. Hoping for better results with the 16g. Would love to save $ and use the Cyclone 16 this season. Otherwise it'll be a reel of SPE.

 

[KYHacker]

I mentioned it before and you dismissed it, but I will mention it again. Try Big Hitter Silver 16. It's a lot like the ALU strings you like and it's super inexpensive. It has a little more pop than ALU, but not a huge amount of pop. Big Hitter Blue is also supposed to be very good, but I have never hit that particular string. Both strings are available for $70 or less per reel. Black Zone is also good, but I have only hit it in a hybrid with Armour Syn Gut and couldn't tell you which string dominated the feel of the stringbed. All of the Tourna strings are very, very good in their respective category and they are pretty much the cheapest you can get when you buy by the reel.

 

[swfh]

You should try discho black spin or iontec.
I know you don't like my cheaper alternatives, but BHB7 did work for you when we hit

 

[EasternRocks]

You should try discho black spin or iontec.
I know you don't like my cheaper alternatives, but BHB7 did work for you when we hit

Lol. (10 characters)

 

[mikeler]

You should try discho black spin or iontec.
I know you don't like my cheaper alternatives, but BHB7 did work for you when we hit

Iontec is really nice but it kept breaking on shanks for me.

 

[EasternRocks]

Does anyone know if thicker string means more dwell time or less?

 

[SpinToWin]

Does anyone know if thicker string means more dwell time or less?

Generally less IME.

 

[EasternRocks]

Generally less IME.

Interesting. So if I see SPE 17 as missing a little bit of that pocketing feel, there should be zero reason why I should give the 16 a try again? I'm stringing a set of SPE today, deciding on whether to give the 16 or 17 a run.

I'll take your advice and string both Cyclone 16 and SPE again and play them side by side once more and make my final decision. Your suggestion on SPE gauge and whether or not I should try 17 once more or go to the thicker 16?

Brief review of the 17g SPE and my feelings:

- Great power and spin, which helps the control
- Keeps tension great
- Crisp feel
- Not too soft, not too stiff IMO
- Only downside is that the ball comes off a little too "hot" sometimes and I can't get the "feel" I want. I tie "feel" to the "pocketing" sensation I get from Luxilon ALU Soft, Cyclone 17, and VS Gut.

 

[SpinToWin]

Interesting. So if I see SPE 17 as missing a little bit of that pocketing feel, there should be zero reason why I should give the 16 a try again? I'm stringing a set of SPE today, deciding on whether to give the 16 or 17 a run.

I'll take your advice and string both Cyclone 16 and SPE again and play them side by side once more and make my final decision. Your suggestion on SPE gauge and whether or not I should try 17 once more or go to the thicker 16?

Brief review of the 17g SPE and my feelings:

- Great power and spin, which helps the control
- Keeps tension great
- Crisp feel
- Not too soft, not too stiff IMO
- Only downside is that the ball comes off a little too "hot" sometimes and I can't get the "feel" I want. I tie "feel" to the "pocketing" sensation I get from Luxilon ALU Soft, Cyclone 17, and VS Gut.

I personally would suggest the 17 gauge.

Thinner gauges are more elastic, hence they pocket the ball better.

At least that's how I see it.

 

[EasternRocks]

I personally would suggest the 17 gauge.

Thinner gauges are more elastic, hence they pocket the ball better.

At least that's how I see it.

Yeah I was leaning towards 17. As for the Cyclone, the reason why I'm going to 16 is also because I felt that the 17 was pocketing the ball too much. By going a little thicker I hope to lose a little of that almost too much pocketing that the Cyclone 17 has. Your thoughts on that rationale?

 

[SpinToWin]

Yeah I was leaning towards 17. As for the Cyclone, the reason why I'm going to 16 is also because I felt that the 17 was pocketing the ball too much. By going a little thicker I hope to lose a little of that almost too much pocketing that the Cyclone 17 has. Your thoughts on that rationale?

May work, but the feel is more muted too (at least IME) and power is lower as well… Give it a try and see for yourself though. String preferences are subjective

 

[EasternRocks]

May work, but the feel is more muted too (at least IME) and power is lower as well… Give it a try and see for yourself though. String preferences are subjective

Yeah we will see. Hopefully it still has a crisp feel even if its a little less. I hope it can last longer too. How much lower will the crispness/power be in your experience? If you've hit with Cyclone 16, what would you say the power level is in comparison to other low powered poly's like RPM/Luxilon/Tour Bite? I won't like it if it's as low as those 3.

 

[SpinToWin]

Yeah we will see. Hopefully it still has a crisp feel even if its a little less. I hope it can last longer too. How much lower will the crispness/power be in your experience? If you've hit with Cyclone 16, what would you say the power level is in comparison to other low powered poly's like RPM/Luxilon/Tour Bite? I won't like it if it's as low as those 3.

Geez... How much lower will the crispness/power be? What do you expect me to answer, 5%?

I can't really answer that question as "how much" and the like are quite subjective (and I can't really nail a number either).

All I can say is that it will pocket the ball less well and that it will play more muted and lower powered IMO.

I am tempted to compare the power level to RPM, but that may just be me.

 

[Muppet]

ER

Earlier in the thread a couple of people posted about Cyclone Orange being close to Cyclone Black, but a little crisper.

yellow = pink > orange > black

Orange might be just what you're looking for.

Cheers!

 

[EasternRocks]

Geez... How much lower will the crispness/power be? What do you expect me to answer, 5%?

I can't really answer that question as "how much" and the like are quite subjective (and I can't really nail a number either).

All I can say is that it will pocket the ball less well and that it will play more muted and lower powered IMO.

I am tempted to compare the power level to RPM, but that may just be me.

In the midst of deciding between Sonic Pro Edge and Cyclone. Have 16 and 17 gauges all on the table as of now. Slightly leaning towards the thinner gauges of both. Don't see really downsides for going to the 1.25 in both setups.

Was highly disappointed in the 16 Cyclone tonight. It was strung sub 50 too so there's really no excuse for it to not gel with me. RacquetTune measured it at 48 before my practice tonight.

I have sticks with Cyclone 16 @ 52 coming which I'll be playing extensively. Cyclone 17 and SPE 17 are getting strung into my frames again at 52 and 54 respectively.

SPE 16 has been obviously reminiscent of the 17 but it's slightly got less power/spin/bite, which is probably expected. Thought that the string had a bit more control and that getting depth is a little easier with the 17. I would say that the pocketing issue is still there with the SPE. Works great for my forehand and lefty slice serve, doesn't work out great for my backhand as I don't have the time usually to take my big, loopy backhand swing. I prefer the Cyclone that has that extra dwell time for my BH.

There are no other strings being tested so it's really down to Cyclone or SPE. I would say I'm more confident with the SPE because I can really use my weapons to full force and although my BH becomes more of a liability with the SPE, I can still hit some mean slices with it.

Thoughts to my findings are welcome. Thanks all.

 

[mikeler]

In the midst of deciding between Sonic Pro Edge and Cyclone. Have 16 and 17 gauges all on the table as of now. Slightly leaning towards the thinner gauges of both. Don't see really downsides for going to the 1.25 in both setups.

Was highly disappointed in the 16 Cyclone tonight. It was strung sub 50 too so there's really no excuse for it to not gel with me. RacquetTune measured it at 48 before my practice tonight.

I have sticks with Cyclone 16 @ 52 coming which I'll be playing extensively. Cyclone 17 and SPE 17 are getting strung into my frames again at 52 and 54 respectively.

SPE 16 has been obviously reminiscent of the 17 but it's slightly got less power/spin/bite, which is probably expected. Thought that the string had a bit more control and that getting depth is a little easier with the 17. I would say that the pocketing issue is still there with the SPE. Works great for my forehand and lefty slice serve, doesn't work out great for my backhand as I don't have the time usually to take my big, loopy backhand swing. I prefer the Cyclone that has that extra dwell time for my BH.

There are no other strings being tested so it's really down to Cyclone or SPE. I would say I'm more confident with the SPE because I can really use my weapons to full force and although my BH becomes more of a liability with the SPE, I can still hit some mean slices with it.

Thoughts to my findings are welcome. Thanks all.

My thoughts are this, PICK A DAMN STRING!

 

[danbrenner]

In the midst of deciding between Sonic Pro Edge and Cyclone. Have 16 and 17 gauges all on the table as of now. Slightly leaning towards the thinner gauges of both. Don't see really downsides for going to the 1.25 in both setups.

Was highly disappointed in the 16 Cyclone tonight. It was strung sub 50 too so there's really no excuse for it to not gel with me. RacquetTune measured it at 48 before my practice tonight.

I have sticks with Cyclone 16 @ 52 coming which I'll be playing extensively. Cyclone 17 and SPE 17 are getting strung into my frames again at 52 and 54 respectively.

SPE 16 has been obviously reminiscent of the 17 but it's slightly got less power/spin/bite, which is probably expected. Thought that the string had a bit more control and that getting depth is a little easier with the 17. I would say that the pocketing issue is still there with the SPE. Works great for my forehand and lefty slice serve, doesn't work out great for my backhand as I don't have the time usually to take my big, loopy backhand swing. I prefer the Cyclone that has that extra dwell time for my BH.

There are no other strings being tested so it's really down to Cyclone or SPE. I would say I'm more confident with the SPE because I can really use my weapons to full force and although my BH becomes more of a liability with the SPE, I can still hit some mean slices with it.

Thoughts to my findings are welcome. Thanks all.

Hey brotha. I'm sure I'm late to the party here, but did you nix the Alu Soft? I didn't go for it but I thought u liked it? Secondly who sells SPE 17? Can't seem to find it last time I looked. And so what are you leaning towards?

 

[danbrenner]

Oh and please try v Tourqe 17. Def must try

 

[EasternRocks]

My thoughts are this, PICK A DAMN STRING!

I would...but then where would the source of entertainment go?

Haha, but in all honesty I do want to decide. I'm not introducing any new strings anymore so it'll come down to the two.

Hey brotha. I'm sure I'm late to the party here, but did you nix the Alu Soft? I didn't go for it but I thought u liked it? Secondly who sells SPE 17? Can't seem to find it last time I looked. And so what are you leaning towards?

I did like ALU Soft, but similarly to a lot of the other Lux's there was just one characteristic I didn't like about it, and for this Lux it was the slight lack of power. I thought it was a little underwhelming in this category. I thought the power control ratio was way too skewed towards control. Shame really. I loved the feeling of the string.

I'm not leaning one way or the other right now. I do remember that I liked SPE 17 a bit more than Cyclone 17, but they both have strengths and weaknesses. One string has what the other doesn't. I have the 16g's in my frames to see if I'm going to consider using a thicker string.

I only know of one place that does. A little odd to be honest that Head hasn't released it yet.

I think I told you that based on reviews of the string I won't be play testing it unfortunately.

 

[TobyTopspin]

My thoughts are this, PICK A DAMN STRING!

Yeah, I would concur with this. No one is every going to find the perfect string or racquet. Just pick one that you gel with and go for it. The benefits of using a consistent setup vastly outweighs any benefit another string would have.

There's a reason advanced players stay with a setup. Mikeler for instance, stays with his setup through each season and experiments during the 'off season'. That's the way to go if you enjoy tinkering with setups.

 

[EasternRocks]

Yeah, I would concur with this. No one is every going to find the perfect string or racquet. Just pick one that you gel with and go for it. The benefits of using a consistent setup vastly outweighs any benefit another string would have.

There's a reason advanced players stay with a setup. Mikeler for instance, stays with his setup through each season and experiments during the 'off season'. That's the way to go if you enjoy tinkering with setups.

Yeah true.

Have you ever hit Cyclone or Sonic Edge? What gauges and your opinion?

 

[mikeler]

Yeah, I would concur with this. No one is every going to find the perfect string or racquet. Just pick one that you gel with and go for it. The benefits of using a consistent setup vastly outweighs any benefit another string would have.

There's a reason advanced players stay with a setup. Mikeler for instance, stays with his setup through each season and experiments during the 'off season'. That's the way to go if you enjoy tinkering with setups.

Totally agree with this post.

 

[Muppet]

Two other options that I've mentioned before:

1) Orange Cyclone for slightly more crispness

2) Install power pads at the throat to give slightly more pocket for SPE

I'd be quite interested to see what strings you'll try next.

 

[Power Player]

Yeah true.

Have you ever hit Cyclone or Sonic Edge? What gauges and your opinion?

Lol, he reads Tobys sensible post and just goes right back into obsession mode.

Get some anxiety control man. My goodness. It's not life or death.

 

[danbrenner]

so I just ordered a set of Tier One Fire Wire.
should be a fun playtest.
I have TB 16l in my ExMp at the moment. Plays nicely. But only after a few days. The first day after stringing at 53 it was too stiff and had no feel. But after a week of settling in I have found its groove. Plays super firm but accurate. Great spin. Descent power. Not as low as V Tourque. Which is a good thing sometimes.
And I will order a set of SPE 17. sounds like fun.

 

[TobyTopspin]

Lol, he reads Tobys sensible post and just goes right back into obsession mode.

Get some anxiety control man. My goodness. It's not life or death.

Totally agree with this post.

I thought I was bad about trying new strings until ER came along. He's brought sanity into my world.

 

[JT_2eighty]

I haven't been reading this thread and just jumping in here real quick. I have a suggestion that may fuel the inferno, but oh well... you should try to hybrid your top polys together!

It worked for me. I liked the spin/control of tour bite 18, so put that as my main, and liked the feel/dwell of mosquito bite, so that's my cross. It plays differently than either of those as a full bed.

I only say this because it sounds like you are at the final stages of fine tuning your choice. A poly/poly hybrid can be a great solution, while many may say "What's the point, it's all poly"; but I say you can't knock it if you haven't tried it. It works, especially if you have a few "top" choices but something's still missing...

 

[mikeler]

I haven't been reading this thread and just jumping in here real quick. I have a suggestion that may fuel the inferno, but oh well... you should try to hybrid your top polys together!

It worked for me. I liked the spin/control of tour bite 18, so put that as my main, and liked the feel/dwell of mosquito bite, so that's my cross. It plays differently than either of those as a full bed.

I only say this because it sounds like you are at the final stages of fine tuning your choice. A poly/poly hybrid can be a great solution, while many may say "What's the point, it's all poly"; but I say you can't knock it if you haven't tried it. It works, especially if you have a few "top" choices but something's still missing...

Oh great JT, now you just added another 24 permutations to his 2 favorite strings and 16/17g combos!

 

[SpinToWin]

Oh great JT, now you just added another 24 permutations to his 2 favorite strings and 16/17g combos!

 

[EasternRocks]

I have decided. The string I'll be using is Sonic Pro Edge in the 17 gauge. However, the last thing I will be tinkering around with will be the tension. I really liked it yesterday strung in the low 50's. It was reading around 51-52 on the Racquet Tune app. I got everything I want in a string. In recent playtests with the string, I have been playing with it at #54, but I feel like I've been losing a little feel/touch/connection with the ball with the higher tension.

I have a fresh frame at 51 so I'll comment on that. As of now, I think I'll be in that 51-52 range.

Glad that I'm finally able to pick 1 string and buy a reel of it.

 

[SpinToWin]

 

[EasternRocks]

Hahahaha. Great meme's.

Hey STW, have you ever heard of pro's liking to string their full poly 2 pounds lower on the crosses than their mains? Apparently Yonex used to suggest people to string the crosses 2 pounds/1 kg lower. Thoughts on this?

Apparently the crosses are shorter so they can hold their tension better, while the mains are longer so it can't?

I think I'm inclined to try 52/50 since I like my reference tension around 51-52.

 

[SpinToWin]

Hahahaha. Great meme's.

Hey STW, have you ever heard of pro's liking to string their full poly 2 pounds lower on the crosses than their mains? Apparently Yonex used to suggest people to string the crosses 2 pounds/1 kg lower. Thoughts on this?

Apparently the crosses are shorter so they can hold their tension better, while the mains are longer so it can't?

I think I'm inclined to try 52/50 since I like my reference tension around 51-52.

I do that too but for different reasons (string movement). Lowering the crosses' tension will make it easier for the mains to move, improving the access to spin and making the response slightly more forgiving IME. Additionally, it adds a little bit of ball pocketing IMO.

 

[Roland G]

I'd go along with that. Having the crosses a couple of pounds lower does seem to make the stringbed more forgiving and spin-friendly.

 

[Roland G]

I have decided. The string I'll be using is Sonic Pro Edge in the 17 gauge. However, the last thing I will be tinkering around with will be the tension. I really liked it yesterday strung in the low 50's. It was reading around 51-52 on the Racquet Tune app. I got everything I want in a string. In recent playtests with the string, I have been playing with it at #54, but I feel like I've been losing a little feel/touch/connection with the ball with the higher tension.

I have a fresh frame at 51 so I'll comment on that. As of now, I think I'll be in that 51-52 range.

Glad that I'm finally able to pick 1 string and buy a reel of it.

Well done man!
I hope you don't change your mind