Calling all polyester gurus

[EasternRocks]

Alu power to me played great new the same with fluoro, if you can have new set ups with either of those strings you should be set. Brand new those strings do everything well, there is a reason so many pro players use lux.

Yep, which is why I'm pretty excited to do some more extensive playtesting with these different Lux's. Full ALU was a little too disconnected feeling, a bit harsh and unforgiving as mentioned before. Hoping that these softer setups will bear some fruit.

I've never tried a poly/poly hybrid but Verdasco appears to be trying it, so I think I'll just give it a shot. Using Lux ALU reg in the mains and then softening it up with the thinner Feel in the crosses. Will report to see if theres any improvement in the lack of forgiveness/connection and harshness departments.

 

[mikeler]

Will be trying the following setups in the coming week

1. Luxilon ALU Feel @ 53
2. Luxilon ALU Fluoro @ 51
3. Luxilon ALU Power @52/ ALU Feel @50
4. Cyber Flash @ 54
5. Max Power Rough @ 50

4,5 will get hits last as I'm really interested in seeing how the Lux setups will play.

My top strings as of now are SPE and Lux Rough.

Reduce 1 variable and tension them all at 52.

 

[EasternRocks]

^ Too late unfortunately. We will see how these next few days ago... will report with thoughts.

 

[tlm]

Yep, which is why I'm pretty excited to do some more extensive playtesting with these different Lux's. Full ALU was a little too disconnected feeling, a bit harsh and unforgiving as mentioned before. Hoping that these softer setups will bear some fruit.

I've never tried a poly/poly hybrid but Verdasco appears to be trying it, so I think I'll just give it a shot. Using Lux ALU reg in the mains and then softening it up with the thinner Feel in the crosses. Will report to see if theres any improvement in the lack of forgiveness/connection and harshness departments.

My hitting partner uses lux bb ace and loves the way it plays.

 

[DustinW]

I've never tried a poly/poly hybrid but Verdasco appears to be trying it, so I think I'll just give it a shot.

I tried SPE in the mains and Silverstring in the crosses, and I really liked it. It seemed to bring out the best quality of both strings (crispness and spin from SPE, softness comfort and dwell time from Sliverstring). I have also tried other poly/poly crosses that seemed to bring out the worst in each string.

Interested to hear how our ALU playtest goes.

 

[ericcomposer72]

Since you've entered the world of hybrids, why not hybrid your two fav's?


SPE in the mains and Lux Rough in the crosses?

 

[EasternRocks]

Since you've entered the world of hybrids, why not hybrid your two fav's?


SPE in the mains and Lux Rough in the crosses?

That's a very interesting thought......I'll have to sit on that one while I try out the current setups I have now.

Just got done hitting with the Feel and Fluoro for about 45 minutes... played with the Feel a bit more than the Fluoro.

Overall, the Feel is a great string. Good well-rounded string. Sometimes a bit harder to control than the Fluoro, but it gave me easier access to spin, a bit more easy power and it was a solid amount of spin. Very predictable string and I think it already may take over Rough as my favorite Luxilon setup.

Still have to give Fluoro some more time, but I was struggling with getting depth on the ball and it definitely is a tad stiffer and firmer than the Feel.

Haven't played with the Lux hybrid yet, so I'm anxious to get out and try it. Cyber Flash and Max Rough are going to get a brief hit tomorrow so we'll see what my first reactions are to those strings. I wouldn't say my expectations are that high for them though.

 

[juan carzola]

Really could use some help/direction on which poly could potentially be my next string of choice.

Level of play: Collegiate player
Frame being used: Yonex AI 98

List of strings I've tried up until now and my general thoughts regarding each.

1. Etc Etc.

Good reviews - I agree with much (though not all) of what you've described.

What gauges did you use, and at what tensions?

 

[juan carzola]

If anyone wants to comment on a string like BHB7 that is similar but maybe has a tiny bit more stiffness let me know.

Have you tried Yonex PTS? Similar spin to BHB7 but stiffer, crisper and lower powered. BHB7, good string, but has always been a bit too 'bendy' for my liking. V-Torque would be another string worth trying, along with the Pacific strings eg. Polyforce, X-Cite etc.

 

[EasternRocks]

Good reviews - I agree with much (though not all) of what you've described.

What gauges did you use, and at what tensions?

All the gauges were in 1.25. Luxilon Feel is the only thinner string I've tried. Tensions have been in the 50-55 range.

 

[EasternRocks]

Here's a post illustrating some early thoughts on the strings I have in my frames at the moment.

Luxilon Feel
- Good pop off the string bed
- Overall consistent response, never felt an inconsistent launch angle
- Decent spin, not amazing, but solid when I got the racquet moving
- Average control, an acceptable level
- Not too stiff, not too soft, good stiffness
- Overall a good string, right up there as one of my favorites. I think I prefer it to Rough because I feel a bit more in control of everything.
- Solid dwell time vs. pop

Luxilon Fluoro
- Stiffer/Harsher than Rough and Feel
- Less power than Rough and Feel
- Not too impressed with this string. Feel like there's still a lot of the metallic-ness with this string. Can't really feel the Fluoro material in the string really changing it that much.
- Overall, not thrilled right now. Don't think I like it more than Feel

Luxilon ALU/Feel Hybrid
- Need more time with it, but my overall impression is that the Feel in the cross doesn't really soften it that much and change the string bed too much
- Similar issues with the Fluoro, it doesn't have enough liveliness from the stringbed and I feel a little disconnect with the ball. Same metallic feel, a bit harsh still.

Topspin Cyber Flash
- Good lively feel from the stringbed. Decent control, a little less than Feel IMO.
- A little plasticky feeling versus the Feel
- Definitely a soft string, softer than Feel IMO
- Not great spin, just ok in that department
- Crisp feel that I do like
- Will need to hit with it more to see what I think about it

Max Rough
- Played only 5-10 minutes with it. Can't give any impressions really.

 

[David Valencia]

EasternRocks, what racquet(s) are you using? What type of player are you? Level?

 

[EasternRocks]

EasternRocks, what racquet(s) are you using? What type of player are you? Level?

It's all on the first page of the thread.
- AI 98
- Baseliner who uses his forehand to move my opponent around the court aggressively. Like to pin my opponent in the backhand corner (righty) and look to apply as much pressure as possible. That's my game when I'm firing on all cylinders. My backhand is less of a weapon, but I'm trying to make it a consistent shot that doesn't break down. I feel like my backhand slice is a reliable shot especially when I'm stretched wide. Lefty serve in both boxes are a big part of my game. I would say I'm not an aggressive baseliner, but more of a counterpuncher that likes to take swings at some waist level forehands if I have the opportunity to.
- Level is a college player, formerly top 200 in the nation for my graduating class. Was around the 10-30 range in my USTA Section 10's-16's

In addendum to my post yesterday, I want to add that perhaps the Fluoro-carbon material added to the Lux dampens the string bed. It makes it softer, but in this case it doesn't retain the crispness that regular ALU has. So, yes it probably is a bit softer, not by much. However, it plays more dampened than what I prefer.

Jury is still out on the hybrid, but I played extremely well with the Feel yesterday so it's probably going to have to play really well next time I get out there.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
I also wanted to post this for those looking at my thread and are reading the first page of the thread to see what I thought about the strings I've tried.

Disclaimer: Some of these strings reflect my opinions when I first hit them. A few got strung up again and I have some different opinions on them, although mostly similar. Please check the rest of the thread if you want to get my complete thoughts about the strings below.

 

[David Valencia]

Thanks!

Are you stringing your racquets? If so, what type of stringing machine do you use?

 

[EasternRocks]

Thanks!

Are you stringing your racquets? If so, what type of stringing machine do you use?

No I'm not. Back home I was getting all my frames strung with a guy who used a Gamma electronic. Now that I'm not home, it's being strung on an Alpha electronic.

 

[TennisManiac]

EasternRocks,

So after all the strings you've tested thus far. What are your thoughts at this point regarding BHB7? For me personally, this is a string I myself keep going back to after every time I test a couple of different strings. My favorite string of all is Alu Power. But it's just too damn expensive for me to keep restringing every two weeks or so. And I can't find anything on the market that even comes close. So I keep coming back to BHB7. Because of it's price I don't mind restringing it every 4 or 5 matches. Thats 8 to 10 hours for me. If you buy a reel its like $6.25 per string job. That's an amazing deal imo. Have you considered going back to it at all?

 

[EasternRocks]

EasternRocks,

So after all the strings you've tested thus far. What are your thoughts at this point regarding BHB7? For me personally, this is a string I myself keep going back to after every time I test a couple of different strings. My favorite string of all is Alu Power. But it's just too damn expensive for me to keep restringing every two weeks or so. And I can't find anything on the market that even comes close. So I keep coming back to BHB7. Because of it's price I don't mind restringing it every 4 or 5 matches. Thats 8 to 10 hours for me. If you buy a reel its like $6.25 per string job. That's an amazing deal imo. Have you considered going back to it at all?

Not really. It's a good string and I thought it was going to be my string of choice, but honestly the performance of the string is not very consistent. It starts off great, but it doesn't really stay like that for a good amount of time. It's got some awesome qualities about it and I can see why Andy Gerst from TW used it in tournament play. The spin of the string is outrageously good from the get-go, but it really dulls out after you put in 6-8 hours on the string. It's also almost "too soft" for me. I thought that the string felt like a spinny multifilament. One issue I had with the string was on the serve. I thought hitting flat bombs was incredibly difficult. However, hitting spin serves/slice serves was excellent.

Overall, if someone gave me the string and told me I had to play with it, I wouldn't complain really. It's probably in my top 5 strings that I've tried. It's just a tad unpredictable IMO and I attest it to the very elastic and soft feel.

 

[TennisManiac]

I string my own rackets. So I don't mind restringing that much. How often do you restring? Have you considered buying a machine and learning how to do it yourself?

 

[EasternRocks]

I string my own rackets. So I don't mind restringing that much. How often do you restring? Have you considered buying a machine and learning how to do it yourself?

Depends. I have a bunch of frames so I guess I don't have to re-string that often. No I have not.

BHB7 is a pretty good string. It just has a few noticeable weaknesses

 

[SpinToWin]

I string my own rackets. So I don't mind restringing that much. How often do you restring? Have you considered buying a machine and learning how to do it yourself?

But is a string truly cheap when you have to restring it after 2 hitting sessions? Cost adds up faster if you have to use more string in the same amount of time. I got maybe 4-5 hours out of BHB7, so in summer when I play regularly I'd need several reels of the string, which makes it expensive again. I get much longer out of my gut/poly hybrids, which makes them have a similar effective cost really.

 

[TennisManiac]

That's cool. So what is your current go to string?

 

[EasternRocks]

That's cool. So what is your current go to string?

I don't have one yet. Right now, I'm enjoying Luxilon ALU Power Feel a lot. Great feel, power, and it isn't too soft or stiff. The playability on it also is subpar but instead of it being because of the string itself (BHB7), I think it's because of the gauge and thinness of the string.

I would say if I had to create a list of strings that I've enjoyed/have played with for an extended amount of time without cutting them out it would be the following

1. Luxilon ALU Power Feel (1.20)
2. Head Sonic Pro Edge (1.25)
3. Luxilon ALU Power Rough (1.25)
4. Tourna BHB7 (1.25, 16g)
5. Yellow Volkl Cyclone (1.25)
6. Gamma Moto (1.25)

 

[TennisManiac]

It's been good chatting with you. Good luck in the ever lasting quest for the perfect string we both seem to be in at the moment.

Take care

 

[EasternRocks]

Cut out Cyber Flash. Didn't see it standing out in any area other than power and comfort. Spin was actually quite mediocre, not very good and with a powerful string I usually need spin potential to give me the ability to bring the ball back into the court.

Thinking about giving full ALU another shot

 

[EasternRocks]

How does Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25 play?

 

[SpinToWin]

How does Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25 play?

Muted and dead. Why are you considering that string (it's the complete opposite of what you want)?

 

[EasternRocks]

Muted and dead. Why are you considering that string (it's the complete opposite of what you want)?

It is soft, so perhaps it might not be that bad to give it a shot. Isn't it like Luxilon but a tad softer? As long as the power level of the string isn't too low, I think it might be an interesting one.

 

[SpinToWin]

It is soft, so perhaps it might not be that bad to give it a shot. Isn't it like Luxilon but a tad softer? As long as the power level of the string isn't too low, I think it might be an interesting one.

No. Seriously, if there's one string I can rule out for sure, it's YPTP. You want lively and crisp. This is muted and dead. Look elsewhere.

 

[EasternRocks]

No. Seriously, if there's one string I can rule out for sure, it's YPTP. You want lively and crisp. This is muted and dead. Look elsewhere.

Ok. I'll think about it some more.

I haven't really hit Max Power Rough a ton lately but I have a gut feeling that it's not the string for me. If there's a cutting of another string off the list, it will probably be this one.

 

[EasternRocks]

SpinToWin,
Thoughts on ALU Power Soft? I am trying that out these next few days. I like Feel, but unfortunately the playability of the string sinks pretty quickly. The first 2 hours of the string are so quality though. Comfortable, crisp, not too soft/stiff, good power/feel. Then it becomes a little too unpredictable and lively... and the spin starts to go south once the strings lose its ability to snapback. TW said Soft plays a little low powered...we'll see about that.

Not buying the hybrid of the ALU and Feel, so I'll be cutting that out. I have another set of regular ALU being strung up. Not too sold on Fluoro, but haven't hit with it long enough to make a final decision.

I may or may not string PTP...haven't decided yet.

 

[EasternRocks]

Hit with ALU Soft (strung at 53) and I overall enjoyed it. Definitely feels softer than ALU Spin/Power and a tiny bit softer than Fluoro (all of these are backed up by the TW data). Thought that the spin was solid on the string and although it might not give me the jump of a textured string like SPE, I thought it was an extremely consistent response with the amount of spin I was getting each time I hit the ball. Control was excellent and I thought that although it packs a little less punch than strings like SPE and Lux Feel, it gives me enough. Comfort is good on the string and I found the stiffness to be right where I like it. Didn't feel that metallic feel and didn't feel any harshness. So far, so good.

Feel might not be the string of choice for me. Although I had a great time with it for the first few hours, the playability dropped off significantly and a lot of balls were sailing on me and I didn't feel like I was in control of placing the ball where I wanted to place it. It just doesn't seem like it can hold up for several practices in a row without it becoming too unpredictable and wild. I thought that when fresh just like BHB7, it was fantastic. Good power, good spin, comfort was there, and I got good dwell time.

Fluoro got a little bit more time and I actually think I get less spin with this version of Lux than the Soft. Similar to the Rough, the launch angle is a little lower than what I want. The power is not bad on the string, but the feel is a bit dampened IMO, which prevents that connection to the ball. I am not cutting it out yet because I still need to give it more time, but I think as of now I have a preference for Soft over Fluoro.

In addition, I have a frame of regular ALU and I'll try that again, but I anticipate it to be a little too stiff and harsh for my taste like I have mentioned before.

As for Poly Tour Pro, I'm getting it strung and I'll give it a hit, but I'm not 100% on board with what I've heard about the string. Like STW mentioned, it plays a little dead/muted? If so, that might not be what I'm looking for, but I'll give it a chance (10-15 minutes of hitting)

 

[TennisManiac]

As for Poly Tour Pro, I'm getting it strung and I'll give it a hit, but I'm not 100% on board with what I've heard about the string. Like STW mentioned, it plays a little dead/muted? If so, that might not be what I'm looking for, but I'll give it a chance (10-15 minutes of hitting)

I've played PTP and thought it was very low powered and muted.

 

[Muppet]

If you're still looking around for strings to try, Genesis Typhoon in silver or blue might be a good choice. Silver is a little crisper and blue has a little more dwell. And they're a lot less expensive than the strings you've been trying.

 

[chrischris]

Which poly is the liveliest and has the shrillest tone to it upon ball impact??

 

[chrischris]

If you're still looking around for strings to try, Genesis Typhoon in silver or blue might be a good choice. Silver is a little crisper and blue has a little more dwell. And their a lot less expensive than the strings you've been trying.

Have you used these strings on your MuscleWeave ??

 

[Muppet]

TBH, I have only read about them. But they seem right up the OP's alley and he seems to want to try all of the strings out there. I would like to try Typhoon 17 in blue in my Aerogel 200, unless I just give up on that frame instead. I've found Outlast 1.20 @48/46 to work very well on my Muscleweave. But I have another set and I'll try it @47 ATW. I think that will really dial it in.

 

[KYHacker]

Well, the best all-around poly that I have tried lately is the Ytex Octo-twist. It has a good but not excessive amount of power, has good but not excessive spin, has good but not great tension maintenance, has a crisp but not harsh response, is well dampened but retains the crisp feel, makes a great "pop" when striking the ball and it has good ball feel for touch shots.

I would be using it exclusively except for my current fling with the Savage Banana which shreds these strings (any any other 16g string) in 4 hours. So, it's thicker strings for me while using the Savage Banana.

As mentioned previously, though, Tecnifibre Ruff Code 17 is also really, really good.

 

[EasternRocks]

I've played PTP and thought it was very low powered and muted.

Not making me too thrilled to be honest.

 

[EasternRocks]

If you're still looking around for strings to try, Genesis Typhoon in silver or blue might be a good choice. Silver is a little crisper and blue has a little more dwell. And they're a lot less expensive than the strings you've been trying.

Not looking to try Genesis Typhoon at the moment. Luxilon just has a better impression to me in terms of quality and consistency. In addition, I have not enjoyed any of the twisted strings I've hit in the past.

Which poly is the liveliest and has the shrillest tone to it upon ball impact??

I don't really know about shrillness as I don't really pay attention to that. But I could tell you which ones I found to be the liveliest. I would say the softer poly's like Black Widow, BHB7, Cyclone Tour, V-Star, TB Soft, Tornado, Firestorm to have the most power. The last two aren't as soft as the others, but they pack a lot of liveliness.

Hope that helps.

Well, the best all-around poly that I have tried lately is the Ytex Octo-twist. It has a good but not excessive amount of power, has good but not excessive spin, has good but not great tension maintenance, has a crisp but not harsh response, is well dampened but retains the crisp feel, makes a great "pop" when striking the ball and it has good ball feel for touch shots.

I would be using it exclusively except for my current fling with the Savage Banana which shreds these strings (any any other 16g string) in 4 hours. So, it's thicker strings for me while using the Savage Banana.

As mentioned previously, though, Tecnifibre Ruff Code 17 is also really, really good.

Again, a twisted string. Did not like Quadro Twist, so I do not think I will be trying Octo-Twist. It seems like the Quadro is the premier string, so I probably won't be inclined to give its little brother a try. You do a good job of selling it though! I have the impression that similar to Quadro, Qcto might be a little lacking in the crisp feel and a bit too dampened/muted.

Won't be trying Ruff Code either. Textured strings have not been great for me either. Ex: ALU Rough had good power/lively feel, but I thought the tension maintenance on it was bad and rough strings actually don't feel like they give me that much spin to be honest.

 

[DustinW]

Textured strings have not been great for me either. Ex: ALU Rough had good power/lively feel, but I thought the tension maintenance on it was bad and rough strings actually don't feel like they give me that much spin to be honest.

Agree with this.

For me, textured strings seem to be softer, livelier, more erratic, and not last as long... with minimal added grab for spin. And then the texture wears off and changes the way it plays.

Twisted strings seem pretty worthless to me too. Why take a shaped string and twist it? I find that twisted strings have less ball grab than shaped strings (twisting a shaped string makes it more round again). I like the feel of Typhoon, but it is too inconsistent for me. I do like Quadro Twist, but I don't think it is because it is twisted.

IMO, if you want to add spin in a tight string pattern, go for a shaped string (not twisted or textured) since snapback is reduced with a tight pattern. If you want to add spin in a open string pattern, go for a hard round poly that can snapback.

 

[SpinToWin]

Agree with this.

For me, textured strings seem to be softer, livelier, more erratic, and not last as long... with minimal added grab for spin. And then the texture wears off and changes the way it plays.

Twisted strings seem pretty worthless to me too. Why take a shaped string and twist it? I find that twisted strings have less ball grab than shaped strings (twisting a shaped string makes it more round again). I like the feel of Typhoon, but it is too inconsistent for me. I do like Quadro Twist, but I don't think it is because it is twisted.

IMO, if you want to add spin in a tight string pattern, go for a shaped string (not twisted or textured) since snapback is reduced with a tight pattern. If you want to add spin in a open string pattern, go for a hard round poly that can snapback.

Interesting… For dense string patterns I usually recommend thin and quite lively polys (mostly round). Those add a lot of spin to the racquets IME.

 

[DustinW]

Interesting… For dense string patterns I usually recommend thin and quite lively polys (mostly round). Those add a lot of spin to the racquets IME.

Definitely depends on the player, but that is what I have found works for me. Thin and lively is good for a dense pattern. I was mostly talking about round vs shaped vs twisted vs textured.

 

[EasternRocks]

Muted and dead. Why are you considering that string (it's the complete opposite of what you want)?

Turns out you're right. Hit with it for only 5 minutes and when I was hitting I had the feeling of "Why does it feel so different hitting with this string?"

I wouldn't call the string completely dead, but PTP definitely is muted. It doesn't have that low of power as I think people are claiming IMO. I get depth and don't feel like it's lifeless (maybe because it is soft and comfortable). I just don't feel connected with a string that lacks a crisp feel. I won't cut it out because I just strung it today, but I can say without a doubt it doesn't top ALU Soft. So I am not even considering purchasing a reel of this. PTP unfortunately won't be my string of choice.

Hit with regular ALU a little today and I think it's got really good power and control with a good amount of spin. I just think as an initial thought, the Soft just has that extra comfort without sacrificing that crisp feel.

ALU Soft is definitely one of the better strings I've hit and it's a contender to be my string of choice. I have about 10 days before I make a final decision so we'll see if Fluoro, regular ALU, and SPE can overtake it. It's the final leg of my journey!

 

[SpinToWin]

Turns out you're right. Hit with it for only 5 minutes and when I was hitting I had the feeling of "Why does it feel so different hitting with this string?"

I wouldn't call the string completely dead, but PTP definitely is muted. It doesn't have that low of power as I think people are claiming IMO. I get depth and don't feel like it's lifeless (maybe because it is soft and comfortable). I just don't feel connected with a string that lacks a crisp feel. I won't cut it out because I just strung it today, but I can say without a doubt it doesn't top ALU Soft. So I am not even considering purchasing a reel of this. PTP unfortunately won't be my string of choice.

Hit with regular ALU a little today and I think it's got really good power and control with a good amount of spin. I just think as an initial thought, the Soft just has that extra comfort without sacrificing that crisp feel.

ALU Soft is definitely one of the better strings I've hit and it's a contender to be my string of choice. I have about 10 days before I make a final decision so we'll see if Fluoro, regular ALU, and SPE can overtake it. It's the final leg of my journey!

Would be interested to hear how Alu Soft holds up Because regular Alu has that sudden death (you know what I'm talking about), which makes the string not worth it for me, but if Alu Soft doesn't have this problem, I will likely try it as a cross to natural gut (at least once TWE decides to drop their prices from premium multifilament domain).

 

[TennisManiac]

ALU Soft is definitely one of the better strings I've hit and it's a contender to be my string of choice. I have about 10 days before I make a final decision so we'll see if Fluoro, regular ALU, and SPE can overtake it. It's the final leg of my journey!

How would you compare the power level of Alu and Alu Soft?

 

[EasternRocks]

How would you compare the power level of Alu and Alu Soft?

I would say they are around the same power level. If I were to speculate, maybe the regular has a tiny bit more but it comes at the price of a little comfort. Basically, I think there are pretty minute differences in power.

 

[KYHacker]

Just an fyi, Ruff Code isn't really what I would call textured. It does have some slight texture but it is really minimal. I don't usually like textured and shaped strings but Ruff Code doesn't seem to have enough texture to create the downsides of a textured or shaped string. "Ruff" is a misnomer on this one.

 

[EasternRocks]

Just an fyi, Ruff Code isn't really what I would call textured. It does have some slight texture but it is really minimal. I don't usually like textured and shaped strings but Ruff Code doesn't seem to have enough texture to create the downsides of a textured or shaped string. "Ruff" is a misnomer on this one.

Interesting. The only poly I've ever tried was Black Code a few years back and it was not a good string. It lacked a crisp feel from what I remember. Even if a string is less textured, I think any textured string would give me a similar response to strings like ALU Rough. I did enjoy ALU Rough, but it had its weaknesses.

Certain reviews on stringforum claim that Ruff Code loses tension and has subpar tension maintenance. Reminds me of ALU Rough. I think that any rough string I play in the future has to compare to ALU Rough. There's probably a good reason why that's the #1 most used textured string out there haha.

 

[KYHacker]

Not sure it's too dissimilar from ALU Rough but tension maintenance doesn't seem to be that bad and it is a little crisper than a Lux string. It's also pre-stretched like a Kirschbaum string. Might be worth a try. I got several sets really cheap so I can't complain.

 

[EasternRocks]

Not sure it's too dissimilar from ALU Rough but tension maintenance doesn't seem to be that bad and it is a little crisper than a Lux string. It's also pre-stretched like a Kirschbaum string. Might be worth a try. I got several sets really cheap so I can't complain.

Yeah, won't be trying it. Had my flirtations with Rough/Textured strings with the Diamond Rough and now ALU Rough. I also had Max Power Rough in my frame for a little bit but only hit it for like a few minutes before realizing that the feel was not what I was looking for. It felt a little too firm and stiff for my liking. Didn't get the "A-Ha" feeling when I first hit it. I have my opinions on rough strings that some people may or may not disagree, but it essentially revolves around the idea that rough strings can be a little inconsistent in terms of response. Even less than shaped poly's.

It really comes down to these final strings and with the 10 days left if you had to press me for a choice, it would be ALU Soft as I think it ticks off a lot of the boxes and it covers a lot of the weaknesses I have found with the strings I've liked such as SPE, ALU Rough/Feel, and BHB7. The other strings in my racquets at the current moment are:

1. Yonex Poly Tour Pro - Not going to be my string, just a matter of when I'll be cutting it out.

2. Luxilon ALU Power - Still want to play it more so I can really dissect differences between it and the Soft.

3. Luxilon ALU Power Fluoro - Ditto to above. I think this is another string out of the question for its lower spin potential than the Soft. It also has a bit more of a dampened feel than the regular ALU and the Soft. My guess is the additional ingredient added. A bit harder to achieve depth and it has this odd characteristic that makes me think that the stiffness b/w the two strings is not that different. IMO its just a more dampened version of the regular. The TW Data #'s would reflect this as both strings are about ~3 stiffness points away from each other. It's just a matter of whether you like a crisp feeling string or the more dampened feeling string. If any two strings are at or near the same stiffness rating, the crisp one is going to be a little less forgiving IMO.

4. Head Sonic Pro Edge - I have a lot of experience with this string now and I keep circling back to the lack of dwell time and ball pocketing from the string. Great liveliness, awesome spin. Just that one issue that I can't get over. Not ready to cut it out because of the overall great play I got from the string when I was playtesting it...but I think its days as a contender to win are now numbered.