Dark's String Review

[darklore009]

Since I made a successful thread on my overgrip reviews, i decided to move on to strings. I been testing more strings than overgrip recently. So, i'll do my best to write as much reviews as possible. hopefully, the same success as the overgrip review. cheers.
Stringing Machine: Alpha Pioneer DC Plus: Constant Pull
Regular Setup: Pros Pro's Vendetta 17Lg @ 60ibs
Racket of Playtest: Wilson Prostaff Six One 90 Blx, K90
Prince Premier Power 18 Natural
Tiger Strings Black Buffalo
Genesis Prototype Mutli
Genesis Black Magic
Pro's Pro Vendetta 17L
IsoSpeed Baseline Spin
Discho Black Mamba 16G
Topspin Cyberflash 17G
Babolat RPM Blast 16g
Pro's Pro Nano Vendetta 17G

 

[darklore009]

Genesis Black Magic 17g

Racquet brand and model used for test: PS90 BLX 2012 @ 60ibs

Power of test string: fairly powerful for a poly. Its more powerful than a luxilon alu or a babolat pro hurricane tour. It good for those who wants to add pace to flat shots to make your opponent running around the court.

Feel/Touch: The feel is a mushy. have a muted sound when striking the ball. it not like a smacking sound with luxilon. kinda dead sound.

Comfort : Pretty comfortable string. sorta feel like a pillow on a string. I can feel the ball sink into the string bed. when hitting outside of the sweetspot, its has average forgiveness. for those you shanks their strings often, i dont think this string can handle it.

Spin potential: average spin production from a round poly. doesnt have any special coating to enhance the spin. the snapback is consistent so you dont have to worry about re-alineing your strings to the proper place.
Durability broke in my 2nd week of hitting. pretty average for my expectations.

Playability Duration: This string started to drop in performance around the 5th hour. i started to experience the power level of the string to increase and the control dropping at the same time. I had to switch from flat to spin to keep my shots into the court.

Control : Control was good at first, however control suffered towards the 5th hour and onward til it broke on the second week.
Compare to the string you use most often IsoSpeed Baseline Spin, Volkl Cyclone tour

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?) though i should have strung it higher to maintain that control, however i didnt want to go beyond that my racket can bear.

List any additional thoughts: pretty average for a poly. decent pricing and good for those who wants to try out for a poly. nothing special in this one, besides $8 a set is a good deal for it's value. good for those who wants to power up those control rackets, or make pure drive likes racket into rocket launchers.

 

[darklore009]

Pro's Pro Vendetta 17L

Stringing: Pretty Flexible for a poly. I wont say it would be as flexible like a Baseline String, but enough to tell me that this is going to be a soft poly. Feeling the string sorta has a sticky coating to it. Not like a RPM silicone layer.

Tension used for playtest: 50-60ibs

Regular string set up Vendetta @ 60

Power of test string I found this string to be pleasently powerful enough to keep my shot to have pace. Yet, not powerful enough to make the ball go off the court.

Feel: It has a soft poly feel Sorta like Black Magic or Isospeed Baseline feel to it. that feels is really nice when hitting around the baseline, however the feel when volleying just wasnt there.

Spin: i was impress about the amount of spin that this string provides. I felt that i have confidence that i can give either my intense flat shots deadly or giving my opponent a hard time getting my 10ft topspin shot.

Comfort: experience no arm discomfort. good for those who want to try out polys without hurting your arm.

Durability: i found durability was below my expectations. i break this string 1 week after it came off the machine. However, this can be fixed with a thicker gauge. Although i strung my rackets @ 60ibs. hence could be the reason that i break these often. but for the price, i'm fine with this.

Playability Duration : i found this string to be consistent til it broke. I felt that everytime i pick up the racket and rally or play some points, it felt like it was fresh. This is what i like the most about this string. never giving me that feeling that i need to cut the strings out because it goes dead.

Control: I found plenty of control with this string. The power of the string was good enough that the control was still there. I can literally place my shots all over the court. Almost to the point that i can hit the bare baseline or keeping my shots around the service line.

Compare to the string you use most often can't compare anything if this string is my string of choice lol.

Tension recommendations I would say at 60ibs because i'm comfortable with these. it just takes awhile to experiment what tension your suitable with. it took me a couple sets to find my right tension. the pricing of the reel allows you do that.

List any additional thoughts: I really like this string. many good things from the strings that made me switch to this. although the durability is a concern, but i can live with it because of the price is crazy. if you gonna try this, you might want to experiment with the tension around a bit. once that string is on there, the feel will remain like that.

 

[darklore009]

IsoSpeed BaseLine Spin 17L

Stringing: Pretty darn flexible string to string. the flexibility is like a synthetic gut. I heard people saying that this string breaks while stringing, however, i never experienced this problem.

Tension used for playtest: 62ibs

Power of test string: pretty powerful, around a level of a multi that is. sometimes, it goes flying towards the fence.

Feel:average feel for a poly. It is flexible, so be sure to expect your balls to be sinking into the string bed.

Spin: average spin production. Nothing special on the spin department. it doesnt scream spin as the package says. the only reason they put it there because the thinner it is, the more it grabs onto the ball to create that spin.

Comfort: its comfortable enough that doesnt cause arm discomfort.

Durability: broke around the 5th day of hitting. i did expect this string to break since i'm using a thin version.

Playability Duration: This string was pretty nice at the start after it came from the machine. The tension stability wasnt a strong point. It complete dropped after the 3rd day of hitting. Every aspect of the string completely drop as well. It just become a different string after it dropped in tension.

Control :It was ok at the time it came off the machine. I could place me shots anywhere in the court. Once that playability dropped, the control aspects of this string drop drastically. I couldnt place my shots the same place where it used to be. just become a different monster.

Compare to the string you use most often: it's around gosen polylon in terms of playability, however its softer than that. the feel and comfort is around a black magic.

Tension recommendations: I would start stringing this string higher because of amount of flexilbilty that this string carries.

 

[Torres]

Would be more useful if you specified the gauge and whether you're stringing CP/LO etc, as well as what string you normally use.

 

[Muppet]

I'll retract . . . proceed.

 

[Muppet]

bump . . . 10 char

 

[darklore009]

Genesis Prototype Poly "Poly-D" 17G

Stringing: it was a breeze on the main @ first. however, stringing the crosses is a totally different story. it a stiff poly to string with. it gets hard to weave towards the last crosses.

Tension used for playtest: 60ibs

Racquet brand and model used for test: Wilson K Six One Tour

Power of test string: One of the lowest powered i tried so far. i done side by side playtest with my current setup and this. The balls go in deeper than my regular setup.

Feel/Touch (responsive on slower strokes? too dead/stiff?): This string as a muted feeling. I couldnt feel the ball pocketing in this string. It not the harshing feeling poly, but it doesnt have any feel.

Comfort : It started out as stiff at first, however it slightly got softer towards the 3rd hour.

Spin potential: I had a hard time producing the amount og soon that I normally have. I never felt the ball sinking in the string bed. It felt like hitting a wooden board.

Durability: Pretty durable. I can't seem to break these as quick my current setup.

Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time): I never notice a drop in performance of these strings. These strings said in place and never felt that this string is going to move around.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?): because it's low powered, i get a lot of control of these strings. however, the feel of the string did hamper my confidence of placing those shots.

Compare to the string you use most often: This is a tough one. I can only say it can be with Solinco Outlast or Technifirbe red code.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?): I should have dropped the tension around 52 or 50ibs for this string. stringing it @ 60ibs makes this string very boardy and stiff feeling. If i have strung around those tensions, then the string would have performed better.

(Optional) List any additional thoughts: I think this one of my flaws in this test. it was my mistake of stringing this string really high that gives it such a negative review. I cant give any good perspectives if i made a mistake in tension really high.

 

[darklore009]

Black Mamba 16g

Tension used for playtest50ibs

Racquet brand and model used for test Wilson Prostaff 90 BLX

Stringing: These string are a nightmare to deal with when stringing the crosses. It cant be pulled through the crosses easily, even with the one ahead method. Also, it's hard to weave.

Power of test string: decent amount of power from these string. slighty behind my string of choice in terms of power.

Feel/Touch (responsive on slower strokes? too dead/stiff?): It was firm, yet comfortable. I like the feel of these strings. This isnt what i feel compare to other strings that i used. Also, the sound of the string was interesting.

Comfort : really comfortable for a poly. However, its not for someone that has arm problems. the firmness of this string will sting you if you do have arm problems.

Spin potential: I found good amount of spin from this strings. It does a good job of grabbing the ball and snapping back. Felt that i got some extra RPMs when i do my topspin shots.

Durability: i couldnt break this string during the playtest. ended up cutting it out because of the nature of poly strings.

Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time): it play great during the first 4 hours hitting, then i notice some drop in performance. though i can easily adjust to it and still keep using this string. After the 2nd week, the drop is noticable and ended up cutting it out.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?): I had a hard time placing my shots. The shots are powerful and penetrating, however i cant ultitze the control and ended up giving my opponent a chance to strike back.

Compare to the string you use most often: This string can be comparable to a Babolat Revenge. They both have the firm feeling and good amount of power from those too.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?): Didnt need to change the tension because it played fine as is. People in the forums that have tired this string said stringing this strings lower is better.

(Optional) List any additional thoughts: Another good price poly for the characteristics. I might play this string later in the future later at a lower tension. However, a good poly for those high school tennis players that looking for a decent power poly without breaking you wallet.

 

[Old Chemist]

Hi darklore,

So was the Vendetta you were using the 1.20 red colored string (I see the 1.25 comes in a few colors)?

BTW, I found your comments regarding Black Mamba to fit my experience with this string as well.

 

[darklore009]

Hi darklore,

So was the Vendetta you were using the 1.20 red colored string (I see the 1.25 comes in a few colors)?

BTW, I found your comments regarding Black Mamba to fit my experience with this string as well.

yes, i'm using the 1.20mm one. which is the red string.

 

[BLX_Andy]

I find this thread deserving of a subscription by me. Hope this becomes popular like your overgrip review thread.

 

[darklore009]

Topspin Cyberflash 17G

Tension used for playtest: 55ibs

Racquet brand and model used for test:Wilson Prostaff Six One 90 BLX

Power of test stringit a low powered string. although low powered is a bad thing, however this can be taken advantaged for those who wants to rip their balls. However, not for those who want their string to give them power.

Feel/Touch (responsive on slower strokes? too dead/stiff?): It almost feels like a Alu Power, but little behind. This strings does feel stiff, however not to the point that is like a wooden board. I like the feel of this string.

Comfort : Didnt experience any discomfort when playing with these strings. However, some people say that it does give them discomfort. I suppose it has to do with either the tension or their racket.

Spin potentialI found this string to have good spin potentail. i can feel the ball getting rip by these strings and launching it deep into the court. also, i like that this strings gives good amount of Rpms.

Durability: These are fairly more durable. it hold out from the 2nd weeks. after the third week, it broke. i'm satisfied on how these last.

Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time) These string performed well during the first week after it came from the machine. then around the beginning of the second week, it notice it drop by a small amount. after that, it remained consistent after that.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)Because of these string is lowed powered, this string gave me tons of control and i can easily place my shots all over the court. the one stand out from this string.

Compare to the string you use most often this string is up there with luxilon alu line. however, it's more paired with the luxilon adrenaline

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?): I like this string at the tension as is, it gave me the control that i'm looking for from this string. if you have arm problems. you should go around the lower 40s so that the string wont bother your arm.

(Optional) List any additional thoughts: I like this string so much that i used it during my time as a varsity player in high school. It does very well for the price. $8 a set, not a bad deal. This string is for those who want a low powered string that gives them ton of control. or for those you want an alternative for ALU power.

 

[Muppet]

I found that in Cyber Flash packs, the string isn't long enough to get two main strings out of it. For 18x20 racquets anyway. So I buy it by the half reel from another site.

 

[Muppet]

Good thread so far . . . bump.

 

[darklore009]

Babolat RPM Blast 16g

Stringing: this string has a slick coating of silcone, so it's hard to grip onto sometimes. i found this easy to slide through while doing the crosses.

Tension used for playtest: 55ibs

Racquet brand and model used for test: ProStaff Six One 90 BLX

Power of test string6/10. not the most powerful poly out there, but this can be taken advantaged for those who have big and heavy strokes. the power is pretty much determined on how hard you shoot it. the harder you hit, the more powerful this string is gonna be.

Feel/Touch/Comfort (responsive on slower strokes? too dead/stiff?) The feels is a lot better than a traditional polyester, but its on the firmer side. so beginners shouldnt try this when stepping in the world of polyesters.

Spin potentialI notice a huge improve in spin. I can see the string gripping the ball and snapping it back with huge amount of spin. thanks to the shaped construction and silicone coating. really spin friendly string.

Durability: i didnt break this after the 2nd week. soi pretty good durability for me. although for those who like to hit so much spin, might break this around the 2nd week.

Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time): this string plays very well after it came from the stringing machine. after the week passed. i notice a drop in playability. the control still remained. the spin didnt have that snap back anymore since the coating was gone after those hours of hitting.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?) Control was a strong aspect of this string. I can place the ball in angle that i couldnt do before. spin+control is a deadly ingredient for giving you a upper hand.

Compare to the string you use most often: this can easily be comparable to Volkl cyclones. This one is has more pop than cyclone, and more firmer than that too.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?)i would suggest for those who have arm problems to drop their tension. this is a firm playing string, so it may bother your arm if you have a history of tennis elbow.

 

[darklore009]

Pro's Pro Nano Vendetta 17g

Stringing: This string has a coil memory compared to the regular version. Not easy to string, but i got through stringing the crosses with these.

Tension used for playtest: 55ibs

Racquet brand and model used for test: Wilson Prostaff 90 BLX

Power of test string: fairly low powered. not as much power than the regular verison. it did took some break-in to get used to this low powered string.

Feel/Touch/Comfort (responsive on slower strokes? too dead/stiff?): These have a crisper response than the regular vendetta version. it felt stiff at first, but it got soften up without taking that crisp feel away. the feel reminded me a Tourna Big Hitter Silver or Cyberflash even. This is a firm playing string, so not recommend for those who wants to get into the world of polys.

Spin potential: i would say it has a above average for spin. i didnt expect this to give that much spin since it's a round polyester. I have to work somewhat to get the spin i need.

Durability: good durability on these strings. never broke a set during those 2 weeks of hitting.

Playability Duration (share thoughts on if/how the playability changed over time): it felt that the longer the string sit in the racket. the better it get. i never experience a drop in performance and i felt that i never had to cut these strings off.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?) Because of string is low powerd, this string gets tons of control and allows me to go and take big strokes on the ball. I have to stay on the gas and never felt that i have to hold anything back when rallying.

Compare to the string you use most often This strings is up there with Cyberflash and Big Hitter Silver. Its almost up there with Alu power surprisingly.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension? Why?)I like the tension as is, however i might drop the tension about 2~3 ibs on the crosses to open the sweetspot more.

List any additional thoughts: I might actually switch to this string, but i like this one and the regular vendetta. I''ll have to play around with the tension abit to find my perfect setup. This string really impressed me overall. the same price as thhe regular vendetta, simply cant beat.

 

[darklore009]

more will be coming soon. just added nano vendetta. will be adding luxilon into this thread towards the future. Hope i can get a review soon for you guys asap.