mikeler
Moderator
Must resist temptation to buy...
Dustin's poly reviews
- Thread starter DustinW
- Start date
Must resist temptation to buy...
DustinW
Professional
When is it supposed to be out? Hook me up and I will gladly playtest.
Sorry, my stringer/hitting partner is sponsored by solinco and got some to test.
We also tested the green stuff that Donald Young uses. Hated it.
DustinW
Professional
Lol. You get me all excited and then tell me I can't try it yet.
DustinW
Professional
Head Sonic Pro Edge 16
Head Sonic Pro Edge 16
53# on a Head Graphene Prestige Pro
Sonic Pro Edge starts off a bit stiff and powerful but quickly settles in to a softer, less-lively string that plays really well for me into the 10-12 hour mark. I strung it at 48# the first time, and there was just way too much power for me to even let it settle in.
The really great thing about this string is that the shaped edges don't wear off, and the change in playing characteristics over time is very gradual. Some people throw Sonic Pro Edge in with other strings like BHB7 and Cyclone, and there are definite similarities, but those others bag out way too quickly for me.
My one knock on this string is that I have to string it a bit tighter to control the initial power, but that also makes it less comfortable (at least in this frame). The TW review calls it a soft string, and I wouldn't necessarily agree with that. For me, it is somewhere in the middle as far as comfort goes.
I would put Sonic Pro Edge in the "crisp" category. Spin and control are fantastic, and I still get that extra bit of pop that I like. I can't really pick a favorite shot with this string, because serves, volleys, slice, and topspin groundies are all great.
This is my favorite poly to date... just an all-around great performer that makes it to the magic 10 hour mark.
Summary: long lasting, crisp, medium power, above average spin and control
Head Sonic Pro Edge 16
53# on a Head Graphene Prestige Pro
Sonic Pro Edge starts off a bit stiff and powerful but quickly settles in to a softer, less-lively string that plays really well for me into the 10-12 hour mark. I strung it at 48# the first time, and there was just way too much power for me to even let it settle in.
The really great thing about this string is that the shaped edges don't wear off, and the change in playing characteristics over time is very gradual. Some people throw Sonic Pro Edge in with other strings like BHB7 and Cyclone, and there are definite similarities, but those others bag out way too quickly for me.
My one knock on this string is that I have to string it a bit tighter to control the initial power, but that also makes it less comfortable (at least in this frame). The TW review calls it a soft string, and I wouldn't necessarily agree with that. For me, it is somewhere in the middle as far as comfort goes.
I would put Sonic Pro Edge in the "crisp" category. Spin and control are fantastic, and I still get that extra bit of pop that I like. I can't really pick a favorite shot with this string, because serves, volleys, slice, and topspin groundies are all great.
This is my favorite poly to date... just an all-around great performer that makes it to the magic 10 hour mark.
Summary: long lasting, crisp, medium power, above average spin and control
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Do you prefer Lux ALU Power or the Solinco TB 17? I am going to use the TB in a hybrid b/c I have heard great things about it.
DustinW
Professional
If you factor in price and how long they last, then TB wins easily. ALU Power gives you more power and is more crisp feeling, while TB17 is a spin monster that is softer and has less power than ALU Power.
DustinW
Professional
Well, I think my experiment with a multi/poly hybrid is over. It was good, and definitely better than a poly/multi hybrid (for me), but I could see no benefit in it over full poly.
I was expecting more comfort and touch, but that just wasn't the case. And it wasn't as crisp as full poly, and I like crisp. In fact, after a few hours of hitting, I found the multi/poly to be a bit boardier than the full bed of Sonic Pro Edge after its been broken in.
I was expecting more comfort and touch, but that just wasn't the case. And it wasn't as crisp as full poly, and I like crisp. In fact, after a few hours of hitting, I found the multi/poly to be a bit boardier than the full bed of Sonic Pro Edge after its been broken in.
DustinW
Professional
Only because I try to avoid the more expensive strings... I'm afraid of getting hooked on a $18 string.
mikeler
Moderator
Only because I try to avoid the more expensive strings... I'm afraid of getting hooked on a $18 string.
Amen brother!
DustinW
Professional
I strung up Typhoon and played 2 sets of singles tonight. I really wanted to love this string when I tried it before, but I just thought it had too much power in the frame I was playing it in (Dunlop Bio 500 Tour).
Well, I'm glad I gave it another shot in the Graphene Prestige Pro, because it was absolutely fantastic tonight. I strung it at 55#, and it was great from the first hit. If I can get close to 10 hours on it, I might have a new #1.
Well, I'm glad I gave it another shot in the Graphene Prestige Pro, because it was absolutely fantastic tonight. I strung it at 55#, and it was great from the first hit. If I can get close to 10 hours on it, I might have a new #1.
mikeler
Moderator
I've tried both and don't notice much difference between the two. I plan to string up the 1.30 gray version tonight.
DustinW
Professional
Have't tried the blue. I am using the 1.25 gray.
DustinW
Professional
Strung up some Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough 16 tonight. What a crazy string. This string has WAY, WAY, WAY more texture than any other string I have ever used, and the 16 gauge seems a lot thicker than 16.
It was wirey feeling and kinked and coiled like crazy, but it actually stretched quite a bit while stringing.
It was wirey feeling and kinked and coiled like crazy, but it actually stretched quite a bit while stringing.
DustinW
Professional
It isn't twisted... it just has those diamond-shaped dents all over the place and it is not even close to round lol. Every time I pulled through the grommets or pulled crosses, it made crazy loud grinding noises as it moved against itself. I don't expect a whole lot of snapback from this one.
DustinW
Professional
Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough 16
Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough 16
53# on a Head Graphene Prestige Pro
This string seemed thicker than 16 gauge and was a pain to string. The diamond-shaped texture is very pronounced, which made it difficult to pull thru grommets and weave crosses. Also, this string was 2-3 grams heavier than most 16 gauge polys, which I found to be noticeable while playing.
It had really great feel and comfort from the first it. I would say it is probably one of the most comfortable polys I have ever played with. It was soft feeling without being springy or mushy, which I liked, and didn't have the extra firmness that you get with most polys.
Power, power, power. Diamond Rough has a ton of power… still plenty of control but LOTS of power. I enjoyed the power on serves, but I struggled at times getting groundstrokes to drop in. Spin was great, but I found myself needing to increase racket head speed to get more spin and keep the balls in the court. This isn't a shaped or twisted string, but the texture really does grip the ball.
I only played this string for about 4 hours, but I didn't notice any change in playability during that time. Even though I really enjoyed the feel and response, I had more power than I wanted and not enough depth control. If I were to use this string again, I would string it tighter.
This string reminded me of ALU Power and Genesis Typhoon.
Summary: soft, comfortable, lively, powerful
Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough 16
53# on a Head Graphene Prestige Pro
This string seemed thicker than 16 gauge and was a pain to string. The diamond-shaped texture is very pronounced, which made it difficult to pull thru grommets and weave crosses. Also, this string was 2-3 grams heavier than most 16 gauge polys, which I found to be noticeable while playing.
It had really great feel and comfort from the first it. I would say it is probably one of the most comfortable polys I have ever played with. It was soft feeling without being springy or mushy, which I liked, and didn't have the extra firmness that you get with most polys.
Power, power, power. Diamond Rough has a ton of power… still plenty of control but LOTS of power. I enjoyed the power on serves, but I struggled at times getting groundstrokes to drop in. Spin was great, but I found myself needing to increase racket head speed to get more spin and keep the balls in the court. This isn't a shaped or twisted string, but the texture really does grip the ball.
I only played this string for about 4 hours, but I didn't notice any change in playability during that time. Even though I really enjoyed the feel and response, I had more power than I wanted and not enough depth control. If I were to use this string again, I would string it tighter.
This string reminded me of ALU Power and Genesis Typhoon.
Summary: soft, comfortable, lively, powerful
Hey Dustin. I tried sending you a PM but I got an email saying it couldn't be delivered. I wanted to ask you a question offline. Can you contact me at charleslevinus at yahoo?
Thanks
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Dustin, what is a poly like Technifiber razor code ? stiffer poly that is rough shaped that has good power ?
razor code is hurting my shoulder now. it is very good spin power string in a Hybrid. but I need something similar to it.
I am thinking RPM blast like TW similar string finder but for some very weird reason, it doesn't produce as much spin in Hybrid,,, very weird....
razor code is hurting my shoulder now. it is very good spin power string in a Hybrid. but I need something similar to it.
I am thinking RPM blast like TW similar string finder but for some very weird reason, it doesn't produce as much spin in Hybrid,,, very weird....
DustinW
Professional
What are you hybriding with? If you are using a multi in the crosses, try a round soft poly (like Weiss Cannon Silverstring 1.20) in the crosses instead. It will soften up the stringbed and let the mains snap back better than with a multi.
I thought Genesis Typhoon was similar to Razor Code. Typhoon is twisted and has a lot of power. Another good option is Head Sonic Pro Edge, which is a shaped string with medium power that keeps its shape and playing characteristics better than most polys out there.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
GREAT idea. I like it But one problem is if I use poly in crosses too then my Arm can't take it, it is just too much vibration.
I use Babolat Origin to hybrid. maybe I should go back to RPM and see what happens ?
DustinW
Professional
I've never liked poly/multi hybrids, so I don't really have any good suggestions there. I have only played RPM once and I found it to be pretty comfortable in a full bed, so it might be worth another shot.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Dustin, have you tried Big Hitter Black 7 yet? If so, what are your thoughts on it compared to Sonic Pro Edge?
mikeler
Moderator
I liked Big Hitter Black better.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
If you don't mind, I can chime in with my .02. I much preferred the BHB7 to the Sonic Pro Edge. In terms of spin production, it isn't even a comparison. The BHB7 blows the SPE out of the water in terms of spin. Additionally, the BHB7 has more comfort and has a higher elasticity which therefore gives it more liveliness. The SPE has a decent amount of power, but I found it to be a little uncomfortable/unforgiving outside the sweetspot of my frame. For a textured string, the SPE doesn't grab the ball and produce enough spin in comparison to other textured strings I've tried. Maybe it is the 1.30 mm string. I actually have a 1.25 SPE coming so I'll give the string another shot. The SPE is not a bad string and it has a good blend of power and control, it just felt to me a little lacking in feel and overall it wasn't for me. The only poly's where I've gained enough feel have been the ones that have high spin potentials. The BHB7 failed me in terms of control. The spin production really curbed the high power for me and I was able to generally place the ball on a dime as long as I got the necessary spin when hitting. If I wanted to hit a flat drive though, the control of the string suffered. Extremely soft and arm friendly, and it is my favorite soft poly. Much better than V-star, Cyclone Tour, Quadro Twist, etc.
DustinW
Professional
Yes, I've hit BHB7 and I'm not a huge fan. It is great for a few hours and then goes crazy for me... the edges wear off fast so you lose that ball bite, and it gets really springy with a total loss of depth control.
BHB7 is more comfortable than SPE though. I'm not sure why the TW review talks about how soft SPE is, because it is not. I agree with EasternRocks in that it can get uncomfortable, and that is my one knock against the string. I also agree that BHB7 grabs the ball more than SPE, because the edges of SPE are less pronounced... but they also don't wear out like BHB7.
So.... for the first few hours, BHB7 wins. If you want something to last you upward of 10 hours, then SPE wins by a landslide.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Dustin,
Have you tried Cyclone in a different color than Black? I'm also giving 1.25 SPE a shot so if you're interested in my opinions, you can check out the thread I created about it this morning. Interested to see how that will play in comparison to the 1.30
Have you tried Cyclone in a different color than Black? I'm also giving 1.25 SPE a shot so if you're interested in my opinions, you can check out the thread I created about it this morning. Interested to see how that will play in comparison to the 1.30
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DustinW
Professional
I have tried both 16 and 17 Cyclone but only in black. And I have a pack of Cyclone Tour but haven't tried it yet.
I am currently playing with YTex Quadro Twist and really liking it.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
I'm guessing you like more muted/plush strings? I found Quadro Twist to not have a crisp feel at all. Good power/control ratio though. It also was very soft similar to a BHB7 in terms of comfort
DustinW
Professional
Actually, I usually prefer more crisp strings, but I am liking softer strings in my Graphene Prestige Pro (which tends to be a bit harsh with crisp polys). I actually pulled the dampener out with Quadro Twist and that helped it not be too muted. I agree that Quadro Twist feels similar to BHB7, but its playing characteristics seem to be lasting longer for me.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Well not all crisp polys are stiff. Generally crisper polys are stiffer IMO, but there are a few softer polys that do have a crisp feel. Ex: BHB7 plays crisp but it is very soft. I feel if you put BHB7 in there you wouldn't feel that harshness. However you would probably not like the slight lack of control the string has when it's in its 4-5th hour. The Quadro Twist definitely does play longer than BHB7. The only similarity I see between the two is the softness. The feel of the string beds are very very different
If you like Quadro Twist, perhaps you enjoy softer and more muted feeling strings in your PP?
I'd like to recommend you to try MSV Focus Hex if you decide you want to try another crisper poly that I've found to not have much harshness. It is a crisper poly and is shaped so there is definitely some feel there. I find the texture to offset some of the stiffness. It is lower powered than BHB7 (it still has some) and it seems to have a more consistent/predictable response. I haven't determined the duration of the string before it dies but maybe it's worth a try.
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DustinW
Professional
I agree that crisp does not equal stiff, but usually it does. I haven't tried Focus Hex, so thanks for the recommendation.
Yeah, my biggest issue with the GPP is finding a string that feels good. I play really great with the GPP with a wide variety of strings, but none of them really "feel" the way I want. I get the best performance from Sonic Pro Edge, but it does feel a bit too harsh in that frame.
Are you using the Ai98? I kinda followed your racquet search thread for a while there.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Perhaps you should give the 1.25 mm SPE a shot? I'll be able to see how it stacks up to the 1.30 and if it is more forgiving, softer, and can give more spin potential. Just thinking about it, a thinner string should do all of that. However it's never for certain with these things and it might just be a string construction thing that I experienced and disliked that caused a disconnect with the string.
I do use the AI 98 and I love it. I'm just trying to find the best poly for it as you can tell from my new string search thread! It's been a long process but I've actually enjoyed it. It's really down to Cyclone and Focus Hex. I'm trying SPE in 1.25 and Spiky Shark 1.25 and I suppose you can say they are wild cards at this point. I'm also giving the yellow color of Cyclone a shot and will play the red/white colors of Focus Hex to see if there are any differences between colors
Also if you decide you want to try the Cyclone Tour you can ask for my opinion on the string and I'll be able to write down some thoughts. An initial one is that I didn't prefer it over BHB7 in terms of the softer strings I've tried.
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EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Dustin,
I'm starting to think Cyclone is a string that might be for me. It has better ball pocketing than Focus Hex and the power level is similar. The spin is about the same. Like I said before it really comes down to feel and I feel like a plusher feel is better to get more dwell time on the string bed.
I could use maybe a bit more liveliness so I'm excited to try the yellow version of Cyclone. Maybe give it another try as well?
I'm starting to think Cyclone is a string that might be for me. It has better ball pocketing than Focus Hex and the power level is similar. The spin is about the same. Like I said before it really comes down to feel and I feel like a plusher feel is better to get more dwell time on the string bed.
I could use maybe a bit more liveliness so I'm excited to try the yellow version of Cyclone. Maybe give it another try as well?
DustinW
Professional
YTex Quadro Twist 16L
YTex Quadro Twist 16L
53# on a Head Graphene Prestige Pro
Quadro Twist is comfortable from the first hit. This is a medium power poly that has an overall soft feel to it while still having just a hint of crispness. Although it was soft and comfortable, I wouldn't really call it muted and I didn't find it to be springy at all.
Playability duration was great. After 5 hours of singles and doubles, I found no noticeable change in performance and it still had most of its shape/texture left.
I found Quadro Twist to be very similar to Sonic Pro Edge in terms of performance, although they feel very different. SPE is crisp and a bit stiff while QT is soft and comfortable. I really enjoyed the softer feel in the already crisp-feeling Graphene Prestige Pro.
This is a fantastic string and one of my favorites of all time.
Summary: long lasting, comfortable, medium power
YTex Quadro Twist 16L
53# on a Head Graphene Prestige Pro
Quadro Twist is comfortable from the first hit. This is a medium power poly that has an overall soft feel to it while still having just a hint of crispness. Although it was soft and comfortable, I wouldn't really call it muted and I didn't find it to be springy at all.
Playability duration was great. After 5 hours of singles and doubles, I found no noticeable change in performance and it still had most of its shape/texture left.
I found Quadro Twist to be very similar to Sonic Pro Edge in terms of performance, although they feel very different. SPE is crisp and a bit stiff while QT is soft and comfortable. I really enjoyed the softer feel in the already crisp-feeling Graphene Prestige Pro.
This is a fantastic string and one of my favorites of all time.
Summary: long lasting, comfortable, medium power
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
That's interesting. I do not share the same sentiments toward the string. Found it to be a cross of plush and muted without a lively feel. It was not an elastic string and it was too soft. It's much softer than SPE and doesn't have the same liveliness IMO.
DustinW
Professional
I don't disagree with you. It all comes down to feel I think. I would agree it is a little less lively than SPE. You say soft, plush, and not elastic... all of which I agree with. I can definitely see how you would say it is muted, but I think that really depends on the frame too.
I am currently playing Kirschbaum Max Power, and I really think it will be my new #1 string. I want some more court time with it before posting a review, but it is really fantastic so far. I will say though that the 1.25 and 1.30 gauges played very differently for me, and I MUCH prefer the 1.25.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
I have Pro Line II in a frame and after hitting with it briefly tonight it is indeed a really powerful string. My stringer at school uses a technique that may have inhibited the tension from being as accurate as possible and the RacquetTune app shows it came out 2 pounds lower than what I asked for. I was hitting a bunch of balls long with the Pro Line tonight and didn't find a good rhythm and consistency with the string. I will try it again at a tighter tension so my comments will still be up in the air.
Have you ever given the PLII a try? And also have you hit with ALU Rough before? I prefer it a lot more than the regular Smooth ALU and the Alu Power Spin, both of which I find to be too harsh and stiff, which leads to a unforgiving and uncomfortable feel. The #'s don't indicate they are stiff, but you can really feel the metallic composition of the string when you hit.
mikeler
Moderator
RacquetTune will only be accurate if you use the custom string factor which few people do. Again, 2 pounds of tension is almost possible to detect when playing.
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
I see. Well I think it was more like 3, but I understand your perspective. Will be stringing PLII at 54 to see if there's any difference
DustinW
Professional
Kirschbaum Max Power 17
Kirschbaum Max Power 17
Tensions from 43# to 53# in Graphene Prestige Pro, Graphene Radical MP, and Six.One 95s
This has been my go-to string for the last 3 months. It plays fantastic in every frame that I've tried it in and also at various tensions.
There are two standout features of this string… a solid, vibration-free feel that I rarely feel in other strings. And it is very predictable, not just across the stringbed but also over time. I could easily push to the 10 hours mark with this one and still get good playability.
Power is medium and spin is average. Although this string isn't great at anything, it is a solid all-around performer that I can trust.
Initially, this string is crisp with a bit of pop that reminds me ALU Power. There is no break-in period which I like. After a few hours, this string settles in and loses its initial crispness, but gains control and dwell time.
I found this to be a very comfortable poly. I know TW measured a high stiffness rating of 241, but it doesn't play like that at all.
Note: I really disliked the 16 gauge version. To me, the 16 gauge version was springy and unpredictable... and nothing like the 17 gauge.
Summary: predictable, solid feel, great all-around performer
Kirschbaum Max Power 17
Tensions from 43# to 53# in Graphene Prestige Pro, Graphene Radical MP, and Six.One 95s
This has been my go-to string for the last 3 months. It plays fantastic in every frame that I've tried it in and also at various tensions.
There are two standout features of this string… a solid, vibration-free feel that I rarely feel in other strings. And it is very predictable, not just across the stringbed but also over time. I could easily push to the 10 hours mark with this one and still get good playability.
Power is medium and spin is average. Although this string isn't great at anything, it is a solid all-around performer that I can trust.
Initially, this string is crisp with a bit of pop that reminds me ALU Power. There is no break-in period which I like. After a few hours, this string settles in and loses its initial crispness, but gains control and dwell time.
I found this to be a very comfortable poly. I know TW measured a high stiffness rating of 241, but it doesn't play like that at all.
Note: I really disliked the 16 gauge version. To me, the 16 gauge version was springy and unpredictable... and nothing like the 17 gauge.
Summary: predictable, solid feel, great all-around performer
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DustinW
Professional
Gamma Moto 17
Gamma Moto 17
53# in a Graphene Radical MP
Moto reminds me of Sonic Pro Edge, but with less pop and a less crisp feel. This is another great all-around performer that I would be comfortable playing with anytime.
Power is less than medium, and spin is higher than average due to its shape. This one had good dwell time, and combine that with its low power, I could really take huge cuts at the ball and know they were going to drop in.
Tension maintenance and playability over time were very good. I hit with this for about 6 hours. I cut it out so I could try something else, but I have no reason to believe that I couldn't have gotten another 4-6 hours out of it. As time went on, I was getting more control and more dwell time, but also a more muted/dead feel.
I found this to perform similarly to Tour Bite 16. TB has a bit more power… and TB is crisp while Moto is muted. Also, I would put SPE > TB > Moto when it comes to both crispness and power.
I also played with Moto 16 and thought it played nearly identical to Moto 17.
Summary: control, spin, muted feel
Gamma Moto 17
53# in a Graphene Radical MP
Moto reminds me of Sonic Pro Edge, but with less pop and a less crisp feel. This is another great all-around performer that I would be comfortable playing with anytime.
Power is less than medium, and spin is higher than average due to its shape. This one had good dwell time, and combine that with its low power, I could really take huge cuts at the ball and know they were going to drop in.
Tension maintenance and playability over time were very good. I hit with this for about 6 hours. I cut it out so I could try something else, but I have no reason to believe that I couldn't have gotten another 4-6 hours out of it. As time went on, I was getting more control and more dwell time, but also a more muted/dead feel.
I found this to perform similarly to Tour Bite 16. TB has a bit more power… and TB is crisp while Moto is muted. Also, I would put SPE > TB > Moto when it comes to both crispness and power.
I also played with Moto 16 and thought it played nearly identical to Moto 17.
Summary: control, spin, muted feel
EasternRocks
Hall of Fame
Comparison between MP and Luxilon? And also SPE? I saw you reviewed and liked Razor Code? Comparison there?
Do you prefer full poly or hybrid gut poly?
Is MP your favorite poly? What's your tension? If I try it what tension should I try it at? In terms of stiffness if it isn't 241 in your opinion where does it actually sit between. I read it's power is super low, how does it stack up in your opinion to other polyesters you've tried?
I agree with your review of Moto. Definitely not a crisp string, muted and low powered with above average spin potential.
Do you prefer full poly or hybrid gut poly?
Is MP your favorite poly? What's your tension? If I try it what tension should I try it at? In terms of stiffness if it isn't 241 in your opinion where does it actually sit between. I read it's power is super low, how does it stack up in your opinion to other polyesters you've tried?
I agree with your review of Moto. Definitely not a crisp string, muted and low powered with above average spin potential.
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mikeler
Moderator
Do you have a question for Dustin? :twisted:
Since Max Power has been your go to string for a few months have you tried Max Power Rough? And if you have how did they compare. Was it similar in feel, but more spin, or did it feel softer with the texture? Also would Max Power be a good string to switch to coming from Cyber Flash?
DustinW
Professional
LOL. I counted 9 question marks. That might take me a while.
