Genesis Natural Gut Review (Photos Included)

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Racquet: Youtek Prestige Pro
Tension: 60 lbs
String: Genesis Natural Gut 1.20
Surface: Har tru
Hours of Use: 6+ (so far)
String Pattern: One Piece
Stringing Machine: Prince 5000


A few months ago I tried out the 16 gauge version of this string, and finally was able to play test the 17 and/or 18 gauge, which is the string my review will focus on.

When receiving the string, the first thing one will note is the strings arrival in a clear package, rather than a elaborate package with a logo, player or other design that hides the contents inside. Genesis is very serious about sending a message that there are no surprises with this string, as evidenced with their decision to provide the string in a clear packaging (although the packaging will most likely change down the road).

The string is very clean throughout. It is extremely consistent, has an excellent coating to protect the natural gut, and a nearly transparent look. Again, very clean looking. (Looks like the cows have been eating green grass)

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Unlike other natural guts to recently hit the market, Genesis Natural Gut comes as one set of string (rather than two pieces), enough to string even a large oversize frame.

Stringing, for a natural gut was *VERY* easy. The coating that protects the string, although makes it a bit stiffer than other top end natural guts, makes it an absolute pleasure to string. Although not recommended, I was treating the string during the stringing process as if it were a synthetic. I was not taking my usual precautions. The recommeded tension range to string this natural gut is in the mid 50's, and I had zero problems stringing it at my preferred 60 lbs.

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Immediately after stringing the frame, reading on a ERT 300 gave me a 40 DT, which is where I usually am after stringing my other strings. 24 hours later, the DT was at 37, and after two hours of hitting dropped to 35, where it remained in this area for another 4-6 total hours of drilling/playing sets/doubles.

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As for the playability of the string, one word sums it up....... CLEAN. No gimmicks, or fancy stuff going on here. Just a nice clean natural gut that delivers all the charasterics one has come to know in natural guts. It offers good power, spin, control, and excellent comfort. Although not as soft feeling as VS, or "Wilson" Natural Gut, it is a very comfortable string, which is a bit stiffer playing than most natural guts. That said, it offers a very crisp feel, that again, delivers a clean feel to the player, with good control, power, and spin.

For those who really enjoy coming to the net with slice, and put points away with volleys, the string delivers excellent feedback to the player with nice clean shots. Again, nothing fancy. Just back to the basics with a string that delivers just enough, and allows the player to stay in complete control of their shots.

Serves, as well as ground strokes were delivered with very good pop, control, and resulting clean shots. Spin was also very adequate, but most importantly, the string allows the player to stay in complete control of shots, with a string that offers great pocketing of the ball.

Pros: Comfortable sting, resulting clean shots, good power, spin, and excellent control. Great string for touch shots (volleys, slices). Quality of the coating makes it durable and extremely easy to string.

Cons: A bit on the stiffer side for natural guts.



One more note, I believe this string will be an excellent choice for those who want to hybrid a poly with a natural gut (especially in the crosses).

As always, playtest the string for yourself, and come to your own conclusions.

Thanks!
 

[d]ragon

Hall of Fame
Thanks for the review Drak. I'm looking to try this stuff soon.

How do you like the YT Prestige Pro? Do you have any modifications?
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^^Love it. Just a great, GREAT frame. No mods. Just bare bones. Was actually playtesting this string with no over grip, dampener, etc. Just the leather grip, frame and string. Love it. :)

let us know your thoughts on the string.
 

rudester

Professional
"One more note, I believe this string will be an excellent choice for those who want to hybrid a poly with a natural gut (especially in the crosses)."



For my clarification, are you saying it is an excellent choice to use the natural gut in the crosses. And thanks for review.
 

scotus

G.O.A.T.
Business must be going well for you, Drakulie (or for your club, at least). Nice machines you've got there.

And thanks for the review. Very nicely done.
 

Icedorb217

Semi-Pro
Thanks for the review Drak Im about to order this and the tension range was bugging me a bit. Good to know it works at 60
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
For my clarification, are you saying it is an excellent choice to use the natural gut in the crosses. And thanks for review.

I have never really advocated "waisting" natural gut to put in the crosses. However, being that this string is not as expensive as VS or Wilson, and it is durable, while retaining the qualities of higher end guts, I believe it is a very good choice.

Business must be going well for you, Drakulie (or for your club, at least). Nice machines you've got there.

And thanks for the review. Very nicely done.

Those are the machines they use at a local pro shop I string at part time. They have 2 Prince 5000 machines. Super nice machines, and excellent to string on. Very fast and comfortable.

Thanks for the review Drak Im about to order this and the tension range was bugging me a bit. Good to know it works at 60

Yeah, so far so good stringing it tighter than the recommended range. I'm thinking of ordering a few sets and using as hybrids. Let us know how it goes.
 

[d]ragon

Hall of Fame
^^^Love it. Just a great, GREAT frame. No mods. Just bare bones. Was actually playtesting this string with no over grip, dampener, etc. Just the leather grip, frame and string. Love it. :)

let us know your thoughts on the string.

I've got it now but since I won't be playing much this winter break, I'm going to wait til after when I start playing again (and after I shake off some rust )
 

Fedace

Banned
^^^LOL,,,bit on the Stiffer side for natural gut,,that is the Con ?????? Lots of people would love a Stiff natural gut. Me for instance. but if this gut goes dead too fast, it won't be worth it for me.
How is the price ? and is this worth it ? I used X-1 biphase/ hybrid with RPM blast and i have to cut it out after 8 hours of play because RPM goes dead.
 

DE19702

Rookie
You might like the Performaxx then, lower powered and it seems like its pretty durable. I doubt it will turn into a rocket launcher like X-1.
 

hrstrat57

Hall of Fame
Great review, I am real tempted to go back to a full bed of gut.....playing 18x20 Head frames....would you recco the 16 or the 17 and if going hybrid any thoughts on a soft poly or other suggestions for hybrid in crosses?

How much does this stuff cost and what is the best source?

Good stuff, thanks!
 

Fedace

Banned
One nice thing about gut is that it really adds some Zip to the serve without sacrificing control.
I really wonder what this Gut would be like in Hybrid with RPM blast ???
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
This string looks exactly like Performaxx gut. Its totally clear and it too, is stiff.

Interesting. Could you give us your thoughts on the Performaxx?? Thanks.

^^^LOL,,,bit on the Stiffer side for natural gut,,that is the Con ?????? Lots of people would love a Stiff natural gut. Me for instance. but if this gut goes dead too fast, it won't be worth it for me.
How is the price ? and is this worth it ? I used X-1 biphase/ hybrid with RPM blast and i have to cut it out after 8 hours of play because RPM goes dead.


Gut doesn't go dead like other strings (poly/synthetics). It typically plays well until it breaks.
 

Fedace

Banned
Interesting. Could you give us your thoughts on the Performaxx?? Thanks.




Gut doesn't go dead like other strings (poly/synthetics). It typically plays well until it breaks.

Sorry what i meant was RPM blast will go dead long before this gut goes dead. so not sure if it will be worth it for me. I don't mind cutting out the X-1 biphase after 8 hours. Costs me about $16 per set. If this gut performs better than X-1 and is similar price, then i would say it is worth it for me...
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^Fedace, it really depends. So far, I'm liking the string, but only you could determine if it will be worth it for you. I believe the string is in the 23 dollar range.

Like you, I'm curious to see how it performs in a hybrid with a nice poly in the mains. RPM is not what I would consider a good poly. As you noted it goes dead very quick, and is average as far as power/spin are concerned, although it is a comfortable string.
 

Fedace

Banned
Ok Drak, this is the review from String depot. have you seen this ? Interesting review.


New Product: Genesis Natural Gut
November 30, 2010 by thetennisdepot
Genesis recently introduced a new string to their product line with a high-end natural gut tennis string. The Genesis Natural Gut, comparable to the industry’s finest offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and is currently offered at a low introductory price of $26.90. The natural gut is currently offered in 16 gauge (1.30mm) and 18 gauge (1.20mm).

Product Description

Genesis Natural Gut strings are made from premium raw materials harvested from 100% free range, grass donor animals. 1 year in development, Genesis Natural Gut HT130 is a premium natural gut string designed specifically for players who have a power game and fast racquet head speeds.This string has been engineered to allow high tension due to the firm stringbed HT130 provides. This string has a unique balance of power and control that allows players the comfort, feel, and long performance of natural gut while using higher string tension. Our unique Thermoset Polyurethane coating increases the longevity without sacrificing playability.

Recommended tension range is 55-75 pounds

In order to introduce you to our new natural gut strings we have made a special arrangement with our supplier. For a limited time, we will be able to offer you the chance to try these new strings at a low introductory price until the string receives official packaging and product name. Genesis stands 100% behind this product and if upon inspection of the string you find any inconsistency, you may ship it back for a full refund.

• Length: 40 ft/12m
• Gauge: 16/1.30mm and 18/1.20mm
• Color: Natural
• Construction: 100% Cow Gut
• Advantage: Power and Control
 

DE19702

Rookie
My observations and yours are basically identical. If you check out the performaxx website you will also see it comes in 16, 17 and 18 gauge. It looks identical to the Genesis to me. They make an assertion that they put the same finish on it as furniture, i.e., polyurethane! What's that all about. You strung it and you know its stiff.

I did not like the way it played. It was underpowered and lacked spin. My only comparison is with some Gaucho I am also using, which I think is fantastic. Maybe it will break in, I don't know, but I doubt it. I think this is all some kind of experiment using consumers to test it and paying for it instead of doing their own R&D. I may be mistaken of course, but I don't think many people will eventually buy this string.
 

Fedace

Banned
^^Fedace, it really depends. So far, I'm liking the string, but only you could determine if it will be worth it for you. I believe the string is in the 23 dollar range.

Like you, I'm curious to see how it performs in a hybrid with a nice poly in the mains. RPM is not what I would consider a good poly. As you noted it goes dead very quick, and is average as far as power/spin are concerned, although it is a comfortable string.

Sorry Drak but i found RPM to be a Premium Polyester. There is no other poly that has better feel than this string. Agree that power is average but power improves a great deal when strung at Lower tensions. and SPIN,,,is right up there with the best poly spin strings in the market like PHT or blue gear.
but Yes, sadly it goes dead too quickly,,,,,Making it not so cost effective...:(
 

Fedace

Banned
WOW,,,,,did you read that up there ?? Tension range of 55-75 lbs.....that is Gutsy, no pun intended, of course. This gut has to be premium GUT if it can withstand tension of 75lbs.....I think i will TRY it........ who did you buy it from Drak ?
 

DE19702

Rookie
WOW,,,,,did you read that up there ?? Tension range of 55-75 lbs.....that is Gutsy, no pun intended, of course. This gut has to be premium GUT if it can withstand tension of 75lbs

Either that, or they dipped it in super glue before they shipped it out.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
My observations and yours are basically identical. If you check out the performaxx website you will also see it comes in 16, 17 and 18 gauge. It looks identical to the Genesis to me. They make an assertion that they put the same finish on it as furniture, i.e., polyurethane! What's that all about. You strung it and you know its stiff.

I did not like the way it played. It was underpowered and lacked spin. My only comparison is with some Gaucho I am also using, which I think is fantastic. Maybe it will break in, I don't know, but I doubt it. I think this is all some kind of experiment using consumers to test it and paying for it instead of doing their own R&D. I may be mistaken of course, but I don't think many people will eventually buy this string.

Thanks.

Although I did not have trouble creating spin, I agree it is definitely not a "spin monster" and not as powerful as other guts. As for Gaucho/Global, I find them both to be very powerful gut strings, and play the closest to what natural gut plays like when left uncoated.

Sorry Drak but i found RPM to be a Premium Polyester. There is no other poly that has better feel than this string. Agree that power is average but power improves a great deal when strung at Lower tensions. and SPIN,,,is right up there with the best poly spin strings in the market like PHT or blue gear.
but Yes, sadly it goes dead too quickly,,,,,Making it not so cost effective...:(

Disagree about RPM. Way overpriced for an underperforming string.

As for where to get this gut, just go to the Genesis website.
 

Fedace

Banned
Thanks.

Although I did not have trouble creating spin, I agree it is definitely not a "spin monster" and not as powerful as other guts. As for Gaucho/Global, I find them both to be very powerful gut strings, and play the closest to what natural gut plays like when left uncoated.



Disagree about RPM. Way overpriced for an underperforming string.

As for where to get this gut, just go to the Genesis website.

Drak, what do you think about the 18 gauge gut ?? do you think it will perform well at 65 lbs ??? still give you good pocketing ?? I found that X-1 biphase at 65 lbs loses its pocketing effect a great deal.

Off topic,,,but how is the sex life after you got married ???:)
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^LOL.

The X-1 is a great string, and being that I hev not tried this string at 65lbs, I'm not sure how it will perform. I would imagine, since the gut is already stiff playing, it would get more stiff as the tension goes up, so the x-1 would be moe comfortable.

As to your other question:


tony-the-tiger---frosties.jpg
 

Fedace

Banned
LOL,,so you are saying you turn into a Tiger in bed ??? or something like that. I will check back with you in 7 years and see if you still feel the same...............
 

pvaudio

Legend
Interesting. Could you give us your thoughts on the Performaxx?? Thanks.




Gut doesn't go dead like other strings (poly/synthetics). It typically plays well until it breaks.
Look at my playtest thread. IMO, P.Maxx is the best value gut by a HUGE margin.
 

pvaudio

Legend
This string looks exactly like Performaxx gut. Its totally clear and it too, is stiff.
I'm assuming you're using the HT or X-HT lines? Have you tried the Touch line? The latter (specifically WhisperTouch 1.20) is all that I use even though I string at higher tension than it's rated for. The elasticity is much greater than the HT lines, so if you haven't tried it, you really should pick up a set of it.
 

Fedace

Banned
OK, i ordered a set of 18 gauge gut from tenisdepot. TW does not carry this string---felt awful since i am a Loyal customer of TW.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Look at my playtest thread. IMO, P.Maxx is the best value gut by a HUGE margin.


Thanks for the heads up. I'll check out that string as well.

As for the Genesis Gut, it broke today at the 7+ hour mark. Played well until breakage. Nice string, played true from beginning to end with no surprises.
 

JT_2eighty

Hall of Fame
^^^Stiffer than Klip, softer than Pacific Tough Gut.

Since toughgut is what I use, having not tried Klip or genesis, am I correct to assume you are saying that toughgut is the stiffest of the three? Are there any major advantages of genesis gut to Toughgut? Aside from price and stiffness, are there other playability or durability differences?


Great review as well, thx
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
I find the Pacific Tough Gut to be stiffer, yes. Still it is a great string.

as for advatnages, not sure, as they play similar. Not sure if the price would be an advantage. How much are you paying for the PTG??
 

Fedace

Banned
I find the Pacific Tough Gut to be stiffer, yes. Still it is a great string.

as for advatnages, not sure, as they play similar. Not sure if the price would be an advantage. How much are you paying for the PTG??

how does it compare to BDE natural gut or Babolat VS team gut ?
 

Fedace

Banned
stiffer, less pop, comfort, but last a bit longer.

could it be then X-1 biphase may have more power than this gut ? what would you say is better about this gut than X-1 biphase if you had to compare the two ? though they are 2 different animal
 

JT_2eighty

Hall of Fame
I find the Pacific Tough Gut to be stiffer, yes. Still it is a great string.

as for advatnages, not sure, as they play similar. Not sure if the price would be an advantage. How much are you paying for the PTG??

I was originally paying $34 for PTG here on TW, but have since found some sites at $30. Compared to the $27 for Genesis, they are close enough, but I'll give a set of Genesis a try to compare durability.

Having used BDE & VS in the past, I much prefer the stiffer feeling guts from Pacific. Even their Classic 17 at $26 is great, but does not last as long for me as PTG. Looking forward to sizing up the Genesis gut alongside to see if it lasts as long... if durability rivals PTG, could be a keeper.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^Look forward to reading your thoughts, especially since you are an avid PTG user.

Thanks in advance.
 

pstar

New User
Those are the machines they use at a local pro shop I string at part time. They have 2 Prince 5000 machines. Super nice machines, and excellent to string on. Very fast and comfortable.

Hey drakulie and greetings from northern europe :)
How would you compare the prince 5000 machine to your own privat Babolat star 4?
Pros and cons?
 

forthegame

Hall of Fame
Drak, what do you think about the 18 gauge gut ?? do you think it will perform well at 65 lbs ??? still give you good pocketing ?? I found that X-1 biphase at 65 lbs loses its pocketing effect a great deal.

Off topic,,,but how is the sex life after you got married ???:)

^^LOL.

The X-1 is a great string, and being that I hev not tried this string at 65lbs, I'm not sure how it will perform. I would imagine, since the gut is already stiff playing, it would get more stiff as the tension goes up, so the x-1 would be moe comfortable.

As to your other question:

tony-the-tiger---frosties.jpg

LOL,,so you are saying you turn into a Tiger in bed ??? or something like that. I will check back with you in 7 years and see if you still feel the same...............

^^LMAO. Yup, I turn into Tiger. :evil:

....Priceless! :)

For everything else there's Mastercard!
 
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