Grapplesnake Irukandji

[AMGF]

I play mostly with gut/poly strings and tried a lot of great strings to use as a cross. The problem is that even the best gut/poly will notch over time and you lose some snap back and spin. I decided to give the Irukandji a try because I believe a flat string actually makes sense.

This string does let the mains move freely and snap back. I had tremendous spin with that combo. The power was better than a usual gut/poly as it lets the gut work is magic to perfection. The overall string bed felt very comfortable, I suspect the stiffness to be on the low side for a poly, keep that in mind if you're looking for a stiff poly. But it is still a poly and I didn't have any problem with control or balls flying on me.

I have been using gut/alu power for a while but I'm switching to this one. It is that good, give it a try if you're looking for spin, power and comfort in your gut/poly combo.

 

[wknd pro]

Hi, Where did you get string, is it possible to get samples for testing? Thanks

 

[dr. godmode]

Contact GrappleSnake directly, through email on their website.

 

[Addxyz]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/introducing-grapplesnake-usa.638739/

 

[Tennease]

Irukandji is the name of one of the deadliest jellyfish found in the sea waters of North Queensland Australia. It could kill you within 2 minutes.

 

[blai212]

I play mostly with gut/poly strings and tried a lot of great strings to use as a cross. The problem is that even the best gut/poly will notch over time and you lose some snap back and spin. I decided to give the Irukandji a try because I believe a flat string actually makes sense.

This string does let the mains move freely and snap back. I had tremendous spin with that combo. The power was better than a usual gut/poly as it lets the gut work is magic to perfection. The overall string bed felt very comfortable, I suspect the stiffness to be on the low side for a poly, keep that in mind if you're looking for a stiff poly. But it is still a poly and I didn't have any problem with control or balls flying on me.

I have been using gut/alu power for a while but I'm switching to this one. It is that good, give it a try if you're looking for spin, power and comfort in your gut/poly combo.

I think the stringbed gets better snapback when mains start becoming notched... i think the reason your stringbed’s spin potential worsens is because the cross starts to lose its slickness. You should try fast fret to lubricate the strings so they can slide smoothly.


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[OldschoolKIaus]

Irukandji is the name of one of the deadliest jellyfish found in the sea waters of North Queensland Australia. It could kill you within 2 minutes.

Deadly snapback got a total different meaning now.

 

[AMGF]

I think the stringbed gets better snapback when mains start becoming notched... i think the reason your stringbed’s spin potential worsens is because the cross starts to lose its slickness. You should try fast fret to lubricate the strings so they can slide smoothly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I usually spray sillicon to give it a second life. However the Irukandji has a different feel than a regular poly string. Plus I rarely ever seen my ball jump up in the air as much in any gut/poly combo. I so wish I had access to a PlaySight data. I’m pretty sure my rpm are higher than any gut/poly.

 

[longtimelurker]

What guage is this? web says 0.9-1.45 ?

Edit: Found the answer.....

 

[Rossyspsce]

has one gotten to try hitting with both blue and white irukandji? I want to know if there’s noticeable difference similar to other strings with multiple colors

 

[Automatix]

@AMGF
Do you have any experience with other rectangular shaped strings? Maybe it's the cross section that works good for you and not that particular string.
IIRC there were many such string in the past - monofilament co-polys, synguts and such.
Gosen Power Master, Pro's Pro Torpedo just to name a few...

 

[AMGF]

@AMGF
Do you have any experience with other rectangular shaped strings? Maybe it's the cross section that works good for you and not that particular string.
IIRC there were many such string in the past - monofilament co-polys, synguts and such.
Gosen Power Master, Pro's Pro Torpedo just to name a few...

No it’s my first time using a rectangular string. I usually use round smooth poly as a cross. Lately I’ve tested 4g soft, alupower, alupower soft, alupower rough, PTP, MSV cofocus and revolve. Out of those my favorite is alupower soft for spin/power and 4g soft for spin/control. I believe the Irukandji is a better cross than all of those if spin and power is your goal.

Do you have a rectangular poly to suggest that might be worth a try? I would give the Irukandji a side by side comparison.

 

[AMGF]

has one gotten to try hitting with both blue and white irukandji? I want to know if there’s noticeable difference similar to other strings with multiple colors

I only tried the blue one. I plan on stocking on the white version soon. I will let you guys know if I feel there is a difference in playability.

 

[Automatix]

Do you have a rectangular poly to suggest that might be worth a try? I would give the Irukandji a side by side comparison.

AFAIK the rectangular crosssection did not caught on so you might have a hard time finding something - IIRC Gosen introduced this shape around 2010 or so.

I think Gosen Polymaster I or II - can't remember what were the differences between them - would be closest to this Grapplestring offering.

However Gosen stopped producing rectangular strings and since Gamma is rebranded Gosen, Gamma also doesn't have such strings anymore.
Pro's Pro on the other hand still has their clones on their website but those are clones of the synthetic gut and multifilament offerings - Gosen Powermaster.

 

[mpournaras]

AFAIK the rectangular crosssection did not caught on so you might have a hard time finding something - IIRC Gosen introduced this shape around 2010 or so.

I think Gosen Polymaster I or II - can't remember what were the differences between them - would be closest to this Grapplestring offering.

However Gosen stopped producing rectangular strings and since Gamma is rebranded Gosen, Gamma also doesn't have such strings anymore.
Pro's Pro on the other hand still has their clones on their website but those are clones of the synthetic gut and multifilament offerings - Gosen Powermaster.

Can you elaborate on the Gamma/Gosen comment you just made?

 

[Automatix]

Can you elaborate on the Gamma/Gosen comment you just made?

It's no secret that Gamma rebrands/-ed quite a lot of strings. Gamma got some of their strings from Toalson and some from Gosen and rebranded them. There are a couple of interesting threads on string rebranding - give it a whirl.

 

[Addxyz]

No it’s my first time using a rectangular string. I usually use round smooth poly as a cross. Lately I’ve tested 4g soft, alupower, alupower soft, alupower rough, PTP, MSV cofocus and revolve. Out of those my favorite is alupower soft for spin/power and 4g soft for spin/control. I believe the Irukandji is a better cross than all of those if spin and power is your goal.

Do you have a rectangular poly to suggest that might be worth a try? I would give the Irukandji a side by side comparison.

I guess the question is that if having a rectangular cross is better than a round, smooth cross, why aren't pros or more string companies doing it?

 

[AMGF]

I guess the question is that if having a rectangular cross is better than a round, smooth cross, why aren't pros or more string companies doing it?

I have no idea. It was my first time playing with this type of string. It is not very popular and probably a lot of pros don’t even know these strings exists.

One other thing might be that pros that use gut/poly don’t really care about notching as they restring before every game anyway.

Also, I have a feeling pros might look for more control than rec players out of their gut/poly than power and spin. Irukandji control is lower than Alupower or 4G so it is possible this string doesn’t offer what a top ATP player looks for in a string. One guy at my club is a former top400 ATP player. I will ask what he thinks about that combo next time I meet him.

Personnally, I stopped looking at what pros use as I have nowhere their rhs. I hit very hard and with a lot of spin for a club player. But compared to anyone with ATP points, I hit like a grandpa. My best flat serves are in the 110-115mph range, these guys slice and kick at those velocities! That top400 guy hits 130mph first serves (radar mesured).

I think this string is worth demoing.

 

[mpournaras]

It's no secret that Gamma rebrands/-ed quite a lot of strings. Gamma got some of their strings from Toalson and some from Gosen and rebranded them. There are a couple of interesting threads on string rebranding - give it a whirl.

I knew about the others but not the Gamma rebranding. Any specific string to string rebrands on their part?

 

[Automatix]

I knew about the others but not the Gamma rebranding. Any specific string to string rebrands on their part?

Well the afformentioned flat Gosen strings are one. Toalson wise there are many - some examples are Toalson Rencon = Gamma Zo Tour, Toalson Devil Spin = Gamma Zo Verve.

There were many of them but since one or the other, or even both are discontinued it's hard to name all.

 

[Sardines]

Having tried both Neon and normal CES, I was less than impressed with the strings from Grapplesnake so far. My playsight data showed a drop in speed and spin, compared to my Volkl Cyclone/Pro Red Code Wax combo. How does the irukandji compare with the CES? Since there is an edge to the string shape, is there extra work to make sure the edges are parallel to the racquet face? Obviously, the narrower side should be parallel to the racquet face?
I would think the s2s CoF is lower when on the edge, but durability will be shortened. With a flat surface, won't that increase surface contact area?

 

[AMGF]

Having tried both Neon and normal CES, I was less than impressed with the strings from Grapplesnake so far. My playsight data showed a drop in speed and spin, compared to my Volkl Cyclone/Pro Red Code Wax combo. How does the irukandji compare with the CES? Since there is an edge to the string shape, is there extra work to make sure the edges are parallel to the racquet face? Obviously, the narrower side should be parallel to the racquet face?
I would think the s2s CoF is lower when on the edge, but durability will be shortened. With a flat surface, won't that increase surface contact area?

I didn’t like the CES and Neon either. In fact I cut it after maybe 30min. Too harsh, very boardy and the spin wasn’t better than my PTP. But even if it was I didn’t like the feel at all.

I can’t explain how the Irukandji actually works. I’m not 100% sure snap back is the reason. I think the fact the string is flat, and also quite thin (the string doesn’t twist, the flat side instantly goes straight when you pull tension) then the gut moves more freely as it doesn’t need to bend much over and under the cross.

The string is not very stiff for a poly and allows quite a bit of pocketing.

But it is also slick and the gut can also snap back after contact as normal polys do.

So thin string that allow great movement + softer poly that yields good pocketing + slick texture for good snap back add up for a very power and spinny set up. That’s how I think it works but I can be totally wrong.

 

[Automatix]

@AMGF , still happy with Iru?
If possible could you post a pic of your stringbed at string interjunctions and a shot how it sits in the tieoff grommet?

 

[PBODY99]

@mpournaras

Gamma strings are irradiated, sourced from OEM, Gosen & TOA early on.
In my experience, sometimes I could tell the difference between the OEM model and the Gamma irradiated model.
A recap of the brand

 

[AMGF]

@AMGF , still happy with Iru?
If possible could you post a pic of your stringbed at string interjunctions and a shot how it sits in the tieoff grommet?

Still happy with it. Bought a reel I’m testing tension for the moment.

Here are pictures of the tie off and stringbed.

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[Znak]

Still happy with it. Bought a reel I’m testing tension for the moment.

Here are pictures of the tie off and stringbed.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is with gut in the mains? How many hours your getting from your setup and what tension? Cheers!

 

[AMGF]

This is with gut in the mains? How many hours your getting from your setup and what tension? Cheers!

Yes gut mains. Only 2 hours on it so far. My first test lasted 12-15hours not sure exactly as I string myself and don't mind the cost of strings so I don't really keep track.

The power/spin/comfort is fantastic. I just need more control, this is a soft poly I'd say string it at least 5-8lbs higher than usual. My other frames are gut/4g soft at 50/47. With gut/irukandji I'm now at 54/51 but my next string job I'm going 54/54. My gf switched to it in her gut/poly and she too loves it quite a lot. But we also needed to increase tensions for her.

 

[Znak]

Yes gut mains. Only 2 hours on it so far. My first test lasted 12-15hours not sure exactly as I string myself and don't mind the cost of strings so I don't really keep track.

The power/spin/comfort is fantastic. I just need more control, this is a soft poly I'd say string it at least 5-8lbs higher than usual. My other frames are gut/4g soft at 50/47. With gut/irukandji I'm now at 54/51 but my next string job I'm going 54/54. My gf switched to it in her gut/poly and she too loves it quite a lot. But we also needed to increase tensions for her.

iiiinnnteresting! 16x19? Also just saw your signature, you in t.o. by chance?

 

[sanister]

Great thread. I am going to try VS in mains and a set of Irukandji in crosses I have lying around. Was thinking 55/52 in my UT..

 

[AMGF]

iiiinnnteresting! 16x19? Also just saw your signature, you in t.o. by chance?

Yes 16x19, VCore 98+. No I’m in Quebec city, only go in Toronto once or twice for meetings. I can let you know next time I’m in town.

If you want to try Irukandji I bought a whole reel, I can sell you a set or two for a good price if you want to give it a try. Just pm me.

 

[AMGF]

Great thread. I am going to try VS in mains and a set of Irukandji in crosses I have lying around. Was thinking 55/52 in my UT..

Just use ~10% more tension on the Irukandji than usual poly and you should be fine.

 

[Automatix]

Thanks for your time!
It looks really flat... Wonder how would Irukandji fair with something tougher in the mains - Monogut ZX for example...

 

[tonylg]

Irukandji is the name of one of the deadliest jellyfish found in the sea waters of North Queensland Australia. It could kill you within 2 minutes.

That's actually what caught my eye and caused me to click on this thread. I used to live just north of Cairns - Irukandji central.

Interesting string, ironically you can't buy it in Australia

 

[sanister]

Just use ~10% more tension on the Irukandji than usual poly and you should be fine.

Thanks...

 

[Znak]

Yes 16x19, VCore 98+. No I’m in Quebec city, only go in Toronto once or twice for meetings. I can let you know next time I’m in town.

If you want to try Irukandji I bought a whole reel, I can sell you a set or two for a good price if you want to give it a try. Just pm me.

I finally got around to hitting with it today. Dude. You weren't kidding, this string is no joke. If tension holds up it'll be my new favourite poly. I've never had snapback in a cross like this before, maaaaybe from PolyTour Fire, but even then. Comfortable but tons of control and spin. Can't wait to play with it more.

 

[SlvrDragon50]

I finally got around to hitting with it today. Dude. You weren't kidding, this string is no joke. If tension holds up it'll be my new favourite poly. I've never had snapback in a cross like this before, maaaaybe from PolyTour Fire, but even then. Comfortable but tons of control and spin. Can't wait to play with it more.

Seriously a phenomenal poly. I got 50+ hours with my gut hybrid. But I don't hit with a lot of top spin.

 

[Znak]

Seriously a phenomenal poly. I got 50+ hours with my gut hybrid. But I don't hit with a lot of top spin.

50!!! Holy guac

 

[myth]

How does it compare to Isospeed Cream in an hybrid setting with gut?
The fact that this poly is shaped will it rip through the gut?

 

[AMGF]

How does it compare to Isospeed Cream in an hybrid setting with gut?
The fact that this poly is shaped will it rip through the gut?

I can’t answer for the Isospeed comparison, but the Irukandji isn’t hard at all on the gut. It is flat (and slick). There are no edges and it does not notch. Gut will slide easily and snapback. Probably the best poly to use in a gut/poly hybrid for gut longevity.

 

[FIRETennis]

No it’s my first time using a rectangular string. I usually use round smooth poly as a cross. Lately I’ve tested 4g soft, alupower, alupower soft, alupower rough, PTP, MSV cofocus and revolve. Out of those my favorite is alupower soft for spin/power and 4g soft for spin/control. I believe the Irukandji is a better cross than all of those if spin and power is your goal.

Do you have a rectangular poly to suggest that might be worth a try? I would give the Irukandji a side by side comparison.

Seeing it's been a while since this thread was started, any further feedback on this setup of gut/Irukandji?
Any thoughts on its stiffness and tension maintenance? There is no data on TW about it...
Is it still your favorite cross out of the aforementioned strings?

 

[myth]

Whee can you buy it in Europe?

 

[Happi]

Whee can you buy it in Europe?

Tennis Warehouse Europe

 

[erikm]

I play mostly with gut/poly strings and tried a lot of great strings to use as a cross. The problem is that even the best gut/poly will notch over time and you lose some snap back and spin. I decided to give the Irukandji a try because I believe a flat string actually makes sense.

This string does let the mains move freely and snap back. I had tremendous spin with that combo. The power was better than a usual gut/poly as it lets the gut work is magic to perfection. The overall string bed felt very comfortable, I suspect the stiffness to be on the low side for a poly, keep that in mind if you're looking for a stiff poly. But it is still a poly and I didn't have any problem with control or balls flying on me.

I have been using gut/alu power for a while but I'm switching to this one. It is that good, give it a try if you're looking for spin, power and comfort in your gut/poly combo.

You might also try Weiss Cannon UltraCable as a cross with gut or multifilament mains. It's also a square section poly, but of a different composition than typical co-polys. They recommend stringing 1.5kg lower than with typical co-polys, and I've gotten good feeling results stringing the crosses 8 lbs lower than the mains, at around 56 / 48. It sounds like a lot, but makes sense (±10% lower for a poly as compared to a multi or gut, so 5 lbs lower, plus the 3 lb lower recommended by Weiss Cannon, for a total of 8 lbs). If you want the mains to feel 2-3 lbs tighter than the crosses, then go 10-11 lbs lower. I've only done this on relatively tight string patterns, namely, the Donnay Pro One Penta 18x20, Yonex VCore Pro HD, and HEAD Prestige Pro 16x19. It could be worth a try on a more open string pattern, but I think I'd want to go tighter.

 

[Znak]

You might also try Weiss Cannon UltraCable as a cross with gut or multifilament mains. It's also a square section poly, but of a different composition than typical co-polys. They recommend stringing 1.5kg lower than with typical co-polys, and I've gotten good feeling results stringing the crosses 8 lbs lower than the mains, at around 56 / 48. It sounds like a lot, but makes sense (±10% lower for a poly as compared to a multi or gut, so 5 lbs lower, plus the 3 lb lower recommended by Weiss Cannon, for a total of 8 lbs). If you want the mains to feel 2-3 lbs tighter than the crosses, then go 10-11 lbs lower. I've only done this on relatively tight string patterns, namely, the Donnay Pro One Penta 18x20, Yonex VCore Pro HD, and HEAD Prestige Pro 16x19. It could be worth a try on a more open string pattern, but I think I'd want to go tighter.

I'm surprised Ultra Cable didn't shred gut?

 

[myth]

I can’t answer for the Isospeed comparison, but the Irukandji isn’t hard at all on the gut. It is flat (and slick). There are no edges and it does not notch. Gut will slide easily and snapback. Probably the best poly to use in a gut/poly hybrid for gut longevity.

Is it arm friendly?

 

[erikm]

I'm surprised Ultra Cable didn't shred gut?

I've only used it with various multifilaments, which admittedly is not exactly a durability-oriented setup, but I've found that it cuts through the mains less than a "stickier" round poly, such as Weiss Cannon Silverstring.

 

[AMGF]

Is it arm friendly?

Very! I recommend stringing higher 5-10% than you would a regular poly if you want the same feel. Otherwise it’s very supple.

 

[AMGF]

You might also try Weiss Cannon UltraCable as a cross with gut or multifilament mains. It's also a square section poly, but of a different composition than typical co-polys. They recommend stringing 1.5kg lower than with typical co-polys, and I've gotten good feeling results stringing the crosses 8 lbs lower than the mains, at around 56 / 48. It sounds like a lot, but makes sense (±10% lower for a poly as compared to a multi or gut, so 5 lbs lower, plus the 3 lb lower recommended by Weiss Cannon, for a total of 8 lbs). If you want the mains to feel 2-3 lbs tighter than the crosses, then go 10-11 lbs lower. I've only done this on relatively tight string patterns, namely, the Donnay Pro One Penta 18x20, Yonex VCore Pro HD, and HEAD Prestige Pro 16x19. It could be worth a try on a more open string pattern, but I think I'd want to go tighter.

I tried ultra cable but didn’t like the overall feel. It is not easy on the gut either. And it may sound silly, but I hated stringing ultra cable, it’s stiff and sharp. Not a problem if you don’t self string though.

 

[myth]

I have ordered a set from TWE.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

I may have to give this a try with Tonic mains. Would it be recommended to string the gut and Irukandji at the same tension? I usually string my poly crosses 3-4 pounds lower than my gut mains.