In praise of Kevlar/ZX hybrid!!!

[Shroud]

Ordered a set because of Boonie! gonna try 55/45lbs first... will ask stringer to prestretch on machine

p.s what do I tell the stringer to prestretch the kevlar or the cross string ? and how much ??

both but especially the cross strings

 

[Shroud]

Well, Boonie has made the switch.

Nice job Boonie!

Weird I read on here it was a terrible arm killer. Really surprised at this switch...

 

[1990's Graphite]

both but especially the cross strings

Cool thanks, so same prestretch amount for both!

found this mono gut stringing vid

 

[Shroud]

Cool thanks, so same prestretch amount for both!

found this mono gut stringing vid

Yes that should be mandatory for any stringer to watch before tackling monogutzx.

Same will be ok. That said the machine stretch will only do so much. Ideally you would manually prestretch it yourself. Pull on one end of each and pull and pull till you get the kevlar to stretch at least an inch or 2 and the zx should be at least a foot but I think some are getting 24" of prestretch.

 

[1990's Graphite]

Yes that should be mandatory for any stringer to watch before tackling monogutzx.

Same will be ok. That said the machine stretch will only do so much. Ideally you would manually prestretch it yourself. Pull on one end of each and pull and pull till you get the kevlar to stretch at least an inch or 2 and the zx should be at least a foot but I think some are getting 24" of prestretch.

Never done a manual pre-stretch, usually love pre-stretched kirschbaum poly so never had a need. A bit paranoid stretching myself in case I stuff something up. So a machine any machine is limited to how much stretch.. hmmmm might tell stringer to do with machine first, then I'll have a shot

 

[Shroud]

Never done a manual pre-stretch, usually love pre-stretched kirschbaum poly so never had a need. A bit paranoid stretching myself in case I stuff something up. So a machine any machine is limited to how much stretch.. hmmmm might tell stringer to do with machine first, then I'll have a shot

FWIW i manually prestretch EVERY string even the kirsch I use. But I get that some don't . ZX is super stretchy. Think about it, if you can pull on it and get 24" of permanent elongation, imagine how much tension is lost if you don't do that...

Be prepared to buy more to get the tension right, especially if you don't prestretch....

 

[tlm]

I've been using Ash Kev 16g x ZX Pro for around 5 years. I currently have approx 17 rackets with Ash Kev x ZX right now. I do agree that Ash Kev x 4G gives more control but it is more nuance that anything. It depends on how you prep the Ash Kev and ZX, then it is tension. I haven't used many multi crosses with Ash Kev so I am going to give Multifeel a whirl just for fun.

I only play one day a week with folks who think winning is more important than just getting out and having fun. And I am getting bored with that. At my age I just don't get it with the desire to "win" any more when just leaving the court vertically is a win I normally play 5-6 days a week with an enormously wide variety of skill levels, from my weekly doubles night with a 30 yr D1 coach as my partner to hitting with "old" ladies my age to tune up their 3.0 doubles nite. Heck, even high school kids call me up to give them a hit. I really enjoy hitting with the college players but Covid has cut into that this year.

Covid has even cut into our informal "Smack Talk League." We had folk from 24-80 yrs old in that "league." Smack talk is required and graded, sort of like Olympic Figure Skating. We had a former hi speed Czech junior now a brilliant business woman, retired Uni Math prof, West Point grad former MI high school hall of fame tennis player, two guys from different eras who played for Hawaii Pacific, an engineer from Brazil, and an operations manager from S. Korea and the list goes on. Much laughter required and diversity in all aspects appreciated. One night I was playing and looked over the 4 nearby courts, mine and the 3 adjacent and said to myself, I am the only "old" white male out here, tennis is so fun. Reminded me of an earlier career where I would find myself in some odd place and have to shout out, "Anyone speak English?" Crazy as it may sound I found someone every time who could.

I get what your saying and you have an interesting tennis life going which is great. But to say that kev and 4G is just a nuance Compared to kev and ZX Is not accurate in my opinion. Ashaway 17 gauge Kevlar main with a 16L 4G cross has much more control than the same main with a ZX cross. In my opinion it’s a night and day difference, for anyone looking for a string set up that lets you swing freely I highly recommend trying this set up.

 

[graycrait]

@Tim , Sorry for misrepresenting 16g Ash Kev x 16L 4G. If I were younger and stronger I would keep using that hybrid. At 66 yrs I think I need a bit more "pop" when I play the younger hard hitters and Ash Kev x Zx gives some added zip, but reduces control to some degree. There is a "delta" where control vice power is an issue but at my skill set and age I can see some benefit of Ash Kev x ZX over Ash Kev x 4G. I am also experimenting with some other rackets in length, head size, flex and pattern with various string set ups.

 

[tlm]

@Tim , Sorry for misrepresenting 16g Ash Kev x 16L 4G. If I were younger and stronger I would keep using that hybrid. At 66 yrs I think I need a bit more "pop" when I play the younger hard hitters and Ash Kev x Zx gives some added zip, but reduces control to some degree. There is a "delta" where control vice power is an issue but at my skill set and age I can see some benefit of Ash Kev x ZX over Ash Kev x 4G. I am also experimenting with some other rackets in length, head size, flex and pattern with various string set ups.

No problem I just want to let others know that at least to me there is a big difference in control when comparing those two strings.

 

[travlerajm]

No problem I just want to let others know that at least to me there is a big difference in control when comparing those two strings.

I have found that kevlar/poly and Kevlar/zx are quite similar if the tension on the kevlar/zx is increased enough that the stringbed stiffness is the same.

After normalizing for stringbed stiffness, then the feel and control are almost identical, and the differences are more subtle. The main difference is that kevlar/zx has a more linear power response, with more power and softness at high swing speed shots like serves. I can’t tell them apart at low speed impacts.

 

[tlm]

I have found that kevlar/poly and Kevlar/zx are quite similar if the tension on the kevlar/zx is increased enough that the stringbed stiffness is the same.

After normalizing for stringbed stiffness, then the feel and control are almost identical, and the differences are more subtle. The main difference is that kevlar/zx has a more linear power response, with more power and softness at high swing speed shots like serves. I can’t tell them apart at low speed impacts.

Try 4G as a cross and see what you think. I agree some poly x’s can have similar power levels to ZX, but 4G is much lower powered regardless of swing speed. The guys I hit with agree that 4G is the lowest powered poly string available, many say that they don’t like it in a full bed because it’s too dead. But as a x’s it is a great string for giving great control and taming a powerful main string.

 

[Shroud]

I have found that kevlar/poly and Kevlar/zx are quite similar if the tension on the kevlar/zx is increased enough that the stringbed stiffness is the same.

After normalizing for stringbed stiffness, then the feel and control are almost identical, and the differences are more subtle. The main difference is that kevlar/zx has a more linear power response, with more power and softness at high swing speed shots like serves. I can’t tell them apart at low speed impacts.

I string 4g at 86lbs. I can't do that with zx which is why I stopped using it. If you could get the same stringbed stiffness with kev/zx as you can with kev/ 4g its doubtful i would have switched!

 

[travlerajm]

I string 4g at 86lbs. I can't do that with zx which is why I stopped using it. If you could get the same stringbed stiffness with kev/zx as you can with kev/ 4g its doubtful i would have switched!

That’s one reason I prefer dense patterns - kevlar/zx still works to give me the all-around balance of control and spin, without needing to go to a tension so high that kills the feel or is impractical to string.

 

[tlm]

That’s one reason I prefer dense patterns - kevlar/zx still works to give me the all-around balance of control and spin, without needing to go to a tension so high that kills the feel or is impractical to string.

If you are using a 18x20 string pattern then that changes things drastically. In a tight pattern I don’t need near as much tension as I do in a 16x19.

 

[frank52]

Beware, ZX is the Devil !!

ZX will rob your youth
Pull and pull and pull. Pull each string 30 seconds. Will ZX ever stop stretching? Will I ever finish this racquet?

ZX will break your heart
Finally done pulling each string? Oh, did the string just break while tying the knot? Oh Noooooooooooooooo!

OK, yeah, I love the string so much as a cross string that I always use it.

Does anyone dare ask a professional stringer to string ZX?

 

[Shroud]

That’s one reason I prefer dense patterns - kevlar/zx still works to give me the all-around balance of control and spin, without needing to go to a tension so high that kills the feel or is impractical to string.

I read on TT that zx is impractical to string...

 

[Wiztardo]

I got to hit with a freshly strung Crossfire ZX combo in a totally stock Blade 104 v7. I strung it at 60lb main and 40lb crosses using a drop weight stringer, and manually prestretched just the Zyex.

I absolutely loved this setup the first time out. I am not a super experienced player, but the amount of spin I was able to put on the ball with this string combo was really awesome. When I first got the Blade, I ordered it with a full set of RPM Blast at 53lbs and I really wasn't thrilled with the setup at all. With this Crossfire ZX, it is a totally different game. The person I was hitting with said the ball was bouncing so hard off of the ground from forehands and slices looked "cartoonish". This is literally a night and day difference from the RPM blast for me. I will be stringing my Pure Strike second gen with this same setup as well to give it a test.

I usually suffer from hitting too long, and with this setup the power was just right for me. I suspect being able to spin the ball better is the key differentiator that helped keep shots in. Any time I hit a ball long, I immediately knew it was gonna go long and it was due to my own miss hit. The strings were very predictable after about 15 minutes of hitting. I didn't serve at all yet, but I would imagine the added spin is going to help in that area as well. Comfort or pain has never been an issue with me, so I can't really comment there- didn't notice any particularly buttery or jarring feeling when hitting. The only string movement that happened was in the Zyex crosses just a little bit waving up or down. I also can't speak to the durability as I've only hit once with it. But even if the durability isn't great, the cost is great, so not a big deal in my opinion.

Overall I am in love. I am very surprised more people aren't talking about the spin potential with this setup- or maybe they are and I just didn't see it. For myself and my current level of play, which I don't think is very high, this is a huge boon. The biggest issue I am facing now is, I had just bought a stringer not long ago and this is one of the few first setups I have gotten to experiment with... But I am not sure I want to experiment much more. I went ahead and ordered 3 more sets of this to have on hand.

 

[Shroud]

I got to hit with a freshly strung Crossfire ZX combo in a totally stock Blade 104 v7. I strung it at 60lb main and 40lb crosses using a drop weight stringer, and manually prestretched just the Zyex.

I absolutely loved this setup the first time out. I am not a super experienced player, but the amount of spin I was able to put on the ball with this string combo was really awesome. When I first got the Blade, I ordered it with a full set of RPM Blast at 53lbs and I really wasn't thrilled with the setup at all. With this Crossfire ZX, it is a totally different game. The person I was hitting with said the ball was bouncing so hard off of the ground from forehands and slices looked "cartoonish". This is literally a night and day difference from the RPM blast for me. I will be stringing my Pure Strike second gen with this same setup as well to give it a test.

I usually suffer from hitting too long, and with this setup the power was just right for me. I suspect being able to spin the ball better is the key differentiator that helped keep shots in. Any time I hit a ball long, I immediately knew it was gonna go long and it was due to my own miss hit. The strings were very predictable after about 15 minutes of hitting. I didn't serve at all yet, but I would imagine the added spin is going to help in that area as well. Comfort or pain has never been an issue with me, so I can't really comment there- didn't notice any particularly buttery or jarring feeling when hitting. The only string movement that happened was in the Zyex crosses just a little bit waving up or down. I also can't speak to the durability as I've only hit once with it. But even if the durability isn't great, the cost is great, so not a big deal in my opinion.

Overall I am in love. I am very surprised more people aren't talking about the spin potential with this setup- or maybe they are and I just didn't see it. For myself and my current level of play, which I don't think is very high, this is a huge boon. The biggest issue I am facing now is, I had just bought a stringer not long ago and this is one of the few first setups I have gotten to experiment with... But I am not sure I want to experiment much more. I went ahead and ordered 3 more sets of this to have on hand.

cool report. I suspect that your spin experience is not often repeated by others because they wuss out at the 20 lb differential. That IME is a big part of the spin and in the right racquet and the right pattern its pretty amazing. So kudos for maning up and doing it right. Wish more would do that!

Be interesting to see the difference between the blade and purestrike.

TLDR: dude followed the recipe and got the results.

 

[Wiztardo]

Yep, while going through the history of this forum, I think I saw enough evidence to try the 60lb main 40lb cross with a prestretch, and I am very glad I did.

Reading some of the more recent comments though, I don't think I prestretched the Zyex enough. If you can actually get an additional 2 feet of length from prestretching, that is insane! Being new to stringing, I was just worried I might snap the string or something. I wrapped the string around a large, round, smooth pole and let the string hold my body weight up while leaning back into it for a minute or so just based on feel. I really doubt I got 2 extra feet of length. I might try for a little more prestretch before putting this combo in the Pure Strike.

What other sorts of crosses have people tried with this Ashaway Kevlar? I am really just trying to understand the magic of this setup. Surely there are other smooth strings at low tension that the Kevlar can slide on?

 

[TypeRx]

I got to hit with a freshly strung Crossfire ZX combo in a totally stock Blade 104 v7. I strung it at 60lb main and 40lb crosses using a drop weight stringer, and manually prestretched just the Zyex.

I am currently using a very similar racket setup (Blade 104 v7 but weighted up to 335g IIRC). However, I am using Ashaway Kevlar (not Kev+) 17g and ZXP Black. I have edged up tension to 65 lbs/42 lbs (which I find optimal) vs. the 60/40 that I tried first. The topspin I can achieve when the stringbed is fresh is insane. Good news is that it doesn't come at the loss of control or power. I am finding that there is a performance dropoff at ~20 hours....something I don't recall experiencing as noticeably in my Blade 98 v7 16x19s. It isn't a massive dropoff, but its there. So, I've been not waiting until the strings go and instead restringing at around that time frame. But bottom line, the performance of this string setup in this racket works marvelously for my game.

I am currently experimenting with 70/45 and its a bit too tight for my liking...but I only have ~1 hour on the racket so maybe need to just give it a bit more time for the Kev to loosen up. My goal by further increasing tension is just to see if I can get a little more life out of the optimal performance period, since in other rackets I've experienced longer. Honestly, I think everything is predicated on me using 17g Kev....in the past I have used 16g so my next reel order will be the thicker string.

Reading some of the more recent comments though, I don't think I prestretched the Zyex enough. If you can actually get an additional 2 feet of length from prestretching, that is insane! Being new to stringing, I was just worried I might snap the string or something. I wrapped the string around a large, round, smooth pole and let the string hold my body weight up while leaning back into it for a minute or so just based on feel. I really doubt I got 2 extra feet of length. I might try for a little more prestretch before putting this combo in the Pure Strike.

Yes, you can absolutely get 10% of actual length pre-stretch out of ZXP. I routinely get 22"-28" out of a ~20' section of ZXP. It is best to try and string immediately following pre-stretch, if possible, as I've noticed that the string does "shrink back" a little post the pre-stretching process. Here is a link that describes how I do it. https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...-stretch-ashaway-monogut-zx-or-zx-pro.644346/

I've used Kev/ZXP (60/40) in a Pure Strike gen 2. Ultimately, I found that performance was similar to what I got out of my Blade 98 but there was a noticeable detriment in comfort with the Pure Strike. Being a person with elbow problems in the past, I will not tolerate a racket or stringbed that generates any level of discomfort. I should add that I tried other string setups (full poly and poly/syn gut) in the Pure Strike and still found it a tad stiff/uncomfortable. So, I gave that racket to a friend.

 

[TypeRx]

Being new to stringing, I was just worried I might snap the string or something.

To be honest, you should expect to break ZXP here and there as part of the learning curve. It can happen during pre-stretch...it can happen during stringing. Good news is after you get the hang of it, that issue generally goes away. I haven't broken a ZXP run gosh...in 25-30 of my last stringings? It's been forever.

I use a Gamma X2 drop-weight stringer. A couple tips for ZX/ZXP that you may have seen here before:

• Tension it a little more slowly relative to other strings. Don't allow the dropweight to rapidly yank on the string. Allow the tension bar to really settle (give it at least 15 seconds as you are getting the hang of things). If you do a thorough pre-stretch, you will find that the tension bar will drop very little/none after tensioning. If you don't have a thorough pre-stretch or none at all, the bar will continue to drop over time. We want to avoid that.
• Use hand-tied knots only...don't use pliers or other tools to further cinch your knots. Even what appears to be a kind of loose knot with this string will hold just great.
• Don't use a starting clamp. My guess is that as a beginner you aren't, but just another tip. Use a standard starting knot for your crosses. I use an old-school double half-hitch for my tie-off but perhaps a parnell or pro knot is better. I don't know...don't really care
• Make sure your grommets are smooth and not jagged. If jagged at all, try and file it down or replace the damaged grommet
• Try not to kink and definitely not knick the string during the stringing process
• I personally save my ZXP after use! It is generally always the Kevlar that breaks so if you carefully clip and unwind the ZXP, you can re-use it if you are comfortable using multiple segments of strings for your crosses. As a new stringer, this might sound a bit intimidating so maybe skip it for now. Also, reusing ZXP in the Blade 104 is a little challenging due to the "power grommets" or whatever they call them. The biggest benefit (outside of saving $) with reusing ZXP is that no pre-stretch is required. It performs perfectly strung at the desired tension in the next setup.

What other sorts of crosses have people tried with this Ashaway Kevlar? I am really just trying to understand the magic of this setup. Surely there are other smooth strings at low tension that the Kevlar can slide on?

I haven't tried other crosses with Kevlar but some here like various polyester strings as the cross. 4G has been mentioned to amp up the control. Some have mentioned the potential of a non-poly like Gamma Glide. Ultimately, I think nothing will provide the softness and touch of power that Monogut ZX/ZXP provides. @travlerajm really discovered a gem with this combo.

 

[Wiztardo]

So I am looking into ordering a reel of the Kevlar Plus and a reel of the Monogut ZX Pro. On tennis warehouse I am only seeing the ZX Pro 17 gauge in black available in a reel. Does anyone have any experience with this? Any performance differences?

The combo pack I bought and used had the natural color Monogut ZX Pro and I am pretty sure both the Kevlar and ZX were 17 gauge. But from what I am reading, the black "pro" is supposed to designate the 17 gauge?

 

[TypeRx]

So I am looking into ordering a reel of the Kevlar Plus and a reel of the Monogut ZX Pro. On tennis warehouse I am only seeing the ZX Pro 17 gauge in black available in a reel. Does anyone have any experience with this? Any performance differences?

The combo pack I bought and used had the natural color Monogut ZX Pro and I am pretty sure both the Kevlar and ZX were 17 gauge. But from what I am reading, the black "pro" is supposed to designate the 17 gauge?

I've had mini-reels of both ZX Pro in Black and Natural. I've only bought mini-reels because I there didn't use to be really any cost savings between mini-reel and reel. Also, a mini-reel lasts a long time. 10 cross string jobs with a mini reel will potentially get you 1000 hours (not a typo) of play in my experience, if you reuse your cross strings once. If not, you still can get 350-500 hours. That is a lot of tennis!

Ashaway Monogut ZX is 16g. Ashaway Monogut ZX Pro is 17g. Doesn't matter which color. Unless something changed, you can get ZX Pro in either color. My preference is black although many prefer natural..so who knows. Natural to me is a little firmer but others say it better approximates natural gut. Black is a little more elastic/powerful in my experience.

I think in the end you will be fine with whatever you end up ordering. I prefer ZXP (17g) black. It looks like TW only has the ZXP Black in stock in either mini-reel or reel. Buying a full reel at current ZXP prices saves you ~$0.25/foot. If you want natural order ZX instead, I suppose. Or, send a note to TW to see when they will restock (or look at other retailers).

Based on feedback from the most knowledgeable folks here, I'd recommend NOT ordering a reel of Kevlar Plus. Rather, get Ashaway Kevlar 16 g. Paired with ZXP I would regularly get 50 GOOD hours out of my stringbed.

Finally, if you email Steve Crandall at Ashaway (sales@ashawayusa.com) they might sell you 1 set of ZXP and give you another for free. They have done that in the people that want to try out their string offerings.

 

[Wiztardo]

Based on feedback from the most knowledgeable folks here, I'd recommend NOT ordering a reel of Kevlar Plus. Rather, get Ashaway Kevlar 16 g. Paired with ZXP I would regularly get 50 GOOD hours out of my stringbed.

Awesome, thank you for the help! What reasoning do the knowledgeable folks have for going for the more firm 16g Kevlar rather than the softer, more thin Kevlar Plus 17g? I haven't had any issue breaking strings, so was planning on the Kevlar Plus 17g. Also because that is what is in the Crossfire ZX Combo that I am currently trying and love.

 

[Wiztardo]

Just for forum thoroughness, in case anyone else is looking for the answers I just posed- I dug back through this thread and read a little more and it sounds (not through my own experiences) like the thicker 16g Kevlar simply lasts longer than the 17 Kevlar Plus with no discernable difference in performance, along with better tension maintenance. Also, the black Zyex might just be a little more slick than the natural colored Zyex, making it even better for it's job. I ordered a reel of the standard Ashaway 16g Kevlar and a reel of the 17g black Zyex.

I just hit more with this combo yesterday and it is still performing amazingly. It is loosening up a little more, but I am welcoming the change. In the past when I would feel the ball interacting with the strings in the way this setup does, it would rocket launch the ball or I would have very little control or consistency in my hit. With this combo, I can really sort of feel the ball spring load and get ejected from the string bed when I hit- especially as it has loosened up a little bit... But the result is so much more expected and controlled. I am not sure how else to describe it. It feels so stupid to say, but so far this string combo continues to be a game changer for me and I would be shocked if it hasn't moved me up a half level of tennis play literally overnight.

 

[bleno567]

Also, the black Zyex might just be a little more slick than the natural colored Zyex, making it even better for it's job. I ordered a reel of the standard Ashaway 16g Kevlar and a reel of the 17g black Zyex.

I asked about the black Zyex a while back and was told it was a little more slick. I ordered a reel of it, and I honestly cannot discern any difference from the natural colored.

 

[Wiztardo]

Yeah, I figure "slickness" between colors is purely anecdotal experience unless Ashaway actually made a statement of some sort. The biggest thing is- you experienced no additional negative effects of the black over the natural color that you could tell?

 

[TypeRx]

Awesome, thank you for the help! What reasoning do the knowledgeable folks have for going for the more firm 16g Kevlar rather than the softer, more thin Kevlar Plus 17g? I haven't had any issue breaking strings, so was planning on the Kevlar Plus 17g. Also because that is what is in the Crossfire ZX Combo that I am currently trying and love.

Even though you researched, I'll confirm my experience. The last reel of Kevlar I had was Ashaway Kevlar 16g but am currently working my way through 17g reel. At first, I felt there was no difference between the two. But, I am clearly experiencing a drop in performance using Kev 17/ZXP after about the 20 hour mark, whereas I don't recall perceiving that the same with the 16g. So, my next order will definitely revert to 16g. Tension maintenance or something else may account for this...don't know. All I know is, to me, 16 g has that advantage and no disadvantage (spin and overall playability the same).

I don't have personal experience with Kev+. But, the belief is that the PTFE actually decreases the playability of the kev weave. If you are happy with the Kev+ stick with it. But when you have a chance, you should consider experimenting with some regular Kev as well.

 

[Wiztardo]

Yep, that is good to hear. I ended up saying screw the Kevlar Plus and just got a mini reel of Standard 16g Kevlar. I figure if the very same people who came up with this combo are recommending the standard Kevlar over the Plus, I will listen to the magical internet folks despite what my experience with Kevlar Plus is.

 

[Shroud]

Just for forum thoroughness, in case anyone else is looking for the answers I just posed- I dug back through this thread and read a little more and it sounds (not through my own experiences) like the thicker 16g Kevlar simply lasts longer than the 17 Kevlar Plus with no discernable difference in performance, along with better tension maintenance. Also, the black Zyex might just be a little more slick than the natural colored Zyex, making it even better for it's job. I ordered a reel of the standard Ashaway 16g Kevlar and a reel of the 17g black Zyex.

I just hit more with this combo yesterday and it is still performing amazingly. It is loosening up a little more, but I am welcoming the change. In the past when I would feel the ball interacting with the strings in the way this setup does, it would rocket launch the ball or I would have very little control or consistency in my hit. With this combo, I can really sort of feel the ball spring load and get ejected from the string bed when I hit- especially as it has loosened up a little bit... But the result is so much more expected and controlled. I am not sure how else to describe it. It feels so stupid to say, but so far this string combo continues to be a game changer for me and I would be shocked if it hasn't moved me up a half level of tennis play literally overnight.

I think I get what you are saying about the rocket launch. To be clear that is very different than what most tennis players mean by rocket launch, at least in my case. Rocket Launch just means springy or super powerful to most players. But in the context of a kev/zx bed its much more. Imagine the ball hits the stringbed and the stringbed gives and gives and then BAM its like the ball hits a brickwall and catapults off the stringbed...Never felt anything like it.

That said it seems racquet dependent. I only had it in a PS85 at 60/40. Everyother racquet didn't behave this way. Pretty sure its the archer's bow effect. Racquet is squashing on contact and then catapulting back into shape, thus launching the ball.

 

[jangotango]

I have two sets of Cross Fire ZX coming in. Just to be clear, as I constantly read that monogut is fragile and can't be nicked or bent etc. etc, What is the best way to string this? I have an electric constant pull with a diablo, and this is what I gather.

• Slow speed with prestretch
• Loosen up clamps a tad
• Do not use starting clamp, starting not instead (I HATE THIS)
• Hand pull knots

 

[Wiztardo]

I think I get what you are saying about the rocket launch. To be clear that is very different than what most tennis players mean by rocket launch, at least in my case. Rocket Launch just means springy or super powerful to most players. But in the context of a kev/zx bed its much more. Imagine the ball hits the stringbed and the stringbed gives and gives and then BAM its like the ball hits a brickwall and catapults off the stringbed...Never felt anything like it.

That said it seems racquet dependent. I only had it in a PS85 at 60/40. Everyother racquet didn't behave this way. Pretty sure its the archer's bow effect. Racquet is squashing on contact and then catapulting back into shape, thus launching the ball.

I think that is a very accurate description. Rocket launch isn't quite right. I will be getting my reels soon, so I will be able to try out combo in the Pure Strike and see how it feels soon enough. If it feels obviously different in a bad way with the Pure Strike, i'll probably just get another Blade 104 and settle in.

 

[Wiztardo]

I have two sets of Cross Fire ZX coming in. Just to be clear, as I constantly read that monogut is fragile and can't be nicked or bent etc. etc, What is the best way to string this? I have an electric constant pull with a diablo, and this is what I gather.

• Slow speed with prestretch
• Loosen up clamps a tad
• Do not use starting clamp, starting not instead (I HATE THIS)
• Hand pull knots

I am just regurgitating others, but I think with the monogut, you are better off doing a manual prestretch and stringing right after. However, I personally don't see how it is difficult or higher risk of breakage to string if you are putting it in with a lowish tension.

 

[TypeRx]

With the chilly weather we are recently experiencing (yeah yeah, I'm in SoCal but 55-60 with no sun is cold!) I've lost some of the free power from my Kev/ZXP stringbed (strung at 65/42). So, I just strung up a racket with 65/37. That is really low for the ZXP...hopefully not a complete rocket launcher. If it ends up being to low a tension, the great news is that I can just remount the racket in my stringer, carefully remove the crosses, and then reuse and retension to my normal 42 lbs.

Playing later this afternoon as well as tomorrow so will report back!

 

[Shroud]

I have two sets of Cross Fire ZX coming in. Just to be clear, as I constantly read that monogut is fragile and can't be nicked or bent etc. etc, What is the best way to string this? I have an electric constant pull with a diablo, and this is what I gather.

• Slow speed with prestretch
• Loosen up clamps a tad
• Do not use starting clamp, starting not instead (I HATE THIS)
• Hand pull knots

I even ditch the starting knot....

I do use the starting clamp to pull knots though but don't pull crazy hard

 

[djNEiGht]

With the chilly weather we are recently experiencing (yeah yeah, I'm in SoCal but 55-60 with no sun is cold!) I've lost some of the free power from my Kev/ZXP stringbed (strung at 65/42). So, I just strung up a racket with 65/37. That is really low for the ZXP...hopefully not a complete rocket launcher. If it ends up being to low a tension, the great news is that I can just remount the racket in my stringer, carefully remove the crosses, and then reuse and retension to my normal 42 lbs.

Playing later this afternoon as well as tomorrow so will report back!

and it was somewhat windy this past weekend. was a bit burrrr for sure in LA

 

[TypeRx]

FYI, Tennis Warehouse is now selling half-sets of Ashaway Kevlar again (they didn't appear to have it available for the past year or so). While the price has increased a bit, it is a tad cheaper to buy these half-sets than to buy a mini-reel (360'). I just ordered a bunch rather than buying a mini-reel. If we keep buying, perhaps they will keep stocking this!

Click below:
16g
17g
18g

PS: 16g seems to perform the best

 

[Shroud]

FYI, Tennis Warehouse is now selling half-sets of Ashaway Kevlar again (they didn't appear to have it available for the past year or so). While the price has increased a bit, it is a tad cheaper to buy these half-sets than to buy a mini-reel (360'). I just ordered a bunch rather than buying a mini-reel. If we keep buying, perhaps they will keep stocking this!

Click below:
16g
17g
18g

PS: 16g seems to perform the best

IIRC they used to sell them and I ordered some in the past. But then they started not selling them and said they were just in the system for when someone bought a racquet and wanted a hybrid...

Are they actually selling them this time?

 

[2ndServe]

does anyone use the 18g ashaway kevlar? Do you think it holds tension better than the 16 or 17? I know that's counter intuitive but I haven't used the 18 in a while but I thought I remember it holding tension better or maybe the 16g lasted so long by the time I took it out it was more a function of time in the racket compared to the 18 which snaps after months vs the 16 which I've used for 6 months

 

[TypeRx]

IIRC they used to sell them and I ordered some in the past. But then they started not selling them and said they were just in the system for when someone bought a racquet and wanted a hybrid...

Are they actually selling them this time?

Yes, I placed an order this morning and it has already shipped.

does anyone use the 18g ashaway kevlar? Do you think it holds tension better than the 16 or 17? I know that's counter intuitive but I haven't used the 18 in a while but I thought I remember it holding tension better or maybe the 16g lasted so long by the time I took it out it was more a function of time in the racket compared to the 18 which snaps after months vs the 16 which I've used for 6 months

Generally speaking, thinner gauge string will always lose tension more rapidly than thicker gauge. I've never tried the 18 but am pretty convinced after extensive use of 17g and 16g that the 16g provides better tension and performance maintenance. But if you experience is different, stick with what has worked for you.

 

[Wiztardo]

I finally strung up my second gen Pure Strike 100 16x19 and the Blade 104 v7 exactly the same with Ashaway Kevlar 16, and ZX Pro 17 at 62 and 42lbs with a manual prestretch on the ZX Pro. Unfortunately after hitting with both, I don't think I am good enough to really tell a huge difference. But also fortunately, I still really love it in this racket as I do in the Blade. If anything, I would say the Pure Strike provides more power than the Blade. Both are phenomenal with these strings in my opinion.

After the last couple sessions, something I discovered was really interesting, and I am curious if others have experienced the same with these strings? Because I was switching rackets around, I was really trying to focus on reproducing a reliable, mellow swing in an attempt to detect any differences among the rackets. But I noticed when holding back and swinging like this, it felt like crap. I would hit balls into the net, some short in front of the service line, some backhands would sail long. But the second I started swinging out big- like real big, I felt I had more control, depth, and consistency. I really hate to jinx anything, but man... I do not believe I am imagining this at all. This is two different extended hitting sessions I experienced this. I am sure everyone is different, but this is most definitely the case for me. It seems I cannot take easy swings at the ball and be consistent.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

I finally strung up my second gen Pure Strike 100 16x19 and the Blade 104 v7 exactly the same with Ashaway Kevlar 16, and ZX Pro 17 at 62 and 42lbs with a manual prestretch on the ZX Pro. Unfortunately after hitting with both, I don't think I am good enough to really tell a huge difference. But also fortunately, I still really love it in this racket as I do in the Blade. If anything, I would say the Pure Strike provides more power than the Blade. Both are phenomenal with these strings in my opinion.

After the last couple sessions, something I discovered was really interesting, and I am curious if others have experienced the same with these strings? Because I was switching rackets around, I was really trying to focus on reproducing a reliable, mellow swing in an attempt to detect any differences among the rackets. But I noticed when holding back and swinging like this, it felt like crap. I would hit balls into the net, some short in front of the service line, some backhands would sail long. But the second I started swinging out big- like real big, I felt I had more control, depth, and consistency. I really hate to jinx anything, but man... I do not believe I am imagining this at all. This is two different extended hitting sessions I experienced this. I am sure everyone is different, but this is most definitely the case for me. It seems I cannot take easy swings at the ball and be consistent.

Is the difference between taking big swings and mellow swings the amount of spin you put on the ball?

For me, the Kev/ZX is definitely a spin machine and it's harder to control if you hit more flatish.

 

[Shroud]

I finally strung up my second gen Pure Strike 100 16x19 and the Blade 104 v7 exactly the same with Ashaway Kevlar 16, and ZX Pro 17 at 62 and 42lbs with a manual prestretch on the ZX Pro. Unfortunately after hitting with both, I don't think I am good enough to really tell a huge difference. But also fortunately, I still really love it in this racket as I do in the Blade. If anything, I would say the Pure Strike provides more power than the Blade. Both are phenomenal with these strings in my opinion.

After the last couple sessions, something I discovered was really interesting, and I am curious if others have experienced the same with these strings? Because I was switching rackets around, I was really trying to focus on reproducing a reliable, mellow swing in an attempt to detect any differences among the rackets. But I noticed when holding back and swinging like this, it felt like crap. I would hit balls into the net, some short in front of the service line, some backhands would sail long. But the second I started swinging out big- like real big, I felt I had more control, depth, and consistency. I really hate to jinx anything, but man... I do not believe I am imagining this at all. This is two different extended hitting sessions I experienced this. I am sure everyone is different, but this is most definitely the case for me. It seems I cannot take easy swings at the ball and be consistent.

OMG. I thought it was just me. I have a few complaint posts where I explain that the moment I don't swing out bad things happen. Easy swings don't work well for me. Never thought it might be the strings. Not sure why it would be but damn if its not the case. Its one of my biggest frustrations in tennis!!

Trav hazzled me for this vid where he commented something about how violently I was swinging:

 

[Shroud]

Is the difference between taking big swings and mellow swings the amount of spin you put on the ball?

For me, the Kev/ZX is definitely a spin machine and it's harder to control if you hit more flatish.

I can't seem to do anything but hit flat with a lot of spin...no loop here...

 

[Slowtwitcher]

OMG. I thought it was just me. I have a few complaint posts where I explain that the moment I don't swing out bad things happen. Easy swings don't work well for me. Never thought it might be the strings. Not sure why it would be but damn if its not the case. Its one of my biggest frustrations in tennis!!

Trav hazzled me for this vid where he commented something about how violently I was swinging:

Is that a Tennis Twist?

 

[Shroud]

Is that a Tennis Twist?

yup!!! Its often the best part of my vids!

 

[Slowtwitcher]

I can't seem to do anything but hit flat with a lot of spin...no loop here...

Uh?

yup!!! Its often the best part of my vids!

That's actually a very decent bounce. Sort of like hand feeds... hmmmm...

 

[Shroud]

Uh?



That's actually a very decent bounce. Sort of like hand feeds... hmmmm...

trajectory is flat ball has spin. loopy shots are soooo hard for me.

Yep I got the twist because it was like hand feeds...

 

[Wiztardo]

Haha, I imagine that swing as if Nadal had a one handed backhand, that's what it would look like.

And yeah, Slowtwitcher- that is my only thought. I think unless I am really digging into the string bed every single stroke, I wasn't getting the same amount of bite on the ball, which was producing varying results. Sometimes it would grab the ball as expected, other times, it would sort of just brush the ball which would result in a shot into the net. Who knows... I also am basing this idea around the fact that I can reproduce the same solid ground stroke every shot, which is just not reality. Either way, I thought this was interesting because with any other string combo in my racket, I would slow my swings down and focus on fundamentals to recover after some bad shots. With this, it felt like I needed to trust myself and swing through to have better results. Also- that is only with topspin. Slices work so incredibly well for me with this string. I never seem to have issues with a slice since switching.

 

[tennisbike]

prestretch

Re Asking the shop to pre-stretch - Good luck with that. I mean it.
I believe that the typical pro-shop stringer do not read TT and subscribe to the protocol developed on this thread. So I can see them punching a pre-stretch number into their electric stringer, but not how the disciples would pre-stretch Kevlar/ZX here.
Next.. do the Pre-stretch yourself and hand over the stretched string, you might get a stare.
The best way is to string for yourself, if you are serious about this.