In praise of Kevlar/ZX hybrid!!!

[skydog]

Could be a grommet. Also next time look at the knot area prior. When it happened to me i think that was the part of the string that was last in the gripper. It may be racquet/machine dependent if its the last cross as you are experiencing. If it was a knot issue in general i would expect the issue would happen on the top knot too

I am thinking racquet dependent. I have 3 identical Prince Tour 98 ESP's I have strung once or twice apiece with no issues. It has just been the fourth one, twice in one week. I also had my first playing string break on the ZX cross in the same racquet only a few days after being strung, but that cross was mid-bed.

 

[Shroud]

I am thinking racquet dependent. I have 3 identical Prince Tour 98 ESP's I have strung once or twice apiece with no issues. It has just been the fourth one, twice in one week. I also had my first playing string break on the ZX cross in the same racquet only a few days after being strung, but that cross was mid-bed.

Very weird and intersting! Well since it has a "tour" designation you are probably just crushing the ball to much

 

[Irvin]

You can't "kill" a string by overstretching (unless you pull hard enough to break it). The more you stretch, the more elastic (and less plastic) it becomes. Higher elasticity means better energy return

I don't understand this, elasticity is by definition "the ability of an object or material to resume its normal shape after being stretched or compressed; stretchiness." If you stretch a string hard long enough it will become permanently pre-stretched and will have less elasticity.

 

[Irvin]

Could be a grommet. Also next time look at the knot area prior. When it happened to me i think that was the part of the string that was last in the gripper. It may be racquet/machine dependent if its the last cross as you are experiencing. If it was a knot issue in general i would expect the issue would happen on the top knot too

The only time I've broken ZX was at the top when using a starting clamp with and without a spacer. No way that could be the section of string in the gripper. But my machine pulls ZX very slowly. The stiffer the string the faster my machine pulls so it stands to reason it pulls Gut and ZX very slow. I also use a starting clamp to tie knots no matter what type of string I'm using. Because you're using a Wise maybe you should use the slowest pull for tie offs. Maybe the faster pulls weakens the string somehow. Just a though to think about, I'm not saying this is fact.

 

[bkfinch]

Got my kevlars in the mail today.

Thinking to try Kevlar/4G before going through 'ordeal' of setting up and pre stretching zyex homemade style. If something does happens to the zyex- seems to be a bit fragile? At least the half set of kevlar is still intact, lolol

Yea the stringer who did my first kevlar/zyex complained that the zyex broke and she had to do some patchwork. I've been making sure she doesn't string my rackets anymore since I've had a few recurring problems with her. This used to be a small time place but it's expanded a lot in last years and employees have increased quite a bit. Their two best stringers don't work there anymore and I don't always know everybody on first name basis anymore.

 

[Shroud]

Got my kevlars in the mail today.

Thinking to try Kevlar/4G before going through 'ordeal' of setting up and pre stretching zyex homemade style. If something does happens to the zyex- seems to be a bit fragile? At least the half set of kevlar is still intact, lolol

Yea the stringer who did my first kevlar/zyex complained that the zyex broke and she had to do some patchwork. I've been making sure she doesn't string my rackets anymore since I've had a few recurring problems with her. This used to be a small time place but it's expanded a lot in last years and employees have increased quite a bit. Their two best stringers don't work there anymore and I don't always know everybody on first name basis anymore.

Kev/4g is shroud approved. You can at least string it past 80. But i was pretty disappointed with the tension maintence. Actually i think ashaways non zx monogut is better than 4g as a cross if you take pricing into account!

 

[Shroud]

The only time I've broken ZX was at the top when using a starting clamp with and without a spacer. No way that could be the section of string in the gripper. But my machine pulls ZX very slowly. The stiffer the string the faster my machine pulls so it stands to reason it pulls Gut and ZX very slow. I also use a starting clamp to tie knots no matter what type of string I'm using. Because you're using a Wise maybe you should use the slowest pull for tie offs. Maybe the faster pulls weakens the string somehow. Just a though to think about, I'm not saying this is fact.

yeah thats why for zx the starting clamp method is something I dont use.

Pretty sure its on the slowest setting but man that thing is not intuitive. One would think that one was the slowest but IIRC its the opposite or something like that. you are right though that slow pulls are best.

 

[ultradr]

I don't understand this, elasticity is by definition "the ability of an object or material to resume its normal shape after being stretched or compressed; stretchiness." If you stretch a string hard long enough it will become permanently pre-stretched and will have less elasticity.

what would be that "hard enough" force for that too much stretching?

 

[graycrait]

With zyex I think you can figure out that "too much" stretch with a calipers but haven't had the discipline to do it. I've measured it before and after but never stuck with it to figure out useful numbers.

 

[ultradr]

With zyex I think you can figure out that "too much" stretch with a calipers but haven't had the discipline to do it. I've measured it before and after but never stuck with it to figure out useful numbers.

I have a feeling that there is an upper bound (although it might vary per player).

In actually play, I think there is my max force that I apply against incoming balls.
Then somebody must have measured a range of forces appied during typical tennis match.
Let me look up the tennis physics book and update here later.

 

[bkfinch]

Update:

I have been hired by the pro shop and I know how to string now. I'm probably terrible but I made it through 3 rackets and one of mine (all polyester). I played with the machine, it can go much higher than 20% pre stretch, you just have to keep pressing the '+' button lol

So I will be stringing my own kevlars/zx once I feel I have enough competency not to screw it up ! Hahaha

 

[esgee48]

Yeah, but if ref tension + prestretch >> 60#, your ZX will break prematurely or during stringing.

 

[Shroud]

Yeah, but if ref tension + prestretch >> 60#, your ZX will break prematurely or during stringing.

Esgee makes a good point here though i think the numbers are higher. Given my weight leaning against the string has to be over 60#... But something to think about. And always use the slowest pull speed with zx

 

[esgee48]

You must be tired or something. 70# over 20' does not damage the string as much as 70# over 20". And then you are pulsing the pull rather than holding the tension constant for 20-30 seconds.

 

[Shroud]

You must be tired or something. 70# over 20' does not damage the string as much as 70# over 20". And then you are pulsing the pull rather than holding the tension constant for 20-30 seconds.

Maybe you are right. Though i do lean pretty constantly and pulse at the same time. And given the fat comments i seem to get its got to be more weight than a silly machine

Fwiw i think i strung zx over 70 once iirc and it didnt break but just continued stretching

Yeah i am pretty tired.

 

[Irvin]

70# over 20' does not damage the string as much as 70# over 20".

What's the difference? If you have pull 20' of string at 70# every inch will be pulled at 70#. When you apply a tension force T
T to the string, as long as it doesn't break, the force gets "spread out" and will experience a tension of exactly T at every point on the string. The string will break if the weakest point on the string exceeds it holding strength.

The longer a string is stretched, the less material there is in any given section (especially in the weaker sections,) and the lower the tensile strength of the string. If you tension (and stretch) a string right up to just below the breaking point but do not exceed it it will not break. But what do you think happens when you hit the first ball?

 

[travlerajm]

Monogut ZX can take over 100 lbs tension... as long as it's pulled in the axial direction of the string. The problem with ZX is that it doesn't do well with high tension going around corners - unlike other types of string (like polyester or nylon), it's not malleable enough to flow and distribute stresses to other parts of the cross section, so stress concentrations develop and cause breakage. That's also why it's so fragile when pulling tension on knots.

The fragility when going around corners at high tension is much worse when the string is not prestretched. If you fuly prestretch it (by lengthening an 18' segment by at least 20"), the string becomes more durable, and you can safely string a racquet at 70 lbs as long as you use blunt-edged clamp jaws that don't damage the string. But at high tension, it's even more important to hand-tie knots.

The reason prestretching boosts durability: When you pull tension on an unprestretched string, the position of the tensioned sharp bend (where the string corners the first grommet) ends up traveling along the string as the string stretches, increasing likelihood for the string to snap at the tensioned corner. In contrast, if you fully prestretch, the tensioned sharp bend will not travel along the string, so the risk of breakage is much lower.

Also, prestretching the string evens out the stress distribution across the cross section at all axial points along the string, which reduces the magnitude of stress concentration that might develop at sharp tensioned bends during stringing.

The lack of malleability and lack of ductility is what makes ZX so fragile. But this property is also what makes it a superior cross string compared to poly. It helps it resist denting (malleability is by definition the opposite of dent resistance), so it's easy on the arm and great for spin.

 

[skydog]

Finally settling in on a tension for my Tour 98 ESP's. Looks like 64/50 is going to be the sweet spot. Will string up the knot breaker frame this weekend to see if I can complete the job without breaking the knot, again, on that frame. Other three frames still without any breakage issues after multiple string jobs.

 

[marsh]

So I have a question for all of those wiser than myself. I strung a friends racquet at 60/50 (his request) with the Kevlar Zyex combo. He loves it but is starting to have some elbow discomfort. Normally he plays with gut/ poly at an unknown tension. I know his problem is due to the death grip he swings his racquet, but other than mentioning it I can't say too much more because he is a much better player than myself. Now he has requested that I string one of his racquets at a higher tension because he thinks the dwell time of the lower tenison is partially causing his problem. My question is do I go ahead and string at say 62/55 or something similar or do I I string at 60/40 and offer to comp the job if he doesn't like it? Is it possible that tighter tensions and thus a quicker response might help someone with a death grip?

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

I would try to honor your friend's request and just go to about 64/54, but do a real thorough pre-stretch on the mains.

Maybe incorporate a little proportional stringing and do the short outside strings a bit lower tension? Helps some on off center hits.

 

[graycrait]

Go 75/60 if it is 100"+ and open 16/19 or 16 x 18. After an overnight and 2 hours of hitting it will be sublime. That is what I would do on a lockout NEOS 1000 but would want to consider racket head size, flex and string pattern.

 

[Outliar]

So would you strung a 95-98 head frame with even more of a differential?


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[skydog]

I use a starting block with my starting clamp to start the crosses and have not had any breakage issues, yet. Interesting enough, the couple of times I have broken ZX during tie off has been at the throat of the racquet when tightening the final knot on the last cross. I had only done it once after a dozen plus racquets with this hybrid and have since experienced knot breakage twice in my last 3 string jobs on the final cross. I use a starting clamp to help tighten the knots and have been careful not to over pull after I experienced my first break, but it has happened twice on the same racquet. It was a brand new Prince Tour 98 ESP right out of the plastic so I am starting to wonder if I have a sharp edge in or around the tie off grommet.

I think I found the culprit. Restrung this same racquet this morning and found that the tie off grommet where the breakage had occurred had an edge that rolled over into the grommet leaving a semi sharp edge pointing in toward the strings. Smoothed it out and re shaped the grommet with an awl and strung it up. No knot breakage on the final cross this time around.

I am thinking that when I snugged the first loop on the Parnell knot it must have cinched over the grommet edge pulling it inward leaving that edge facing the tag end string. When I pulled the tag end, it must have acted like a small blade roughing up the string enough to weaken it when being pulled to the point of breakage.

Hopefully, reshaping the grommet will solve the issue long term.

 

[graycrait]

So would you strung a 95-98 head frame with even more of a differential?

Nope, but there is no exactness to this, all subjective and needs to be experimented with or not. I simply do not prestretch the Zyex to the edge if at all and will not string it higher than 60lbs.

 

[Shroud]

I think I found the culprit. Restrung this same racquet this morning and found that the tie off grommet where the breakage had occurred had an edge that rolled over into the grommet leaving a semi sharp edge pointing in toward the strings. Smoothed it out and re shaped the grommet with an awl and strung it up. No knot breakage on the final cross this time around.

I am thinking that when I snugged the first loop on the Parnell knot it must have cinched over the grommet edge pulling it inward leaving that edge facing the tag end string. When I pulled the tag end, it must have acted like a small blade roughing up the string enough to weaken it when being pulled to the point of breakage.

Hopefully, reshaping the grommet will solve the issue long term.

Nice catch. But its the reason for alot of breakage

 

[Shroud]

So would you strung a 95-98 head frame with even more of a differential?


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Sure, why not? I did my ps85 at 60/40 and these days would go more for sure

 

[whorng]

I've been reading the kevlar / zx hybrid threads and decided to buy a few Crossfire ZX 17 sets.
I know the kevlar isn't the same as the separate sets, but it was on sale and seemed like a good entry into this hybrid.

What tension should I string the following racquets, prioritizing comfort?

Prince Textreme Tour 100T | 16x18 | rec. tension 48-58

Would 60 kev / 40 zx work? Considering Prince has a tighter threshold.​

Yonex DR98+ | 16x19 |rec. tension 45-60

Would 65 kev / 40 zx work? Considering Yonex has a wider threshold.​

Other questions do I pre-stretch the kevlar 2 inches and the zyex 12 inches?
Plan on tying it to a door pull up bar, and broom handle or a hand clamp.

Anything I should tell the pro shop stringers?
They have teenagers doing the stringing although trained by the resident MRT.

 

[Shroud]

I've been reading the kevlar / zx hybrid threads and decided to buy a few Crossfire ZX 17 sets.
I know the kevlar isn't the same as the separate sets, but it was on sale and seemed like a good entry into this hybrid.

What tension should I string the following racquets, prioritizing comfort?

Prince Textreme Tour 100T | 16x18 | rec. tension 48-58

Would 60 zev / 40 zx work? Considering Prince has a tighter threshold.​

Yonex DR98+ | 16x19 |rec. tension 45-60

Would 65 zev / 40 zx work? Considering Yonex has a wider threshold.​

Other questions do I pre-stretch the kevlar 2 inches and the zyex 12 inches?
Plan on tying it to a door pull up bar, and broom handle or a hand clamp.

Anything I should tell the pro shop stringers?
They have teenagers doing the stringing although trained by the resident MRT.

Best approach is to do the prestretching and give them the prestretched strings. 2" is probably 1.8" too much to expect to stretch the kevlar. It doesnt really stretch. 12" sounds ok for the zx.

On the tension i think a good rule of thumb is to take your usual tension and add 10lbs to the mains and subtract 10lbs from the crosses.

So 50 lbs becomes 60/40 and 48 becomes 58/38 etc.

 

[whorng]

Best approach is to do the prestretching and give them the prestretched strings. 2" is probably 1.8" too much to expect to stretch the kevlar. It doesnt really stretch. 12" sounds ok for the zx.

On the tension i think a good rule of thumb is to take your usual tension and add 10lbs to the mains and subtract 10lbs from the crosses.

So 50 lbs becomes 60/40 and 48 becomes 58/38 etc.

Sounds good, ty for the advice.
I'll do 60/40 on the Prince for starters since it is brand new.

 

[travlerajm]

Sounds good, ty for the advice.
I'll do 60/40 on the Prince for starters since it is brand new.

I would recommend tighter than that -- since kevlar is 4x stiffer than ZX, the final average stringbed tension for 60/40 will be 4x closer to 40 than to 60 (about 44 lbs), which is really loose for a 16x18. You can use same math for other differentials.
For example, average stringbed tension for kev/zx at 70/45 = 45 + (70 - 45)*(0.2) = 52.

 

[whorng]

I would recommend tighter than that -- since kevlar is 4x stiffer than ZX, the final average stringbed tension for 60/40 will be 4x closer to 40 than to 60 (about 44 lbs), which is really loose for a 16x18. You can use same math for other differentials.
For example, average stringbed tension for kev/zx at 70/45 = 45 + (70 - 45)*(0.2) = 52.

Interesting didn't know about the math.
I will keep that in mind on the next try if something feels off, maybe 65/45.

 

[bkfinch]

I just want to say I have put this stuff in a bunch of my rackets now that I've been doing a stringing job, trying different tensions/differentials.

Results are varying from setup to setup but overall this stuff is insanely good and I never want to go back to full poly again.

And it's easy to string (!)

 

[travlerajm]

I just want to say I have put this stuff in a bunch of my rackets now that I've been doing a stringing job, trying different tensions/differentials.

Results are varying from setup to setup but overall this stuff is insanely good and I never want to go back to full poly again.

And it's easy to string (!)

Agreed. Once you learn how to string it, there is no going back to inferior poly string.

 

[bkfinch]

I would recommend tighter than that -- since kevlar is 4x stiffer than ZX, the final average stringbed tension for 60/40 will be 4x closer to 40 than to 60 (about 44 lbs), which is really loose for a 16x18. You can use same math for other differentials.
For example, average stringbed tension for kev/zx at 70/45 = 45 + (70 - 45)*(0.2) = 52.

Could you explain that equation please?

Going to string one of my 18x20 this aft. Other one had 53/40, initially stiffish but after an hour or so ohmamama

Also: 4G crosses are also really great but overall tension should be lower and I think kevlar mains should still be tighter. The tighter cross setup played deader and less spin. It gives a more satisfying sound than ZX crosses though and a more predictable/tempered response.

 

[whorng]

I decided to go up a smidge to 62/42 on the Prince TT100T and it feels stiff.
Stiffer than my DR 98+ with 3 or 4 week old YPTP 16L @ 52 / Sheep Micro Super 16 @ 54.
Not the best comparison due to different variables, but still stiff even after a hour of hitting.
I'll let it rest for a day or two, then try again.

 

[graycrait]

Prince Textreme Warrior 100, leaded to 12.2oz 7pts HL. Strung it up with severely manually prestretched 16g Ash Kev and 17g Ash Zyex Pro 65/59. Plush power with almost as much spin with my old limbs as 18g Tour Bite x Genesis Black Magic in a identical sister racket at 53/53. I can play points with either but I have to change strings in the TB x BM racket a lot, not so much in Ash Kev x Zyex racket.

 

[ashridge]

I've read over the last several weeks through multiple threads about the Ashaway Kev/ZX hybrid, and am definitely going to try it here shortly. One thing I have a question about is whether most of you are using the Kevlar/PTFE that comes in the Crossfire ZX package, or are you using the "pure" Ashaway Kevlar that comes only in a reel or in a half-set from TW? And if you have used both, did you notice big differences between the two when used as a hybrid with ZX in the crosses? Which did you like better?

Thanks.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

I've read over the last several weeks through multiple threads about the Ashaway Kev/ZX hybrid, and am definitely going to try it here shortly. One thing I have a question about is whether most of you are using the Kevlar/PTFE that comes in the Crossfire ZX package, or are you using the "pure" Ashaway Kevlar that comes only in a reel or in a half-set from TW? And if you have used both, did you notice big differences between the two when used as a hybrid with ZX in the crosses? Which did you like better?

Thanks.

Regular ash Kevlar 17 or 18 is a better option than the coated stuff.

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[ashridge]

Can you elaborate on that? In the absence of buying a reel (which I'm not going to do until I try it first), I'm stuck with either the half set of 16 gauge "pure" Ashaway Kevlar from TW, or the 17 gauge Kev/PTFE in the Crossfire ZX package. I intend to try both, but I'd be grateful for specific input on the differences from some who have tried both the Kev/PTFE and the "pure" Kev.

Thanks.

Regular ash Kevlar 17 or 18 is a better option than the coated stuff.

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[2nd Serve Ace]

Can you elaborate on that? In the absence of buying a reel (which I'm not going to do until I try it first), I'm stuck with either the half set of 16 gauge "pure" Ashaway Kevlar from TW, or the 17 gauge Kev/PTFE in the Crossfire ZX package. I intend to try both, but I'd be grateful for specific input on the differences from some who have tried both the Kev/PTFE and the "pure" Kev.

Thanks.

I'm not following you as TW does have the regular 17 kev/zx sets available for $11.

The regular is excellent at avoiding notching/fraying and is supreme in comfort and control with still excellent spin.

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[ashridge]

Are you talking about the 17 gauge Crossfire ZX hybrid pack? If so, according to the Ashaway web site (www.ashawayusa.com/TennisIndexV2.php), the Kevlar string in the 17 gauge Crossfire ZX pack is "Aramid and PTFE Blend". The Crossfire 17 and Crossfire 18 packs *are* 100% Aramid, but the hybrid crosses in those packs are synthetic gut, not Zyex. So, as far as I can tell, Ashaway does not offer a pre-packaged hybrid pack with 17 gauge 100% Kevlar mains/Zyex crosses.

I'm not following you as TW does have the regular 17 kev/zx sets available for $11.

The regular is excellent at avoiding notching/fraying and is supreme in comfort and control with still excellent spin.

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[2nd Serve Ace]

Are you talking about the 17 gauge Crossfire ZX hybrid pack? If so, according to the Ashaway web site (www.ashawayusa.com/TennisIndexV2.php), the Kevlar string in the 17 gauge Crossfire ZX pack is "Aramid and PTFE Blend". The Crossfire 17 and Crossfire 18 packs *are* 100% Aramid, but the hybrid crosses in those packs are synthetic gut, not Zyex. So, as far as I can tell, Ashaway does not offer a pre-packaged hybrid pack with 17 gauge 100% Kevlar mains/Zyex crosses.

The PTFE coating is an option for the mains. Notwithstanding, the %100 Aramid is still the better way to go.

The very first selection on TW for crossfire is a 1.25 pure aramid and a 1.23 zyex so what is your problem with this?



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[Outliar]

Are you talking about the 17 gauge Crossfire ZX hybrid pack? If so, according to the Ashaway web site (www.ashawayusa.com/TennisIndexV2.php), the Kevlar string in the 17 gauge Crossfire ZX pack is "Aramid and PTFE Blend". The Crossfire 17 and Crossfire 18 packs *are* 100% Aramid, but the hybrid crosses in those packs are synthetic gut, not Zyex. So, as far as I can tell, Ashaway does not offer a pre-packaged hybrid pack with 17 gauge 100% Kevlar mains/Zyex crosses.

The PTFE coating is an option for the mains. Notwithstanding, the %100 Aramid is still the better way to go.

The very first selection on TW for crossfire is a 1.25 pure aramid and a 1.23 zyex so what is your problem with this?



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Ashridge isnt wrong. Ashaway and TW does not sell plain Kevlar in their Crossfire ZX Hybrid packs, the Kevlar in the Crossfire ZX hybrids are Kevlar + PTFE. The Crossfire with Syngut crosses do have plain Kevlar in them, but they dont have ZX.

So the cheapest option to get plain Kevlar/ZX, is to buy 1/2 reels of plain Kevlar off TW and a reel or packets of ZX as they have 4 for 1 offers every now and then.

Personally, I've played with plain Kevlar and Kevlar + PTFE and didnt feel a whole lot of difference between them. It is a fact that the difference between them is only 15% which are PTFE filaments that makes it play slightly bit softer, but Kevlar is still Kevlar and its tough as nails. If you dont mind playing with that little bit softer Kevlar then go with the Crossfire ZX hybrid. But other known Kevlar/ZX users here all play with plain Kevlar and they do feel that the PTFE Kevlar just doesnt feel the same.

Also another thing is that the Crossfire ZX hybrid comes with natural colored ZX, some users here have commented that they feel the black ZX Pro is slightly better but again, each to their own. Try them both out and tell us what you think.

 

[Shroud]

Ashridge isnt wrong. Ashaway and TW does not sell plain Kevlar in their Crossfire ZX Hybrid packs, the Kevlar in the Crossfire ZX hybrids are Kevlar + PTFE. The Crossfire with Syngut crosses do have plain Kevlar in them, but they dont have ZX.

So the cheapest option to get plain Kevlar/ZX, is to buy 1/2 reels of plain Kevlar off TW and a reel or packets of ZX as they have 4 for 1 offers every now and then.

Personally, I've played with plain Kevlar and Kevlar + PTFE and didnt feel a whole lot of difference between them. It is a fact that the difference between them is only 15% which are PTFE filaments that makes it play slightly bit softer, but Kevlar is still Kevlar and its tough as nails. If you dont mind playing with that little bit softer Kevlar then go with the Crossfire ZX hybrid. But other known Kevlar/ZX users here all play with plain Kevlar and they do feel that the PTFE Kevlar just doesnt feel the same.

Also another thing is that the Crossfire ZX hybrid comes with natural colored ZX, some users here have commented that they feel the black ZX Pro is slightly better but again, each to their own. Try them both out and tell us what you think.

Agree with all of this except the cheapeat way to get plain kevlar and zx. Tw sells halfsets of kevlar.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Ashaway_Kevlar_16_1_2_Set/descpageAC-AK6H.html

 

[Outliar]

Agree with all of this except the cheapeat way to get plain kevlar and zx. Tw sells halfsets of kevlar.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Ashaway_Kevlar_16_1_2_Set/descpageAC-AK6H.html

Sorry thats what I meant, 1/2 sets of Kevlar*

 

[Shroud]

Sorry thats what I meant, 1/2 sets of Kevlar*

Ah. They have 360' and 720' reels and am pretty sure a reel originally was 720' so i figured thats what you really meant. I bet a call to tw could get a full set of kevlar too if you wanted it.

 

[ashridge]

Maybe you could post the URL of the item you're seeing, because I'm not seeing a pack that is 100% Aramid/100% Zyex hybrid.

Thanks.

The PTFE coating is an option for the mains. Notwithstanding, the %100 Aramid is still the better way to go.

The very first selection on TW for crossfire is a 1.25 pure aramid and a 1.23 zyex so what is your problem with this?



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[ashridge]

Thanks for your input, I do intend to try both the 100% Aramid and the Kev/PTFE blend to see what I like best, just trying to figure out the most economical way to do that up front without needing to buy a reel right off the bat, thanks.

Personally, I've played with plain Kevlar and Kevlar + PTFE and didnt feel a whole lot of difference between them. It is a fact that the difference between them is only 15% which are PTFE filaments that makes it play slightly bit softer, but Kevlar is still Kevlar and its tough as nails. If you dont mind playing with that little bit softer Kevlar then go with the Crossfire ZX hybrid. But other known Kevlar/ZX users here all play with plain Kevlar and they do feel that the PTFE Kevlar just doesnt feel the same.

That was actually one thing I was wondering about but hadn't got around to asking yet. Thanks for mentioning. Can't quite wrap my head around why a colored version of the same string would play differently than a "natural" version of it, but I see comments on here a lot to that effect, for various strings. I personally like the color of the black one better, so I'm glad to know some users think it is a little better. Thanks.

Also another thing is that the Crossfire ZX hybrid comes with natural colored ZX, some users here have commented that they feel the black ZX Pro is slightly better but again, each to their own. Try them both out and tell us what you think.

 

[ashridge]

I just ordered two 1/2 sets of 16 gauge Ashaway "pure" Kevlar, one set of black Monogut ZX Pro, and one set of Crossfire ZX 17.

The Crossfire ZX package says the Kevlar is 1.25mm and the ZX Pro is 1.22mm. Does that mean they're *both* considered 17 gauge? I see from looking around on the TW site that 17l gauge is actually 1.20mm. Just curious.

Will report back over the next few months my thoughts on the Kev/ZX combos. First set-up will probably be in my Prince Graphite II (14x18 string pattern) MP at somewhere between 65x45 and 55x35, haven't decided yet. I'm playing full poly in that racquet right now at 55 lbs. (Volkl V-Torque came strung in it at that tension when I got it off the auction site a few weeks ago) and having some elbow pain, so I'm leaning more towards the 55x35 range as a 1st try with the Kev/ZX since I'm guessing it would be a tad softer than 65-45. I'm having the V-Torque cut out and a full bed of Volkl Cyclone 17 put in at 35 lbs. right now to see how that is for my arm. The Kev/ZX hybrid will go in after I break the Cyclone. I am a stringbreaker and the 14x18 pattern is hard on strings (though great for spin!), so I'm very curious to see how durable the Kev/ZX combo is in it.

Thanks for your input, I do intend to try both the 100% Aramid and the Kev/PTFE blend to see what I like best, just trying to figure out the most economical way to do that up front without needing to buy a reel right off the bat, thanks.

That was actually one thing I was wondering about but hadn't got around to asking yet. Thanks for mentioning. Can't quite wrap my head around why a colored version of the same string would play differently than a "natural" version of it, but I see comments on here a lot to that effect, for various strings. I personally like the color of the black one better, so I'm glad to know some users think it is a little better. Thanks.

 

[therecanbeonlyone]

I have Kev/ZX in a POG Tour (93 sq in 14x18) right now. I did not prestretch either and strung them up somewhere in the neighborhood of 62/58 on a lockout. Spin was wonderful. Slices sailed a little bit, and maybe due to that I felt like power was a little high. Comfort was very nice though. I think if you do prestretch, I would go with 65-45 and not even think about 55/35.