Thanks Brittany! Can Michelle post some thoughts on her Crossfire ZX set-up compared to her regular set-up (is it Hyper-G?)
In praise of Kevlar/ZX hybrid!!!
- Thread starter marsh
- Start date
skydog
Professional
Talk Tennis Podcast discussing Ashaway strings:
www.tennis-warehouse.com
They discuss Michele’s play test of full bed ZX and Kev/ZX hybrid.
Still staying with the Kev/ZX hybrid, but have been on hiatus due to pandemic. Hoping the numbers start coming down soon so I can go back to group drills.
Talk Tennis Podcast | Tennis Warehouse
www.tennis-warehouse.com
They discuss Michele’s play test of full bed ZX and Kev/ZX hybrid.
Still staying with the Kev/ZX hybrid, but have been on hiatus due to pandemic. Hoping the numbers start coming down soon so I can go back to group drills.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
LMAO! Michele thought kev/ zx would be harsh, but it was actually comfortable!!! She never would have guessed there was kevlar in there....
OMG...don't listen to the stringers or coaches!!! Amen been saying that for years
Thanks @TW Staff for testing this combo!!! and doing this podcast! did you guys prestretch it?
OMG...don't listen to the stringers or coaches!!! Amen been saying that for years
Thanks @TW Staff for testing this combo!!! and doing this podcast! did you guys prestretch it?
Slowtwitcher
Legend
Tell us how you feel after being totally vindicated.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
Its true man. But "totally"? Nah. Lots of glass elbows out there and it seems anything remotely stiff is problematic. I certainly don't get that. but hey I have a big handle and a highish swing weight that protects me...so no string or tension is problematic. It does crack me up all this anti kevlar stuff and in the podcast Michele was talking about comfort and things going south at 15 hours. Thats a long time for a big hitter like her.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
Literally I don't know how anyone can find the rackets I play with anything but comfortable (Wilson Blade 98 v7 16x19) with Kev/ZXP. I have 3 of these sticks and one had a soft poly (Tier One Firewire) in it. The Kev/ZXP was so much more comfy! There is something magical about Ashaway Kev (they even refer to the braiding process a bit during the podcast) and ZXP crosses. The only downsides to me are pre-stretching (5 mins extra), break-in period (first hour or two), and lack of touch relative to NG or even SG (but poly also lacks touch IMO).
skydog
Professional
I was also not aware AA was using Ashaway Kevlar back in the day. Always thought is was Prince’s Kevlar hybrid, but apparently it was Ashaway Kevlar mains with natty gut crosses.
They did not report Michele’s tension on the podcast for the hybrid, but in another thread she responded that it was 55 lbs x 55 lbs. A little different than most of us on this thread, but I had good luck with lower differentials in tighter pattern racquets with this hybrid. On my open pattern Tour 98 ESP, I need the higher differential in the mains to maintain snap back.
They did not report Michele’s tension on the podcast for the hybrid, but in another thread she responded that it was 55 lbs x 55 lbs. A little different than most of us on this thread, but I had good luck with lower differentials in tighter pattern racquets with this hybrid. On my open pattern Tour 98 ESP, I need the higher differential in the mains to maintain snap back.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
I thought they said it was strung at 56 lbs, which is still lower than her typical poly tension.
Interesting was that they also recommended 58-60lbs for high level players with ZX/ZXP...saying that low 50s might work best for rec players (like me). If in full bed, I do 52-53 lbs with ZXP. Kev hybrid I go 40-42 lbs.
Wish they discussed, at least anecdotally, using a high differential tension. Also, wish they explained why Kevlar+ exists and why they choose to package that with ZXP for crossfire instead of their normal kev.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Interesting was that they also recommended 58-60lbs for high level players with ZX/ZXP...saying that low 50s might work best for rec players (like me). If in full bed, I do 52-53 lbs with ZXP. Kev hybrid I go 40-42 lbs.
Wish they discussed, at least anecdotally, using a high differential tension. Also, wish they explained why Kevlar+ exists and why they choose to package that with ZXP for crossfire instead of their normal kev.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
graycrait
Legend
In my Rad OS's, (107" 18x19) Ash Kev x ZX at 65/60 (both prestretched) is magical and comfortable. I tried the high differentials but it didn't do a thing for me and my game, such as it is. I think I have been stringing Ash Kev x ZX now for over 5 years in a lot of rackets. It seems perfect for a Rad OS.
Kevlar/Zx is just about durability. Other options have better playability, spin, feel etc.
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TypeRx
Semi-Pro
K THX BYE.
As the lone American-based manufacturer of tennis strings, I am happy that Ashaway has chosen to not develop a poly offering in a market that is TOTALLY saturated. I wish them much success and hope they continue to try and innovate not to mention try to pump some marketing dollars into things to try and get more folks to at least try/experiment with their strings. No string is perfect for all people/rackets/situations, and that applies with this setup. I don't know if long-term poly use by juniors will lead to a generation of tennis players with related-injuries (doubt it), but I do know that for me and that ANYONE that has hit with my racket, it is universally perceived as more comfortable than full bed poly (even soft poly).
But alas, let's not forget the whole purpose of this thread. Guess what, it is in the title. Its easy to create a new thread to convince people not to use string X, Y, or Z.
As the lone American-based manufacturer of tennis strings, I am happy that Ashaway has chosen to not develop a poly offering in a market that is TOTALLY saturated. I wish them much success and hope they continue to try and innovate not to mention try to pump some marketing dollars into things to try and get more folks to at least try/experiment with their strings. No string is perfect for all people/rackets/situations, and that applies with this setup. I don't know if long-term poly use by juniors will lead to a generation of tennis players with related-injuries (doubt it), but I do know that for me and that ANYONE that has hit with my racket, it is universally perceived as more comfortable than full bed poly (even soft poly).
But alas, let's not forget the whole purpose of this thread. Guess what, it is in the title. Its easy to create a new thread to convince people not to use string X, Y, or Z.
Step on many peoples toes by telling players not to listen to coaches or stringers. Misleading to the tennis pubic. Not sure if people have been watching the US Open but that is players from all over the world that have been listening to coaches and stringers their whole life. Playing with full poly or some sort of poly hybrid. Seems to have worked out fairly well.
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Slowtwitcher
Legend
Let me tell you something. You're probably a great guy IRL, but here you come across as an insufferable PIA.
skydog
Professional
A video playtest would be nice, too. I would like to see what the staff thinks of the hybrid.
tennisbike
Professional
As much as I believe in the spirit of inclusion, and we ought to embrace everyone including the ones who are different than us, there are times when people do not know they are in the wrong place and expressing the the wrong view. For example, one does not go into a Catholic church and try to convert the crowd to Muslim, nor go to a mosque to promote Christianity. Well, if the person does not know that, then what do one do? Well, one thing, let's not encourage the person. Just ignore the poster. I was taught that if you have nothing good to say, then don't say it.
I just want to restate that this thread is about information on how to utilize Ashway's Kevlar/ZX hybrid, or something related to that. I found lots of interesting information in the thread, though buried under massive amount of not so useful information. It is probably good if someone actually create a wiki of some sort to consolidate and organize the massive thread. Though this is nothing like the 50 dollar paintjob thread originated in Mopar forum.
I just want to restate that this thread is about information on how to utilize Ashway's Kevlar/ZX hybrid, or something related to that. I found lots of interesting information in the thread, though buried under massive amount of not so useful information. It is probably good if someone actually create a wiki of some sort to consolidate and organize the massive thread. Though this is nothing like the 50 dollar paintjob thread originated in Mopar forum.
graycrait
Legend
The ignore button is quite refreshing.
I would like to reiterate one thing about prestretching Ash Kev. I find that pulling tension 3 times while installing each Ash Kev main with my lockout is about as effective as using my winch set up to prestretch. I still manually prestretch ZX Pro with one end in a vice and the other end in a C-clamp using folded bits of sandpaper at each end to hold it. You do not want ZX whipping through the air towards you or other living creatures.
I do have a couple of Rad OSs not strung with Ash Kev x ZX. One has 16g Multifeel and the other has 17g Klip Nat Gut. I prefer Ash Kev x ZX.
I would like to reiterate one thing about prestretching Ash Kev. I find that pulling tension 3 times while installing each Ash Kev main with my lockout is about as effective as using my winch set up to prestretch. I still manually prestretch ZX Pro with one end in a vice and the other end in a C-clamp using folded bits of sandpaper at each end to hold it. You do not want ZX whipping through the air towards you or other living creatures.
I do have a couple of Rad OSs not strung with Ash Kev x ZX. One has 16g Multifeel and the other has 17g Klip Nat Gut. I prefer Ash Kev x ZX.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
I was pre-stretching ZXP once and I guess my knot was sub par because as I was deep in the process, the damn string "snapped" at me and hit my leg. Left a welt that took a week to heal. Good news is that the string didn't actually snap...the knot at the post I was pulling from just came undone. So, I retied and it, stretched, strung it up, and used that string for probably 75+ hours (in Kev/ZXP hybrid)
That may be the most ridiculous analogy I have seen. Comparing comments on a particular string to converting Christians to the Muslim religion. We are talking about tennis racquets and strings here. No need for sacrilege.
When you post a podcast slamming all poly strings and telling people not to listen to coaches and stringers with respect to strings..you open the door for comments.
By the way,, many of us have proshops or work in them and sell ALL strings. So yeah, it is all open for discussion.
Played college tennis with Kevlar and have played with Kevlar/Zx as well.
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skydog
Professional
Thanks for the tip. The thread is a lot cleaner now.
I have been double pulling the first two mains with the prestretching function engaged and have had more consistent results as well. In my open pattern, those are the first two to lose snap back.
By pulling tension 3 times, are you clamping, then making the next pull? Or are you releasing, then pulling again? If you are clamping before the next pull, then do you have to make a bit of room for the string/clamp to creep toward the end of the frame (like Irvin's double pulling on lockout video)?
I haven't used this hybrid in over a year because I gave up on trying to get any sense of consistency on the prestretch, so this could be really helpful. Would this work for ZX as well?
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
Well i m interested too why it is neccessary to put an expensive and rare string made made of Zyex in crosses. Why would not a a sgut at low tension be sufficiant? This way you could even replace the crosses while keeping the kevlar mains several times and keep costs low. Cheap is always better.
It sounds likes expensive Zyex is hyped like expensive Alu in other threads.
I thus find it more interesting at what tension such hybrid is best. i suspct at lower tension than most people are stringing it. We are not super human shrouds you know ;-)
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
The idea that low tension stringing is only for recreational players is a stupid macho remark that has wrecked many arms and make many perform under their level too. I say if you like stiff why not use a frying pan?
graycrait
Legend
I have a hitting friend who plays syn gut at 45lbs in a 98" iRadical, and he is a very good over 60 player.
I don't use syn gut as a cross because it locks up with the Ash Kev pretty fast. Round poly as a cross seems a possibility and I suppose it might work just fine even after the poly dies, I don't know. I got rid of all my poly because it tempts me, then I get disgusted with it or myself and cut it out after 4 hrs or so.
@tomato123 , @ron schaap , When I triple pull the mains I do not clamp off. I just pull to tension, disengage the lockout and pull tension again. I have gone up to pulling tension 5x on each main but it appears that 3x is "enough." This doesn't add much time to the stringing process. Remember to dip your ends after clipping to a point in thin super glue. I dip up to 2-3" then wipe it off immediately with a rag and generally have no issues stringing the mains. Addendum: I used to have an issue with losing a lot of tension on the last main on each side. I would up the tension on the last cross, manipulate the knot tying to make it quicker, etc. I use an awl and a Gamma cam plier now. I vary the cam pressure depending on how far the cross tie off is from the last grommet. Ash Kev can lose a lot of tension in a very short distance
ZX. Personally I don't think one really needs to prestretch if you are using it with Ash Kev, but I do it because I use 16g AK and 17g ZX. When I prestretch 17g ZX it gets to a diameter like 18g. I have a delusion that the mains slide easier with zero scientific proof. I always string ZX pretty slowly. Of course you know it pulls like taffy and I suspect if you pulled it slow several times it will become "prestretched." The way I do it works for me using the vices and all. Then I only pull slowly once, clamp off "not at the frame" and pull slowly on the next cross. I suspect just stringing the mains and crosses is 35 - 40 minutes, whereas I do syn gut in 20 or less.
Tension. As a matter of habit I do 100" rackets and less around 60-62lbs in the mains and OS rackets 65-68 (depending on string pattern and size of head). I always string ZX at 58-60 depending on racket size/pattern. Do those variances really matter from size to size, pattern to pattern? I dunno. Over time I have just come to like the feel of those tensions in various rackets. In 93" 18x20s I still use Nat Gut, syn gut or a multi.
Over the years I have used Racquet Tune and later Tennis Tension to check tension loss. I THINK that AK x ZX settles in after my stringing to around 48lbs after 24hrs and 2 hrs of hitting. That also may be delusional but I am sticking with that. I don't think the makers of those apps ever planned to ping braided Kevlar. I also don't play with stiff rackets. The combo of "soft" rackets and AK x ZX strung "my way" provides a comfy bed with enough pop, spin and longevity for me.
I have a solid 4.0 "friend" who I just started talking strings with who strings his own rackets. Knowing he used to use Pros Pro poly. He also uses MG Rad OSs. He told me (with absolutely no input from me) that he uses Ash Kev x NRG2. I looked at his stringbed and virtually no wear on the AK mains but those NRG2 crosses were notched, frayed and severely worn. I mentioned he might try Ashaway Zyex as a cross as it will outlast his mains, not vice versa, providing him an even more economical stringbed if he likes Ash Kev in the mains.
Ash Kev x Syngut. I have dear friend who due to too many military parachute jumps has had to quit tennis. But when he was playing he loved a stiff Ti6 strung with Ash Kev x Syn Gut at 65/60. Locked that bed tighter than Dick's Hatband in no time and he would play till the crosses broke. Those Ti6's were weighted to 11oz headlight.
AK x ZX vs poly. It isn't the same. Good fresh poly in a stiff racket swung by a RHS 20 yr old spin monster gets way more rpms than AK vs ZX. Only two really good players I know play with Ash Kev x ZX and both are flat hitters.
I think that Ash Kev x ZX gives way more RPMs than full bed nat gut, multi or syn gut. It does not have a lot of comparative power to really fresh poly, syn gut, nat gut or a multi. But it is so comfy, provides a nice snap back for my Berrettini forehand wanna be emulations and lasts way longer for me than anything else. PLUS, and this always bugs me about older poly users who complain about syn gut, gut and multis "moving all over the place," Ash Kev x ZX stays "straight" for OCD types.
The end.
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TypeRx
Semi-Pro
Zyex has some very unique properties relative to other strings. Easiest way to describe it inherent power similar to NG, spin potential similar to round poly, and comfort similar to NG. While it isn't "cheap", it certainly isn't an expensive string (relative to many polys, multis, and certainly NG). What is awesome about it is that it WILL not break due to notching unless used in full bed. No other string even seems to dent it. As such, you can reuse it over and over and over if you are okay with multiple pieces of strings on your crosses. I've posted this throughout this thread -- I have multiple segments of ZXP that have over 100 hours of play on them with no discernible change in performance! Honestly, if you string yourself and do this, no other string...even $2/set syn gut, is "cheaper".
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
The problem with sgut or gut or multi for the crosses is no snapback. monogutzx is the softest string that allows snapback. So you get snapback, durabilty, control and some feel in a stringbed that plays consistantly for a long time especially if you prestretch.
For cheap and long lasting its hard to beat ash kev/ ash liberty. Its a decent combo...
There is a whole thread on kev/zx and tensions
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
There is one exception where I prefer kevlar/nylon to kevlar/zx or kevlar/poly: My leaded-up OS game-improvement frames with really open patterns.
In these types of frame, the pattern is so open that even when the stringbed locks, it never fully locks. It still gives pretty good spin. And in these frames, kevlar/zx or kevlar/poly gives me too much spin, at the cost of launch angle control on flat shots.
But in dense patterns, I prefer kevlar/zx or kevlar/poly in order to get better spin potential, and I don’t recommend kevlar/nylon in these frames.
In these types of frame, the pattern is so open that even when the stringbed locks, it never fully locks. It still gives pretty good spin. And in these frames, kevlar/zx or kevlar/poly gives me too much spin, at the cost of launch angle control on flat shots.
But in dense patterns, I prefer kevlar/zx or kevlar/poly in order to get better spin potential, and I don’t recommend kevlar/nylon in these frames.
Slowtwitcher
Legend
Which one of you kev/zx wizards live in Southern California?
I'm curious about this setup, but not confident local stringer will go through all the pre-stretch stuff.
I'm curious about this setup, but not confident local stringer will go through all the pre-stretch stuff.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
Which one of you kev/zx wizards live in Southern California?
I'm curious about this setup, but not confident local stringer will go through all the pre-stretch stuff.
I am NO wizard at all, but have been using Kev/ZX for a couple years and pre-stretch and string it myself. I am in Orange County.
Thanks. Just strung up Kev+/ZX @ 35lb/40lb in my Angell TC97 16x19. No prestretch. Will head to club practice later tonight, but from only dribbling the ball so far this set-up feels plusher than Cyclone and perhaps more powerful. Seems like slightly more spin, too.
AceyMan
Professional
I'm in Culver City and I do string-for-hire. (If that's nearby to you I'd do a pre-stretch no problem; it's just a step I haven't been doing (yet) for myself.Which one of you kev/zx wizards live in Southern California?
I'm curious about this setup, but not confident local stringer will go through all the pre-stretch stuff.
/Acey
Slowtwitcher
Legend
Ooops, apologies for not getting back to you. I'm down in SD, too bad you're not close enough or I'd pester you to string one of my POGOS. I'd pay for strings+job, of course.
Same with you @AceyMan!
Thanks!
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
I don’t string for $ but funny enough my office is in Del Mar. But, with COVID I haven’t gone into the office since March.
If you have your own stringer but not the means to prestretch, I’d be happy to send you a set of prestretched Kev/ZXP to try out. My only request would be that you post your experience here for others to learn from.
PM me.
tlm
G.O.A.T.
I’ve tried Kevlar with the ZX and it’s pretty good, the ZX softens up the string bed and gives decent spin. But for me I prefer ashaway 17 gauge Kevlar Mains with Luxilon ALU power cross. This set up is excellent with great spin and snap back. I use 15 gauge ALU for the cross string and it keeps its playability longer than the 16L.
This combo gives great control and allows big cuts at the ball with excellent bite and spin. I string it at 60lbs and is has a good feel and is not uncomfortable like many would think. I like using full poly set ups but I get tired of them only playing well for a few hours. With the Kevlar and poly set up the stringbed plays well for a long time and maintains it’s control.
This combo gives great control and allows big cuts at the ball with excellent bite and spin. I string it at 60lbs and is has a good feel and is not uncomfortable like many would think. I like using full poly set ups but I get tired of them only playing well for a few hours. With the Kevlar and poly set up the stringbed plays well for a long time and maintains it’s control.
I hit for an hour last night and I really like the strings. It almost feels like a high quality syngut or multi, yet is low-powered with adequate spin. Racquettune read 36.6lbs after the hitting session. It feels more solid and controlled than a poly, and that's after adjusting SW/bal/weight to my normal specs so all variables are consistent. Cyclone does have more "pop" and feels/sounds crisper and when fresh has more spin, but I don't like how the response of the stringbed seems to change every few hours forcing me to adjust my technique ever so slightly... If Kev+/ZX can remain consistent at the current playability and lasts at least 25% longer, then I might just switch! Of note, the Kev+ mains snapback well and don't move, but the ZX does move and notches more than I expected. I don't think it affects spin at all, but after playing exclusively with polys it's a strange sight to see the crosses lock up.
Agreed. Hope Michelle would write up her impression / review compared to her usual set-up. Or even a make it a full blown Crossfire ZX review.
TW Staff
Administrator
You guys are brutal sometimes...I've been lurking a bit, here I am to help answer some questions...
And we might be doing a full review on Crossfire ZX...
I stand by what I said in the podcast, the string bed definitely softens up (as some of you have also mentioned) and I have a feeling if someone handed it to you, you would not know Kevlar was in there. We filmed a fun RF97 video last week and I had it in one of my racquets and handed it to Boonie and he had no idea it was Crossfire ZX and enjoyed it as well. Definitely feels more lively than Hyper G at 57 lbs, especially after that 10 hour mark. It also pockets the ball better too, in my opinion. Remember though, I am not the player in search of "feel" or "spin" so your milage may vary!
What else can I tell you?
Don't think we pre-stretched!
Would it be good at a lower tension, sure -- give it a go!
Would I want to try it at a higher tension -- of course! As we mentioned, the stringer was very wary when stringing...after 30+ years of this sport, I still like high tension strings, so maybe with the next string job I can get it up a few more pounds! Did it feel tight off the stringer, yes. Did it play as tight as it felt, no, not in my opinion.
Definitely would be down to try the kevlar hybrid with another poly or alternate option as well.
Ask away, I'll do my best to answer!
Michelle, TW
And we might be doing a full review on Crossfire ZX...
I stand by what I said in the podcast, the string bed definitely softens up (as some of you have also mentioned) and I have a feeling if someone handed it to you, you would not know Kevlar was in there. We filmed a fun RF97 video last week and I had it in one of my racquets and handed it to Boonie and he had no idea it was Crossfire ZX and enjoyed it as well. Definitely feels more lively than Hyper G at 57 lbs, especially after that 10 hour mark. It also pockets the ball better too, in my opinion. Remember though, I am not the player in search of "feel" or "spin" so your milage may vary!
What else can I tell you?
Don't think we pre-stretched!
Would it be good at a lower tension, sure -- give it a go!
Would I want to try it at a higher tension -- of course! As we mentioned, the stringer was very wary when stringing...after 30+ years of this sport, I still like high tension strings, so maybe with the next string job I can get it up a few more pounds! Did it feel tight off the stringer, yes. Did it play as tight as it felt, no, not in my opinion.
Definitely would be down to try the kevlar hybrid with another poly or alternate option as well.
Ask away, I'll do my best to answer!
Michelle, TW
Apparently what you have is a big difference between Michelle and that majority of players out there. Hyper G in a RF97 @ 57lbs would play like a board and be an absolute arm shredder for the majority of club players. Several of the 4.5-5.5 players that I play and train with string the RF97 from 48-52 with any of the Solinco strings. At 52 Hyper G, have heard several guys including myself say that is too stiff to play with long term. Comparing Kevlar/ Zx @ 55 to Hyper G @ 57 in a RF97 and claiming Kev/Zx not as stiff doesn’t really prove much. String then at the same tension for a better comparison and also realize you are comparing Kev/Zx to basically a board with an RF97 strung at 57lbs with Hyper G.
Search through the RF97 threads and see how many players you can find stringing in the upper 50’s with full poly. It is very few. I know several former D1 and D2 collegiate players that could absolutely end their tennis with Hyper G @ 57 in a RF97. Michelle’s ability to play with high tension poly set ups make this way too subjective.
Kev/Zx @ 48 in the RF97 played so much stiffer for me than Alu Power, Hyper G, Tour bite, Head Lynx Tour, Head Hawk, Head Hawk Touch, etc there was no comparison. The power, spin, feel with Alu Power and many others in the 48-52 range was so much better in terms of playability, spin, feel there was no comparison.
Kev/Zx may outlast any string on the market but comparing its stiffness as softer than full poly is a bit of a stretch from the playing I did with the string.
Need to string Kev/Zx and Hyper G at the same tension to make a stiffness comparison. Claiming this set up is a less stiff setup is not exactly the highlight of the string.
Durability and longevity are far and beyond the outstanding qualities. The fact that it is so stiff coming right off the stringer for several hours makes it a liability for players arms and not something you will see in competitive tennis. Too risky for players to subject their arm to that harsh stiffness for a few hours before it becomes playable.
Search through the RF97 threads and see how many players you can find stringing in the upper 50’s with full poly. It is very few. I know several former D1 and D2 collegiate players that could absolutely end their tennis with Hyper G @ 57 in a RF97. Michelle’s ability to play with high tension poly set ups make this way too subjective.
Kev/Zx @ 48 in the RF97 played so much stiffer for me than Alu Power, Hyper G, Tour bite, Head Lynx Tour, Head Hawk, Head Hawk Touch, etc there was no comparison. The power, spin, feel with Alu Power and many others in the 48-52 range was so much better in terms of playability, spin, feel there was no comparison.
Kev/Zx may outlast any string on the market but comparing its stiffness as softer than full poly is a bit of a stretch from the playing I did with the string.
Need to string Kev/Zx and Hyper G at the same tension to make a stiffness comparison. Claiming this set up is a less stiff setup is not exactly the highlight of the string.
Durability and longevity are far and beyond the outstanding qualities. The fact that it is so stiff coming right off the stringer for several hours makes it a liability for players arms and not something you will see in competitive tennis. Too risky for players to subject their arm to that harsh stiffness for a few hours before it becomes playable.
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Thanks Michelle! Really appreciate you taking the time to post your thoughts, although I don't believe you are a day older than 30...You guys are brutal sometimes...I've been lurking a bit, here I am to help answer some questions...
And we might be doing a full review on Crossfire ZX...
I stand by what I said in the podcast, the string bed definitely softens up (as some of you have also mentioned) and I have a feeling if someone handed it to you, you would not know Kevlar was in there. We filmed a fun RF97 video last week and I had it in one of my racquets and handed it to Boonie and he had no idea it was Crossfire ZX and enjoyed it as well. Definitely feels more lively than Hyper G at 57 lbs, especially after that 10 hour mark. It also pockets the ball better too, in my opinion. Remember though, I am not the player in search of "feel" or "spin" so your milage may vary!
What else can I tell you?
Don't think we pre-stretched!
Would it be good at a lower tension, sure -- give it a go!
Would I want to try it at a higher tension -- of course! As we mentioned, the stringer was very wary when stringing...after 30+ years of this sport, I still like high tension strings, so maybe with the next string job I can get it up a few more pounds! Did it feel tight off the stringer, yes. Did it play as tight as it felt, no, not in my opinion.
Definitely would be down to try the kevlar hybrid with another poly or alternate option as well.
Ask away, I'll do my best to answer!
Michelle, TW
If and when you may or may not do a full review on Crossfire ZX, would you indulge us on a blind test? 2 identical RF97A with kevlar main and zx cross, one strung with say 60lbs/60lbs, the other strung with 70lbs/50lbs (I forgot the formula to get roughly equal string bed tension - paging @travlerajm), and tell us how how you feel for both.
Slowtwitcher
Legend
So... @TypeRx is sending me some Kev/ZX to try it out, I'm excited
I'll be putting it on one of my POGOS (current version for sale on TW). Just for reference, I usually string synthetic gut around 62lbs, and poly/multi hybrids around that tension as well.
What's the consensus on which tension I should string at? Please don't try to sell me into stringing super low, I won't go for it
Thanks!
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
I would be concerned about someone not familiar with ZXP tensioning a prestretched length to 59 lbs. If it breaks on the stringer the "playtest" never happens.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
I provided slowtwitcher with pre-stretched Kev 17 and ZXP.
graycrait
Legend
I did that once for a fellow who likes to visit this thread, once. I think ZX whether it is used in a hybrid with Ash Kev or not should be used by folks who understand that it might break once in a while while stringing. After all this time I had it snap on the 8th cross the other day on a racket that had had only one previous string job.
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
i m no expert on kevlar but everyone knows its about two times as stiff as sgut so for same stringbed stiffnes should certainly not be strung as high as sgutSo... @TypeRx is sending me some Kev/ZX to try it out, I'm excited
I'll be putting it on one of my POGOS (current version for sale on TW). Just for reference, I usually string synthetic gut around 62lbs, and poly/multi hybrids around that tension as well.
What's the consensus on which tension I should string at? Please don't try to sell me into stringing super low, I won't go for it
Thanks!
i m no expert on kevlar but everyone knows its about two times as stiff as sgut so for same stringbed stiffnes should certainly not be strung as high as sgut
Actually it’s 8-10 times stiffer. 5 times stiffer than Hyper G.
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Slowtwitcher
Legend
My understanding is that tension will go down after around 2 hours of playing. So the Kevlar will probably settle under 50lbs. But I'm no expert either, just curious on how it'll play.
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