Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

My first ever sets of Grapplesnake USA strings arrived today! 2 sets of Tour Sniper 1.30mm. Did a string consultation with @dr. godmode for my '23 Vcore 98, hoping to get some more feedback while also having the stringbed play just a bit more consistent. Going 50/48# on tension.

Happy to finally be using strings from them! 4.0 NTRP, eastern'ish FH and OHBH, and can't wait to try this out.
 
What poly strings would you recommend for the VCP or Percept 97D? I use 1.25 TS in my Ezone Tour. I am little worried TS would be too underpowered and thick for a 18x20 control frame.
 
dr. godmode said:
I'd put Alpha in that without a second thought. If I did have a second thought, it would be Paradox Pro due to green
Click to expand...
Thank you! I had Alpha as the frontrunner to try from watching your review. I tried TS, M8 and Game Changer in my EZT And settled on TS as it was the most consistent for me. I am hitting with the Percept 97D a few more times this week before deciding to officially make the switch. If I do I will definitely try a set of Alpha and Paradox Pro as I will probably want a softer poly with more power to make up for the lower launch angle.
 
jguttentag said:
What poly strings would you recommend for the VCP or Percept 97D? I use 1.25 TS in my Ezone Tour. I am little worried TS would be too underpowered and thick for a 18x20 control frame.
Click to expand...
I've used HG 120 & 125 in my VCP97D and have been very happy with either. IMO, def a very sharp string if going 125. If I were to use 120, then I feel that something not as sharp should be okay.
 
jguttentag said:
What poly strings would you recommend for the VCP or Percept 97D? I use 1.25 TS in my Ezone Tour. I am little worried TS would be too underpowered and thick for a 18x20 control frame.
Click to expand...
I don't think it will be too thick. I have been using M8 and Sniper 1.25 in 18x20 95 heads for years and love it. But this, plus the power aspect will very much depend on how much power you generate yourself. If you want a little more pop, maybe go with M8. If you want even more, Alpha or Paradox Pro.
 
Hey all,

Trying out Grapplesnake sets and wanting some advice on tensions. I have two pairs of each, so can do some experimenting, but hoping for recos on where to begin. Key details:

- They will be replacing Hyper G 17 @ 48lbs on an Ezone 100.
- Tour Sniper 1.25
- Tour M8 1.25
- Paradox Pro 1.26

Thanks for the help—very excited for some experimenting!

Appreciate it!
 
Stopgo said:
Hey all,

Trying out Grapplesnake sets and wanting some advice on tensions. I have two pairs of each, so can do some experimenting, but hoping for recos on where to begin. Key details:

- They will be replacing Hyper G 17 @ 48lbs on an Ezone 100.
- Tour Sniper 1.25
- Tour M8 1.25
- Paradox Pro 1.26

Thanks for the help—very excited for some experimenting!

Appreciate it!
Click to expand...
Nothing wrong with 48lbs for these in an Ezone 100, but could also go down to 45 or 46lbs. I just put PP in my PK7G (also a 100in frame) at 46lbs and it performed well today.
 
Anyone try Paradox Pro with a slick poly cross like YPTF? I don't typically like poly/poly hybrids, but it seems like Paradox Pro is soft enough for it.

Is the string-to-string friction high enough to prevent snapback with OGSM cross?
 
Yesterday I played with the Excellent Purple PLUS string. Very good string. I played with the Yonex Vcore 2021 300g racket.
A very controlled string. With a full swing, the force with which I sent the ball to the other side was impressive.
Unfortunately, it's a bit too stiff for me :(
I'm very sensitive to string stiffness, unfortunately.
Nevertheless, the string is not stiff.
I stretched it to 23kg/51lbs before the match.
Maybe a little too much.
Today I will be testing Alpha.
I hope it will be a little more comfortable.
 
Has anyone played with both the 1.30 and 1.25 M8 Strings and can compare? I really liked the 1.30 when that was the only option a year ago but I tend to play with 1.25 otherwise. Can't decide on going with my prefered gauge vs what I liked before...

This would be on a completely different frame though
 
jhtennis said:
Has anyone played with both the 1.30 and 1.25 M8 Strings and can compare? I really liked the 1.30 when that was the only option a year ago but I tend to play with 1.25 otherwise. Can't decide on going with my prefered gauge vs what I liked before...

This would be on a completely different frame though
Click to expand...
I would say that the new frame, string pattern and head size could play a deciding role in that decision.
 
Anyone have more insight on the comparison between Paradox Pro and Tour Sniper? I'm nearing the end of my reel of TS 1.25 and wondering if Paradox is worth a try before the next reel. Frame is a lightly customized 2022 Ezone98, which I have found an excellent match for TS.
 
HI, I’m a user of Tour M8 1.25mm for some time now. I have two questions and wonder if you would provide some insight?

1. Does the 1.30mm Tour M8 have any unique characteristics compared to 1.25mm version, despite the usual tendency for thicker strings to be stiffer, less power, less spin, more control?
2. What rackets or type of rackets are M8 best for? I find it quite good in Pure Aero 98. Are there other rackets that M8 is better with? What type of rackets are M8 designed for?

Thanks.
 
fnick851 said:
HI, I’m a user of Tour M8 1.25mm for some time now. I have two questions and wonder if you would provide some insight?

1. Does the 1.30mm Tour M8 have any unique characteristics compared to 1.25mm version, despite the usual tendency for thicker strings to be stiffer, less power, less spin, more control?
2. What rackets or type of rackets are M8 best for? I find it quite good in Pure Aero 98. Are there other rackets that M8 is better with? What type of rackets are M8 designed for?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Blade pro is the best racquet for m8 that I've tried
 
fnick851 said:
HI, I’m a user of Tour M8 1.25mm for some time now. I have two questions and wonder if you would provide some insight?

1. Does the 1.30mm Tour M8 have any unique characteristics compared to 1.25mm version, despite the usual tendency for thicker strings to be stiffer, less power, less spin, more control?
2. What rackets or type of rackets are M8 best for? I find it quite good in Pure Aero 98. Are there other rackets that M8 is better with? What type of rackets are M8 designed for?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Hey! I agree that M8 works wonderful on the Blade Pro or H22 actual. I also like it very much in the DR98, current Ezone, the regular Blades v7, v8, the Babolats, new Whiteout 18x20, Speed series, Gravity series, and so many others. It wasn't engineered for just one certain type of frame. In terms of differences between diameters, it's pretty standard in terms of a little more pop and spin in the 1.25 and better stability and durability in the 1.3. It will mostly depend on your frame and how hard you hit the ball, or how hard it's hit at you. Enjoy!
 
Last edited:
I wanted to mention that we have made an agreement with DHL for better international rates to every zone in the world that's enabled though our website. Europe isn't enabled, FYI. This will significantly improve transit times and cut the cost of DHL Worldwide (1-4 transit days) in almost half, while providing a significantly faster service than the most economical USPS First Class, which sometimes takes close to a month. This is amazing news and a game changer for our international customers. One heads-up for Canadian players - no brokerage fees up to 2 sets. Anything more valuable will require these fees by DHL, so it might be better to stick to USPS for anything over 2 sets. Canada is the only country with such low threshold. We are VERY excited and have worked hard with DHL to come to an agreement on this to help everyone with better rates and transit times. This is all while we continue to grow and try to expand our national dealers to every country, so that you folks can purchase Grapplesnake locally in the future. Thanks a bunch!
 
Last edited:
Grapplesnake USA Official said:
I wanted to mention that we have made an agreement with DHL for better international rates to every zone in the world that's enabled though our website. Europe isn't enabled, FYI. This will significantly improve transit times and cut the cost of DHL Worldwide (1-4 transit days) in almost half, while providing a significantly faster service than the most economical USPS First Class, which sometimes takes close to a month. This is amazing news and a game changer for our international customers. One heads-up for Canadian players - no brokerage fees up to 2 sets. Anything more valuable will require these fees by DHL, so it might be better to stick to USPS for anything over 2 sets. Canada is the only country with such low threshold. We are VERY excited and have worked hard with DHL to come to an agreement on this to help everyone with better rates and transit times. This is all while we continue to grow and try to expand our national dealers to every country, so that you folks can purchase Grapplesnake locally in the future. Thanks a bunch!
Click to expand...
As someone from NZ, thank you! The shipping cost has put me off after getting the sample pack
 
I strung up Paradox Pro mains and YPTF cross at 50/47 in my Vantage BC20. This was a very unique and surprising setup, if not rather unpredictable.

Comfort: The lack of a break-in period is immediately evident. Comfort was never an issue, and I am someone who typically can't use full poly or poly/poly hybrids.
Power: The prevailing characteristic in this specific setup is power. This was a double-edged sword, serve returns and defensive blocks easily landed deep in the court. However, it had a tendency to launch on me unexpectedly.
Spin: Surprisingly little spin from this setup. YPTF is a very slick string, I expected this to help generate more spin than Paradox Pro would in a full bed. Snapback wasn't extraordinarily noticeable, but I never had to straighten the strings. In order to produce heavy topspin I really had to go for the shot.
Feel: This was unusual for me, and might be what I was most conflicted about with this setup. Touch shots and serves were fine, but I felt a little disconnected from the baseline. The power coupled with the lack of spin made it weird to just rally with. When playing aggressively I was generating great spin and pace, but, when I was just trying to rally the ball seemed to launch flat and long of the court unexpectedly. It felt like the ball would rocket off the strings with minimal dwell time. Upping the tension might take care of this sensation at the expense of comfort for me.

I plan to order more soon. I need to try a full bed of Paradox Pro, as well as a few more hybrid setups. I am curious how this would perform as a cross string with a stiffer-shaped poly or a low-powered synthetic/multi main. For the time being, I have a half set of Game Changer that I intend to try in the mains with Paradox Pro cross.
 
JewingItUp said:
I strung up Paradox Pro mains and YPTF cross at 50/47 in my Vantage BC20. This was a very unique and surprising setup, if not rather unpredictable.

Comfort: The lack of a break-in period is immediately evident. Comfort was never an issue, and I am someone who typically can't use full poly or poly/poly hybrids.
Power: The prevailing characteristic in this specific setup is power. This was a double-edged sword, serve returns and defensive blocks easily landed deep in the court. However, it had a tendency to launch on me unexpectedly.
Spin: Surprisingly little spin from this setup. YPTF is a very slick string, I expected this to help generate more spin than Paradox Pro would in a full bed. Snapback wasn't extraordinarily noticeable, but I never had to straighten the strings. In order to produce heavy topspin I really had to go for the shot.
Feel: This was unusual for me, and might be what I was most conflicted about with this setup. Touch shots and serves were fine, but I felt a little disconnected from the baseline. The power coupled with the lack of spin made it weird to just rally with. When playing aggressively I was generating great spin and pace, but, when I was just trying to rally the ball seemed to launch flat and long of the court unexpectedly. It felt like the ball would rocket off the strings with minimal dwell time. Upping the tension might take care of this sensation at the expense of comfort for me.

I plan to order more soon. I need to try a full bed of Paradox Pro, as well as a few more hybrid setups. I am curious how this would perform as a cross string with a stiffer-shaped poly or a low-powered synthetic/multi main. For the time being, I have a half set of Game Changer that I intend to try in the mains with Paradox Pro cross.
Click to expand...
Thank you for taking the time to share your impressions!
 
JewingItUp said:
I strung up Paradox Pro mains and YPTF cross at 50/47 in my Vantage BC20. This was a very unique and surprising setup, if not rather unpredictable.

Comfort: The lack of a break-in period is immediately evident. Comfort was never an issue, and I am someone who typically can't use full poly or poly/poly hybrids.
Power: The prevailing characteristic in this specific setup is power. This was a double-edged sword, serve returns and defensive blocks easily landed deep in the court. However, it had a tendency to launch on me unexpectedly.
Spin: Surprisingly little spin from this setup. YPTF is a very slick string, I expected this to help generate more spin than Paradox Pro would in a full bed. Snapback wasn't extraordinarily noticeable, but I never had to straighten the strings. In order to produce heavy topspin I really had to go for the shot.
Feel: This was unusual for me, and might be what I was most conflicted about with this setup. Touch shots and serves were fine, but I felt a little disconnected from the baseline. The power coupled with the lack of spin made it weird to just rally with. When playing aggressively I was generating great spin and pace, but, when I was just trying to rally the ball seemed to launch flat and long of the court unexpectedly. It felt like the ball would rocket off the strings with minimal dwell time. Upping the tension might take care of this sensation at the expense of comfort for me.

I plan to order more soon. I need to try a full bed of Paradox Pro, as well as a few more hybrid setups. I am curious how this would perform as a cross string with a stiffer-shaped poly or a low-powered synthetic/multi main. For the time being, I have a half set of Game Changer that I intend to try in the mains with Paradox Pro cross.
Click to expand...
Try full bed at the lowest tension you can control. Game changing, no break-in plus very forgiving. Good stuff!
 
Ares2323 said:
Yesterday I played with the Excellent Purple PLUS string. Very good string. I played with the Yonex Vcore 2021 300g racket.
A very controlled string. With a full swing, the force with which I sent the ball to the other side was impressive.
Unfortunately, it's a bit too stiff for me :(
I'm very sensitive to string stiffness, unfortunately.
Nevertheless, the string is not stiff.
I stretched it to 23kg/51lbs before the match.
Maybe a little too much.
Today I will be testing Alpha.
I hope it will be a little more comfortable.
Click to expand...
I am currently testing Grapplesnake Alpha (GA) at 24/23 kg ~ 53/51 lbs in my Pro Kennex Black Ace Pro (PK BAP) with a leather replacement grip and two overgrips. The PK BAP is a really comfortable racket and I never had problems with any string. The worst effect I had was a tired arm after using Gamma Ocho 17 (1,25 mm) at 25/24 kg ~ 55/53 lbs for an intensive training.

Still I can feel that GA at 24/23 kg ~ 53/51 lbs is more comfortable than other polys like Gamma Moto 17 (1,24 mm), Gamma Ocho 17 (1,25 mm), MSV Focus HEX 16L (1,23 mm) and MSV Focus HEX Ultra 16L (1,25 mm).
 
Just thought I'd leave a little update here, as I finally got around to trying Tour M8 in 1.25 gauge. Since I tried 1.30 in a 2019 Prince Textreme Tour 100 310, I figured I'd try 1.25 in a 2019 TT100P (the 5g-lighter, 18x20, more controlled brother to the 100 310), and it didn't disappoint. I strung it up at 48/46 lbs on my crank machine, so that would be like 46/44 or so on an eCP/dropweight. I played a session this morning in 45-55 degree weather, as was glad I strung it as low as I did (for the most part). Control was excellent, power was ample and launch angle just incredibly consistent. For certain flatter contact, it has a bit more spring and launch power than was ideal, so next time I might string it at 49/47. For all the attention that Paradox is getting for how forgiving yet playable it is, M8 is just as relevant for when you need a total beefy workhorse, one that also creates the most solid, unified feeling string bed I've ever experienced, from any string, co-poly or otherwise. If that's what you want/need for your setup, then you probably can't get any more solid than M8.

20231024-132241.jpg

​
In case anyone's curious about the 2019 TT100P setup, the strung spec was 344g/31.2cm(~10pts HL)/328sw/20.7mgr/i, via 2g lead @ 1" up the handle, 6g @ 7" up the handle, 4g at 6 on the hoop, and a Volkl V-Dry over grip. Loved the weighting and swing dynamics at this spec -- makes for a flat OHBH'ers dream stick. Whippy, but, powerful and still controlled.
 
Last edited:
Trip said:
Just thought I'd leave a little update here, as I finally got around to trying Tour M8 in 1.25 gauge. Since I tried 1.30 in a 2019 Prince Textreme Tour 100 310, I figured I'd try 1.25 in a 2019 TT100P (the 5g light, 18x20, more controlled brother to the 100 310), and it didn't disappoint. I strung it up at 48/46 lbs on my crank machine, so that would be like 46/44 or so on an eCP/dropweight. I played a session this morning in 45-55 degree weather, as was glad I strung it as low as I did (for the most part). Control was excellent, power was ample and launch angle just incredibly consistent. For certain flatter contact, it has a bit more spring and launch power than was ideal, so next time I might string it at 49/47. For all the attention that Paradox is getting for how forgiving yet playable it is, M8 is just as relevant for when you need a total beefy workhorse, one that also creates the most solid, unified feeling string bed I've ever experienced, from any string, co-poly or otherwise. If that's what you want/need for your setup, then you probably can't get any more solid than M8.

20231024-132241.jpg

​
In case anyone's curious about the 2019 TT100P setup, the strung spec was 344g/31.2cm(~10pts HL)/328sw/20.7mgr/i, via 2g lead @ 1" up the handle, 6g @ 7" up the handle, 4g at 6 on the hoop, and a Volkl V-Dry over grip. Loved the weighting up this setup -- made for a flat OHBH'ers dream. Really enjoyed the overall solid, firmer, thuddy, Pro Staff -esque response of the 66RA 2019 Textreme Tour layup plus the solidness of M8.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for this.
 
PigPen said:
@Grapplesnake USA Official Do you have a listing of your string weights?
Click to expand...
The question would be how many exact feet? Because we cut our sets a little longer than 40 ft or 12 meters. Then, with or without the zip ties? I have some useful info here from a previous post of mine, with comparisons to other models from competitors. These are all exactly 40 feet with no zip ties:

40 ft of M8 1.25 weighs 20 grams.
40 ft of Sniper 1.25 weighs 20 grams.
40 ft of ALU 1.25 weighs 21 grams.
40 ft of Max Power 1.25 weighs 19 grams.
40 ft of Tour Bite 1.20 (17g) weighs 19 grams
40 ft of Hyper G 1.25 (16L) weighs 20 grams

And Paradox Pro will be a little heavier.

It wouldn't be difficult to just provide the weight of the set, with or without the packaging, but in reality, I am unsure if these numbers will be useful given the zip ties and the 1 to 2 extra feet we provide. It might negate achieving the comparison purposes you are looking for, because, how much extra are you getting from other manufacturers, if anything? Is it exactly the extra we provide? That might change everything. But I hope this helps!
 
Last edited:
Grapplesnake USA Official said:
The question would be how many exact feet? Because we cut our sets a little longer than 40 ft or 12 meters. Then, with or without the zip ties? I have some useful info here from a previous post of mine, with comparisons to other models from competitors. These are all exactly 40 feet with no zip ties:

40 ft of M8 1.25 weighs 20 grams.
40 ft of Sniper 1.25 weighs 20 grams.
40 ft of ALU 1.25 weighs 21 grams.
40 ft of Max Power 1.25 weighs 19 grams.
40 ft of Tour Bite 1.20 (17g) weighs 19 grams
40 ft of Hyper G 1.25 (16L) weighs 20 grams

And Paradox Pro will be a little heavier.

It wouldn't be difficult to just provide the weight of the set, with or without the packaging, but in reality, I am unsure if these numbers will be useful given the zip ties and the 1 to 2 extra feet we provide. It might negate achieving the comparison purposes you are looking for, because, how much extra are you getting from other manufacturers, if anything? Is it exactly the extra we provide? That might change everything. But I hope this helps!
Click to expand...
That was very helpful. Thank you!
 
stormholloway said:
How does Grapplesnake's lineup rank in terms of tension maintenance? Anyone that's tried them all have an opinion here?
Click to expand...
Hopefully someone else will jump in on this. For us, tension maintenance is very close to the top in terms of importance. Alpha, Sniper, M8 and Paradox are extraordinary. The square strings, such as Game Changer, Cube and the Neon Hybrid go through an intial drop or adjustment, and then maintain well, but never as well as the pentagonal, hexagonal or round models. This is inevitable in a square geometry. In those models, feel, stability and spin potential are are the top. Our new model, Paradox Pro, is the king in terms of tension maintenance, needing virtually no break-in or tension adjustment period to play at peak. It also maintains very close to flat all the way to the end. Hope this helps.
 
Grapplesnake USA Official said:
Hopefully someone else will jump in on this. For us, tension maintenance is very close to the top in terms of importance. Alpha, Sniper, M8 and Paradox are extraordinary. The square strings, such as Game Changer, Cube and the Neon Hybrid go through an intial drop or adjustment, and then maintain well, but never as well as the pentagonal, hexagonal or round models. This is inevitable in a square geometry. In those models, feel, stability and spin potential are are the top. Our new model, Paradox Pro, is the king in terms of tension maintenance, needing virtually no break-in or tension adjustment period to play at peak. It also maintains very close to flat all the way to the end. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Helps quite a bit, thanks. Grapplesnake seems to be all the rage now and highly regarded by a lot of content producers I respect. I suspect I'll go with one of your offerings. Haven't decided if I'm going to go gut/hybrid or full poly. Stringing expensive gut with ALU Power back in the day was such a wallet killer for me. God-tier playability but just not feasible. I guess it's safe to say that Irukandji's tension maintenance is below average at Grapplesnake given that it's soft on top of being squared? Have you tried M8 or Paradox Pro as a cross in a gut hybrid?
 
I currently have my Percept 97 D strung with Tour Sniper. Was wondering if anyone has found a good round poly to hybrid it with? Was thinking about trying to hybrid it with hawk touch or ghost wire.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Holdfast44ID
Grapplesnake Cube & Liquid mini review
Replies
1
Views
2K
mctennis
M
Q
Switching from full poly to a multi/poly hybrid
Replies
23
Views
3K
USPTARF97
U
J
When Will TW Carry Grapplesnake Strings?
Replies
29
Views
2K
Grapplesnake USA Official
Grapplesnake USA Official
Martves613
A must try strings
Replies
42
Views
5K
VanDerVaart23
VanDerVaart23
AMGF
Grapplesnake Irukandji
2 3
Replies
125
Views
14K
bluewaterpro
bluewaterpro
Back
Top