Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
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zeneto1234
New User
Jesus kid. I think its too high even for this racket.Stringed Tour M8 at my PAVS 54 lbs. Lets see if my arm can do it
First time this string btw
Nah, last string was RPM Hurricane at 53lbs and the control was not exceptionel
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Especially for this racquet... PAVS feels like a board with everything
zeneto1234
New User
So you got the avengers elbow, got it. If you don't get good control with this string at 53lbs you should just string higher because i think nothing in the market will at 53lbs. But in my opinion, the smart choice is that you should change the racket to a more controlled one, i don't think going too high in string tension is the answer for your "control" problem.
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I hit with a hybrid of Alpha mains and M8 cross today. Overall a very nice combo. It was livelier than expected but this was my first time ever trying Alpha. It was certainly soft enough and still felt very connected at impact. If the tension holds reasonably well then it could be a combo that I use regularly. I hit 90 minutes of singles, mostly drilling and baseline games so lots of balls struck.
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Excellent. Have you considered the reverse combo? It's also a great option.
I had not. I was thinking Alpha mains for spin potential since it has less sides than M8. I can certainly try it though.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Tour M8 might produce more spin... and Alpha is the softer of the two (as far as I'm aware)... so it might work even better.
boulderchips
Rookie
Reporting back on a trial of Tour Sniper/Paradox Pro hybrid. Long story short: it slaps. Or whatever the kids say.
I've been a ride-or-die user of Tour Sniper for a long time. Many challengers have arisen; none have prevailed. I use a 2022 Ezone 98 with some weight added, and I find Tour Sniper a particularly good match for the stick (full bed at about 50#). Although I happen to like the Ezone's feel, there's no denying that it's muted. TS has a nice aluminum crispness to liven things up, gobs of control, and a decent amount of spin. It doesn't have the velcro-y grab of something like Hyper-G, but it's gloriously consistent and tension maintenance is fantastic.
I first tried Paradox Pro as a full bed. While I do think it's a unique and innovative string, it didn't make me want to switch. The feel is so interesting - at first you think it's soft, but it has a brassy and metallic personality that lives just underneath. Very direct, in its way. Power and control are there. However, I found that spin generation felt different for some reason. Not that it was hard to generate, but I felt less in touch with the shape of my balls. I'm not sure Paradox has quite the intuitive magic of a string like ALU. It may be something about the switch from a slick, nearly round string (Tour Sniper) to a textured, sandpaper-y string (Paradox). Spin is there for both, but when push came to shove I wasn't as confident with Paradox. It's also sneakily stiff - I don't have any glaring arm issues, but the metallic feel didn't seem like a great bet long-term.
So back to Tour Sniper I went...until I heard reports of success in a hybrid. I strung up Sniper in the mains and Paradox in the crosses. And for the first time in years, I can say: I'm making the switch.
Here's why. While Tour Sniper was always a predictable companion, there were a few areas where it didn't feel entirely natural. Volleys were probably the biggest - I wished for a little more pocketing to dial in touch and placement. The same was true of slices. My serve is one of my biggest assets in match play, and while I knew I could serve well with Sniper, I didn't always feel as connected on second serves as I'd like.
The hybrid has - somehow - fixed these minor gripes. Paradox in the crosses adds some juice and pocketing without taking away from the fundamental personality of Sniper. Control is excellent, spin is respectable (and more importantly, predictable), and power is plenty for my purposes. The change in feel has been a noticeable benefit to my game, especially on serves and volleys. I love that extra bit of pocketing. It reminds me just a little of a poly/gut or poly/synthetic hybrid - control in the mains, juice in the crosses. I haven't lost any consistency off the ground, and I've gained confidence everywhere else. It's awesome.
Durability is maybe a hair worse than a full bed of Tour Sniper, but it's solid. I got about 5.5-6 hours out of my first trial, which is more than I expect from a lot of strings. One of the marketing bullets for Paradox is consistency over its lifespan, and I really appreciate that attribute in a poly cross. The bed became gradually harsher after the first few hours, but it remained consistent and playable to the end. With Sniper in the mains, I haven't been worried about comfort.
On the recommendation of @Grapplesnake USA Official, I strung up at 51/53. I wasn't sure about stringing the crosses higher, but I have to say that the suggestion was dead on. The bed didn't feel too boardy, and the transition didn't take much adjustment. Next time, I may go up slightly to 52/54. I have zero affiliation, but Grapplesnake remains one of my favorite companies in the tennis world. Customer service is always impeccable, and their products continue to earn a place in my bag. 10/10, will be buying more reels. I do wish Paradox were more affordable, but such (I imagine) is the cost of product development.
I'm vaguely curious about a reverse hybrid (Paradox mains/Sniper crosses), and I could see Paradox working well in hybrids with other strings like Game Changer. I'm happy enough with the current setup that these trials will have to wait. Happy hitting, everyone.
I've been a ride-or-die user of Tour Sniper for a long time. Many challengers have arisen; none have prevailed. I use a 2022 Ezone 98 with some weight added, and I find Tour Sniper a particularly good match for the stick (full bed at about 50#). Although I happen to like the Ezone's feel, there's no denying that it's muted. TS has a nice aluminum crispness to liven things up, gobs of control, and a decent amount of spin. It doesn't have the velcro-y grab of something like Hyper-G, but it's gloriously consistent and tension maintenance is fantastic.
I first tried Paradox Pro as a full bed. While I do think it's a unique and innovative string, it didn't make me want to switch. The feel is so interesting - at first you think it's soft, but it has a brassy and metallic personality that lives just underneath. Very direct, in its way. Power and control are there. However, I found that spin generation felt different for some reason. Not that it was hard to generate, but I felt less in touch with the shape of my balls. I'm not sure Paradox has quite the intuitive magic of a string like ALU. It may be something about the switch from a slick, nearly round string (Tour Sniper) to a textured, sandpaper-y string (Paradox). Spin is there for both, but when push came to shove I wasn't as confident with Paradox. It's also sneakily stiff - I don't have any glaring arm issues, but the metallic feel didn't seem like a great bet long-term.
So back to Tour Sniper I went...until I heard reports of success in a hybrid. I strung up Sniper in the mains and Paradox in the crosses. And for the first time in years, I can say: I'm making the switch.
Here's why. While Tour Sniper was always a predictable companion, there were a few areas where it didn't feel entirely natural. Volleys were probably the biggest - I wished for a little more pocketing to dial in touch and placement. The same was true of slices. My serve is one of my biggest assets in match play, and while I knew I could serve well with Sniper, I didn't always feel as connected on second serves as I'd like.
The hybrid has - somehow - fixed these minor gripes. Paradox in the crosses adds some juice and pocketing without taking away from the fundamental personality of Sniper. Control is excellent, spin is respectable (and more importantly, predictable), and power is plenty for my purposes. The change in feel has been a noticeable benefit to my game, especially on serves and volleys. I love that extra bit of pocketing. It reminds me just a little of a poly/gut or poly/synthetic hybrid - control in the mains, juice in the crosses. I haven't lost any consistency off the ground, and I've gained confidence everywhere else. It's awesome.
Durability is maybe a hair worse than a full bed of Tour Sniper, but it's solid. I got about 5.5-6 hours out of my first trial, which is more than I expect from a lot of strings. One of the marketing bullets for Paradox is consistency over its lifespan, and I really appreciate that attribute in a poly cross. The bed became gradually harsher after the first few hours, but it remained consistent and playable to the end. With Sniper in the mains, I haven't been worried about comfort.
On the recommendation of @Grapplesnake USA Official, I strung up at 51/53. I wasn't sure about stringing the crosses higher, but I have to say that the suggestion was dead on. The bed didn't feel too boardy, and the transition didn't take much adjustment. Next time, I may go up slightly to 52/54. I have zero affiliation, but Grapplesnake remains one of my favorite companies in the tennis world. Customer service is always impeccable, and their products continue to earn a place in my bag. 10/10, will be buying more reels. I do wish Paradox were more affordable, but such (I imagine) is the cost of product development.
I'm vaguely curious about a reverse hybrid (Paradox mains/Sniper crosses), and I could see Paradox working well in hybrids with other strings like Game Changer. I'm happy enough with the current setup that these trials will have to wait. Happy hitting, everyone.
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
This is awesome and truly what fulfills me at the end of the day. Thank you for sharing.
We are now reaching five years with this thread going strong. It has consistently remained so positive and informative. The number of good spontaneous reports is by now countless and something I couldn't have imagined to expect back then. We are all here part of something natural, positive and constructive in an internet world driven by Instagram models, scripts, and paid influencer endorsements.
zeneto1234
New User
Completing my review: The tour m8/paradox hybrid is by far the best hybrid i've been playing with. Execelent blend of feel, spin, control, playability and durability so far. With Angell react 96 pro i've initialy strung with 46/48lbs and loved it since the first hit and it became better after some tension drop, so next time i will probably strung lower, something like 44/46lbs. As the guy above commented and i have to agree, it behaves a lot like poly/syngut hybrid for some reasons 1- the feel of the cross very soft in a good way( but paradox is indeed stealth stiff) 2- The mains shaves the crosses slowly, and it is becoming thinner until it will eventually snap. I have played for around 6-7 hours and the crosses haven't snaped yet but they are becoming thinner and i'm starting to lose some control that i had when it was fresh, but the playability is still there, the snapback/feel is still there. I think the playability thing is coming mostly because the string structure of the mains are preserved, the paradox in the crosses did not cut the tour m8 mains. When the stringbed is coming to the end of its life span, the control is much better compared to any poly/syngut hybrid because of the paradox pro stiffness.
In general this hybrid is much better than any poly/syngut hybrid i've played. (but its not the way to go if you have a sensitive elbow, the stiffness is compared to a full bed poly)
Compared to full bed of poly, it has spin potential of a full bed of round poly and it has less spin potential than any shaped poly. But in my opinion, it plays much better in every other aspect than any traditional full bed of poly. Durability will probably will be the same as a medium stiffness round poly, playability is waaayyy better, spin and pocketing is the same when fresh and is much better towards its life span, the feel is way better, control is the same when fresh and it is much more predictable towards its life span. I think most of this comes because of the excellent feel and pocketing that the paradox brings and because the structure of the main strings are well preserved until the cross eventually snaps, it never "locks" in the stringbed.
I don't know what to say any more, but i'm making the switch.
Before, i used tour m8 full bed then i switched to paradox pro but had durability issue, when i did this hybrid i felt it solved the durability problem and surprisingly it brought other positive aspects in the playability of the stringbed.
In general this hybrid is much better than any poly/syngut hybrid i've played. (but its not the way to go if you have a sensitive elbow, the stiffness is compared to a full bed poly)
Compared to full bed of poly, it has spin potential of a full bed of round poly and it has less spin potential than any shaped poly. But in my opinion, it plays much better in every other aspect than any traditional full bed of poly. Durability will probably will be the same as a medium stiffness round poly, playability is waaayyy better, spin and pocketing is the same when fresh and is much better towards its life span, the feel is way better, control is the same when fresh and it is much more predictable towards its life span. I think most of this comes because of the excellent feel and pocketing that the paradox brings and because the structure of the main strings are well preserved until the cross eventually snaps, it never "locks" in the stringbed.
I don't know what to say any more, but i'm making the switch.
Before, i used tour m8 full bed then i switched to paradox pro but had durability issue, when i did this hybrid i felt it solved the durability problem and surprisingly it brought other positive aspects in the playability of the stringbed.
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Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Outstanding!
I found Tour Sniper to be surprisingly harsh on the arm. ALU is more forgiving than Tour Sniper. Tour Sniper does hold tension a bit better than ALU. I tried Tour Sniper once and went back to my ol’ trusty Confidential.Hi, interested in Tour Sniper after reading about the resemblance to alu power, but being more permissive with arm. Some sets bought to local partner for testing
VanDerVaart23
Semi-Pro
I would differ with comment above. I've used Tour Sniper from 48 to 55 lbs and it is very comfortable.
That’s the beauty of this all. It’s 100% subjective! Grapplesnake does makes legit strings. I think anybody could find something in their line up to suit their taste.
I’m going to try a hybrid of Alpha and Paradox Pro next.
VanDerVaart23
Semi-Pro
I feel comfort has some of the more objective factors, anything else for a string is indeed subjective.
Factors for comfort:
- Tension is a factor
-Health of player
-Material
- Stiffness
- Gauge
Regards
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
I am testing tour M8 next. but i am testing it with hybrid with NRG2 in the cross string. what do you think,, would it still bring out the magic of the Tour M8 ??
All valid points. I think one variable that is often forgotten is the racquet weight and tension work together. Higher tensions used in higher weight racquets will be easier on the arm compared to the same tension in a lighter racquet.
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
I think that's a nice setup. Especially now during winter. Not my absolute favorite multi, but it's a good one. If you like and are used to a poly/multi hybrid, then I think you'll feel the benefits of M8 relative to your previous poly.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
What do you think would be even better multi than that one ?? during the winter my arm just can't take full poly setup
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Toalson T8 is probably my favorite multi at any price point to function as a cross.
TK Tennis
New User
-1 on offering more colors due to the inevitable impact on how it will alter feel between color variations. The unique olive green color works great in any racquet and IMO is outstanding. Would love to see the M8 in a 1.20mm.
Typical Paradox Pro shear break for me at the frame, never broken it in the sweet spot. That would take ages and I hit fairly hard. It’s durable and holds tension well. Better than any poly I’ve tried, easily get about 6x2 hrs from it with minimal tension loss.
Will still maintain that it has excellent snap back full bed. However in hybrid form, it’ll probably need string straightening.
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
So we must combine Tour M8 with Toalson T8! ...BRILLIANT!
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
I suggest a small correction in how tight you have your clamps. That is typically what I’ve seen other than a horrible shank, which is possible, but not typically the case. Paradox Pro doesn’t like being crushed or severely kinked while getting it ready for stringing.
Same thing with our square strings, which require frequent adjustment of the clamps, since you will be approaching the square string sometimes at different angles when clamping at the top or bottom of the frame. Leaving the clamp just super tight throughout the string job is going to crush and weaken the string.
Hope this makes sense.
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
I like both Sniper and M8 the most at around 52, unless you want max spin, in which case Game Changer at around 53-54 could be the one.
Thank you for the feedback, I’ll pass it on to the stringer! Also helps to not swing out for a 90 mph forehand when the feet aren’t in position…
DrTompu
Rookie
I appreciate your opinion, I’ll try and post my own impressions about. I’ve never feel any string so harsh as Alu, and I’ve tried some of them considered stiff (hyper-g, rpm, BBO,…), taking into account that they ever been tested on flexible frames.
Fantastic review! I’m in the exact same boat as you: 2022 Ezone 98 with a little lead at 3&9, TS has been my string of choice for the past year. I string at 52# on a eCP Gamma machine.
Just tried Paradox Pro and loved my first match with it but the 2nd and 3rd time out, it felt a little mushy.
Given your review, I’m going to try a hybrid TS/PP.
@Grapplesnake USA Official, would you recommend 52/54?
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Yes, that's what I would go with. Hope you like it!
Womble_of_Wimbledon
New User
it works well for me, I've settled on 52lbs with this combo. I get 8-10hrs heavy hitting
Womble_of_Wimbledon
New User
I hybrid tour M8 with razor soft and love it. That's been my set-up for a few months.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
No i need Multi string in the crosses. what multi string should i use ? and would it bring out all the good qualities of tour M8 still even in this setup ??
Womble_of_Wimbledon
New User
Have you tried Triax? Its my go to multi, durability isn't great but otherwise amazing. if just strung razor soft/triax to try
DrTompu
Rookie
First impressions about Tour Sniper:
Not specially easy to sting, at my usual tension (22 kp) on Blade 98 V8 16x19.
On court, it resoults very predictably; you know the ball will ever be in. More over, with my backhand shot I feel more confident and with better percentage of hits inside.
At the serve I didn’t feel to be more incisive, although I’ve won today a lot of free points serving. At the end of the match, my perception changed after having a look to SwingVision stats, that showed a few km/h faster on my serves.
Finally I felt a bit more launch angle in my shots, specifically only forehands.
On the other hand, I didn’t feel specially comfortable, maybe next session. In addition, it isn’t crisp and sometimes too mutted.
I’ll complete my vision about this string after next session.
Nice weekend!
Not specially easy to sting, at my usual tension (22 kp) on Blade 98 V8 16x19.
On court, it resoults very predictably; you know the ball will ever be in. More over, with my backhand shot I feel more confident and with better percentage of hits inside.
At the serve I didn’t feel to be more incisive, although I’ve won today a lot of free points serving. At the end of the match, my perception changed after having a look to SwingVision stats, that showed a few km/h faster on my serves.
Finally I felt a bit more launch angle in my shots, specifically only forehands.
On the other hand, I didn’t feel specially comfortable, maybe next session. In addition, it isn’t crisp and sometimes too mutted.
I’ll complete my vision about this string after next session.
Nice weekend!
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soulkeeper
New User
probably next week ,i'm going to try babolat xalt mains with Irukandji crosses in my son's aero rafa 2023 (290g) ...he is now using tour hex 1.23 strung at 20.5/19,5kg (31DT)...he first uses his racket after 48h so it settles around 19,5/18,5...
I'm thinking to strung at 22/21kg .. @Grapplesnake USA Official do you think 1kg differential is ok? i'm a bit worried of gauge difference between mains/crosses
I'm thinking to strung at 22/21kg .. @Grapplesnake USA Official do you think 1kg differential is ok? i'm a bit worried of gauge difference between mains/crosses
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Assuming you mean Xcel? If so, in the Aero, I think the 1 kg differential is absolutely appropriate with Irukandji being a little lower. Now, this is completely up to you, but I think that it might be a little too low in general for such a powerful frame, with the addition of multi filament on top.
soulkeeper
New User
Actually I mean the new multi from babolat...XALT 1.30mm
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Never heard of it, but I don't believe my recommendation would change. Enjoy!
Have you tried toalson angel film?
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
I haven't. Good?
Supposedly,,
Is there a multi that you like as Mains,, as much as you like T8 AS a cross??? Also which color T8 do you like and which color is slicker or most slippery? Tnxx
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
I am, of course, a big fan of Toalson T8. I used to only use it as a cross and still think it’s the best there. I also think it’s very good in the mains, but for the most, I continue using something like Xcel or X-one biphase for main duty. I use T8 in natural color.
