Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

[VanDerVaart23]

@dr. godmode did provide numbers to back up his claims. He made an entire video discussing Mako's tension loss being comparable to M8. You went in hard with your first response. Mako has been great for me as a cross string in my Blade Pro 18x20 with Silver 7 Tour in the mains. Tons of pop and power

That's a good use I could think for Mako.

@dr. godmode gave it a 9 out of 10 in tension, that can't be right. I agree with your other ratings though.

 

[dr. godmode]

That's a good use I could think for Mako.

@dr. godmode gave it a 9 out of 10 in tension, that can't be right. I agree with your other ratings though.

I just didn’t really observe any major losses in tension. Loss in playability from notching? Yes definitely but not as bad as many other strings I’ve tried. Like I think durability far exceeds TF Blackcode or ALU (duh) but I also wouldn’t say it’s a huge strength. Just not as critical a weakness for me personally as some others have experienced.

 

[Tennis And Anime Lover]

@dr. godmode did provide numbers to back up his claims. He made an entire video discussing Mako's tension loss being comparable to M8. You went in hard with your first response. Mako has been great for me as a cross string in my Blade Pro 18x20 with Silver 7 Tour in the mains. Tons of pop and power

Have seen the video today. He does adress the playabilty problem, which is correct. About my initial response, there was a emoji for a reason, people should learn to take comments a bit less personal.
I'm a TBHS7T player myself, so feedback about a perfect cross is always welcome.
I don't 'hate' grapplesnake at all. In fact, i found Alpha to be one of the best comfort strings out there, despite not being my type of string. And as far as youtube reviewers goes, becket is one of the few a take a bit more serious comparing to others so. I dont see a problem whatsoever.

 

[Tennis And Anime Lover]

That's a good use I could think for Mako.

@dr. godmode gave it a 9 out of 10 in tension, that can't be right. I agree with your other ratings though.

Beckett said so himself, take the review with grain of salt cause about grapplesnake he's not entirly unbiased.
What are youtube string reviews worth really?
If you play 100 strings, how much of them do you really like?
If you watch youtube string reviews, how many sound to be top notch strings?
Decide for yourself how much someone else's point of view is worth

 

[Eudaimorium]

I just didn’t really observe any major losses in tension. Loss in playability from notching? Yes definitely but not as bad as many other strings I’ve tried. Like I think durability far exceeds TF Blackcode or ALU (duh) but I also wouldn’t say it’s a huge strength. Just not as critical a weakness for me personally as some others have experienced.

Based on this, is there a cross that you think would do particularly well alongside Mako to reduce that notching and increase playability? I have a few things like Sniper, Sync, and Orbitour Gold (will probably look hideous together, but oh well) that I'm planning to test out, but I probably won't be able to get to it for awhile.

 

[JK208]

Based on this, is there a cross that you think would do particularly well alongside Mako to reduce that notching and increase playability? I have a few things like Sniper, Sync, and Orbitour Gold (will probably look hideous together, but oh well) that I'm planning to test out, but I probably won't be able to get to it for awhile.

Restring Zero would be an excellent cross to minimize notching. It would also increase spin and probably power as well.

 

[dr. godmode]

Based on this, is there a cross that you think would do particularly well alongside Mako to reduce that notching and increase playability? I have a few things like Sniper, Sync, and Orbitour Gold (will probably look hideous together, but oh well) that I'm planning to test out, but I probably won't be able to get to it for awhile.

I will try Mako with Sync soon. The weather is turning so I haven’t been playing as much sadly.

 

[MSUspartans777]

I will try Mako with Sync soon. The weather is turning so I haven’t been playing as much sadly.

I'm curious, how do you get time on the courts as it gets colder up north? Access to indoor courts?

 

[pizzadontdie]

Tour Mako Mark's review. It's concerning the tension loss on this string. Something went really wrong with this string.

And sorry, I'm not trying to be negative, but it's just the way it is.

Beware and use the other grapplesnake options

Yikes. Glad I saw this before purchasing. Love a soft poly, but that’s a dealbreaker.

 

[Carreau]

My personal experience is that you need to try the string yourselves. Too many different and unique factors are important for the judgement:
-- Racket, string pattern, racket stats;
-- Stringing (techniques matter that is why I string myself my sticks);
-- Your strokes, play style, etc.

Moreover, all strings changes their characteristics during the life cycle - some of them will be the best next day after the stringing and other will be better after a 2 hours of play, etc.

I truly believe that it is too complex to judge the string based on somebody's review.

 

[M A]

I will try Mako with Sync soon. The weather is turning so I haven’t been playing as much sadly.

With Wilson RF01, which one do you think suits better, tour sniper or sync? Thanks

 

[VanDerVaart23]

My personal experience is that you need to try the string yourselves. Too many different and unique factors are important for the judgement:
-- Racket, string pattern, racket stats;
-- Stringing (techniques matter that is why I string myself my sticks);
-- Your strokes, play style, etc.

Moreover, all strings changes their characteristics during the life cycle - some of them will be the best next day after the stringing and other will be better after a 2 hours of play, etc.

I truly believe that it is too complex to judge the string based on somebody's review.

I used to think like that, but after spending $15+$20 (string job) for 1.5 hours of playing with Mako I would be more cautious and look at several reviews to get a feeling of what it is.
I would recommend to go through several reviews before purchasing... Unless you string yourself and have good budget for $15 strings

 

[dr. godmode]

I'm curious, how do you get time on the courts as it gets colder up north? Access to indoor courts?

Yeah indoor courts. In Vancouver they are less accessible than other places I’ve lived where there are more municipal facilities. Vancouver is filled with private clubs. Entry to these clubs can be well over $20k or like a 5 year waitlist. It doesn’t often go below freezing so we can get away with playing outside British style on asphalt when it’s wet.

 

[dr. godmode]

With Wilson RF01, which one do you think suits better, tour sniper or sync? Thanks

I would probably pick Sniper ahead of any string when it comes to the RF01.

 

[M A]

I would probably pick Sniper ahead of any string when it comes to the RF01.

This setup with 50 lbs is safe for anyone who has had tennis elbow and recently had a shoulder injury?

 

[HypnoticLasagna]

out of curiosity, how much playability are folks getting out grapplesnake strings outside of Mako?
none of the GS strings that i've tried lasted that long, but the playability during that window was worth the trade off.
i don't get more than 2.5-3 hours out of my TS/alpha setup.

I remember the last time I used Alpha full bed, I got about 3 hours. I was confused and tried again, and had the same experience.

 

[jimdontcare]

M8 has had longer playability than any control string I've tried (overtaking Confidential for me), and Alpha has had longer playability than any soft poly I've tried (some more notching than soft round polys though, but the playability is still better for me). For reference, computer rated 4.0 and I break multi in about 3 hours. Very weird that some people find GS to have unusually short lifespans and others find them unusually long.

 

[dr. godmode]

I would probably pick Sniper ahead of any string when it comes to the RF01.

I can't really say. Everyone's body is different and responds differently to various setups. I would hate to give you a firm "no" and have you miss out but even worse would be a firm "yes" only for you to be injured again.

 

[Roforot]

Yeah lets say that an former atp stringer doesn't know his job. Lets all agree upon mako having great tension maintenance but wont do you credibilty any good.

Mark Sansait was a former ATP stringer! That's bonkers.

 

[Tennis And Anime Lover]

Mark Sansait was a former ATP stringer! That's bonkers.

Nope my own stringer is

 

[Curtennis]

Mark Sansait was a former ATP stringer! That's bonkers.

Mark is a joke. Pull up his YouTube channel and just read the titles of his videos. He’s clearly just out for shock and awe.
He’s ridiculous.

 

[Tennis And Anime Lover]

Mark is a joke. Pull up his YouTube channel and just read the titles of his videos. He’s clearly just out for shock and awe.
He’s ridiculous.

Kinda could be said about every 'reviewer' out there. They're cleary just out there for pushing their affliates. She what i Just did?
Let everyone decide for themeselves what has value and what has not.
If we exaggerate a bit, we even could conclude all string reviews are irrelevant except for one. The only assessment that matters is the one we do ourselves.

 

[Roforot]

I don’t mind if they have affiliate links. I like foot doctor zach reviews of shoes and he is up front. I distrust more a forum member who doesn’t disclose their relationship.

I think reviews help especially with things like hours played or when they break.

I don’t even want new strings but i watch the reviews for entertainment.

 

[Tennis And Anime Lover]

I don’t mind if they have affiliate links. I like foot doctor zach reviews of shoes and he is up front. I distrust more a forum member who doesn’t disclose their relationship.

I think reviews help especially with things like hours played or when they break.

I don’t even want new strings but i watch the reviews for entertainment.

Ah, I have seen some of his video's but not in need of new shoes for now. I play a lot of strings out of general interest. To me watching some reviews is just to have a general idea.
But the average cusomer is lazy and ignorant. Most of them choose their string of choice purely based on the reviewers sentiment. Not wanting to spend some money to test out themselves. Reviewers are well aware of this, and some are less objective than others.
I dont have problems with affiliations either. You just have to look through that.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

Mark is a joke. Pull up his YouTube channel and just read the titles of his videos. He’s clearly just out for shock and awe.
He’s ridiculous.

He’s brutally honest which I appreciate, and it’s just one dude’s opinions. He mostly just does strings, not a lot of shock and awe opportunities there lol.

 

[pizzadontdie]

My personal experience is that you need to try the string yourselves. Too many different and unique factors are important for the judgement:
-- Racket, string pattern, racket stats;
-- Stringing (techniques matter that is why I string myself my sticks);
-- Your strokes, play style, etc.

Moreover, all strings changes their characteristics during the life cycle - some of them will be the best next day after the stringing and other will be better after a 2 hours of play, etc.

I truly believe that it is too complex to judge the string based on somebody's review.

That’s good advice. I string my own, so don’t mind swapping after 5-6 hours of use. I just hate to see a string loose that much tension after 45 minutes. I’ll probably give it a shot. I’ve been using Irukandji as a cross in hybrids and enjoying it, so eager to try other grapple offerings.

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

Anybody (including @Grapplesnake USA Official ) have any thoughts based on their experience with M8 1.25 vs M8 1.30?

Sorry about the late reply, but what attributes are you most interested in? Stability and durability? 1.3. A little more ”pop” and spin? 1.25. Also, the small difference in weight might be important to you if you have your balance dialed in either diameter.

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

M8 has had longer playability than any control string I've tried (overtaking Confidential for me), and Alpha has had longer playability than any soft poly I've tried (some more notching than soft round polys though, but the playability is still better for me). For reference, computer rated 4.0 and I break multi in about 3 hours. Very weird that some people find GS to have unusually short lifespans and others find them unusually long.

I think something important to consider when it comes to this question that you are asking, is just how hard people hit the ball and how much difference that makes at the highest levels. The better you play tennis, you will start feeling more differences in the string’s playability duration very early on, and you start measuring those things in minutes. This is valid for every string. At the 4.0 level or around that area, which is where most people live, a lot of these factors are a lot less perceivable, and the string goes through its lifespan in a matter of weeks or even longer. An incredibly big Delta based on racquet head speed and amount of force exerted upon your impact. The best string for you based on your level and needs might be radically different from someone else.

 

[snoflewis]

probably need to amend my initial impressions of mako. got another chance to test. strings had a couple hours on them this time. i much prefer the fresher setup. i can see what folks were finding with the tension loss and significant loss of control. the playability duration seems on par with other GS strings but perhaps drops off a bit more drastically. still a fascinating string in the same realm as paradox pro.

 

[boulderchips]

I'll add my impressions to the pile for Mako, although it's nothing groundbreaking.

Positives: the feel is great (reminiscent of Tour M8), and it responds well to hard hitting. Very solid, very stable, good pocketing. Reliable control, as long as you're swinging out. It actually does feel like a combination of Paradox and M8 - the elastic but controlled response of PP, with the dampened solid feel of M8. I don't have anything more sophisticated than RacquetTune to measure tension loss, but it wasn't crazy in my frame. Also, I love the color, and it looks killer in an EZ98.

Negatives: While tension maintenance wasn't abysmal, overall durability was not inspiring. The stringbed started locking after hardly more than an hour of playtime. As soon as it's not fresh, small modulations can result in wild balls off the strings. Spin production is pretty average, even by round poly standards.

It reminded me vaguely of Signum Pro Firestorm. It's a really interesting string, and it has some good things going for it - as long as its fresh. Unfortunately, that feeling doesn't seem to last very long. I don't like to restring any more frequently than I have to, so I'm unlikely to experiment much more with this one. Still, I appreciate that GS continues to put out strings that offer something unique relative to most of the market.

 

[zeneto1234]

My impressions about Mako:
Positives: Feel is the best ever for a poly, same level of paradox pro, the difference is that paradox pro is more "rigid" and the mako is more "elastic" feeling. I think its the first time that i see a very soft/elastic poly with this level of feel, normally they are muted. Power is also high probaly because of the softness of the string. Spin is the average of a round poly its not bad. Tension maintance is average for a round poly, but this kind of tension maintance for a poly with this softness is also the first time that i see it. Very consistent, except when its near the end when the mains are very cut and the crosses are thinner. Very stable on heavy shots.

Negatives: Durability is below average for a standard round poly, not too much just a bit.

Observation: First time that i see a poly that cut the main strings as much as it make the cross strings thinner

I think this is really a tour level/performance string, its not a string for players wanting control and spin but Power and feel. Its a string for ATP players that can string anytime they want ad, it can also be used by avanced players that play with control rackets and flatish strokes, because if you hit hard with a Pure Aero for the strings would break too fast and it would be too costly for the average human being and it can also be used by begginers/older player that want comfort and want help with power.
I really liked the string, maybe i'm switching to it. If the string was exactly like this but stiffness was more towards M8 for better durability, less "elastic feeling" this would be a 100% sure switch for me.

 

[JK208]

My impressions about Mako:
Positives: Feel is the best ever for a poly, same level of paradox pro, the difference is that paradox pro is more "rigid" and the mako is more "elastic" feeling. I think its the first time that i see a very soft/elastic poly with this level of feel, normally they are muted. Power is also high probaly because of the softness of the string. Spin is the average of a round poly its not bad. Tension maintance is average for a round poly, but this kind of tension maintance for a poly with this softness is also the first time that i see it. Very consistent, except when its near the end when the mains are very cut and the crosses are thinner. Very stable on heavy shots.

Negatives: Durability is below average for a standard round poly, not too much just a bit.

Observation: First time that i see a poly that cut the main strings as much as it make the cross strings thinner

I think this is really a tour level/performance string, its not a string for players wanting control and spin but Power and feel. Its a string for ATP players that can string anytime they want ad, it can also be used by avanced players that play with control rackets and flatish strokes, because if you hit hard with a Pure Aero for the strings would break too fast and it would be too costly for the average human being and it can also be used by begginers/older player that want comfort and want help with power.
I really liked the string, maybe i'm switching to it. If the string was exactly like this but stiffness was more towards M8 for better durability, less "elastic feeling" this would be a 100% sure switch for me.

IMO Mako is shaping up to be similar to a softer and more controlled ALU Power alternative.

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

My impressions about Mako:
Positives: Feel is the best ever for a poly, same level of paradox pro, the difference is that paradox pro is more "rigid" and the mako is more "elastic" feeling. I think its the first time that i see a very soft/elastic poly with this level of feel, normally they are muted. Power is also high probaly because of the softness of the string. Spin is the average of a round poly its not bad. Tension maintance is average for a round poly, but this kind of tension maintance for a poly with this softness is also the first time that i see it. Very consistent, except when its near the end when the mains are very cut and the crosses are thinner. Very stable on heavy shots.

Negatives: Durability is below average for a standard round poly, not too much just a bit.

Observation: First time that i see a poly that cut the main strings as much as it make the cross strings thinner

I think this is really a tour level/performance string, its not a string for players wanting control and spin but Power and feel. Its a string for ATP players that can string anytime they want ad, it can also be used by avanced players that play with control rackets and flatish strokes, because if you hit hard with a Pure Aero for the strings would break too fast and it would be too costly for the average human being and it can also be used by begginers/older player that want comfort and want help with power.
I really liked the string, maybe i'm switching to it. If the string was exactly like this but stiffness was more towards M8 for better durability, less "elastic feeling" this would be a 100% sure switch for me.

I think you got the idea behind Tour Mako very well! Thank you for taking the time to share your impressions here, and enjoy! We are planning on releasing a silver version of Tour Mako in a few months with a little bit of added aluminum for players seeking a little more stiffness and overall durability. Every action has a reaction, and you would lose some of its "special" feel. But it will be good to provide both options for players to choose.

 

[zeneto1234]

I think you got the idea behind Tour Mako very well! Thank you for taking the time to share your impressions here, and enjoy! We are planning on releasing a silver version of Tour Mako in a few months with a little bit of added aluminum for players seeking a little more stiffness and overall durability. Every action has a reaction, and you would lose some of its "special" feel. But it will be good to provide both options for players to choose.

I understand. The stiffness i can adjust with tension but the durability would still suffer, this silver option will be great for me. In my opinion, if it was just a little bit firmer and it was a little bit less elastic and a bit more durable, it would be so magical haha

 

[jimdontcare]

I think you got the idea behind Tour Mako very well! Thank you for taking the time to share your impressions here, and enjoy! We are planning on releasing a silver version of Tour Mako in a few months with a little bit of added aluminum for players seeking a little more stiffness and overall durability. Every action has a reaction, and you would lose some of its "special" feel. But it will be good to provide both options for players to choose.

That’s some impressive responsiveness

 

[JK208]

That’s some impressive responsiveness

Yeah, Yazir and Grapplesnake USA are amazing

 

[slevin011]

Without having played any strings (yet), I will say I'm now a Grapplesnake fan. I used the webchat on their site to ask a few questions this afternoon and, within 2 minutes, received a phone call to discuss what I'm looking for in a string and explore some options. Ended up ordering two sets of Alpha, a set of Mako, and a set of Tour Sniper for my Wilson Shift Pro. Looking forward to trying them out over the next several weeks. Thanks @Grapplesnake USA Official !

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

Without having played any strings (yet), I will say I'm now a Grapplesnake fan. I used the webchat on their site to ask a few questions this afternoon and, within 2 minutes, received a phone call to discuss what I'm looking for in a string and explore some options. Ended up ordering two sets of Alpha, a set of Mako, and a set of Tour Sniper for my Wilson Shift Pro. Looking forward to trying them out over the next several weeks. Thanks @Grapplesnake USA Official !

Thank you for your support!

 

[Trip]

@Grapplesnake USA Official - Any idea when you'll have more sets of M8 1.30 back in stock for the USA? Ty!

 

[JK208]

@Grapplesnake USA Official - Any idea when you'll have more sets of M8 1.30 back in stock for the USA? Ty!

What racket are you going to put it in?

 

[Trip]

What racket are you going to put it in?

I've been using M8 1.30 in the mains of my Auxetic 1.0 Prestige MP-L's, with M8 1.25 in the crosses. Versus 1.30/1.30, I find 1.30/1.25 offers slightly more easy pop, grip, spin, launch angle and shot curvature, without sacrificing any measurable amount of predictability or control. A win-win, at least in this frame for my mechanics.

 

[JK208]

I've been using M8 1.30 in the mains of my Auxetic 1.0 Prestige MP-L's, with M8 1.25 in the crosses. Versus 1.30/1.30, I find 1.30/1.25 offers slightly more easy pop, grip, spin, launch angle and shot curvature, without sacrificing any measurable amount of predictability or control. A win-win, at least in this frame for my mechanics.

Do you like it with low tension too?

 

[Trip]

Do you like it with low tension too?

Me, no, not too low. But it depends on the frame, the spec and one's technique. Namely, the larger and/or more open the string bed and the higher the recoil weight and/or hitting weight, and/or the flatter a player's technique, the higher the tension. Using me and my setup as an example: I've spec'd my MP-L's lately at around 340-345g, mid 31.x cm balance and low-mid 330's swing weight, which gives me a lot of hitting weight and 172+ recoil weight. And I hit pretty big and flat. Add in the fairly open 16x19 and center mains that are as long as many 105's, and I tend to like thicker-gauge full bed poly in the low to mid 50's, Tour M8 included. That might seem like a bit too much of a caveman spec for most, but it has worked well for me and the way I've setup my MP-L's. If I ever drop the spec down, I would probably lower the tension as well.

But then take another setup I've enjoyed, the Prince Tour 100P, played closer to stock weightings, and I've found that full-bed M8 1.25 in the low 40's works great there. And that's I think closer to what you'll find more rec players apt to gravitate to: lighter strung spec, lower recoil weight, plus often a more swipey/modern technique, and as such, mid-40's or lower will usually be the way to go with M8.

The great thing about M8, though, as you can see, is that it seems to play well at a fairly wide range of tensions. You just have to know how best to tension it, given the frame setup, player and technique in question.

 

[JK208]

Me, no, not too low. But it depends on the frame, the spec and one's technique. Namely, the larger and/or more open the string bed and the higher the recoil weight and/or hitting weight, and/or the flatter a player's technique, the higher the tension. Using me and my setup as an example: I've spec'd my MP-L's lately at around 340-345g, mid 31.x cm balance and low-mid 330's swing weight, which gives me a lot of hitting weight and 172+ recoil weight. And I hit pretty big and flat. Add in the fairly open 16x19 and center mains that are as long as many 105's, and I tend to like thicker-gauge full bed poly in the low to mid 50's, Tour M8 included. That might seem like a bit too much of a caveman spec for most, but it has worked well for me and the way I've setup my MP-L's. If I ever drop the spec down, I would probably lower the tension as well.

My frame has similar specs as yours, but is an 18x19 (high 330s SW, 345g static, mid balance (4-6pts headlight), and massive plowthrough), and I string it at 42lbs with the 1.25 M8.- I'm a hybrid all-court player who adopts some elements of the S&V chip&charge playstyle but I also will be patient in baseline rallies. I play pretty flat over the net as well, but all of my strokes have enough topspin to still bounce high.

The great thing about M8, though, as you can see, is that it seems to play well at a fairly wide range of tensions. You just have to know how best to tension it, given the frame setup, player and technique in question.

100% true- Everyone I know that has tried it loves it at some tension.

 

[samneher]

Quick question: I tried sniper in my vcore 100 at 51/49 and found it very stiff and uncomfortable as well as low powered compared to my usual Lynx tour at 50/48. Since it holds tension so well, that’s not really changing after break in. My error clearly and I should have gone lower tension.

I’m going to try tour m8 next. Should I drop tension there too to find a similar comfort to my normal set up or is this string a bit more powerful and less stiff than sniper?

 

[Trip]

@samneher - All of that considered, yeah, I would probably would go lower with M8. IMHO, a happier arm and the challenge of having to control a bit more launchy-ness than you're used to, beats a less happy arm and having to swing out a bit more than you'd prefer. At least for the first go-around. So perhaps start with 46/44. Then you can modulate from there.

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

@Grapplesnake USA Official - Any idea when you'll have more sets of M8 1.30 back in stock for the USA? Ty!

I'm thinking Monday or Tuesday. Thanks for your patience!

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

Quick question: I tried sniper in my vcore 100 at 51/49 and found it very stiff and uncomfortable as well as low powered compared to my usual Lynx tour at 50/48. Since it holds tension so well, that’s not really changing after break in. My error clearly and I should have gone lower tension.

I’m going to try tour m8 next. Should I drop tension there too to find a similar comfort to my normal set up or is this string a bit more powerful and less stiff than sniper?

I agree with @Trip

 

[AKB]

I've decided that Alpha will be my string for competition this year. I've just stopped wanting to pick up any racquet in my bag not strung with this lol. Could be a honeymoon phase, but I'm usually right about these things for myself. It's the closest I've come to a string feeling like an extension of my arm.

I'm not the most experienced string reviewer in the world--I'm able to speak about racquets much more fluently in comparison--so bear with me.

Background, in case it's helpful for anyone: Computer-rated 4.0 player using Prince TT310. My go-to tension is 48 pounds, but I like 50 with Alpha, maybe more once the weather gets hot. I'm very used to stiff poly strings--when I was a kid, nobody told me how strings worked, so I googled "most durable strings" and bought some poly. Someone told me I didn't need to replace them if they didn't break, so I played with dead poly until I returned to the game as an adult. Because of that experience, I gravitated to pretty stiff strings, like Solincos. But over the last six months or so, I've been experimenting with softer setups, including multi/poly hybrids, and found that I like them after all. Lynx yellow 1.30 was probably my favorite setup in the TT310 before finding Alpha.

Playstyle and what I want: Counterpuncher unafraid to finish off a point at net. I play with a lot of spin for my level mostly out of necessity, it just feels natural, but I don't necessarily crave maximum spin. I just really can't be fighting against the racquet or the strings to achieve spin.

How Alpha performed:

• Power/Control: Other Alpha reviewers on this thread mention that there is both power and control in this string. They're completely right. I think it's the most powerful poly I've tried. It's also the most reliable poly I've tried. You can feel exactly how Alpha is returning energy back into the ball. But it does not feel springy or anything like that. I felt like I was completely in control of where the ball went and how fast. Alpha has the power boost of having a multi main without any of the launchiness or unpredictability. (Now, if you are a very high-level player, I could see how you might prefer the string to absorb some power for you so you can keep racquet head speed up for spin and such. But if that's you, you're probably not in the soft poly market.)
• Spin: Spinnier than the spinniest round polys, but not a "spin string." For me and my strokes, it's a great balance. The launch angle remains moderate and predictable, but I can get the heavy defensive topspin and dipping passing shots whenever I want them. I can't exactly see one of those D1 topspin monsters playing with this, but I see spin being sufficient for anyone who plays with even a little bit of variety.
• Feel: Doesn't fall into an easy category. Not muted--I've played muted strings before, like Hyper G, Black Zone, and black Cyclone. Yet the ball doesn't get lost on the string bed at all. Touch shots are exceptional. When it's time to respond to lack of pace with lack of pace, Alpha excels where other full beds of poly often struggle. There's no minimum racquet head speed you have to meet in order to feel like Alpha is working for you in some way. Not mushy at all. When a hard-hitting exchange is happening, Alpha is up to the task and remains very stable (rallies with a former D3 at my club are my biggest test for this).
• Comfort: felt like I was playing a multi hybrid. Maybe even better, in some aspects. I am not the most sensitive arm in the world, though.
• Playability Duration: Consistent response until it dies. This is the clincher that makes me unwilling to put too much effort into finding something better.
• Color: The gold is awesome and worth mentioning on its own.

Who is this for: People who like winning points? Lol. Sure, there are stiff, shaped strings out there that I've produced some incredible dipping shots with, and some multi hybrids make the neutral ball so easy to hit. But when it comes to point construction, situational play, and pressure moments, Alpha's power lifts the floor to my game and Alpha's feel and predictability lifts my ceiling. It's the only string I've hit where I'm not left wanting something else.

Well, almost. In a perfect world, Grapplesnake would offer Alpha in a 1.30, which would work great for my open string pattern. But I recognize the market for a thicker gauge Alpha probably is pretty small. But if Grapplesnake were to start offering a 1.30 Alpha, know you would have at least one customer lol.

This guy was onto something. I used Paradox Pro (damn good innovative string) for a long time, then rolled my ankle badly. Went back to WC Silverstring (my reference poly) as I was getting back into regular hitting after a three month break. Tried Alpha (first time with about 3x trial sets of string) and M8 (second time) based on this post and guess I'm switching to Alpha for 2025.

I tried Paradox Pro, M8 and Alpha today in one hitting session over 2 hours...I felt so confident with Alpha. M8 and Paradox Pro give you what you put in, Alpha can cut you some slack as you get tired over a session.

While returning serve, I just knew I could put any serve back in play with Alpha vs the other two. That's usually when I know I'm ready to switch to a string. And that indoor pop. SOLD!

 

[jimdontcare]

This guy was onto something. I used Paradox Pro (damn good innovative string) for a long time, then rolled my ankle badly. Went back to WC Silverstring (my reference poly) as I was getting back into regular hitting after a three month break. Tried Alpha (first time with about 3x trial sets of string) and M8 (second time) based on this post and guess I'm switching to Alpha for 2025.

I tried Paradox Pro, M8 and Alpha today in one hitting session over 2 hours...I felt so confident with Alpha. M8 and Paradox Pro give you what you put in, Alpha can cut you some slack as you get tired over a session.

While returning serve, I just knew I could put any serve back in play with Alpha vs the other two. That's usually when I know I'm ready to switch to a string. And that indoor pop. SOLD!

Welcome to the club! Still maining Alpha here.

It occurred to me recently that I think Alpha got a bit of a reputation because it was released the same time as Tour Sniper, and it was followed up by Tour M8. Alpha was frequently compared with those strings, and I worry it got a reputation for being uncontrolled just because it wasn’t TS or M8. It’s still a really predictable string y’all, give it a try before assuming the trade off isn’t worth it.

I also think it’s a must-try if you’ve been toying with dropping your tension for extra help or pocketing or comfort but really prefer the feel of higher tensions. Alpha might be the best of both worlds you’re looking for.