Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

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.

The key was to provide Alpha with these characteristics you are both describing, while not feeling "mushy". Happy you discovered it!

 

[AKB]

The key was to provide Alpha with these characteristics you are both describing, while not feeling "mushy". Happy you discovered it!

It ain't anywhere close to being mushy. The ball literally makes a cracking sound indoors when coming off of the string bed. Mushy is usually a thud. You and your team nailed it!

 

[y0035215]

Which GS string maintains its properties the longest over the playing time?
I don't mean the durability of the string, but the consistency of the properties over playingtime.

 

[JK208]

Which GS string maintains its properties the longest over the playing time?
I don't mean the durability of the string, but the consistency of the properties over playingtime.

Probably Tour M8- I get 30ish hours out of it before it dies

 

[Carreau]

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!

I feel the same for the first hitting session. But it looses this feeling in second session. However, I’m playing with open pattern stick and Alpha could be better for closed patterns.

 

[AKB]

I feel the same for the first hitting session. But it looses this feeling in second session. However, I’m playing with open pattern stick and Alpha could be better for closed patterns.

I thought it got better as it went on over my three trial sets. I really like closed 16x19s and looser tensions. Plus I string mid 40s usually and started Alpha at 47M 44X. So it settled into my ideal tension after break in.

I’d say the tension mostly hung in there with a slight decrease per session that was aurally noticeable (by using my hand to check ping) but didn’t affect my ball striking. One string job lasted me about 10-12 hrs of court time. Good enough for me over four sticks and my 3x a week frequency.

Tension maintenance overall I think is above average. I’ll chime back in after I finish the reel that I just ordered.

 

[jimdontcare]

I guess I’ll take the middle route of experiences here and say Alpha is probably at its best fresh, but I personally have no issues switching between a stringjob with several hours of use and a fresh one (just using today as an example).

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

FYI, Tour M8 1.25 and 1.3, sets and reels are back in stock as of today!

 

[insean]

First post. Switching from game changer crossed with gut to full bed tour mako. Played 8 hours and no perceived loss of tension

Plus no arm issues which was the main reason for the gut hybrid. That’s more likely due to my PT though

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

First post. Switching from game changer crossed with gut to full bed tour mako. Played 8 hours and no perceived loss of tension

Plus no arm issues which was the main reason for the gut hybrid. That’s more likely due to my PT though

Thank you! Very happy to see that you liked Tour Mako.

 

[marco forehand]

Has Grapplesnake had “Black Friday” sales events in the past ?
Should I expect one this year ?

 

[Carreau]

I have checked my email - in case of Grapplesnake Europe, yes, there was Black Friday sale last year. However, I'm not sure if it will happen again.

 

[Arzivu]

Last 2 years grapplesnake Europe offers 1+1 reels.

 

[Carreau]

They were doing "special offers/promotions" much more often in Y2023.
However, I think there was RG sales promotion only this year.

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

Has Grapplesnake had “Black Friday” sales events in the past ?
Should I expect one this year ?

Most likely, since every year we try to set something up for Memorial Day Weekend and Black Friday. Check the website at we get closer, since we can't discuss promotions here per TW rules.

 

[AKB]

I feel the same for the first hitting session. But it looses this feeling in second session. However, I’m playing with open pattern stick and Alpha could be better for closed patterns.

Circling back to this, you were correct. As I get more playtime with it through the reel, second session onwards, it’s not the same as the first session. I found that by stringing higher than my usual by 2 lbs, I can prolong that first hitting session feel. After it beds in, it’s a softer version of the first session. Still predictable but that cracking sound goes away.

Tension maintenance is still above average but not like M8 or PP. I plan to finish the reel and then give M8 another look. M8 on a day where my feet are moving just plays better for me. Alpha on all other days is better so cardio it is…

 

[Carreau]

Circling back to this, you were correct. As I get more playtime with it through the reel, second session onwards, it’s not the same as the first session. I found that by stringing higher than my usual by 2 lbs, I can prolong that first hitting session feel. After it beds in, it’s a softer version of the first session. Still predictable but that cracking sound goes away.

Tension maintenance is still above average but not like M8 or PP. I plan to finish the reel and then give M8 another look. M8 on a day where my feet are moving just plays better for me. Alpha on all other days is better so cardio it is…

You may try TS/Alpha hybrid. It is kind of vice versa situation comparing to full bed Alpha - I really hate this combo for the first session, but it shines for 4-5 subsequent sessions.
On the other hand, if I have a tournament day - I like that I can do the string job evening before and trust that Alpha will not disappoint me.

 

[AKB]

You may try TS/Alpha hybrid. It is kind of vice versa situation comparing to full bed Alpha - I really hate this combo for the first session, but it shines for 4-5 subsequent sessions.
On the other hand, if I have a tournament day - I like that I can do the string job evening before and trust that Alpha will not disappoint me.

I’m allergic to Hybrids so it’ll have to be Alpha vs M8, figured out over time. Not sure which I’ll end up choosing.

Fresh Alpha string job next week, pumped for that sound to return!

 

[MMQB14]

@Grapplesnake USA Official and fellow self-stringers:

Stringing my Tecnifibre X-1 300 racquets on an electronic constant pull machine, always two-piece with mains and crosses at different tensions.

When stringing my favorite GS strings Tour M8 and Tour Mako (both 1.25) I notice that the mains are already slightly notched coming right off the stringer (Tour M8 at 50x48.7 lbs and Tour Mako at 52x49.7 lbs, dynamic tension DT 34/35).

After 4-5 hrs of play with Tour Mako the string bed is severly locked up and becomes unpredictable (no snap-back). Tour M8 is a bit better but tends to get "brassy" after 6-7 hrs (hitting around 4.5 level).

Any recommendations? Should I increase tension differential between mains and crosses to 3-4 lbs (to preserve snap-back)? What would that do to the ball flight and the nice "linear" behavior of said GS strings?

Edit: I seem to remember that @Grapplesnake USA Official has stated the GS strings are targeting the open/pro level - which makes sense if you are sponsored and then can string at heart's content. However, at the 4.5 level I need to get 10-12 hours (6-8 sessions) out of my strings otherwise cost-wise it becomes unfeasible (compared to the the big college tennis strings like TourBite, HyberG, Cyclone, etc).

Thanks

 

[VanDerVaart23]

@Grapplesnake USA Official and fellow self-stringers:

Stringing my Tecnifibre X-1 300 racquets on an electronic constant pull machine, always two-piece with mains and crosses at different tensions.

When stringing my favorite GS strings Tour M8 and Tour Mako (both 1.25) I notice that the mains are already slightly notched coming right off the stringer (Tour M8 at 50x48.7 lbs and Tour Mako at 52x49.7 lbs, dynamic tension DT 34/35).

After 4-5 hrs of play with Tour Mako the string bed is severly locked up and becomes unpredictable (no snap-back). Tour M8 is a bit better but tends to get "brassy" after 6-7 hrs (hitting around 4.5 level).

Any recommendations? Should I increase tension differential between mains and crosses to 3-4 lbs (to preserve snap-back)? What would that do to the ball flight and the nice "linear" behavior of said GS strings?

Edit: I seem to remember that @Grapplesnake USA Official has stated the GS strings are targeting the open/pro level - which makes sense if you are sponsored and then can string at heart's content. However, at the 4.5 level I need to get 10-12 hours (6-8 sessions) out of my strings otherwise cost-wise it becomes unfeasible (compared to the the big college tennis strings like TourBite, HyberG, Cyclone, etc).

Thanks

Interesting hybrid and results

In my experience Tour M8 works best as full bed with low tension.

I hybrid it one time too and I also noticed fast notching, but that didn't happen full bed.

Tour M8 is for sure the best string in the lineup.

Try Alpha too in a hybrid

 

[MMQB14]

Interesting hybrid and results

In my experience Tour M8 works best as full bed with low tension.

I hybrid it one time too and I also noticed fast notching, but that didn't happen full bed.

Tour M8 is for sure the best string in the lineup.

Try Alpha too in a hybrid

Sorry - maybe I was not clear. I am not doing a hybrid of M8 and Tour Mako. I string full beds with both strings albeit at different tensions (since Mako is "softer"). I just notice that both those strings are already notched in the mains coming off the stringer...

 

[Tennis And Anime Lover]

Interesting hybrid and results

In my experience Tour M8 works best as full bed with low tension.

I hybrid it one time too and I also noticed fast notching, but that didn't happen full bed.

Tour M8 is for sure the best string in the lineup.

Try Alpha too in a hybrid

Starting tomorrow I have a 4-way side by side battle M8-Tour Sniper- TBHS7T- Tourbite. Followed by a duel PR Vs TH. I know you're interested in that last one

 

[Carreau]

@Grapplesnake USA Official and fellow self-stringers:

Stringing my Tecnifibre X-1 300 racquets on an electronic constant pull machine, always two-piece with mains and crosses at different tensions.

When stringing my favorite GS strings Tour M8 and Tour Mako (both 1.25) I notice that the mains are already slightly notched coming right off the stringer (Tour M8 at 50x48.7 lbs and Tour Mako at 52x49.7 lbs, dynamic tension DT 34/35).

After 4-5 hrs of play with Tour Mako the string bed is severly locked up and becomes unpredictable (no snap-back). Tour M8 is a bit better but tends to get "brassy" after 6-7 hrs (hitting around 4.5 level).

Any recommendations? Should I increase tension differential between mains and crosses to 3-4 lbs (to preserve snap-back)? What would that do to the ball flight and the nice "linear" behavior of said GS strings?

Edit: I seem to remember that @Grapplesnake USA Official has stated the GS strings are targeting the open/pro level - which makes sense if you are sponsored and then can string at heart's content. However, at the 4.5 level I need to get 10-12 hours (6-8 sessions) out of my strings otherwise cost-wise it becomes unfeasible (compared to the the big college tennis strings like TourBite, HyberG, Cyclone, etc).

Thanks

Stringing the same tension mains and crosses will decrease mains movement and notching. You should try.
What frame do you use?

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

@Grapplesnake USA Official and fellow self-stringers:

Stringing my Tecnifibre X-1 300 racquets on an electronic constant pull machine, always two-piece with mains and crosses at different tensions.

When stringing my favorite GS strings Tour M8 and Tour Mako (both 1.25) I notice that the mains are already slightly notched coming right off the stringer (Tour M8 at 50x48.7 lbs and Tour Mako at 52x49.7 lbs, dynamic tension DT 34/35).

After 4-5 hrs of play with Tour Mako the string bed is severly locked up and becomes unpredictable (no snap-back). Tour M8 is a bit better but tends to get "brassy" after 6-7 hrs (hitting around 4.5 level).

Any recommendations? Should I increase tension differential between mains and crosses to 3-4 lbs (to preserve snap-back)? What would that do to the ball flight and the nice "linear" behavior of said GS strings?

Edit: I seem to remember that @Grapplesnake USA Official has stated the GS strings are targeting the open/pro level - which makes sense if you are sponsored and then can string at heart's content. However, at the 4.5 level I need to get 10-12 hours (6-8 sessions) out of my strings otherwise cost-wise it becomes unfeasible (compared to the the big college tennis strings like TourBite, HyberG, Cyclone, etc).

Thanks

One thing you could try if you want minimal notching is Irukandji in the crosses. All in all, I agree with the last comment about maintaining same tensions, and assess the string’s performance after several hours. Our vision has always been to make strings that are great in several fronts, and completely eliminating notching by, for example, adding obscene amounts of silicone to the composition would be easy but it would simply make the string become less stable and perform worse. Every action has a reaction, and the key is finding balance.

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

FYI - Tour M8 1.25 mm is back in stock! Check the website for more.

 

[VanDerVaart23]

FYI - Tour M8 1.25 mm is back in stock! Check the website for more.

What are the differences between 1.30 and 1.25 Tour M8

I'm liking a full bed of 1.25, but I'm looking for a tad more of control and durability, I guess 1.30 is the right route?

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

What are the differences between 1.30 and 1.25 Tour M8

I'm liking a full bed of 1.25, but I'm looking for a tad more of control and durability, I guess 1.30 is the right route?

Yes, I mean, you get more mass, hence more stability in the 1.3. On the other hand, the thinner gauge will have a little more power, “pop”, spin is marginally better, the sweet spot area increases a bit, which makes it the easier one to play with. You also have to take your racket into account; is it a tweener with a super open pattern? Or 95 in.² with a dense pattern? If it’s a 98 16x19, either way could go, so you should take those playability factors above into consideration. A slight change in weight and therefore balance should be considered, also. 1.25 typically outsells 1.3 3:1. I personally play with both depending on the racquet. At the end of the day, it’s not a huge difference between 1.25 and 1.3.

 

[VanDerVaart23]

Yes, I mean, you get more mass, hence more stability in the 1.3. On the other hand, the thinner gauge will have a little more power, “pop”, spin is marginally better, the sweet spot area increases a bit, which makes it the easier one to play with. You also have to take your racket into account; is it a tweener with a super open pattern? Or 95 in.² with a dense pattern? If it’s a 98 16x19, either way could go, so you should take those playability factors above into consideration. A slight change in weight and therefore balance should be considered, also. 1.25 typically outsells 1.3 3:1. I personally play with both depending on the racquet. At the end of the day, it’s not a huge difference between 1.25 and 1.3.

Thank you!! Will order it soon, I'm looking for that stability in the EzOne 98. Could go either way as you said, but I want the stability as mentioned and lower down the pop just a bit. I usually play 1.25 strings with it, but want to lower the launch as well.

Alpha and Tour M8 are great strings.

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

Thank you!! Will order it soon, I'm looking for that stability in the EzOne 98. Could go either way as you said, but I want the stability as mentioned and lower down the pop just a bit. I usually play 1.25 strings with it, but want to lower the launch as well.

Alpha and Tour M8 are great strings.

You're on the right track, and thank you!

 

[mctennis]

One thing you could try if you want minimal notching is Irukandji in the crosses. All in all, I agree with the last comment about maintaining same tensions, and assess the string’s performance after several hours. Our vision has always been to make strings that are great in several fronts, and completely eliminating notching by, for example, adding obscene amounts of silicone to the composition would be easy but it would simply make the string become less stable and perform worse. Every action has a reaction, and the key is finding balance.

I have been using Irukandji string as my cross with gut mains. I have been happy with this combination and impressed with the playability and longevity this combination. Great string(s).

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

I have been using Irukandji string as my cross with gut mains. I have been happy with this combination and impressed with the playability and longevity this combination. Great string(s).

Excellent! That's what it was engineered for - being very slippery and rounded/rectangular to extend the life of your gut or multi, with a feel meant to compliment those strings as well. In a dual-poly hybrid setup, I would mostly recommend it for people looking for most snapback. Thanks a bunch.

 

[Trip]

@Grapplesnake USA Official - Any chance of a Black Friday or similar discounting coming up? Need to reload on some Tour M8 and just figured I'd inquire. Thank you for all your dedication to this community!

Actually, never mind; I should have hit the website first. I see now that you're running a BF coupon until 12/1. Awesome, and thank you!

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

@Grapplesnake USA Official - Any chance of a Black Friday or similar discounting coming up? Need to reload on some Tour M8 and just figured I'd inquire. Thank you for all your dedication to this community!

Actually, never mind; I should have hit the website first. I see now that you're running a BF coupon until 12/1. Awesome, and thank you!

Thank you!

 

[Tennis And Anime Lover]

Planning on getting a reel of TS. Will there be any promo on the European site?

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

Planning on getting a reel of TS. Will there be any promo on the European site?

Unsure. Email them at info@grapplesnake-strings-europe.com

 

[Tennis And Anime Lover]

Unsure. email them at info@grapplesnake-strings-europe.com

Thx for taking the time to reply. Yes maybe that's the best thing to do.
The new Mako may not have been my cup of T. M8 was good, Alpha is a great comfort string and Sniper seems to be exactlly what I was after. Near perfect string

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

Thx for taking the time to reply. Yes maybe that's the best thing to do.
The new Mako may not have been my cup of T. M8 was good, Alpha is a great comfort string and Sniper seems to be exactlly what I was after. Near perfect string

Thanks, and enjoy!

 

[kevonian]

Probably Tour M8- I get 30ish hours out of it before it dies

30 hours?! How often do you play? I might get a set or two if it lasts that long

 

[JK208]

30 hours?! How often do you play? I might get a set or two if it lasts that long

OK, here's where the disclaimer comes in-

I used a TFight ISO 18x19 at 42 lbs. I also had added weight, so the swing speed wasn't very fast, and I was mostly a S&V player with a good deal of success. After realizing that the ISO with a 345sw was too heavy for groundstrokes, I will be switching to a 16x19 "normal" swingweight racket (probably the EZone 98). I will report back in a little over a month to tell you how long it lasts.

The only reason I was using the TFight was because I was able to get it on sale- I wouldn't recommend it to anyone below a 5.0 level. One of my hitting partners (Former NAIA All-American and futures player) said it was even too heavy for him to play with. I strung low to get some level of power and spin, but I'll make the switch to a more forgiving racket, string somewhere around 51lbs, and let you know how it goes. I played with my friend's old EZone with 4g at 54lbs, and I put some decent notching into it within one session last night, so I'm not too hopeful that my new setup will last over 20 hours.

Another one of my friends who plays at a smaller college (probably around a mid 4.0 to 4.5 level), said he got about 25 hours out of M8 in a PA Rafa at 46lbs before it started to hurt his arm, but it wasn't completely notched.

Good luck!

 

[VanDerVaart23]

30 hours?! How often do you play? I might get a set or two if it lasts that long

I can concur that M8 lasts more than average both tension and elasticity. Great string.
30 hours seems too much, but easily 15 hours of good playability which is a lot for a poly

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

I can concur that M8 lasts more than average both tension and elasticity. Great string.
30 hours seems too much, but easily 15 hours of good playability which is a lot for a poly

It will also depend on the person’s level of play, how hard they hit, their racquet head speed, spin, and definitely the racquet’s head and pattern.

Many variables ranging from perhaps 4-6 hours at the 5.0+ level to 20+ hours at a lower lever, under less strenuous conditions for the string.

Almost like tires - they can last years under normal driving conditions, or 2 hours at the race track.

 

[VanDerVaart23]

It will also depend on the person’s level of play, how hard they hit, their racquet head speed, spin, and definitely the racquet’s head and pattern.

Many variables ranging from perhaps 4-6 hours at the 5.0+ level to 20+ hours at a lower lever, under less strenuous conditions for the string.

Almost like tires - they can last years under normal driving conditions, or 2 hours at the race track.

Right depends on the level for sure

 

[Tennis And Anime Lover]

Grapplesnake Europe is having a 'buy one, get one for free' black friday promo

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

Happy to announce yet one more Pro Player joining our Grapplesnake Team. Welcome, Elena Malõgina from Estonia. She is such an amazing 24 year old warrior. Among her many accomplishments, she defeated Mona Barthel (WTA 160) from Germany, twice this year. Elena holds a WTA career high (so far) of 236 Doubles and 322 Singles. We are thrilled to have her with us. She plays with Tour M8 1.25 mm and came from RPM.

 

[Trip]

Just loaded up on some M8 and Alpha for Black Friday. Thank you @Grapplesnake USA Official!

 

[jangotango]

Grapplesnake Europe is having a 'buy one, get one for free' black friday promo

Studying in EU and I think I missed this one

 

[Carreau]

Happy to announce yet one more Pro Player joining our Grapplesnake Team. Welcome, Elena Malõgina from Estonia. She is such an amazing 24 year old warrior. Among her many accomplishments, she defeated Mona Barthel (WTA 160) from Germany, twice this year. Elena holds a WTA career high (so far) of 236 Doubles and 322 Singles. We are thrilled to have her with us. She plays with Tour M8 1.25 mm and came from RPM.

I think I saw her playing live in Estonia this summer. I'm happy to see GS becomes more popular in Baltic countries. My son (young junior) started using same string in his Babolat PA - his shots are more consistent definitely.

 

[Tennis And Anime Lover]

Studying in EU and I think I missed this one

you haven't. BF promo still runs for 2 more days

 

[Grapplesnake USA Official]

I think I saw her playing live in Estonia this summer. I'm happy to see GS becomes more popular in Baltic countries. My son (young junior) started using same string in his Babolat PA - his shots are more consistent definitely.

This is awesome. Thank you for your support.

 

[Vasuri]

you haven't. BF promo still runs for 2 more days

Don’t see any BF deals on Grapplesnake Europe website?