Franklins

New User
It is normal for a soft string to drop down.
And no one can say i want to play any string at "dt 46".
46 lbs dt with 4g wont feel like kirschbaum pro line 2 with 46 dt.
And sometimes it is helpful to create a higher tension with soft strings because they stretch better out.
That's the same principle like prestretching.
 

ulunxtns

Professional
It is normal for a soft string to drop down.
And no one can say i want to play any string at "dt 46".
46 lbs dt with 4g wont feel like kirschbaum pro line 2 with 46 dt.
And sometimes it is helpful to create a higher tension with soft strings because they stretch better out.
That's the same principle like prestretching.
Do you know what's DT for?

To me, DT reflects the actual hitting feel. I was able to match DT with several different strings in my Ezone. For example, if I want to use Zero at 46 DT, I would string it around 43 lbs, off the stringer, the DT would be around 48/49 ish, after 24 hours or first hitting, it will drop around 46 DT, since Zero holds tension really well, it will stabilize at that tension for a while. On the other hand, if I'm using PTP, I would string it at 49 lbs, after 24 hours, it will drop to around 46/47 DT. I've done this many times before my match play.

For 4G, you mentioned above, if you want to get 46 DT to play, you probably should string it at 42 lbs or even lower. It's trial and error, and very experience based. You need to know both your racquet and strings well to get the ideal DT.

In fact, in a lot of tournament stringing room, the players will ask for DT numbers instead of actual tensions. That's why you see the players adjust the tensions according to the temperature and humidity. Those factors affect DT as well.
 

Franklins

New User
I think u don't understand what i was trying to explain you.
A string does not feel the same because you have the same dt.

If so you can buy a pros pro string and bring it on the same dt tension like a top string.

Does this make it equal? of course not.
And by the way a cube shaped string in 1.19 swings much better with less air resistance than a 1.25 hex.
 

ulunxtns

Professional
I think u don't understand what i was trying to explain you.
A string does not feel the same because you have the same dt.

If so you can buy a pros pro string and bring it on the same dt tension like a top string.

Does this make it equal? of course not.
And by the way a cube shaped string in 1.19 swings much better with less air resistance than a 1.25 hex.
I've never said different strings at the same DT feel the same, of course, they are not the same. Otherwise why do we need so many different strings.

But different strings at the same DT have similar softness/stiffness. which will help you decide if that string suits you or not, cause at least you rule out one of the variables, the stiffness number. Everyone knows to string a stiff poly at lower tension make it feel softer.

Btw, I'm not sure if you played with Aspera or not, 119 gauge Aspera looks like 125 IRL. I think it's just because of the way they measured.

Anyway, my point is, you can play any strings at 46 DT, that's for sure doable.
 

Franklins

New User
I had a similar thing with the first cube shaped poly ive tried. That was Vsquare from Völkl.

I did the same thing, strung it much much higher with a higher Dt like my normal, which was rpm blast.
If you have more material test it with a higher dt compared to that what you have used before.

Until now i didn't tried Aspera, but I saw stories on Instagram and the people in general seems to love it.

Which strings do you play mostly?
 

ulunxtns

Professional
strung it much much higher with a higher Dt like my normal, which was rpm blast.
Sorry, I don't get what you said here. Can you explain? Strung with a higher DT like your RPM blast. DT is Dynamic Tension, strings don't come with DT. And how do you usually get your DT number?

To answer your question, the strings I play mostly are MSV Hex Soft, Bussard, Zero/Sync, M8, PTP.
 

Franklins

New User
I measure with thr old version of ert 300.
When you string some of your strings with 43 lbs that okay for the stiffer ones.
I think if you go up you will have your fun.
Like i said when i strung the Vsquare and the Gamechanger higher, it was completely different.
Would be interesting what you say when you test it again.
 
Good info here in general, folks. Keep it coming and we should be reading more comments on Aspera in the next few days based on all the orders that have arrived to their destination after the string being released and people putting hours into it. Many differences in preferences depending on the player - some like soft, some like firm, some like round, some like sharp, etc., but I believe all info helps everyone create a more well-rounded context ahead of your own test and personal experience with the string, which is the key.
 
I see, imo the Mako and Aspera in Ezone will be too powerful, maybe they suit control rackets better?
Totally depends on the player's needs. Mako and Aspera could be perfect for a player at any level that likes a more powerful string; maybe for the 4.0 that needs more depth compared to M8, or for the open level player who wants to get an edge in power (and spin in Aspera) in an environment where an edge really makes a difference.
 
Mako and Aspera are Grapplensnake's newest strings, so they get the attention nowadays but anything softer than Alpha, or thinner than 1.23 is not my cup of tea. I'm still on Tour Sniper and Tour M8.
What i'm curious about is how hybrids would hold up against full beds
Tour Sniper Full Bed, Tour M8 Full Bed, Luxilon 4 G Soft full bed, Tour Sniper Mains- Tour M8 Cross, Tour M8 mains- Tour Sniper Cross, Tour Sniper Mains- Luxilon 4G Soft Cross, Tour M8 mains- Luxilon 4G Soft Cross.
If anyone has experience with these setups, feel free to share experiences on subtle or not so subtle differences
Thx in advance :)
 

VanDerVaart23

Semi-Pro
@jimdontcare hey what tension you do for Tour M8?
I've been using 48 or 50. It plays super good initially, but as it's been mentioned the pocketing to the max comes later. Around the 8th hour I love how it actually plays, don't get me wrong it's not too far away from initial sensations, but there's something magical after so many hours, then I keep playing it and passing the -20% of tension I can't control it as before.

Is the answer for the maximum pocketing to actually request less reference tension at first?

Anyone loving M8 welcome to comment as well.

Basic question is how to get the maximum playability earlier ?
Thanks all
 

JK208

Semi-Pro
@jimdontcare hey what tension you do for Tour M8?
I've been using 48 or 50. It plays super good initially, but as it's been mentioned the pocketing to the max comes later. Around the 8th hour I love how it actually plays, don't get me wrong it's not too far away from initial sensations, but there's something magical after so many hours, then I keep playing it and passing the -20% of tension I can't control it as before.

Is the answer for the maximum pocketing to actually request less reference tension at first?

Anyone loving M8 welcome to comment as well.

Basic question is how to get the maximum playability earlier ?
Thanks all
I loved it at 42lbs in a lower powered 18x19.
 

jimdontcare

Semi-Pro
@jimdontcare hey what tension you do for Tour M8?
I've been using 48 or 50. It plays super good initially, but as it's been mentioned the pocketing to the max comes later. Around the 8th hour I love how it actually plays, don't get me wrong it's not too far away from initial sensations, but there's something magical after so many hours, then I keep playing it and passing the -20% of tension I can't control it as before.

Is the answer for the maximum pocketing to actually request less reference tension at first?

Anyone loving M8 welcome to comment as well.

Basic question is how to get the maximum playability earlier ?
Thanks all
About 45 lbs depending on conditions seems to be the perfect spot to me. I have a fairly open pattern, rely on spin a lot, and am a 4.0 for whatever those things are worth.

I've learned it's definitely possible for tension to be too low, as I think the string actually struggles to return energy at a certain point, but we're talking closer to 35 lbs or something, not exactly sure.

M8 definitely has an interesting quality. Where other polys die, it tells you it was just getting warmed up.

For me I've had the most success with M8 at ~45 lbs and Alpha ~51 lbs, which is kind of interesting. They're not interchangable for me, like switching from one stick to another definitely takes some adjustment, but I think those tensions let me make the most of what each string offers.

Still figuring out Mako as I believe my first string job was not really done well enough to judge.
 

VanDerVaart23

Semi-Pro
Full bed same tension or doing a differential between mains and crosses?
First he is allowed to continue playing while under investigation for two positive doping tests, then he faces no discipline for two positive doping tests, now he gets a cakewalk draw in Australia while his rival Alcaraz gets the ancient-yet-pesky Djokovic in the quarterfinals?

Why is ATP seemingly giving favorable treatment to Jannik Sinner?

M8 at ~45 lbs
 

tomato123

Professional
I am expecting a couple sets of Aspera to come in this week but the Maryland weather has been pretty terrible for tennis and I'll have to find some indoor time to hit. Black Knight/Grey Fire and full bed RPM rough have been my tried and true string setups for the last few years, but I've been open to trying out some of the new strings after having positive experience with Toroline O-Toro. Going to try the Aspera in my 18x20 Pure Strike 3rd gen as it seems like a good fit for the dense pattern given the thin gauge and spin/power oriented profile. And then I may try it on the 16x19 4th gen Pure Strike.

Tour Sniper has been the only Grapplesnake string I've used a few years ago and I remember it to be very good. Very curious to try out the Aspera based on the description and how much research and development it seems to have gone into it and I could certainly appreciate the passion and drive to innovate that goes into these products.
 

Franklins

New User
I am expecting a couple sets of Aspera to come in this week but the Maryland weather has been pretty terrible for tennis and I'll have to find some indoor time to hit. Black Knight/Grey Fire and full bed RPM rough have been my tried and true string setups for the last few years, but I've been open to trying out some of the new strings after having positive experience with Toroline O-Toro. Going to try the Aspera in my 18x20 Pure Strike 3rd gen as it seems like a good fit for the dense pattern given the thin gauge and spin/power oriented profile. And then I may try it on the 16x19 4th gen Pure Strike.

Tour Sniper has been the only Grapplesnake string I've used a few years ago and I remember it to be very good. Very curious to try out the Aspera based on the description and how much research and development it seems to have gone into it and I could certainly appreciate the passion and drive to innovate that goes into these products.
String it higher than the sniper.
Aspera is much softer.
 
String it higher than the sniper.
Aspera is much softer.
A bit oot, can you give me insights whether my experience/thought is right or wrong:

A soft string that is strung higher gives different advantages/disadvantages to a firm string that is strung lower.

I usually use Lynx Tour/Confi/Razor Soft <45 lbs in my rackets (now Ezones 100), I got good spin and depth.

Then I experimented with Tour Mako, Poly Tour Pro, Multifeel/poly hybrid, Gut/poly hybrid in 48-56 lbs. I feel that they were more crisp and controlled, yet more FORGIVING in term all out swing (in low tension the launch angle is often inconsistent). That period became my winning streak period. Forehand was big and placed well, volleys didn't miss, etc. But the soft polys were too muted, and I didn't like gut price or mushy old multifilament.

Now I am back to stiff string to give more feel to my 3 Ezones. I use: Tour Sniper 43/40, Otoro 45/42, and Tour Bite 43/40. Butttt, I feel my strokes and volleys are back to earth, the matches become 50-50 once more with my similar level friends.

1. Is that possible? Or is it all in my mind?
2. If it is true, what strings from Grapplesnake do you guys suggest? Sniper too firm, Mako too soft, Paradox Pro feels not that connected.
 

Franklins

New User
I think with gamechanger and aspera you could be on the right path. Because soft strings which are cube formed can feel much firmer than they are but they are if you measure it very soft.
Try 50lbs and 50lbs with the aspera.
 

blackfrido

Hall of Fame
I tried Alpha on a Head Gravity (not my racquet) and impressed me really well. I’m planning to tried it on my TF 305
At mid range tension played crisp, very solid at contact and the sound was something that the guys playing doubles with me asked immediately “what string is that?”
 
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zeneto1234

New User
A bit oot, can you give me insights whether my experience/thought is right or wrong:

A soft string that is strung higher gives different advantages/disadvantages to a firm string that is strung lower.

I usually use Lynx Tour/Confi/Razor Soft <45 lbs in my rackets (now Ezones 100), I got good spin and depth.

Then I experimented with Tour Mako, Poly Tour Pro, Multifeel/poly hybrid, Gut/poly hybrid in 48-56 lbs. I feel that they were more crisp and controlled, yet more FORGIVING in term all out swing (in low tension the launch angle is often inconsistent). That period became my winning streak period. Forehand was big and placed well, volleys didn't miss, etc. But the soft polys were too muted, and I didn't like gut price or mushy old multifilament.

Now I am back to stiff string to give more feel to my 3 Ezones. I use: Tour Sniper 43/40, Otoro 45/42, and Tour Bite 43/40. Butttt, I feel my strokes and volleys are back to earth, the matches become 50-50 once more with my similar level friends.

1. Is that possible? Or is it all in my mind?
2. If it is true, what strings from Grapplesnake do you guys suggest? Sniper too firm, Mako too soft, Paradox Pro feels not that connected.
I would try Tour M8 in 1.25, i think it would fit well based on what you said. If doesn't fit, i think none of grapplesnake strings will.
 

celsoluck

New User
Received my aspera reel.

Reel weight on my hand is similar to game changer.

Aspera has two distinct surfaces. One more slick and the other more rough. Wich surface is suposed to make contact with the ball?
 
So I've been playtesting my 2 favorite Grapplesnake strings side to side (Tour M8 and Tour Sniper) alongside Luxilon 4G Soft, which are my top 3 strings as of now. All strung at 53 lbs/24 kg

After +- 6 hours on each, we can savely say tension maintenance is great on all of them, not very clear which would score better in this area. 2 of them are prestreched, which make them drop less fast. As such playability is also great on all of them.

In terms of power and comfort Tour M8 has the upperhand
In terms of spin and crispness the 'award' goes to Tour Sniper.
where 4G Soft felt the firmest, but not jarring in any way
M8 has more pocketing, thus could feel bit bouncy at times, which led to a bit less control, on the other hand, it is clearly the most forgiving of the 3, when on defence, tour m8 will help you out the most
Tour Sniper is a step up compared to TBHS7T which is why that one will only be used as a spare.
Most accustumed to Tour Sniper, as it has the most playing hours, and some match play to. It acts as i want it to. Will produce the least unforced errors with it. gives enough feedback and spin is good. Where M8 would help out most when in defence. Tour Sniper would be most beneficial for constructing points, grinding it out. ball accelleration is a bit less though
4G Soft is probably the most controlled, with spin that is well above average for a round string. If i need to play more agressively without doubting of missing, 4G Soft seems to be working best
When stringing these strings up next time, would make a slight change is tension.
Tour Sniper going 2 lbs/1kg down to gain a bit of pop and power
Tour M8 going 2 lbs/1 kg down to gain controllable power
4G soft= no changes, plays as good as is on reference tension.
Curious to see how they would hold up in tournament play
 
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So I've been playtesting my 2 favorite Grapplesnake strings side to side (Tour M8 and Tour Sniper) alongside Luxilon 4G Soft, which are my top 3 strings as of now. All strung at 53 lbs/24 kg

After +- 6 hours on each, we can savely say tension maintenance is great on all of them, not very clear which would score better in this area. 2 of them are prestreched, which make them drop less fast. As such playability is also great on all of them.

In terms of power and comfort Tour M8 has the upperhand
In terms of spin and crispness the 'award' goes to Tour Sniper.
where 4G Soft felt the firmest, but not jarring in any way
M8 has more pocketing, thus could feel bit bouncy at times, which led to a bit less control, on the other hand, it is clearly the most forgiving of the 3, when on defence, tour m8 will help you out the most
Tour Sniper is a step up compared to TBHS7T which is why that one will only be used as a spare.
Most accustumed to Tour Sniper, as it has the most playing hours, and some match play to. I acts as i want it to. Will produces the least unforced errors with it. gives enough feedback and spin is good. Where M8 would help out most when in defence. Tour Sniper would be most beneficial for constructing points, griding it out. ball accelleration is a bit less though
4G Soft is probably the most controlled, with spin that is well above average for a round string. If i need to play more agressively without doubting of missing, 4G Soft seems to be working best
When stringing these strings up next time, would make a slight change is tension.
Tour Sniper going 2 lbs/1kg down to gain a bit of pop and power
Tour M8 going 2 lbs/1 kg down to gain controllable power
4G soft= no changes, plays as good as is on reference tension.
Curious to see how they would hold up in tournament play
Thanks a bunch! Love these thorough reports. Thank you for taking the time. Helps many other players.
 
Thanks a bunch! Love these thorough reports. Thank you for taking the time. Helps many other players.
With pleasure.
Have a tournament coming up next week. Also interesting to see how the strings behave in tournament play. After that I'll be trying out some hybrids with the mentioned grappesnake string, 4G Soft and propably also Sync.
I'm not yet settled on new string of choice but we are getting close
 

blackfrido

Hall of Fame
Alpha users
Did you guys notice the string being stiffer/firmer now than in the past?
I haven’t used it much to affirm that but that’s my impression
Also, I believe it is holding tension better (which is good).
Thanks in advance for your comments
 
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Alphonse11

New User
@jimdontcare hey what tension you do for Tour M8?
I've been using 48 or 50. It plays super good initially, but as it's been mentioned the pocketing to the max comes later. Around the 8th hour I love how it actually plays, don't get me wrong it's not too far away from initial sensations, but there's something magical after so many hours, then I keep playing it and passing the -20% of tension I can't control it as before.

Is the answer for the maximum pocketing to actually request less reference tension at first?

Anyone loving M8 welcome to comment as well.

Basic question is how to get the maximum playability earlier ?
Thanks all
M8 is my string of choice. Tried it at multiple tensions and it’s perfect at 42 lbs in my Yonex Percept 97.
 
So how about new Aspera? Do you guys like it? I just get my Aspera and M8 (a set each). Now I am torn between trying full bed each (Aspera higher tension in my Ezone 100, M8 lower tension in Regna 100) or hybriding them.
 

Casper777

Professional
Just tried Tour Mako on my Gravity MP...

I must admit I got it for the color without much expectation....

Oh my G...!!! This one is amazing!!! The pocketing you get and the power is really addictive!! It's just a perfect fire for the GMP!!! I was used to Hyper G Soft but Mako is even better and I didn't notice any lack of spin.... amazing for a round string.

Last thing to check is durability and tension loss...

Might get a reel soon...

Will test it a bit more along with the silver version, but so far perfect string for me!

Strung it at 23/22 kg
 
Hi! ... I tried apsera in two kind of new setups/hybrids:
* aspera main / mako teal/petrol cross - 19/17kg, 10% prestretch
* aspera main / mako silver cross - 19/17kg, 10% prestretch

to my surprise, I wasn´t 100% happy with both setups (in comparison to my standard setup: gamechanger green main / msv swift 1,25/1,30 cross ... hmm :unsure: ... so why?
... I missed the really launch angle, wha tI was used to get from my other standard setups. I lve a high launch, but it wasn`t here.
... I didn`d expected this result, so I will try to get more launch angle - but I´m sure, this will be possible - perhaps one more try with msv swift 1,25/1,30 cross

but I was really positive surprised of mako silver! ... it`s softer than teal/petrol! ... i really like it (even more than teal/petrol!!!!)
... i tried it as hybrid msv swift 1,30 cross - sensational! ... perfect feeling & touch, wonderful spin, very good launch ...
... in the moment is this my favourite: mako teal/petrol / swift 1,30 cross at 19/17 prestretch 10% on my GMPL 2023
 

SpinDr.

Professional
Any suggestions for tension when stringing M8 1.25, full bed, for the first time in my 2023 Gravity Pros?

These frames are pretty new to me, so just starting to dial in the string setup.

So far I've liked S7T 1.25 at 50lbs best for its crisp and lively feel.

I've also tried Super Toro 1.23 but found it too dead, stiff, and muted at 52 lbs.

I would like to retain some power, and i've read that M8 is on the lower side.
 
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VanDerVaart23

Semi-Pro
Any suggestions for tension when stringing M8 1.25, full bed, for the first time in my 2023 Gravity Pros?

These frames are pretty new to me, so just starting to dial in the string setup.

So far I've liked S7T 1.25 at 50lbs best for its crisp and lively feel.

I've also tried Super Toro 1.23 but found it too dead, stiff, and muted at 52 lbs.

I would like to retain some power, and i've read that M8 is on the lower side.
You won't miss too much power with M8
It's ideal
Go with 45 lbs
 

ulunxtns

Professional
If you had to recommend 2 Grapplesnake polys, which ones would you recommend? And yes, I know it's impossible to make recommendations without knowing the player, but humor me.

Jon
M8 and Tour Sniper. Honestly, I didn't have as quite good experience with their other strings as these two.
 

JK208

Semi-Pro
M8 and Tour Sniper. Honestly, I didn't have as quite good experience with their other strings as these two.
Seconding this- M8 and Tour Sniper are both phenomenal in any frame. I personally think that M8 is their magnum opus. Nothing before or since has quite given me the magic of M8 (yes this includes ALU Power- M8 is simply better).

Other thing for your consideration- in a more powerful setup, you may prefer a lower powered string, like Tour Sniper. Easiest way I can sum it up is if you like Tour Bite, try Tour Sniper, if you prefer Hyper G, RPM Blast, or Alu, try M8.
 

jimdontcare

Semi-Pro
If you had to recommend 2 Grapplesnake polys, which ones would you recommend? And yes, I know it's impossible to make recommendations without knowing the player, but humor me.

Jon
Obviously my two favorites.

I jest a bit, but I do think if TW were to carry two and only two, Alpha and M8 would be great options. Alpha can work for so many players and I truly think it is in a class of its own when it comes to soft/comfortable polys. It is the whole package of comfort, consistent, and poly playability, and it's accessible at many levels of play. M8 is a unique feeling string that may not be for everyone but shows the kind of innovation Grapplesnake is about, and it is up with industry leaders when it comes to combining spin and consistency.

Tour Sniper and Mako Silver also are very good, but I'd only recommend Sniper over Alpha or M8 if your favorite strings are in that ever-popular silver string genre and I'd recommend Mako if you are willing to rethink what you should expect out of polys.
 
If you had to recommend 2 Grapplesnake polys, which ones would you recommend? And yes, I know it's impossible to make recommendations without knowing the player, but humor me.

Jon
Tour Sniper and Tour M8 with Alpha as a solid third.

Paradox aint durable
Mako has horrible tension maintenance
Aspera to soon to tell, but seems to be for the arm sensitive only
There aint much talk about other Grapplesnake strings
 

Franklins

New User
Guys i tell you the best thing.
I saw the ratings of Garbiele from Stringingpedia. He examined 1000 strings and he is an engineer.
He gave the Aspera Triplum top ratings.

7.5 Power
9.0 Spin
10 (!) Feel and pocketing

When you find the right tension and you are a fan of soft strings, this will be the Nr. 1 anywhere.
 
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