Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!

Carreau said:
What was the rest time after the stringing?
I have noticed that in case of GC/PP (it is just an example) rest time is very important. If it is less than 48 hours, mains are moving significantly more.
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The stringbed had at least a few (>3) days to settle before I took it out. Thanks for the other insights! I can probably be better about straightening the strings during and after pulling, and making sure the clamps are cleaned.
 
Grapplesnake USA Official said:
Beautiful. Report back when you can!
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Absolute best set up yet. 10/10 from the first hit. Solved the under powering and slight lack of spin I was feeling with m8, and brought the feel back I was missing with m8/mako. And it complements the aero colors so nicely. Couldn’t have dreamed better. Thank you for all your kind advice and I think I’ll be sticking with m8/alpha from here on out!
 
Eudaimorium said:
The stringbed had at least a few (>3) days to settle before I took it out. Thanks for the other insights! I can probably be better about straightening the strings during and after pulling, and making sure the clamps are cleaned.
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Wish I could give you some advice here, but I think I would want to give you some pointers in person while stringing that could help. Lots of little details that are learned in time, and you will definitely get there and string "clean" and straight from the start with experience, if that makes sense. If you start hitting with curved strings, you end up causing them to remain this way later on. I can tell you that Irukandji generally stays very straight as a cross with multi/gut mains, but I haven't tried the Tourna myself and am unsure if, by the way it looks, it feels like the Head RIP Control, aka not very smooth to the touch. This could also be causing the Irukandji to end up out of position. Maybe try a more "normal" feeling multi, such as the non-Armor version, and this should also help.
 
samneher said:
Absolute best set up yet. 10/10 from the first hit. Solved the under powering and slight lack of spin I was feeling with m8, and brought the feel back I was missing with m8/mako. And it complements the aero colors so nicely. Couldn’t have dreamed better. Thank you for all your kind advice and I think I’ll be sticking with m8/alpha from here on out!
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Super! Very happy to hear!
 
is there still any point of paradox pro (either colour) now that we have Mako? from what I've read mako is pretty much an improved version of paradox pro ?
 
I'm currently using Tour Sniper in my Tfight 305s (46lbs x 44lbs), I love the string but I'm looking for more ball pocketing and if possible a little bit more spin. I was thinking in cross it with Alpha, M8 or Mako. Any suggestion?
 
rb1of2 said:
is there still any point of paradox pro (either colour) now that we have Mako? from what I've read mako is pretty much an improved version of paradox pro ?
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They are very much different strings, made with quite different processes, and also part of different lines of strings, with Mako being focused on power and comfort, not carrying any metals in the teal version and nominal amounts in the silver version, while Paradox has large percentages of different metals and focused on providing a pure polyester feel aided by the use of metals and not additives. I mean, to us they are not similar, even though they achieve some of the same goals - good spin with a round shape, relatively high power in Paradox and definitely high power in Mako. Those are commonalities, such as the common aspects/goals of Sniper and M8 for example, while also being completely different.
 
dannp said:
I'm currently using Tour Sniper in my Tfight 305s (46lbs x 44lbs), I love the string but I'm looking for more ball pocketing and if possible a little bit more spin. I was thinking in cross it with Alpha, M8 or Mako. Any suggestion?
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I would say M8 if you want to retain the power delivery and add some spin and pocketing. In fact, in that case, I would also consider it using M8 in the mains.

Alpha if you want to retain the crisp feel, yet softer, with more overall power, and Mako if you want the setup to feel quite softer, less crisp, also with more overall power.
 
Nice that TW is now stocking GS in the USA. Unfortunately TW Europe doesn't, meaning outside of the UK (where GS is cheap and low delivery costs), it actually doesn't have great availability, nor is it competitive on cost mainly due to shipping.
 
Grapplesnake USA Official said:
They are very much different strings, made with quite different processes, and also part of different lines of strings, with Mako being focused on power and comfort, not carrying any metals in the teal version and nominal amounts in the silver version, while Paradox has large percentages of different metals and focused on providing a pure polyester feel aided by the use of metals and not additives. I mean, to us they are not similar, even though they achieve some of the same goals - good spin with a round shape, relatively high power in Paradox and definitely high power in Mako. Those are commonalities, such as the common aspects/goals of Sniper and M8 for example, while also being completely different.
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thanks so what would be the aspects where paradox pro excels and mako silver doesn't achieve?
 
DF tennis said:
Nice that TW is now stocking GS in the USA. Unfortunately TW Europe doesn't, meaning outside of the UK (where GS is cheap and low delivery costs), it actually doesn't have great availability, nor is it competitive on cost mainly due to shipping.
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Grapplesnake Europe ships all over Europe. Prices are higher than at some retailers sometimes. They have a yearly 1+1 promo and a Black friday deal as well.
 
rb1of2 said:
thanks so what would be the aspects where paradox pro excels and mako silver doesn't achieve?
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No problem! One one hand, Mako will get more/better power and comfort, and Paradox Pro will get more spin due to its more abrasive surface, along with a more pure poly feel aided by metals. You will feel and notice the difference between both models upon your first few hits if you get to try them, and things will be much more clear for you at that point. Enjoy!
 
What are your thoughts on hybriding strings that will change over time, but on different timelines? Isn't it just one more variable? For example, M8 full bed is great and then slowly loses spin overtime. Loss of spin and more "smiley" strings that wont straighten is my cue to restring... But how to determine with other combos?

For example, I am currently experimenting with M8/Mako and may also try M8/PP. How are those who are using these setups determining the "goldilocks" zone where both strings are stable and complimentary? And how are you determining when it is time to restring due to quality/feature loss.

Also on this note, I think I remember hearing PP sort of holds its qualities best until it snaps. Maybe that makes it a more stable hybrid option?

Lastly, Alpha was super addictive full bed and then after a few hours got super launchy. Others have said the same. If you have hybrid'd that before with M8 as a main, what is your experience. Do the qualities shift quickly like a full bed does?

Yazir, would love your commentary here, too!
 
jakefromstatefarm said:
What are your thoughts on hybriding strings that will change over time, but on different timelines? Isn't it just one more variable? For example, M8 full bed is great and then slowly loses spin overtime. Loss of spin and more "smiley" strings that wont straighten is my cue to restring... But how to determine with other combos?

For example, I am currently experimenting with M8/Mako and may also try M8/PP. How are those who are using these setups determining the "goldilocks" zone where both strings are stable and complimentary? And how are you determining when it is time to restring due to quality/feature loss.

Also on this note, I think I remember hearing PP sort of holds its qualities best until it snaps. Maybe that makes it a more stable hybrid option?

Lastly, Alpha was super addictive full bed and then after a few hours got super launchy. Others have said the same. If you have hybrid'd that before with M8 as a main, what is your experience. Do the qualities shift quickly like a full bed does?

Yazir, would love your commentary here, too!
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The hybrid is great for people trying to modify the existing qualities of their mains compared to how they would play in full bed. If M8 full bed is ideal for you, then why changing it. I have personally been using the hybrid because I have been enjoying the extra depth, softer overall feel, and marginally better spin in the frame I have been using lately, which is a relatively firm Head Pro Stock. It all depends on what you are seeking to achieve. And when you find those qualities and balance meeting in an ideal way for you based on your needs, then the extra variable of having different strings going about their lives at different rates become unimportant.

Also, when looking at M8/Mako or M8/PP, those softer, more powerful crosses are working right there, as a cross, which means they wear out less than the mains, so it turns out to be just fine. Mako mains and M8 crosses might be different, with the more resilient M8 still holding strong by the time the softer Mako is deciding to give up. That's why I tend to enjoy these dual-poly hybrids with the softer string in the crosses, strung a little bit tighter. It works for me.

Once I switch to other, more powerful frames, I might go back to full M8 or full Sniper. Once I start playing with an 18x20 95, I will probably go with full Mako or Alpha. I like full Aspera in some 16x19 98. Once I start testing the tweener Babolat frames, I will go with Game Changer, or Neon Hybrid. There are just examples and not rules. Different needs depending on what I'm looking to achieve.

There is no one solution for everyone, nor even one solution per person. There are options related to both the person (playing level and style) and the frame they use. This, along with what that person is seeking at any given time.

That's really the beauty of it all. Why players keep testing. And why we keep researching and creating new models.
 
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Grapplesnake USA Official said:
No problem! One one hand, Mako will get more/better power and comfort, and Paradox Pro will get more spin due to its more abrasive surface, along with a more pure poly feel aided by metals. You will feel and notice the difference between both models upon your first few hits if you get to try them, and things will be much more clear for you at that point. Enjoy!
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if i like mako green at 48lb, what do you recommend paradox pro gold strung at?
 
The thinking is that the mains are the majority of the feel/play, so I was surprsied that m8/Mako I can really feel the difference from the Mako crosses.
The benefit from having m8 mains is the playability/tension stability is much better than fullbed Mako. Besides the feel, I like the slight boost in power from Mako crosses compared to fullbed M8. I'm actually at the point where I may even prefer this to Gut/Poly hybrid. With m8 mains, I've started going lower to see how it is at 46# and may try 44# next.

Only thing is for me w/ a Yonex frame, I definitely prefer crosses 2-3 # lower than mains. I am curious to hear how Paradox Pro would do as a cross. I am also curious about the shaped Mako that was available in Europe.
 
Good job with the Alpha! It's a super comfortable string.

To be honest, it allows for everything. It may be a tad less precise and spinny than other competitors in this range, but it is worth a try for anyone suffering from TE without the need to compromise on multi or lower the tension too much
 
Tension drop is the only challenge I have with Alpha. However, it is a great cross option for M8, TS and other stiffer strings.
 
geniusuguru said:
Very long thread already, I was wondering what’s the best grapplesnake string for Ezone 98/98+ 2025? I want good control, decent spin and good comfort. Currently use zero/sync hybrid at 48/45 @Grapplesnake USA Official
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The classic Ezone question! There are so many players with that frame and our strings, that it's hard to tell at this point which are the favorite models, but let me say that Tour Sniper has always worked great in the Ezone series, in the low 50s for me, but tension is personal. It does have aluminum, but it's in no way uncomfortable. If you want to give comfort a priority equal to control, then I would say Tour M8. It's also very much low-powered and control oriented, with no metals and therefore a bit more comfortable. Another option would be Sniper mains and Alpha (very comfortable) crosses for perhaps the best of both worlds. Enjoy!
 
Grapplesnake USA Official said:
The classic Ezone question! There are so many players with that frame and our strings, that it's hard to tell at this point which are the favorite models, but let me say that Tour Sniper has always worked great in the Ezone series, in the low 50s for me, but tension is personal. It does have aluminum, but it's in no way uncomfortable. If you want to give comfort a priority equal to control, then I would say Tour M8. It's also very much low-powered and control oriented, with no metals and therefore a bit more comfortable. Another option would be Sniper mains and Alpha (very comfortable) crosses for perhaps the best of both worlds. Enjoy!
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Thank you. And it looks like you are advising crosses to be strung at higher than mains, right?
 
samneher said:
Absolute best set up yet. 10/10 from the first hit. Solved the under powering and slight lack of spin I was feeling with m8, and brought the feel back I was missing with m8/mako. And it complements the aero colors so nicely. Couldn’t have dreamed better. Thank you for all your kind advice and I think I’ll be sticking with m8/alpha from here on out!
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Continuing to hit and hoping for some continuing advice on this journey. I still love the way m8/alpha feels in the PA98 at 46/47 and 46/48 (can’t really tell the difference), but I am finding that I’m overhitting when trying to get aggressive and having a hard time flattening out.

I find myself missing the feel of the full bed of 17g m8 at 46/44, which I moved away from because it was a bit underpowered for me on serve and couldn’t access great spin due to not always having the greatest RHS.

Given how comfortable the racquet feels, I think I have a few pounds to play with and was hoping for thoughts on the following ideas:

1) go up on m8/alpha to 49/50
2) go up on gauge of m8 to 16g and keep 46/48
3) go back to m8 but with a greater tension differential (46/42?)

Thoughts?
 
geniusuguru said:
Thank you. And it looks like you are advising crosses to be strung at higher than mains, right?
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Correct. In some frames, my preferred setup is M8 (or Sniper) mains, Mako (or Alpha) crosses, with M8 at -1 lb and Mako +1 relative to your normal M8 tension. For example:

Full bed M8 53 lb
Full bed Mako 55 lb
M8 mains Mako crosses 52/54 lb

Best of both worlds in three options.
 
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Hi "Grapplesnake USA Offizieller" :) ... I would have some questions again ;) ... pleas help me :Cool:

* I will get a demo-set from the mako - the formed one version (I still have reels from mako teal an silver at home ... and love it) - do you know, if the formed one is softer oder stiffer compared to the silver version version?
* I also ordered sets from tour sniper (I´ve never tried before...) - in your opinion, how would you describe it in comparision to tourna silver 7 tour (stiffness, spin, touch&feel,...)?

... I really love your video with tennis-warehouse, it is great! (Und) ... you give us so many impressions of the GS-world (y)

... greetings from one of the greatest GS-Fans of the Center of Europe/Austria :)
 
Which string between M8 and Tour sniper 1,25 is more suitable for Blade v9 18x20 and what tension?. Currently using Lynx Tour 1,25 at 48/46 or 50/48 depending on weather. Looking for some more free power while keeping good pocketing, crisp direct feel and spin when needed.
 
I hope Grapplesnakes can develop a way to produce the same high quality with a reduced caliber of 1.20.

Personally, I struggle to achieve the right consistency and control on my aggressive shots with a weight of 40-42 lbs (with higher tensions on a denser pattern, the M8 feels underpowered at least for me that I am close to 50y... when I am fresh it´s ok, but I cannot pretend to be able to push each shot as a 20y old ;) that´s not going to happen :-D
 
samneher said:
Continuing to hit and hoping for some continuing advice on this journey. I still love the way m8/alpha feels in the PA98 at 46/47 and 46/48 (can’t really tell the difference), but I am finding that I’m overhitting when trying to get aggressive and having a hard time flattening out.

I find myself missing the feel of the full bed of 17g m8 at 46/44, which I moved away from because it was a bit underpowered for me on serve and couldn’t access great spin due to not always having the greatest RHS.

Given how comfortable the racquet feels, I think I have a few pounds to play with and was hoping for thoughts on the following ideas:

1) go up on m8/alpha to 49/50
2) go up on gauge of m8 to 16g and keep 46/48
3) go back to m8 but with a greater tension differential (46/42?)

Thoughts?
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I would probably bump up the differential with Alpha to 2 lb and start at M8 47, for a setup at 47/49 and see if that dials the setup even better. From there, 48/50.
 
zeneto1234 said:
@Grapplesnake USA Official Compared to Mach-10 1.25, Alpha should be strung in about the same tension? And what is the recommendation for Aspera Triplum compared to Alpha?
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I would say yes, same tension would be a great starting point given similar power deliveries. Aspera is square, with a much higher emphasis on spin, yet still very comfortable and with tons of feel for a square profile. Alpha is very comfortable with tons of feel for "any" string. They are both great, with Aspera literally giving you an edge in the spin department, which helps with aggressive play if you're looking for emphasis on spin. Alpha, comfortable and powerful with a great "all around" emphasis.
 
eddi.spageddi.patero said:
Hi "Grapplesnake USA Offizieller" :) ... I would have some questions again ;) ... pleas help me :Cool:

* I will get a demo-set from the mako - the formed one version (I still have reels from mako teal an silver at home ... and love it) - do you know, if the formed one is softer oder stiffer compared to the silver version version?
* I also ordered sets from tour sniper (I´ve never tried before...) - in your opinion, how would you describe it in comparision to tourna silver 7 tour (stiffness, spin, touch&feel,...)?

... I really love your video with tennis-warehouse, it is great! (Und) ... you give us so many impressions of the GS-world (y)

... greetings from one of the greatest GS-Fans of the Center of Europe/Austria :)
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the kind words!!

Sniper vs TS7T, I would say test and you will perhaps realize that Sniper goes through its lifespan in a much more linear way. We addressed the aluminum infusion with good tension maintenance and life progression, I believe, better than other aluminum-based strings, including the most expensive ones. Let us know how you like it!
 
Late to the Grapplesnake party but I am going to go on a big, racketaholic style, deep dive in the weeks ahead! Therefore my question is, based on personal experience or understanding, which individual GS strings do people think might pair particularly well with, respectively, the Rafa 290... the PA 100... the PA 98... and the Speed MP (22)...

Thanks in advance for any feedback.
 
Ross K said:
Late to the Grapplesnake party but I am going to go on a big, racketaholic style, deep dive in the weeks ahead! Therefore my question is, based on personal experience or understanding, which individual GS strings do people think might pair particularly well with, respectively, the Rafa 290... the PA 100... the PA 98... and the Speed MP (22)...

Thanks in advance for any feedback.
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The obvious choice is tour m8 or tour sniper in the gauge that you normally play in those rackets.
 
zeneto1234 said:
The obvious choice is tour m8 or tour sniper in the gauge that you normally play in those rackets.
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I'll say M8 as all of them are spinny frames where a bit of extra solidness and consistency will be welcome. In the Babolats, I think the comfort of the M8 will be especially appreciated.
 
I support what has been said, while adding Game Changer and the Neon Hybrid to be tried in the Babolats to enhance an aggresive, hard hitting style with incredible spin if that's up your alley. Very popular among Open and Challenger level players, where getting extra action on the ball with a lot of energy absorption can give players that 5-10% difference to win.

Sniper and M8 will really enhance stability and accuracy in those frames.

Alpha and Tour Mako will elevate your comfort and power. Super easy to use.
 
When 21,5/20,5 and 22/21 with Solinco Tourbite DR is currently my reference tension in a Prince Ripstick 98 or Phantom 100X O3, how much different would you string the following strings:

M8 -/-1kg?
Game Changer
Aspera
Mako
Paradox Pro
 
Had a chance to try out M8 this past month and it’s super solid. First real control poly that is not stiff. Also it holds tension so well.

I’ve done a lot of stringing over the years and it’s hard to explain but this string is just really well built…
 
ynot101 said:
Had a chance to try out M8 this past month and it’s super solid. First real control poly that is not stiff. Also it holds tension so well.

I’ve done a lot of stringing over the years and it’s hard to explain but this string is just really well built…
Click to expand...

It’s very versatile. Control is easy at 48 to 50 pounds orYou can string pretty low down the 40s or cross it with something like mako for more juice.
 
Eudaimorium said:
I hit about 2 hours today with Irukandji in the crosses for Tourna Quasi Gut Armor* mains (54/52) in my Shift 99 300. Stringbed felt very solid (with a fairly deep tone when striking the ball) and comfortable. The main issue was that the mains were moving after pretty much every ball (just hitting against a ball machine), so I was presumably not getting much in the way of snapback. I might just cut it out and restring higher and without a tension differential, but open to any suggestions if there's an obvious issue that I'm missing.

(One caveat here is that I strung this myself as a novice stringer and this was probably my fifth racket. I think that I gave the strings enough time to settle while being pulled (Alpha Pioneer DC Plus drop weight), and nothing looks obviously off like for my first two attempts, but I can't be totally sure that I didn't just flub something.)

* Rationale for testing this combo comes from previous observations about QGA's softness, where even Isospeed Cream was inducing notching after a fairly short duration: Post in thread 'Tourna Quasi-Gut Armor 16g'
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/tourna-quasi-gut-armor-16g.739216/post-17162449. Basically, I wanted to see whether Irukandji, being very soft (even if not quite to Cream levels) combined with its flat surface, would delay notching and extend snapback/QGA lifespan. But, I suspect that any observations re: notching at this point, considering the movement issue, is not really informative.
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After further testing and additional string jobs (which all had the same problem), I'm confident this was just me being dumb. I adjusted my stringing technique and have the expected snapback, albeit with a different pair of strings since I ran out of QGA. In conclusion, nothing wrong with these strings/combination, and hopefully I'll come back to test it properly soon.

@Grapplesnake USA Official During your testing of Tour Mako, did you ever give Mako/Irukandji a go? Rationale being that, given the softness of Mako, if combining it with the soft, flat, and smooth Irukandji would delay/reduce notching and thereby increase the playable duration of Mako. I've been curious to test this, probably with the silver variant, but wondering if you ever strung it up.

Edit: Strung this up since I had the sets around. I'll report on it once I can play with it and assuming I didn't screw up the string job.
 
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Eudaimorium said:
After further testing and additional string jobs (which all had the same problem), I'm confident this was just me being dumb. I adjusted my stringing technique and have the expected snapback, albeit with a different pair of strings since I ran out of QGA. In conclusion, nothing wrong with these strings/combination, and hopefully I'll come back to test it properly soon.

@Grapplesnake USA Official During your testing of Tour Mako, did you ever give Mako/Irukandji a go? Rationale being that, given the softness of Mako, if combining it with the soft, flat, and smooth Irukandji would delay/reduce notching and thereby increase the playable duration of Mako. I've been curious to test this, probably with the silver variant, but wondering if you ever strung it up.

Edit: Strung this up since I had the sets around. I'll report on it once I can play with it and assuming I didn't screw up the string job.
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What was your stringing error, just curious?
 
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