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Does anyone have any data (or if not, an educated guess) as to what the TW string ratings (stiffness, tension loss, energy return, spin) are (or would be) for Soldier and Tour Mako?
 

@VanDerVaart23 @zeneto1234​

A couple months ago we were talking about trying to improve the M8 FB experience (Posts 4395-4397, this thread). Curious where you two (and others) have landed and/or what you have experimented with.
  • FWIW, I am still on M8 FB 52/50. Had an injury, so haven't had time to change. It's such a complete setup, I sometimes feel I should just lock in on that and stop seeking improvement. But deep down, I want the slightest bit more spin without sacrificing heft.
  • Next in line for me to try is Soldier/M8 @ 49/50 per @Grapplesnake USA Official recc. Have you guys tried anything like this yet?
  • Has anybody matched Hyper G Round w M8 in a Hybrid, and if so, what string in main/cross and what tension relative to M8 FB?
 
Ro9 said:
Does anyone have any data (or if not, an educated guess) as to what the TW string ratings (stiffness, tension loss, energy return, spin) are (or would be) for Soldier and Tour Mako?
Click to expand...
Considering Alpha somehow is rated the stiffest of the three strings on TW, I don't know if any of us can make educated guesses on what would show up in the lab.

If I were rating the current big five Grapplesnake strings from based purely on my subjective experience,

Stiffness Sniper > M8 > Soldier > Alpha >> Mako
Tension Loss (least to most)* Soldier > Sniper > M8 > Alpha >> Mako
Energy Return Mako > Alpha >> Soldier >> M8 ~ Sniper
Spin Soldier > M8 > Sniper ~ Alpha > Mako

*tension loss is related to but does not equal playability duration
 
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jimdontcare said:
Considering Alpha somehow is rated the stiffest of the three strings on TW, I don't know if any of us can make educated guesses on what would show up in the lab.

If I were rating the current big five Grapplesnake strings from based purely on my subjective experience,

Stiffness Sniper > M8 > Soldier > Alpha >> Mako
Tension Loss (least to most)* Soldier > Sniper > M8 > Alpha > Mako
Energy Return Mako > Alpha >> Soldier >> M8 ~ Sniper
Spin Soldier > M8 > Sniper ~ Alpha > Mako

*tension loss is related to but does not equal playability duration
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Like I think M8 might have the best playability duration of all of them, at least in terms of consistency over time, it just does more settling at the beginning than Soldier or Sniper.

Sniper has more top-end energy return than M8 but I have to work harder for it. M8 has very consistent energy return but I feel like I top out with it a bit. However, I am the only person I've seen have this opinion on the two of them so I'm sure it's just me and how my brain and biomechanics interact with the strings.

Similarly, many people might find Sniper to have more spin than Alpha because it is stiffer and you can just rip it in ways it's harder to do with Alpha. At my 4.0 level, on average I find similar spin.
 
jakefromstatefarm said:

@VanDerVaart23 @zeneto1234​

A couple months ago we were talking about trying to improve the M8 FB experience (Posts 4395-4397, this thread). Curious where you two (and others) have landed and/or what you have experimented with.
  • FWIW, I am still on M8 FB 52/50. Had an injury, so haven't had time to change. It's such a complete setup, I sometimes feel I should just lock in on that and stop seeking improvement. But deep down, I want the slightest bit more spin without sacrificing heft.
  • Next in line for me to try is Soldier/M8 @ 49/50 per @Grapplesnake USA Official recc. Have you guys tried anything like this yet?
  • Has anybody matched Hyper G Round w M8 in a Hybrid, and if so, what string in main/cross and what tension relative to M8 FB?
Click to expand...
Hi @jakefromstatefarm , I ended up just lowering more the crosses (now at 51/48) it allows a bit more forgiveness while maintaining great control. Spin is good, but not a monstrous spin, so if you really want more amounts of spin, I think Aspera string would offer that.
M8 will give you spin when you work for it, but I think that more natural spin with less effort you will need a different string.

M8 is just very consistent, great control, enough pop, good spin and playability feel is the same even with a 10 to 15% natural tension loss.

Wish I could test soldier soon, but I just haven't had time.

A round string in crosses theoretically should increase spin, the problem with Hyper g is the plastickt feeling that I don't enjoy too much.

Thanks for checking our feedback. Let us know what changes you thinking on doing
 
jakefromstatefarm said:

@VanDerVaart23 @zeneto1234​

A couple months ago we were talking about trying to improve the M8 FB experience (Posts 4395-4397, this thread). Curious where you two (and others) have landed and/or what you have experimented with.
  • FWIW, I am still on M8 FB 52/50. Had an injury, so haven't had time to change. It's such a complete setup, I sometimes feel I should just lock in on that and stop seeking improvement. But deep down, I want the slightest bit more spin without sacrificing heft.
  • Next in line for me to try is Soldier/M8 @ 49/50 per @Grapplesnake USA Official recc. Have you guys tried anything like this yet?
  • Has anybody matched Hyper G Round w M8 in a Hybrid, and if so, what string in main/cross and what tension relative to M8 FB?
Click to expand...
Soldier mains and M8 crosses, for sure. It's a great option for players trying to dial-in a control setup to their preferences. I do like it because it introduces some additional pocketing and the signature M8 feel to the consistency, dependability and spin potential from Soldier. Less common than the more popular control main (Sniper, M8, Soldier) with a softer, more powerful cross (Alpha, Mako) in order to make the setup easier to use, say for players that are used to higher tensions, or during winter play.

By the way, great info being passed down here. Thank you, @VanDerVaart23 and @jimdontcare for sharing what I consider to be intimate knowledge of our strings and philosophy at this point. Super proud.
 
WhiteDogo said:
Review for tour sniper + aspera aspera triplum

Stats : 1.82 cm . 94 kg , babolat pa 98 2023 edition . 2hb , heavy forehand with not much spin . Played for 15 years at highest ranking in my city , left tennis after finishing school/university , started playing again 6 months ago . Going in a trip to test strings to settle before I start competing again . I train 5 hours per week and at least 2/3 matches per week , used to be a powerlifter now only training in the gym to maintain and balance more my body .

Tested strings in order of preference : confidential + outlast , confidential fb , hyper g , match 10 , revolution 1.20
Tension : 52/50 lbs
main comparison against full bed confidential .

TOUR SNIPER 1.30:
control : If I had to describe this string is the most control of my shot that I ever had or that I can remember I can never put too much strength where I lost control o got bouncy ( whit match 10 at full blow lost all control ) this string tell me to hit harder every time that swing .

Spin: nothing crazy , good snapback enough to make all my shots in . I don't have the most spin oriented shots . but my slices felt really nice

Feel: its softer that confidential the main difference that i got was that with confidential when I hit my forehand or server at full blow I fill a stretch / pocket follow by a feeling like hitting a wall , with TS I felt like the stretch / pocket / bend when taking a full blow was gradual and felt wonderful when make me feel that i want to go 110% in all my shots .

Duration . I leave my racket in the back of my car, and It's really hot right now, plus I got more than 15 hours of play and haven't felt a drop in quality of the string .

td:lr . Control ,confidence , duration . S+ string

aspera triplum:

Can't really give a full review i stringed at 48/46, and it felt Too LUNCHY after 2/4 HS a lot of strings didn't stay in position I was having some important matches, so I cut it .

Critics:
I am from Argentina and the main seller doesn't even respond in Instagram ( doesn't have a web page ) he uploads content in English ( Spanish-speaking country ) and even his descriptions are in English . So the social media part, it's regrettable.
Question;
would like to test game changer maybe in a hybrid with tour sniper in crosses and full bed , what would be the recommended tension
same for m8 what tension in full bed to get same feeling as tour sniper
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Hello Whitedogo, I looked for your message but couldn't find it. It was probably flagged as spam. You can find my WhatsApp on IG or through the official store on Mercado Libre. Best regards.
 
jakefromstatefarm said:

@VanDerVaart23 @zeneto1234​

A couple months ago we were talking about trying to improve the M8 FB experience (Posts 4395-4397, this thread). Curious where you two (and others) have landed and/or what you have experimented with.
  • FWIW, I am still on M8 FB 52/50. Had an injury, so haven't had time to change. It's such a complete setup, I sometimes feel I should just lock in on that and stop seeking improvement. But deep down, I want the slightest bit more spin without sacrificing heft.
  • Next in line for me to try is Soldier/M8 @ 49/50 per @Grapplesnake USA Official recc. Have you guys tried anything like this yet?
  • Has anybody matched Hyper G Round w M8 in a Hybrid, and if so, what string in main/cross and what tension relative to M8 FB?
Click to expand...
I was playing with a Speed MP and tour m8 1.30 FB at 55lbs. I tried all of grapplesnake strings, but tour m8 1.30 was the best performance string for me. With this setup i had problems with touch shots, launch angle and maneuverability. Ground strokes were pretty good though. I think it was more a racket specs issue, the racket was around 33,2cm in balance. So i changed to a Gravity Pro 2025 with a custom pallet and weight in the handle, so now the balance is around 31,7cm. I had to make some adjustments and it actually improved my game. With this racket all my problems were gone, except one, i got exceptional control but with power issues with the tour m8 1.30 at 50lbs in this racket. So i dropped down the tension to 44lbs, now it has good power with good control. No more problems with any type of shot. No more problems with maneuverability or launch angle. And the playability of the strings got much better. I haven't changed string or tried a new one in quite a bit, i'm very satisfied on how it plays in this setup, i've never tried anything better (my opinion). If i could say one thing that could improve this setup even more is a string that is more spinny and with better tensions maintance than tour m8, with the same launch angle or lower. For this reason and because i like grapplesnake strings (LOL) i will try Soldier in a few days, because from what i read it may achieve what i'm looking for. I'm pretty sure i will like it, but i'm not sure about the launch angle or if i'm going to switch to it. @Grapplesnake USA Official told me to try the same tension of the tour m8 1.30, i will try a couple sets of this string before making a decision.

1- i think we want the same thing lol
2- gonna try in a few days
 
zeneto1234 said:
I was playing with a Speed MP and tour m8 1.30 FB at 55lbs. I tried all of grapplesnake strings, but tour m8 1.30 was the best performance string for me. With this setup i had problems with touch shots, launch angle and maneuverability. Ground strokes were pretty good though. I think it was more a racket specs issue, the racket was around 33,2cm in balance. So i changed to a Gravity Pro 2025 with a custom pallet and weight in the handle, so now the balance is around 31,7cm. I had to make some adjustments and it actually improved my game. With this racket all my problems were gone, except one, i got exceptional control but with power issues with the tour m8 1.30 at 50lbs in this racket. So i dropped down the tension to 44lbs, now it has good power with good control. No more problems with any type of shot. No more problems with maneuverability or launch angle. And the playability of the strings got much better. I haven't changed string or tried a new one in quite a bit, i'm very satisfied on how it plays in this setup, i've never tried anything better (my opinion). If i could say one thing that could improve this setup even more is a string that is more spinny and with better tensions maintance than tour m8, with the same launch angle or lower. For this reason and because i like grapplesnake strings (LOL) i will try Soldier in a few days, because from what i read it may achieve what i'm looking for. I'm pretty sure i will like it, but i'm not sure about the launch angle or if i'm going to switch to it. @Grapplesnake USA Official told me to try the same tension of the tour m8 1.30, i will try a couple sets of this string before making a decision.

1- i think we want the same thing lol
2- gonna try in a few days
Click to expand...
Soldier!
 
zeneto1234 said:
Could you compare tour m8 1.30 and Soldier directly? What are the main differences? in power, control, launch angle, spin etc
Click to expand...
Sure. Soldier will give you more spin and a bit more power. M8 1.3 will be a bit more stable and durable at that gauge. In terms of feel, this is hard to describe, since they are both very unique feeling strings. Launch angle will be higher with Soldier. M8 is good at producing spin due to its generous pocketing, and Soldier is great at it due to its geometry.

I do recommend reading each string's description in the website to better understand each model's philosophy, and ultimately just testing them. As I have mentioned a few times here, they are both in the control category, so it's not difficult to move from one to the other. Use the same tension and racquet to start with, to properly evaluate the new model you're testing. And enjoy!
 
jimdontcare said:
Like I think M8 might have the best playability duration of all of them, at least in terms of consistency over time, it just does more settling at the beginning than Soldier or Sniper.

Sniper has more top-end energy return than M8 but I have to work harder for it. M8 has very consistent energy return but I feel like I top out with it a bit. However, I am the only person I've seen have this opinion on the two of them so I'm sure it's just me and how my brain and biomechanics interact with the strings.

Similarly, many people might find Sniper to have more spin than Alpha because it is stiffer and you can just rip it in ways it's harder to do with Alpha. At my 4.0 level, on average I find similar spin.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your explanations. Greatly benefitted. Actually you are not alone i came across few times people mentioning M8 having lower top power.
One of the reasons can be using very slick string on denser pattern or low SW setup(had similiar thread lately) more pocketing type of softer strings has bit limited top end power imo but can't explain. M8 1.30 dynamically quite stiff might be another reason.

Based on my understanding M8 designed more as being able to redirect pace while being very stable with unique characteristics while Sniper is more for agressive attacking player for rackets like Pure aero 98, Ezone 98 users.
 
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Just tried Tour Sniper for the first time. Strung it in my GT98 at 46 lbs mains with Wasabi x 44 lbs crosses.

Great string! A lot better than Tour M8, at least in this frame. Great control, amazing at redirecting incoming balls with heavy pace. Good spin as well although the launch angle was a bit lower than what I am used to. Not a switch for me as I play in clay and hit through the ball a lot so I need a bit of a higher launch angle with spin to keep the ball in and away from the net. I could see it being amazing for a flatter hitting style, specially in hard courts.

It seems a great string for counterpunching.
 
Questions :
since spin potential is a calculation of string to ball friction divided by string to string friction . Wouldn't game changer have more spin potential than aspera triplum since it has a rough termination plus the same edges that game changer has, making aspera have more string to string friction .

Anyone tried game changer mains + m8 crosses to decrease string to string friction and give EVEN more spin ? Which tension difference would you recommend
 
dioguml said:
Any thoughts on sniper mains m8 crosses?
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For a full poly setup, Restring Sync is one of the best cross strings. I loved it with Tour Sniper mains in my PA98 and have been trying M8 with sync crosses which has been really good too. I may try a full bed of M8 next.
 
Big_Dangerous said:
1.3

I've used the 1.25 before, but I find 1.3 is my jam for polys. I just can't get on with the less solid feeling thinner polys like the 1.25 and below feels way less solid than the 1.28-1.31 polys.
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My PAs 98 2026 just arrived. I will try them with M8 1.30 tomorrow. I think i will try it with 45/43lbs, but i'm afraid this tension is too low for this racket. Actually i'm actually playing with it in 43-44lbs in a gravity pro 2025 for comparison.
 
zeneto1234 said:
My PAs 98 2026 just arrived. I will try them with M8 1.30 tomorrow. I think i will try it with 45/43lbs, but i'm afraid this tension is too low for this racket. Actually i'm actually playing with it in 43-44lbs in a gravity pro 2025 for comparison.
Click to expand...
I tried TS mains at 50# and Restring Sync in the crosses at 47# in my PA98 23 and didn't find that to be launchy at all. In fact, I could have gone down a few pounds since I'm sure playing with it for 20+ hours the tension dropped some. I would think 45 should be okay in the new version.
 
zeneto1234 said:
My PAs 98 2026 just arrived. I will try them with M8 1.30 tomorrow. I think i will try it with 45/43lbs, but i'm afraid this tension is too low for this racket. Actually i'm actually playing with it in 43-44lbs in a gravity pro 2025 for comparison.
Click to expand...
I think the frames are different enough to warrant a small tension adjustment. Not a big deal if you stick to the same, but you are correct, you will get more power and less control just when thinking frame to frame at the same reference tension. I like M8 1.3 in the Aero 98 closer to 50, but I'm at 5,000 ft. Maybe in the 47 area?
 
Grapplesnake USA Official said:
I think the frames are different enough to warrant a small tension adjustment. Not a big deal if you stick to the same, but you are correct, you will get more power and less control just when thinking frame to frame at the same reference tension. I like M8 1.3 in the Aero 98 closer to 50, but I'm at 5,000 ft. Maybe in the 47 area?
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@Big_Dangerous @Grapplesnake USA Official tested the PA 98 2026 yesterday night, i live in bay area with high humidity and hot conditions, my impressions is that the soldier string in 45 lbs tension is not suitable for me frame when rallying with people from 5.0 and above, when i played with a lower level player it was ok. I think i will try 52-50lbs in this frame with soldier and M8 1.30 to see the results. I was reading that the PA 98 2026 was less powerful than the 2023, but i have to respectfully disagree. From my perspective, the power and spin is the same if you hit the sweetspot which is significantly larger and because of this, it's more comfortable and easier to use. The sitffness of the racket does not tell the whole story about the comfort of the 2026 x 2023 version. The tradeoff here is that the feel of the racket is less raw, it is more muted and the sweetspot is less "defined" because it is bigger. I think if you prefer raw feel and a more "defined" sweetspot (it happens because it is smaller) stay with the 2023, if you liked the 2023 but thought it was harsh on the arm or the sweetspot is too small, i think you should try this one. I think Babolat did the right job and solved the two things that most people were complaining about, while making the playability of the two rackets similar. Back to the strings, since it is a very different frame from what i was used to, i have to keep testing them in higher tensions. My first impressions with soldier is that it has a good spin potential, higher than any round string, the feel was great and for flatter shots the trajectory was Ok, but i think the tension was too low for me to say anything about power or control. With 2 hours of hitting i felt just a very little drop in tension after 30-60 minutes, but nothing after that. Very good first impression from the string and the new PA 98 2026 lol
 
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zeneto1234 said:
@Big_Dangerous @Grapplesnake USA Official tested the PA 98 2026 yesterday night, i live in bay area with high humidity and hot conditions, my impressions is that the soldier string in 45 lbs tension is not suitable for me frame when rallying with people from 5.0 and above, when i played with a lower level player it was ok. I think i will try 52-50lbs in this frame with soldier and M8 1.30 to see the results. I was reading that the PA 98 2026 was less powerful than the 2023, but i have to respectfully disagree. From my perspective, the power and spin is the same if you hit the sweetspot which is significantly larger and because of this, it's more comfortable and easier to use. The sitffness of the racket does not tell the whole story about the comfort of the 2026 x 2023 version. The tradeoff here is that the feel of the racket is less raw, it is more muted and the sweetspot is less "defined" because it is bigger. I think if you prefer raw feel and a more "defined" sweetspot (it happens because it is smaller) stay with the 2023, if you liked the 2023 but thought it was harsh on the arm or the sweetspot is too small, i think you should try this one. I think Babolat did the right job and solved the two things that most people were complaining about, while making the playability of the two rackets similar. Back to the strings, since it is a very different frame from what i was used to, i have to keep testing them in higher tensions. My first impressions with soldier is that it has a good spin potential, higher than any round string, the feel was great and for flatter shots the trajectory was Ok, but i think the tension was too low for me to say anything about power or control. With 2 hours of hitting i felt just a very little drop in tension after 30-60 minutes, but nothing after that. Very good first impression from the string and the new PA 98 2026 lol
Click to expand...
I just tested the Pure Aero 2026 and I agree with your perception of it 100%
Comfortable
Big sweet spot
Spinny and powerful

I would do Tour M8 at 50 in that frame, I think that's a pair made in heaven. But report back with findings
 
I bought the Aero 98 26 and put M8 1,25 at 48x46 lbs and it=s a rocket launcher lol.. I need to immeidately redo the strings and probably will make 50x50lbs...
with current tension touch is good.. but I cannot swing full power.. I risk to kill my opponent :D
 
AleMiele said:
I bought the Aero 98 26 and put M8 1,25 at 48x46 lbs and it=s a rocket launcher lol.. I need to immeidately redo the strings and probably will make 50x50lbs...
with current tension touch is good.. but I cannot swing full power.. I risk to kill my opponent :D
Click to expand...
How do you think comfort will be with M8 and 50lbs? I did demo the new aero 98, string with rpm blast and next day elbow pain.
 
Rednael said:
How do you think comfort will be with M8 and 50lbs? I did demo the new aero 98, string with rpm blast and next day elbow pain.
Click to expand...
I think it will be better, but i'm not sure if the aero racket will be suitable for you, its more comfortable than the last one but it's not a comfortable racket overall. You can try play with it in lower tensions like 45lbs with tour m8 1.30 or 1.25 if you still feel your elbow, i think you should look other rackets. And maybe another string. Maybe hybrid m8 with tour mako, it's an option, but for me it would be a rocket lancher.
 
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zeneto1234 said:
@Big_Dangerous @Grapplesnake USA Official tested the PA 98 2026 yesterday night, i live in bay area with high humidity and hot conditions, my impressions is that the soldier string in 45 lbs tension is not suitable for me frame when rallying with people from 5.0 and above, when i played with a lower level player it was ok. I think i will try 52-50lbs in this frame with soldier and M8 1.30 to see the results. I was reading that the PA 98 2026 was less powerful than the 2023, but i have to respectfully disagree. From my perspective, the power and spin is the same if you hit the sweetspot which is significantly larger and because of this, it's more comfortable and easier to use. The sitffness of the racket does not tell the whole story about the comfort of the 2026 x 2023 version. The tradeoff here is that the feel of the racket is less raw, it is more muted and the sweetspot is less "defined" because it is bigger. I think if you prefer raw feel and a more "defined" sweetspot (it happens because it is smaller) stay with the 2023, if you liked the 2023 but thought it was harsh on the arm or the sweetspot is too small, i think you should try this one. I think Babolat did the right job and solved the two things that most people were complaining about, while making the playability of the two rackets similar. Back to the strings, since it is a very different frame from what i was used to, i have to keep testing them in higher tensions. My first impressions with soldier is that it has a good spin potential, higher than any round string, the feel was great and for flatter shots the trajectory was Ok, but i think the tension was too low for me to say anything about power or control. With 2 hours of hitting i felt just a very little drop in tension after 30-60 minutes, but nothing after that. Very good first impression from the string and the new PA 98 2026 lol
Click to expand...
Great report. Really don't know what to say until we know more about the string vs string or frame vs frame component within your assessment, though. Hope you find the right tension as your next step!
 
Rednael said:
How do you think comfort will be with M8 and 50lbs? I did demo the new aero 98, string with rpm blast and next day elbow pain.
Click to expand...
I will know more on Monday. I changed the strings.. increased to 23.5x22kg (instead of 22x21) I played only one set and the feeling was great... But I will play more and confirm.

Regarding the comfort. I. Had elbow issues with the 305s and m8 but I believe it's the racquet more than the Strings.. the comfort has been always good and not boardy at all
 
Have only used M8 and Tour Sniper, the Soldier might be interesting to try but I’m on my second spool of Sniper and it’s an excellent string. The control and bite on the ball is very good, love the feel and spin is excellent.
 
zeneto1234 said:
@Big_Dangerous @Grapplesnake USA Official tested the PA 98 2026 yesterday night, i live in bay area with high humidity and hot conditions, my impressions is that the soldier string in 45 lbs tension is not suitable for me frame when rallying with people from 5.0 and above, when i played with a lower level player it was ok. I think i will try 52-50lbs in this frame with soldier and M8 1.30 to see the results. I was reading that the PA 98 2026 was less powerful than the 2023, but i have to respectfully disagree. From my perspective, the power and spin is the same if you hit the sweetspot which is significantly larger and because of this, it's more comfortable and easier to use. The sitffness of the racket does not tell the whole story about the comfort of the 2026 x 2023 version. The tradeoff here is that the feel of the racket is less raw, it is more muted and the sweetspot is less "defined" because it is bigger. I think if you prefer raw feel and a more "defined" sweetspot (it happens because it is smaller) stay with the 2023, if you liked the 2023 but thought it was harsh on the arm or the sweetspot is too small, i think you should try this one. I think Babolat did the right job and solved the two things that most people were complaining about, while making the playability of the two rackets similar. Back to the strings, since it is a very different frame from what i was used to, i have to keep testing them in higher tensions. My first impressions with soldier is that it has a good spin potential, higher than any round string, the feel was great and for flatter shots the trajectory was Ok, but i think the tension was too low for me to say anything about power or control. With 2 hours of hitting i felt just a very little drop in tension after 30-60 minutes, but nothing after that. Very good first impression from the string and the new PA 98 2026 lol
Click to expand...
I tried Soldier in my Ezone 100 tour but honestly didn’t love it in that frame. I’d be willing to try it again if they release a 1.3mm version, but for the PA98, I have been trying a full bed of M8 lately and I really like it. I did like 49/47 with M8 and it’s been lovely.
 
AleMiele said:
I will know more on Monday. I changed the strings.. increased to 23.5x22kg (instead of 22x21) I played only one set and the feeling was great... But I will play more and confirm.

Regarding the comfort. I. Had elbow issues with the 305s and m8 but I believe it's the racquet more than the Strings.. the comfort has been always good and not boardy at all
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Played 3 more times .. I cannot connect with this setup. The launch angle is too high , I still struggle to swing full and keep the ball in (the margin with the spin is too narrow).

I have tour sniper 1,3 to try.. probably M8 1,3 is better for my style that 1.25 on this frame ( I bought a reel of M8 1,25 for the 305s but PA98 26 is way more powerful)
 
Just an update
Grapplesnake USA Official said:
Great report. Really don't know what to say until we know more about the string vs string or frame vs frame component within your assessment, though. Hope you find the right tension as your next step!
Click to expand...

I matched the 2 PA 98 2026 w/ overgrip strung with soldier and they are 329g/32,2cm/327SW, for reference. The tension in 49lbs goated for me in this setup. The tension maintance is crazy, the playability is almost until it breaks, it's better than M8 but downside is that it breaks a little faster, it's not durable as a stiff poly but lasts longer than any soft poly. It has a very good unique feel like M8, power and control are really good when you are in the correct tension, comfort is in a medium range (not stiff but not soft). You can hit flat shots with this string in this racket and have a good control with the right tension because the launch angle for me was low in this setup. The spin was crazy good because it penetrates the court very well. This setup is excelent for consistency in baseline and to make short angles, it begs you to brush the ball and look for the angles.

Forehand 5/5
backhand 5/5
Serve 4.5/5
Slice 4/5
Touch 4/5
Volley 4/5

I will not rate comfort, but if you have arm issues i wouldn't recommend this racket, i dont have elbow or shoulder problems, what i can say is that it does not feel harsh but does not feel soft.

Very good racket/string combo. I would reccommend it for anyone who is looking for performance and a baseliner/all rounder player who likes to brush the ball and play with angles and does not have elbow/shoulder problems.
 
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zeneto1234 said:
Just an update


I matched the 2 PA 98 2026 w/ overgrip strung with soldier and they are 329g/32,2cm/327SW, for reference. The tension in 49lbs goated for me in this setup. The tension maintance is crazy, the playability is almost until it breaks, it's better than M8 but downside is that it breaks a little faster, it's not durable as a stiff poly but lasts longer than any soft poly. It has a very good unique feel like M8, power and control are really good when you are in the correct tension, comfort is in a medium range (not stiff but not soft). You can hit flat shots with this string in this racket and have a good control with the right tension because the launch angle for me was low in this setup. The spin was crazy good because it penetrates the court very well. This setup is excelent for consistency in baseline and to make short angles, it begs you to brush the ball and look for the angles.

Forehand 5/5
backhand 5/5
Serve 4.5/5
Slice 4/5
Touch 4/5
Volley 4/5

I will not rate comfort, but if you have arm issues i wouldn't recommend this racket, i dont have elbow or shoulder problems, what i can say is that it does not feel harsh but does not feel soft.

Very good racket/string combo. I would reccommend it for anyone who is looking for performance and a baseliner/all rounder player who likes to brush the ball and play with angles and does not have elbow/shoulder problems.
Click to expand...
I had a similar experience with the last gen PA98, I wonder if a 16/20 string pattern is the goldilocks for this string seeing as you had a great time with it in the most recent version of the 98. This string in a Rafa Origin didn’t want to play well at a similar tension (for me).
 
zeneto1234 said:
Just an update


I matched the 2 PA 98 2026 w/ overgrip strung with soldier and they are 329g/32,2cm/327SW, for reference. The tension in 49lbs goated for me in this setup. The tension maintance is crazy, the playability is almost until it breaks, it's better than M8 but downside is that it breaks a little faster, it's not durable as a stiff poly but lasts longer than any soft poly. It has a very good unique feel like M8, power and control are really good when you are in the correct tension, comfort is in a medium range (not stiff but not soft). You can hit flat shots with this string in this racket and have a good control with the right tension because the launch angle for me was low in this setup. The spin was crazy good because it penetrates the court very well. This setup is excelent for consistency in baseline and to make short angles, it begs you to brush the ball and look for the angles.

Forehand 5/5
backhand 5/5
Serve 4.5/5
Slice 4/5
Touch 4/5
Volley 4/5

I will not rate comfort, but if you have arm issues i wouldn't recommend this racket, i dont have elbow or shoulder problems, what i can say is that it does not feel harsh but does not feel soft.

Very good racket/string combo. I would reccommend it for anyone who is looking for performance and a baseliner/all rounder player who likes to brush the ball and play with angles and does not have elbow/shoulder problems.
Click to expand...
Wow you're selling this one good.
 
babyhagrid said:
I had a similar experience with the last gen PA98, I wonder if a 16/20 string pattern is the goldilocks for this string seeing as you had a great time with it in the most recent version of the 98. This string in a Rafa Origin didn’t want to play well at a similar tension (for me).
Click to expand...
Maybe its the goldilocks. I dont know what to say about it, except that they are two completly different racquets and will probably play better with different string and tensions. One more thing i can say about soldier is that it plays like a softer lynx tour with better spin, tension maintance and playability, but durability is worse. The feel is different but in my opinion it's better.
 
Had a hit with Short Fin in a Pure Drive 100 strung at 21kg. Unfortunately the result was not good. No depth, no feel, no nothing, on top of that my arm told me to not play this string anymore. Probably the string was not designed for stiffer rackets.
 
Khrystyna Vozniak (29 y/o, ITF Singles High #52), a very talented Grapplesnake Pro Sponsored Athlete, sent us this testimony after reaching the Final at the UTR Boca Raton W02 2026. Wanted to share here:

"Sometimes you don’t realize you need a change… until the right person interrupts your practice. I had been playing with my previous string for a long time. I wasn’t really open to switching. When something feels familiar, it’s hard to step away from it.

One day at my training base at Miller Tennis Center in Buffalo, New York, while I was practicing, one of our top amateur players, Felix, stopped me mid-session. He was so excited about a new string he had just tried — and wanted me to try it as well. That same day, he insisted on stringing my racket so I could try it the next day. The next morning, he brought it back so I could test it before practice. From the first few strokes… I really enjoyed it a lot. It was Grapplesnake Tour M8.

It’s one of the best feelings in tennis — when you feel connected to every shot you hit. I made the full switch to the new string, and I couldn’t be happier. I connected with Yazir, who has been incredibly kind and supportive throughout the transition. While I was competing in tournaments, Yazir personally made sure the string was delivered to my tournament site.

Shortly after switching, I played my first singles final at UTR Pro Boca Raton — a big milestone for me. It wasn’t an easy week, but with the right equipment in my hands, I achieved something I hadn’t before. Now, I’m heading into March with tournaments in Canada, followed by a full European calendar.

It’s amazing how one small adjustment — tennis string — can change not just the results, but the feeling on court: the control, the confidence, the happiness in every strike.

The only downside? Now I can’t blame the racket or the strings anymore.

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Proud to be part of Team Grapplesnake. Excited to see where this journey takes us next!"

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Thank you so much, Khrystyna!
 
Last edited:
PhantomStriker said:
An option is that the balls were too old. As I have reels of Tour M8, Tour Sniper and Gamechanger I have plenty of GS options left which I have liked before.
Click to expand...
did you try an hybrid whit GC in the mains and m8/sniper in the crosses ? i want to try GC whit a round/slick cross
 
PhantomStriker said:
GC/M8 at the same tension was a great combination. M8 at lower tension was too lively for me.
Click to expand...
Hi! ... didi you ever tried GC with msv swift ... if yes, how would you compare it?... I even tried GC in hybrid with soldier and sniper ... they both were great! ... game changer didn´t worked for me with apsera (yellow and white) ... another great GS-hybrid was soldier and short fin! ... I also thought about trying GC/M8, so I will try this next! ... spin on goundies and kickserve was good, I think? ... greetings ESP :)
 
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