liftordie
Hall of Fame
Prego.Thanks for the responses
I'll try the hybrids and Cube.
Looking forward to your opinion about the Neon Dust hybrid.
Introducing Grapplesnake USA!!!
Looking forward to your opinion about the Neon Dust hybrid.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Man..... Are you serious???
Yeah, I think that number is pretty close. For that specific shot where 95% of my racquet head speed is going into ball rotation, I can see the ball turning over a few tens of times going from my service line to my opponent's baseline. I can't get close to approaching that level of spin on a normal speed groundstroke. Take a look at the video I posted earlier - after 2 minutes in when I gained some familiarity with the PDVS, I'm able to get the ball up over the net and down into the court pretty effectively with pretty high ball speed, and that is with the worn felt on these ball machine balls.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
It is a pretty thick string, and I found that I needed to be extra careful to keep twists out of the string in the tie-off holes. Otherwise, it was difficult to get the tie-off string through without forcing it or using an awl. The good thing is that the square profile really locks the tie-off string and there should be no worries that the knot will pull through the grommet.
I'd really be in favor of a thinner set of CES available as a full set!
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Sorry but you are crazy, man!!!!!!
Maybe I will see you against Rafa at Monte-Carlo??
Have fun in your life, champion!!! (and move your legs!!!)
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Let's be nice to each other and try to keep this thread friendly and informative. Thanks.
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
liftordie
Hall of Fame
LocNetMonster
Professional
I generally always plan on stringing a new string or hybrid at least twice. There are so many variables that recommendations from others, unless you are playing with the exact same stick (in balance, SW and static weight) and you have the same stroke mechanics, I think they are reference points but not starting points.
The first installation is always based on the previous set up I played with in that or a similar racquet. The second is adjustment install is where I then change one or both tensions to get the desired playability. I've tested enough strings over the past two years I can pretty much hit the bullseye on the second install. I get a third set, so that if I really like it or need to tweak something a little more, I can.
That said, if I were you based on your Wilson set up, I would start at 53# mains and crosses at 47# for the very first installation, and then play with the set up for at least three hours paying close attention depth, spin and feel. If it plays well then I wouldn't change it. If not, make adjustments based on what the set up is lacking and go from there.
quencheu96
Rookie
Im curious, but has anyone tried Irukandji with a multi in the mains (like x-1 biphase) so far? Wondering how that would feel, since im thinking about switching to something softer possibly (tho CES hybrid plays so damn well ><)
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
Anyone try the CES Neon hybrid at 44 lbs or lower? Does it grab the ball even more?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
My initial stringing tension was in the high 40's in a Blade SW104 so I'm sure it got that low and lower over the course of 10 hours of play. I didn't ever think that the grip on the ball increased over where it was when the string was new, and Neon Dust definitely doesn't grab as well as a full set of Cube even though Cube and CES have the same sharp square profile. What it kind of feels like is that the more elastic cross in the Neon Dust has more give and the ball doesn't flatten against the strings as much, so it also doesn't bite into the ball as soon during the initial contact like Cube does.
Still, as far as spin capability, Neon Dust is up there with the other highly shaped, full bed polys.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
If you like to have lot of power...
tennisaddict03
Rookie
By the way.... What is a Grapplesnake? @Grapplesnake USA Official . I had that question thrown at me and just thought of two snakes battling.
Edit: How different is the Cube Sharp and how does it compare to the regular CES/neon hybrid?
Also I want to buy some strings but would also like a T shirt and stencils to represent ^_^; When will you have these things on the site? I will probably cave in and buy the strings regardless now that I have 2 sticks that aren't broken
Edit: How different is the Cube Sharp and how does it compare to the regular CES/neon hybrid?
Also I want to buy some strings but would also like a T shirt and stencils to represent ^_^; When will you have these things on the site? I will probably cave in and buy the strings regardless now that I have 2 sticks that aren't broken
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StringGuruMRT
Semi-Pro
So I've had a demo set of Neon Hybrid in my Blade 98 CV 16x18 for a couple weeks now. I've got to say I'm pretty impressed. Nice comfort for a poly hybrid, and great spin potential from the very beginning. Tension maintenance seemed pretty good as well, but to be honest, I didn't get a great chance to do any really serious hitting with it before it kind of went dead. It did seem to die pretty suddenly, not gradually. I will definitely be getting a couple more sets of it to really put them through a hard hitting playtest in the future! Next up... Cube 1.18!
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
By the way.... What is a Grapplesnake? @Grapplesnake USA Official . I had that question thrown at me and just thought of two snakes battling.
Edit: How different is the Cube Sharp and how does it compare to the regular CES/neon hybrid?
Also I want to buy some strings but would also like a T shirt and stencils to represent ^_^; When will you have these things on the site? I will probably cave in and buy the strings regardless now that I have 2 sticks that aren't broken
Hello! Cube Extra Sharp is firmer than CES Neon Dust. And regular Liquid is softer than Liquid Neon Dust. Therefore, the Cube Extra Sharp/Liquid hybrid has a more significant differential in firmness between Mains and Crosses compared to the Neon Hybrid.
As far as the t-shirts and stencils. Shirts will be available in 2 weeks or so. They will be polyester, we will start with one design, and build up from there. I'm sure you guys will like them. And the stencils... "soon" is the best answer I can give you, because I need to receive the approved final version of the cutting diagram. Once that's in my possession, it will be a matter of days for them to be on sale in our website.
I will definitely let you guys know when they start becoming available. We will start with the launch of our new prototype string, then the shirts and stencil.
Thanks everybody for all your support. Grapplesnake USA has been getting inquiries and shipping even to Canada and South America. Having you guys ask us for stencils to help represent, is really something that makes me very proud. Thanks again.
And yes, two snakes battling is exactly what comes to my mind.
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
StringGuruMRT
Semi-Pro
LOL, I live down here in the land of reptiles, and I just figured it was some really aggressive snake!
eddi.spageddi.patero
New User
Hi everyone! Perhaps can somebody help me:
I would need the "String Factor of the Grapplesnake - CES Neon Dust 1,23 & Liquid Neon Dust 1,25" for the app "Raquet Tune".
Thank You and greetings from austria, ESP!
I would need the "String Factor of the Grapplesnake - CES Neon Dust 1,23 & Liquid Neon Dust 1,25" for the app "Raquet Tune".
Thank You and greetings from austria, ESP!
rogerroger917
Hall of Fame
Next string name it bear killer hybrid arrow spike.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
I wish CES Neon Dust came in individual sets/reels as I have a ton of string to use as a cross.
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
I will ask for it. What do you guys think? Full 200m Reels of both CES Neon Dust and Liquid Neon Dust, separate? Because Liquid Neon Dust also works well in full bed.
Or just sell the half reels separate? If the latter is OK, What we can do is allocate a few hybrids to be separated and sold as half reels by themselves. That would be easy.
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
I'd definitely get a half reel of CES Neon Dust for starters. I have one full and one-half reel of a very soft, shaped poly with good power that I'd use as the cross with it & just don't want this string to go to waste. It happens to be green as well. lol
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Done.
Happy to announce that we now offer both CES Neon Dust and Liquid Neon Dust separately as Half Reels, in our website!
CES Neon Dust is a relatively firm square polyester string, engineered to be used in the Mains as part of a Hybrid. Traditionally, CES Neon Dust has been paired with Liquid Neon Dust.
Now, and by popular demand, it is offered as a standalone string. Players are able to combine CES Neon Dust with any other Cross string - we recommend Grapplesnake Irukandji - to experiment and find your own hybrid.
We recommend choosing a relatively soft Cross string to use along with CES Neon Dust in the Mains.
CES Neon dust will provide exceptional durability, control and spin!
Limited availability.
--
Liquid Neon Dust is a soft, hexagonal polyester string, engineered to be used either by itself in full bed, or as a Cross string combined with CES Neon Dust in the Mains.
Now, and by popular demand, it is offered as a standalone string. Players are able to enjoy the excellent feel, power and softness of Liquid Neon Dust in full bed by purchasing this Half Reel. This is a very versatile string, and we also recommend it as a Main with Natural Gut or Multi filament in the Crosses for an easy-on-the-arm setup.
Limited availability.
--
Thanks for your input. We will always try to accommodate your requests.
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
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Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
Great! I will order shortly!
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I just wanted to post a final report on the Grapplesnake prototype string. I've had it in my racquet for close to three weeks and have about eight hours of play in it.
To summarize, this is the easiest polyester string I've ever strung up. There was almost no coil memory - the string lays amazingly flat after uncoiling, and is very easy to weave the crosses. It has a fair amount of elasticity when pulling tension, which caused me to go up a couple of pounds on tension, especially considering it is also a thinner string than I had been using. It turns out this may have been a mistake - tension maintenance is really excellent for this string, among the best of any poly string I've tried. I would go back down those couple of pounds the next time.
Initial impressions were that this is a very low powered, control-oriented string. After a couple of hours and with some slight tension loss, power levels went up from very low to low, while retaining the excellent directional, depth, and speed control. Ball response is very linear throughout my entire range of racquet head speed capability. The first hour or so felt like the string had very little grab on the ball, but I was just coming off from testing Neon Dust, Hyper-G, and Revolution. After that first couple of hours, it felt like it grabbed the ball better, but definitely nowhere close to a highly shaped string. Launch angle is low and consistent, and there is minimal sensitivity to incoming spin. Pocketing feel is good, and mis-hits were no more jarring than average.
I played some doubles with this string and that is where it shines for me. As a pretty poor doubles player, this string, like the Diadem Flash I had also previously tested, lets me concentrate on ball placement rather than ball speed and rotation. The firm stringbed and relative spin insensitivity allowed me to aim volleys as accurately as any string in terms of direction, distance, and speed. Not worrying about trying to put a lot of spin on any shot made me a lot more consistent as well. I seemed to reflex volley really well with this string. Normally, I can fly those long if I have to stab quickly at a ball, but the lower power levels helped me to keep those balls in play.
For singles play, I missed the free power some other strings gave me, and the lower level of bite affected my backhand more than my forehand - I had a hard time looping back high topspin shots, and my slices and underspin approach shots didn't have as much bite. The looping topspins were particularly hard as I felt like I had to swing through the ball hard enough to compress it against the strings while also trying to brush up through it, and with a one-hander and just not having as much racquet head speed nor shoulder flexibility as in younger days, this was a problem. When I did catch it right, there was still a lot of spin. It was just much harder to catch it right than with a highly shaped poly string, which feels a lot more forgiving to the quality of ball contact in that situation. Here's a short video of me trying to hit these loopers - I fail pretty miserably on my backhand because I'm used to skimming the ball more, and trying to drive through the ball created timing and contact problems. Any time I didn't compress the balls against the string, it felt like the ball would slide off and I'd get a very short and very low shot. Forehands were better as I find it easier to trade a bit of vertical racquet head speed for a more forward swing path. As I mention in the video, the camera is placed against the back wall, 20 feet behind the baseline and about 5 1/2 feet high, so when I catch it well, it is still a shoulder to head high ball against a player 12-15 feet behind the baseline. With a shaped poly string, I could probably get about another foot higher on the bounce. At our club, the ball machine uses balls that first go through a stint with the junior program, so they're not nearly as bouncy as a new ball, and the felt is pretty worn as well.
All in all, a very good round poly that is control-oriented, with excellent tension maintenance. The string is best suited for someone who hits the ball flatter, can generate their own power, and relies on accuracy more than rotation. At eight hours in, the strings are mostly notched through and I expect them to break within the next hour. There is some string movement now - the mains get displaced and don't return to their straight position, though playability hasn't changed much if at all.
Thanks to Grapplesnake for allowing me to test this string!
To summarize, this is the easiest polyester string I've ever strung up. There was almost no coil memory - the string lays amazingly flat after uncoiling, and is very easy to weave the crosses. It has a fair amount of elasticity when pulling tension, which caused me to go up a couple of pounds on tension, especially considering it is also a thinner string than I had been using. It turns out this may have been a mistake - tension maintenance is really excellent for this string, among the best of any poly string I've tried. I would go back down those couple of pounds the next time.
Initial impressions were that this is a very low powered, control-oriented string. After a couple of hours and with some slight tension loss, power levels went up from very low to low, while retaining the excellent directional, depth, and speed control. Ball response is very linear throughout my entire range of racquet head speed capability. The first hour or so felt like the string had very little grab on the ball, but I was just coming off from testing Neon Dust, Hyper-G, and Revolution. After that first couple of hours, it felt like it grabbed the ball better, but definitely nowhere close to a highly shaped string. Launch angle is low and consistent, and there is minimal sensitivity to incoming spin. Pocketing feel is good, and mis-hits were no more jarring than average.
I played some doubles with this string and that is where it shines for me. As a pretty poor doubles player, this string, like the Diadem Flash I had also previously tested, lets me concentrate on ball placement rather than ball speed and rotation. The firm stringbed and relative spin insensitivity allowed me to aim volleys as accurately as any string in terms of direction, distance, and speed. Not worrying about trying to put a lot of spin on any shot made me a lot more consistent as well. I seemed to reflex volley really well with this string. Normally, I can fly those long if I have to stab quickly at a ball, but the lower power levels helped me to keep those balls in play.
For singles play, I missed the free power some other strings gave me, and the lower level of bite affected my backhand more than my forehand - I had a hard time looping back high topspin shots, and my slices and underspin approach shots didn't have as much bite. The looping topspins were particularly hard as I felt like I had to swing through the ball hard enough to compress it against the strings while also trying to brush up through it, and with a one-hander and just not having as much racquet head speed nor shoulder flexibility as in younger days, this was a problem. When I did catch it right, there was still a lot of spin. It was just much harder to catch it right than with a highly shaped poly string, which feels a lot more forgiving to the quality of ball contact in that situation. Here's a short video of me trying to hit these loopers - I fail pretty miserably on my backhand because I'm used to skimming the ball more, and trying to drive through the ball created timing and contact problems. Any time I didn't compress the balls against the string, it felt like the ball would slide off and I'd get a very short and very low shot. Forehands were better as I find it easier to trade a bit of vertical racquet head speed for a more forward swing path. As I mention in the video, the camera is placed against the back wall, 20 feet behind the baseline and about 5 1/2 feet high, so when I catch it well, it is still a shoulder to head high ball against a player 12-15 feet behind the baseline. With a shaped poly string, I could probably get about another foot higher on the bounce. At our club, the ball machine uses balls that first go through a stint with the junior program, so they're not nearly as bouncy as a new ball, and the felt is pretty worn as well.
All in all, a very good round poly that is control-oriented, with excellent tension maintenance. The string is best suited for someone who hits the ball flatter, can generate their own power, and relies on accuracy more than rotation. At eight hours in, the strings are mostly notched through and I expect them to break within the next hour. There is some string movement now - the mains get displaced and don't return to their straight position, though playability hasn't changed much if at all.
Thanks to Grapplesnake for allowing me to test this string!
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Thank you for another detailed review! We expect Prototype to be available under its official name this week, or weekend.
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
fl4tsc
Rookie
Full Disclosure: Grapplesnake USA was kind enough to send me a demo set of CES hybrid. I ordered a full price set of Cube to go along with it.
Finally got a chance to try out my set of Cube.
My usual setup, and the setup I used for a direct comparison, is a Wilson H22 18x20 with Volkl Cyclone 18g (Orange) at 42lbs in the mains and 40lbs in the crosses.
I'm a strong NTRP 4.5 to average 5.0 depending on the day, in my mid 20s. All-court player, but I focus on the 1-2 punch as my biggest weapon. Average topspin on my forehand, flatter 2hbh. Enjoy using the slice and dropshots to keep people on their toes. Think Benoit Paire, but my forehands better.
I strung up a fresh racket with Cyclone and Cube, both at 42/40, the day before taking them out on court.
My first impression of cube is that it is by far the sharpest string I've ever strung before. It can actually be pretty painful when weaving the crosses through unless you've got some tough fingertips.
Additionally, the string appears to be pretty thick, especially when compared to the 18g Cyclone.
So right off the bat I found Cube to play surprisingly similar to Cyclone. Based on the huge difference in look/feel when stringing I was expecting a massive difference.
Cube felt slightly more muted than Cyclone, but not to the point of being bothersome. Comfort usually isn't a big concern for me, but Cube didn't strike me as any extra harsh than Cyclone.
Cube had slightly less power and a lower launch angle, which I would most likely attribute to the thicker gauge.
Surprisingly I found it more difficult to generate topspin with Cube. I think this is due in part to the combination of the thickness of Cube and the density of the 18x20 string pattern not allowing the edges of Cube to really bite into the ball, but rather the flat sides of the string doing most of the work. With a more open string pattern, or a thinner gauge string I think the spin potential would go up significantly.
I did find Cube to provide a more consistent response off the stringbed, and never really had any balls take off on me like they sometimes do with Cyclone.
Overall, it would be a tough sell for me to switch to Cube, in large part because of how painful it is to string. I would definitely be interested in trying a thinner gauge version to see if that would unlock the spin potential promised by the extreme sharpness and aggressive shape of Cube.
Although it is more difficult to find demo time with league matches ongoing, I plan on trying to hit with Cube until it breaks so that I can comment on the long term playability. I generally don't like how Cyclone plays at the end of its life which is part of why I went with the 18g so that it'll break quickly.
Next up the CES hybrid demo!
Finally got a chance to try out my set of Cube.
My usual setup, and the setup I used for a direct comparison, is a Wilson H22 18x20 with Volkl Cyclone 18g (Orange) at 42lbs in the mains and 40lbs in the crosses.
I'm a strong NTRP 4.5 to average 5.0 depending on the day, in my mid 20s. All-court player, but I focus on the 1-2 punch as my biggest weapon. Average topspin on my forehand, flatter 2hbh. Enjoy using the slice and dropshots to keep people on their toes. Think Benoit Paire, but my forehands better.
I strung up a fresh racket with Cyclone and Cube, both at 42/40, the day before taking them out on court.
My first impression of cube is that it is by far the sharpest string I've ever strung before. It can actually be pretty painful when weaving the crosses through unless you've got some tough fingertips.
Additionally, the string appears to be pretty thick, especially when compared to the 18g Cyclone.
So right off the bat I found Cube to play surprisingly similar to Cyclone. Based on the huge difference in look/feel when stringing I was expecting a massive difference.
Cube felt slightly more muted than Cyclone, but not to the point of being bothersome. Comfort usually isn't a big concern for me, but Cube didn't strike me as any extra harsh than Cyclone.
Cube had slightly less power and a lower launch angle, which I would most likely attribute to the thicker gauge.
Surprisingly I found it more difficult to generate topspin with Cube. I think this is due in part to the combination of the thickness of Cube and the density of the 18x20 string pattern not allowing the edges of Cube to really bite into the ball, but rather the flat sides of the string doing most of the work. With a more open string pattern, or a thinner gauge string I think the spin potential would go up significantly.
I did find Cube to provide a more consistent response off the stringbed, and never really had any balls take off on me like they sometimes do with Cyclone.
Overall, it would be a tough sell for me to switch to Cube, in large part because of how painful it is to string. I would definitely be interested in trying a thinner gauge version to see if that would unlock the spin potential promised by the extreme sharpness and aggressive shape of Cube.
Although it is more difficult to find demo time with league matches ongoing, I plan on trying to hit with Cube until it breaks so that I can comment on the long term playability. I generally don't like how Cyclone plays at the end of its life which is part of why I went with the 18g so that it'll break quickly.
Next up the CES hybrid demo!
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Let us know!!
tennisaddict03
Rookie
So after several days of playing with it, I still have not broken the strings. Maybe I need to play harder or I'm not as strong as I once thought. Anyways, this is my experience while playing with this. I was kindly provided a sample set of the CES + Liquid hybrid. This was in my Yonex Duel G 97 330g racket, 18 x 20 pattern.
Monday 4/1
I got the set of string and I was recommended to try 45 lbs/ 48 lbs, which I was very familiar with since I have played in the lower tensions before. The DT started off at 37 and about 2 hours later when I checked next, it settled at 35. Stringing wise, it was a bit sharp but manageable, nowhere near as sharp as WeissCANNON Ultracable, which you could literally use to shave your beard. Sometimes the position of the string was twisted so I would rotate it slightly to be parallel to the clamps. this was to protect my clamps as well as the string from the edges. At the last string of the mains, I added 10% tension for the tie off. For the crossed, I started with a starting clamp at the end and adding 10% to the tie offs as well. The only other thing to mention was some areas of the string set seemed to have minor kinks in the CES? Not sure if that's a manufacturing issue or not but the string seemed unaffected by it.
Tues 4/2
I hit for 2 hours at a clinic focused on cross court, volley, and overhead drills. The power was average and what I was expecting. The spin was great for an 18x20 pattern and kept many balls easily in play with a ton of action. The control I had to be able to place the ball was easy enough to locate once I learned how the spin reacted. The touch was excellent and I found I could place it in many strategic locations! It was surprisingly comfortable for a poly, durability and playability seem fine so far. I didn't get to serve with it but overheads were accurate. DT was at 34 once I got home.
Wed 4/3
Another 2 hour hitting session playing doubles. Serving felt great and accurate. Spin and control felt the same as yesterday. Power definitely felt noticeably lower either due to my tiredness or just the string. Most likely the former. Comfort, playability, and durability still the same. Touch and control shots were on point all night, putting people into nets and walls easily. DT stayed at 34.
Thurs 4/4
Another 2 hour doubles round robin session. Lighting conditions weren't optimal but still had a good time. Had an easier time generating power now and could feel the ball sink on the strings. DT dropped to 33.
Fri 4/5
Doubles with high level 4.5 friends for 2 hours. Control still doing fine. Power was getting better, especially on sweet spot hits. Touch shots were still spot on. Durability and playability still good somehow, though there is some notching about 30% into the string. DT remained at 33.
Sun 4/7
Played a match around 2 hours, the GF came to watch. Strings still playing great overall. Touch was still on point! Swinging through shots felt precise and accurate. Hitting the sweet spot helped to generate the power needed for penetrating shots but I'm starting to learn that you need to fully commit to the shot. Most likely a learning curve from this racket since it's relatively new to me. Serves on point, making several aces at the locations I wanted. Volleys were good and could control the direction of the ball fairly well. The durability seems fine but the notching is maybe around 40%. Not sure how this is still so playable. With all the impressive shots, I scored on and off the court ^_^. DT dropped to 32.
Tues 4/9
Another 2 hour clinic session of drills. Many shots were accurate as long as I did not force the swing. If I tried to swing aggressively, it was losing a bit of control. Touch was still nice and I could place the ball well but attacking the ball got tougher as the night went on. DT still at 32 somehow.
Tues 4/16
2 hour outdoor session and 2 hour clinic session later that evening. Great results, even with a drink or two ^_^; The serves went exactly where I wanted it to go, touch shots still ridiculous, full stroke swings were a bit better to control. Maybe the warm weather is affecting the stringbed? Anyways, no complains outdoors. Once I went indoors, results were still the same and gave it to a friend to play with since he has the same racket as me. He's a club tennis player. His results were very favorable and he loved the power and control but said it was lacking spin but I chalk that up to the 18x20 pattern of the racket. The string still hasn't broken yet. Is this thing indestructable?
Overall, this has been an exciting playtest. Normally I use a full bed of Solinco Hyper G 16g at 53lbs. I will definitely get this string again.
TLDR (Too Long Didn't Read):
Power: 7/10
Spin: 8/10
Control: 9/10
Touch: 9/10
Playability: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Monday 4/1
I got the set of string and I was recommended to try 45 lbs/ 48 lbs, which I was very familiar with since I have played in the lower tensions before. The DT started off at 37 and about 2 hours later when I checked next, it settled at 35. Stringing wise, it was a bit sharp but manageable, nowhere near as sharp as WeissCANNON Ultracable, which you could literally use to shave your beard. Sometimes the position of the string was twisted so I would rotate it slightly to be parallel to the clamps. this was to protect my clamps as well as the string from the edges. At the last string of the mains, I added 10% tension for the tie off. For the crossed, I started with a starting clamp at the end and adding 10% to the tie offs as well. The only other thing to mention was some areas of the string set seemed to have minor kinks in the CES? Not sure if that's a manufacturing issue or not but the string seemed unaffected by it.
Tues 4/2
I hit for 2 hours at a clinic focused on cross court, volley, and overhead drills. The power was average and what I was expecting. The spin was great for an 18x20 pattern and kept many balls easily in play with a ton of action. The control I had to be able to place the ball was easy enough to locate once I learned how the spin reacted. The touch was excellent and I found I could place it in many strategic locations! It was surprisingly comfortable for a poly, durability and playability seem fine so far. I didn't get to serve with it but overheads were accurate. DT was at 34 once I got home.
Wed 4/3
Another 2 hour hitting session playing doubles. Serving felt great and accurate. Spin and control felt the same as yesterday. Power definitely felt noticeably lower either due to my tiredness or just the string. Most likely the former. Comfort, playability, and durability still the same. Touch and control shots were on point all night, putting people into nets and walls easily. DT stayed at 34.
Thurs 4/4
Another 2 hour doubles round robin session. Lighting conditions weren't optimal but still had a good time. Had an easier time generating power now and could feel the ball sink on the strings. DT dropped to 33.
Fri 4/5
Doubles with high level 4.5 friends for 2 hours. Control still doing fine. Power was getting better, especially on sweet spot hits. Touch shots were still spot on. Durability and playability still good somehow, though there is some notching about 30% into the string. DT remained at 33.
Sun 4/7
Played a match around 2 hours, the GF came to watch. Strings still playing great overall. Touch was still on point! Swinging through shots felt precise and accurate. Hitting the sweet spot helped to generate the power needed for penetrating shots but I'm starting to learn that you need to fully commit to the shot. Most likely a learning curve from this racket since it's relatively new to me. Serves on point, making several aces at the locations I wanted. Volleys were good and could control the direction of the ball fairly well. The durability seems fine but the notching is maybe around 40%. Not sure how this is still so playable. With all the impressive shots, I scored on and off the court ^_^. DT dropped to 32.
Tues 4/9
Another 2 hour clinic session of drills. Many shots were accurate as long as I did not force the swing. If I tried to swing aggressively, it was losing a bit of control. Touch was still nice and I could place the ball well but attacking the ball got tougher as the night went on. DT still at 32 somehow.
Tues 4/16
2 hour outdoor session and 2 hour clinic session later that evening. Great results, even with a drink or two ^_^; The serves went exactly where I wanted it to go, touch shots still ridiculous, full stroke swings were a bit better to control. Maybe the warm weather is affecting the stringbed? Anyways, no complains outdoors. Once I went indoors, results were still the same and gave it to a friend to play with since he has the same racket as me. He's a club tennis player. His results were very favorable and he loved the power and control but said it was lacking spin but I chalk that up to the 18x20 pattern of the racket. The string still hasn't broken yet. Is this thing indestructable?
Overall, this has been an exciting playtest. Normally I use a full bed of Solinco Hyper G 16g at 53lbs. I will definitely get this string again.
TLDR (Too Long Didn't Read):
Power: 7/10
Spin: 8/10
Control: 9/10
Touch: 9/10
Playability: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Thank you guys for your reviews!
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Are you talking about CES Neon Dust? I find it to be sharper than UC.
Thanks! Comfort?
CES Neon Dust / Liquid Neon Dust review
@20,5/21,5kg (45/47) in an Angell TC100 V3
My stringer was not so happy with this string because it hurt it fingers and was not so easy to string. However, I am really happy with it because it can give insane amounts of top spin and slices are really nasty and the power level is low to moderate. For me the stringbed doesn't feel crisp and does not really have a good feel. It's possible that this is because it was strung quite low. It is however really comfortable at this tension. During the second hitting session I noticed that it felt a bit more plush. The third time it felt the same as the second time so tension stability after one hitting session seems good. I have another pack of this hybrid and will string it 1kg higher in the hope that it feels a bit more crisp. The reason that I strung it so low this time because it was recommended to string it 1 or 2 kg lower than your normal setup. Furthermore, because I have a sensitive arm I didn't want to take any risk. A real downside for me is the durability because the string just broke at the 8 hour mark...
@20,5/21,5kg (45/47) in an Angell TC100 V3
My stringer was not so happy with this string because it hurt it fingers and was not so easy to string. However, I am really happy with it because it can give insane amounts of top spin and slices are really nasty and the power level is low to moderate. For me the stringbed doesn't feel crisp and does not really have a good feel. It's possible that this is because it was strung quite low. It is however really comfortable at this tension. During the second hitting session I noticed that it felt a bit more plush. The third time it felt the same as the second time so tension stability after one hitting session seems good. I have another pack of this hybrid and will string it 1kg higher in the hope that it feels a bit more crisp. The reason that I strung it so low this time because it was recommended to string it 1 or 2 kg lower than your normal setup. Furthermore, because I have a sensitive arm I didn't want to take any risk. A real downside for me is the durability because the string just broke at the 8 hour mark...
liftordie
Hall of Fame
At 24/25kg it is still not crisp...
Liquid is REALLY MEGA soft so I will try to string CES and Liquid at 24kg iso and ask for a little prestretch of Liquid. I will start at 5%.
BBender716
Semi-Pro
Sorry for the delayed review: have gotten a chance to put 3 hours on my CES Neon hybrid with Liquid @ 53/50 in my Angell TC95 and wow.
Before playing I could feel how sharp the CES was and was excited for the spin. It's a surprisingly powerful setup IMO and I would string it maybe more like 56/53 since I haven't had any elbow pain whatsoever.
Topspin on forehand is improved over my previous setup of Cyclone/Firestorm but where I really notice a difference is on my kick and slice serves. I was getting ludicrous amounts of kick on the bounce that was noticeable from my hitting partner and instructor.
On a superficial note, the sound of hitting with this setup is glorious. You get a really solid thump with clean strikes that is absolutely legit and feels awesome to know that is coming from YOUR racket.
Glad I preemptively ordered a second pack. Might want to try a full bed of cube in the later future. Good job GS and hopefully you guys crush it in the states.
Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
Before playing I could feel how sharp the CES was and was excited for the spin. It's a surprisingly powerful setup IMO and I would string it maybe more like 56/53 since I haven't had any elbow pain whatsoever.
Topspin on forehand is improved over my previous setup of Cyclone/Firestorm but where I really notice a difference is on my kick and slice serves. I was getting ludicrous amounts of kick on the bounce that was noticeable from my hitting partner and instructor.
On a superficial note, the sound of hitting with this setup is glorious. You get a really solid thump with clean strikes that is absolutely legit and feels awesome to know that is coming from YOUR racket.
Glad I preemptively ordered a second pack. Might want to try a full bed of cube in the later future. Good job GS and hopefully you guys crush it in the states.
Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
liftordie
Hall of Fame
You have to string Liquid cross higher.... As it is recommended from the manufacturer.
BBender716
Semi-Pro
Sorry I flipped them when I wrote this. I did during 50/53
Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Let us know if the control is better at 53/56.
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
I find control to be good in the mid 40's with the Clash Tour, which plays better at lower tensions to me. I went with the CES Neon Dust Hybrid at 44/46 and get very good directional control in addition to spin. Very easy to rip down the line. I almost feel like I get more control by hitting out with this frame.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
liftordie
Hall of Fame
I get much better control at 53/55 (24/25kg). With more spin and always amazing comfort.
I will try a 5% prestretch of Liquid to have even more control and better tension maintenance.
Really impatient to see how the prestretch could impact the comfort!!
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Dear snakes, I just want to tell you again how much I LOVE that Neon Dust hybrid and how AMAZING it is... Now that I play outside on perfect red clay courts with higher temperatures, I get the FULL potential of the strings. And it is a SPIN DESTROYER!!!!!!!! My partners and opponents are always asking me about how can I produce so much effects to the ball!!! Then, I just let them touching the CES and they are SHOCKED!!! HAHAHA!!!!!!!
That hybrid is just an AWESOME job!!!!!!
That hybrid is just an AWESOME job!!!!!!
SlvrDragon50
Semi-Pro
I really want to try Grapplesnake now... Anyone using it in the crosses with natural gut?
Shipping is just pricey for a single pack of strings though! Any chance Grapplesnake could get stocked at TW or Amazon?
Shipping is just pricey for a single pack of strings though! Any chance Grapplesnake could get stocked at TW or Amazon?
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Dear snakes, I just want to tell you again how much I LOVE that Neon Dust hybrid and how AMAZING it is... Now that I play outside on perfect red clay courts with higher temperatures, I get the FULL potential of the strings. And it is a SPIN DESTROYER!!!!!!!! My partners and opponents are always asking me about how can I produce so much effects to the ball!!! Then, I just let them touching the CES and they are SHOCKED!!! HAHAHA!!!!!!!
That hybrid is just an AWESOME job!!!!!!
Awesome!
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
This is something we can adjust. For up to 4 oz, which is normally 2 hard sets, or 3 soft sets such as in Irukandji or our upcoming Prototype, we will lower the shipping costs to $3.50, effective immediately.
About Amazon, yes, we are currently uploading our catalog this week. TW, we don't know, because that is being arranged between TW Europe and TW USA. We are not part of that.
I would suggest trying Irukandji in the Crosses with Nat Gut Mains. That string is specifically made for that.
Thanks for your message!
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
Last edited:
scf
Semi-Pro
Is there anything you could do about EU store? 20 EUR shipping for a set (to Russia) is kinda pricy
SlvrDragon50
Semi-Pro
That is awesome! I'll keep an eye out. Just strung my racquet with my old string to set a baseline.
You previously suggested to me a hybrid with Irukandji + a multi main. Would you still go with Irukandji for natural gut or perhaps another poly? I am seeing a lot of people here use Cube, CES, and Liquid in the hybrids!
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
You are welcome! To me, Irukandji is the ultimate cross string, specially with Multi or Nat Gut in the Mains. It also works great with another poly in the mains.
If you have another poly in the mains, I will then also suggest to try Liquid Neon Dust (available in half-reels now) or Excellent Purple (available in sets and reels) in the Crosses. The square profile models would not be my first choice to use as a Cross.
In the end it is all personal preference, and I would give a couple of different set-ups a try!
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
Grapplesnake USA Official
Professional
Is there anything you could do about EU store? 20 EUR shipping for a set (to Russia) is kinda pricy
That is pricey. Unfortunately, it is outside of our control, as we are the US representatives.
Grapplesnake USA
Tennis Strings Made in Germany
grapplesnakestringsusa@gmail.com
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
What is the stiffness of Irukandjji compared to other poly crosses such as Max Power, Alu Power, YPTP? Is it very slick?
Thanks!
