Is TRU PRO (formerly Tier One Sports) Black Knight worth trying?

[TennisManiac]

I've been playing with Alu Power for about 15 years now. I've tried about 25 different poly's and nothing even comes close to it. But I never tried Tier One's Black Knight. There aren't too many reviews out there of this string and I was wondering how it compares to Alu Power? Can anyone out there tell me how these two compare in terms of power, spin, feel and playability duration?

 

[antony]

sure it's worth trying. I liked it, but I think the stringer used a lockout spring tensioning machine that lost tension and I got too low a tension (apps said ~48lbs when received) but I like it enough while it was briefly at 48lbs. I did not like it when it died down to ~43 lbs. I'd describe the string as consistent. I would recommend a try. If I got it at 58lbs and it went down to 53 lbs I'm sure I'd have been much happier

Have been playing with Black Knight 1.23mm a lot and it's good. Not sure what happened but I requested for the racquets to be strung at 59 and I got them at 48 lbs (according to TennisTension and RT).

I would describe this string as consistent. Good all around string it seems like. Has good control. Spin is not remarkable but it was available and consistent. Still playing alright after 8 or so hours. Currently the apps say it's at 45 lbs. I don't know what more to say. It's good at the lower tension but I probably need to prestretch the Tier One strings next time. I like it and it's for sure a good string. Fairly similar to 4G strings actually in terms of ball-string interaction. I’d say I have a touch less control with the racquet due to the lower tension of the T1 strings. I really need to retry this at a tension I prefer.

Very briefly played with the Strike Force RIP 1.23mm and it had noticeably more pop than the BK. This was the first racquet I tried before realizing they had lower tensions and I couldn't keep the ball in during warm up and the first game. Have probably only played a game and a half with this string though so I need to play it some more, but I’ve started playing alright with it. Don't love it so far but I will use it more extensively after the BK dies out. The feel is possibly more muted in this string.

4G Soft still kickin in the 3rd racquet, though it is noticeably stiffer than Black Knight. Not sure if it's tension or string material more (or something else)

EDIT 6/9/2021: Tier One Strike Force RIP at 1.23mm is doodoo. Tried playing it some more today with one of my coaches and I was not consistent at all in a consistency drill (rally the baseline). Switched to the 4G Soft racquet, and immediately got more consistent and started doing the drill well. RIP has decent spin but I could not control it. Lots of pop. I definitely don’t like this string. Maybe it was the lower tension (48lbs when received and 45 when I stopped playing to give the racquet to the stringer for the next string.

 

[TennisManiac]

sure it's worth trying. I liked it, but I think the stringer used a lockout spring tensioning machine that lost tension and I got too low a tension (apps said ~48lbs when received) but I like it enough while it was briefly at 48lbs. I did not like it when it died down to ~43 lbs. I'd describe the string as consistent. I would recommend a try. If I got it at 58lbs and it went down to 53 lbs I'm sure I'd have been much happier

Thanks for the feedback. Hard to believe that no one else has chimed in. I thought there would be people on this forum that had experience with this string.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Its a black string, so of course it plays more muted than alu power. Tension maintenance, predictability and control are all top notch with BK. Try it with ghostwire in the cross and it might wow you.

 

[megamind]

I've been playing with Alu Power for about 15 years now. I've tried about 25 different poly's and nothing even comes close to it. But I never tried Tier One's Black Knight. There aren't too many reviews out there of this string and I was wondering how it compares to Alu Power? Can anyone out there tell me how these two compare in terms of power, spin, feel and playability duration?

I love Black Knight, highly recommend it. Great control string.

 

[antony]

Use the search function. It’s one of the better covered strings here IMO. I’ve seen many people have experience with this string. Pretty much all positive.

Thanks for the feedback. Hard to believe that no one else has chimed in. I thought there would be people on this forum that had experience with this string.

 

[TRU PRO Official]

Thanks for the feedback. Hard to believe that no one else has chimed in. I thought there would be people on this forum that had experience with this string.

We recommend doing a “Black knight” search on the forum for additional feedback!

 

[Injured Again]

Thanks for the feedback. Hard to believe that no one else has chimed in. I thought there would be people on this forum that had experience with this string.

A full bed of Black Knight is a great control string that is lower on the power and spin capability spectrum. It is a supremely linear string for someone who has high levels of racquet head speed.

Black Knight won't have that lively feeling that Alu Power has when it is fresh, but it also won't change in how it plays and feels nearly as much during its lifetime either. Alu Power will give you more ball speed and a bit more spin capability in my experience. Black Knight is more muted and the ball will get exactly what you put into it with your swing.

 

[1990's Graphite]

I've been playing with Alu Power for about 15 years now. I've tried about 25 different poly's and nothing even comes close to it. But I never tried Tier One's Black Knight. There aren't too many reviews out there of this string and I was wondering how it compares to Alu Power? Can anyone out there tell me how these two compare in terms of power, spin, feel and playability duration?

Once you go black (knight) you won't go back

 

[Grieeegoorr]

Definitely worth getting a pack and trying it for yourself, it is a very honest quality string

 

[tlm]

A full bed of Black Knight is a great control string that is lower on the power and spin capability spectrum. It is a supremely linear string for someone who has high levels of racquet head speed.

Black Knight won't have that lively feeling that Alu Power has when it is fresh, but it also won't change in how it plays and feels nearly as much during its lifetime either. Alu Power will give you more ball speed and a bit more spin capability in my experience. Black Knight is more muted and the ball will get exactly what you put into it with your swing.

This is a very accurate assessment of BK.

 

[beltsman]

I've been playing with Alu Power for about 15 years now. I've tried about 25 different poly's and nothing even comes close to it. But I never tried Tier One's Black Knight. There aren't too many reviews out there of this string and I was wondering how it compares to Alu Power? Can anyone out there tell me how these two compare in terms of power, spin, feel and playability duration?

If Black Knight is too "direct" for you, try Tour Status. It's more forgiving.

 

[Tongs]

Old thread, but how does Black Knight compare to Tour Status?

 

[blai212]

BK is similar to rpm blast but a tad more power and spin but less control. Tour status was reviewed as being more crisp but I never tried because I can only use the softest setups for my delicate arm.

 

[Red001]

Old thread, but how does Black Knight compare to Tour Status?

I switched racquets with these 2 strings (both 1.25mm, 53 lbs). After playing few times I still can't decide which one is better for me - difference is not that significant (at least on my 4.0 level). I noticed Tour Status is a little stuffer and keeps tension longer. Couple years ago I tried BK 1.18 - plays great but it loses tension too quickly (5hours =18% tension loss). For comparison Tour Status 1.2 (7.5-8 hours 15%) - measured multiple times. Tour Status 1.25 (10-11 hours = 15%).

 

[TennisManiac]

I switched racquets with these 2 strings (both 1.25mm, 53 lbs). After playing few times I still can't decide which one is better for me - difference is not that significant (at least on my 4.0 level). I noticed Tour Status is a little stuffer and keeps tension longer. Couple years ago I tried BK 1.18 - plays great but it loses tension too quickly (5hours =18% tension loss). For comparison Tour Status 1.2 (7.5-8 hours 15%) - measured multiple times. Tour Status 1.25 (10-11 hours = 15%).

Which one do you think produces more pop? And can you speak at all in regards to comfort? Comparable to any other strings on the market?

 

[ryushen21]

Which one do you think produces more pop? And can you speak at all in regards to comfort? Comparable to any other strings on the market?

If you like ALU, I think that Tour Status will be a better fit for you than BK. Don't get me wrong, BK is an awesome string but ultimately was a bit too muted for my liking. Tour Status is crisper and provides better feedback.

 

[blai212]

all if not most black strings play very muted while silver strings feel more crisp IME

 

[ryushen21]

all if not most black strings play very muted while silver strings feel more crisp IME

Tour Status is a black string that plays like a silver string. @JGads said it so it has to be true.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

BK is similar to rpm blast but a tad more power and spin but less control. Tour status was reviewed as being more crisp but I never tried because I can only use the softest setups for my delicate arm.

No chance it has more spin than rpm blast unless you mean after rpm's slick coating starts wearing down. When fresh rpm is arguably the highest spin string out there

 

[Red001]

Which one do you think produces more pop? And can you speak at all in regards to comfort? Comparable to any other strings on the market?

I switched racquets with these strings and did not notice that I am missing or need time to adjust - to me it is a sign that both strings are similar. Black Night seems to me a bit more comfortable. MSV Focus Hex will probably be similar in terms of price range and performance. Alu Power and RPM strings used by professionals but they are getting them for free or with significant discount - I can't justify using these strings on my level.

 

[mikeler]

I switched racquets with these 2 strings (both 1.25mm, 53 lbs). After playing few times I still can't decide which one is better for me - difference is not that significant (at least on my 4.0 level). I noticed Tour Status is a little stuffer and keeps tension longer. Couple years ago I tried BK 1.18 - plays great but it loses tension too quickly (5hours =18% tension loss). For comparison Tour Status 1.2 (7.5-8 hours 15%) - measured multiple times. Tour Status 1.25 (10-11 hours = 15%).

When I used to test strings with RacquetTune, it seemed like most of the tension loss occurred before I ever hit a ball with the frame. So you could just bump the starting tension up slightly or did you find further tension loss beyond 5 hours? I love me some data!

 

[mikeler]

No chance it has more spin than rpm blast unless you mean after rpm's slick coating starts wearing down. When fresh rpm is arguably the highest spin string out there

Try Tier One FireWire which was rated number for spin a few years ago. I have not tested RPM Blast but have never found more spin than FireWire and I've tried way too many strings. I use FireWire Boost with FireWire in the mains (very sharp poly) and Ghostwire in the crosses (soft smooth poly). That setup lasts much longer than full FireWire which cuts into it self too quickly for my needs. The shape doesn't wear down as it ages either. Crazy spin until the string snaps.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Try Tier One FireWire which was rated number for spin a few years ago. I have not tested RPM Blast but have never found more spin than FireWire and I've tried way too many strings. I use FireWire Boost with FireWire in the mains (very sharp poly) and Ghostwire in the crosses (soft smooth poly). That setup lasts much longer than full FireWire which cuts into it self too quickly for my needs. The shape doesn't wear down as it ages either. Crazy spin until the string snaps.

Cool I will try it definitely need to try tier one sometime never used them constantly hearing about ghostwire. Thats my same experience with RPM Blast never encounter a higher spin string. So I'll have to try Firewire to settle this lol. Does crossing with ghostwire give as much or more spin than full bed Firewire?

 

[AceyMan]

Alu Power and RPM strings used by professionals but they are getting them for free or with significant discount - I can't justify using these strings on my level.

As a stringer, I wish more <5.0 players felt this way.

/AC

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

As a stringer, I wish more <5.0 players felt this way.

/AC

What why? Are those strings a pain to string up for some reason?

 

[AceyMan]

What why? Are those strings a pain to string up for some reason?

They are a pain in the wallet to keep in inventory (for negligible, maybe even non-existent, benefit). I'd rather spend that on a truly better product made from cow innards ...

 

[mikeler]

Cool I will try it definitely need to try tier one sometime never used them constantly hearing about ghostwire. Thats my same experience with RPM Blast never encounter a higher spin string. So I'll have to try Firewire to settle this lol. Does crossing with ghostwire give as much or more spin than full bed Firewire?

I feel like crossing with Ghostwire makes the string bed softer and last longer. Spin wise seems about the same.

 

[Red001]

When I used to test strings with RacquetTune, it seemed like most of the tension loss occurred before I ever hit a ball with the frame. So you could just bump the starting tension up slightly or did you find further tension loss beyond 5 hours? I love me some data!

I use ERT-300. What I published, - these are measurements of how many hours I played with the string (doubles 2 hours = 1 hour, singles 1 to 1). Yes, my measurements included static loss because I measure right after stringing and start playing normally next evening. As for the Static Loss only, I did multiple measurements with Firewire - These are before playing: 12h=3%, 48H=6%, 96-120H =6-8%. BTW Focus Hex static loss is also similar 12h=3%, 48h=6% and not significant after that ... .
Note: I string with 'constant pull' mode.

 

[mikeler]

I use ERT-300. What I published, - these are measurements of how many hours I played with the string (doubles 2 hours = 1 hour, singles 1 to 1). Yes, my measurements included static loss because I measure right after stringing and start playing normally next evening. As for the Static Loss only, I did multiple measurements with Firewire - These are before playing: 12h=3%, 48H=6%, 96-120H =6-8%. BTW Focus Hex static loss is also similar 12h=3%, 48h=6% and not significant after that ... .

Racquet Tune always reported about 20% for most polys but I'm sure the ERT is more accurate.

 

[lelopez]

I've tried both BK and Tour Status recently in a Prestige Mid. Tried both 17g and 18g. Feel they both need a little time to settle in, BK taking a little longer, but both play fantastic afterwards. Agree with what other posters have mentioned about Tour Status holding tension a tad better and being slightly livelier and stiffer/crisper than BK. This also confirmed by string data from @TierOneSportsOfficial . TS takes less time off the stringer than BK to settle-in my experience, and I prefer more feedback out of my stringed which is why lean towards TS a bit more. But again, difference between both is not much, so if wondering which string to try, I'd try both.

One thing worth adding....I've been using the Prestige Mid now for a few months coming from a Wilson k90 I used for years. I used neither of these strings on the Wilson and never had arm issues. With the Mid with either BK or TS, I feel my elbow every time. Haven't figured out yet if it is racquet or strings or a combo of both, but just an FYI. Even though both strings feel great, I may have to move away from them. I use these in the mains crossed with Head Velocity at 43lbs.

 

[GummiiBear]

ALU Power is absolutely a fantastic string - I wouldn't use it though because I want more playtime duration out of mine, especially considering I'm not a string breaker.

But my gosh, Tier One Black Knight, I almost want to give credit for my recent wins. It feels almost like it keeps playing better at least into the first 10 hours. Giggity damn.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

ALU Power is absolutely a fantastic string - I wouldn't use it though because I want more playtime duration out of mine, especially considering I'm not a string breaker.

But my gosh, Tier One Black Knight, I almost want to give credit for my recent wins. It feels almost like it keeps playing better at least into the first 10 hours. Giggity damn.

Heard someone say on these forums say its the only poly they've tried that gets better over time lol

 

[Rorano_Fedalovic]

also experienced the break in period with T1BK, pretty much the only thing about this string I'm not a big fan of.

another fav of mine, SP Firestorm, tends to be a bit boardy to me as well in the first 15-30 minutes before it opens up nicely. Might be the higher tension I prefer with this string as well though.

 

[AceyMan]

It feels almost like it keeps playing better at least into the first 10 hours.

What gauge are you using & in what frame? Fullbed or crossed with GW or some other smooth poly?
TIA

 

[GummiiBear]

What gauge are you using & in what frame? Fullbed or crossed with GW or some other smooth poly?
TIA

I'm using the 17ga (1.23) in my VCORE PRO 97HD, on the mains at 49. With Kirschbaum Max Power 18ga (1.20) crosses at 46.

 

[AVSH]

TOBK hurt my elbow. Then used ghost wire in a hybrid as recommended and also got elbow pain. I suck

 

[lelopez]

TOBK hurt my elbow. Then used ghost wire in a hybrid as recommended and also got elbow pain. I suck

BK hurt my elbow as well. But so did Tour Status and other polys as well that are noted as comfortable. I just have a sensitive elbow though. But from a playability standpoint, they are both fantastic strings from Tier One.

 

[AVSH]

BK hurt my elbow as well. But so did Tour Status and other polys as well that are noted as comfortable. I just have a sensitive elbow though. But from a playability standpoint, they are both fantastic strings from Tier One.

Idk Alu pwr, PTP, element, hyper G never hurt my elbow. First 3 in hybrid and hyperG full bed. Something about BK and ghost wire didn’t feel good. Gave the other half sets to a buddy and it also hurt his elbow

 

[onehandbh]

Idk Alu pwr, PTP, element, hyper G never hurt my elbow. First 3 in hybrid and hyperG full bed. Something about BK and ghost wire didn’t feel good. Gave the other half sets to a buddy and it also hurt his elbow

Which guage/thickness did you use?
BK 17g felt very soft to me. I usually use Volkl Cyclone 17g.

 

[lelopez]

Idk Alu pwr, PTP, element, hyper G never hurt my elbow. First 3 in hybrid and hyperG full bed. Something about BK and ghost wire didn’t feel good. Gave the other half sets to a buddy and it also hurt his elbow

To be fair, particularly BK, felt quite boardy for a while before it settled in nicely. Not that it was unplayable, but after it settled, it was night and day for me.

 

[AVSH]

Which guage/thickness did you use?
BK 17g felt very soft to me. I usually use Volkl Cyclone 17g.

16 gauge for the BK which they advertise as 128. Ghost wire was 17g or 122

 

[onehandbh]

16 gauge for the BK which they advertise as 128. Ghost wire was 17g or 122

BK 17guage is 1.23mm and much softer. I like 1.28 but string it looser. upper 40s.

 

[AVSH]

BK 17guage is 1.23mm and much softer. I like 1.28 but string it looser. upper 40s.

Cool, I strung it at 52/54 with either syn gut in cross or dunlop silk pro, cant remember now. Hated it, cant see myself going back there. Apparently lots of fans here of tier one

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

16 gauge for the BK which they advertise as 128. Ghost wire was 17g or 122

Does ghost wire provide a very crisp and soft feeling to hybrids?

 

[AVSH]

Does ghost wire provide a very crisp and soft feeling to hybrids?

Nothing noteworthy to me. Soft yes, but that was about it. I enjoyed PTP a lot more gave better pop than ghost wire. But, I also didnt enjoy my experience with tier one strings overall so I cant speak objectively

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Nothing noteworthy to me. Soft yes, but that was about it. I enjoyed PTP a lot more gave better pop than ghost wire. But, I also didnt enjoy my experience with tier one strings overall so I cant speak objectively

Oh gotcha, did you give the tier one strings a while to let them break in?

 

[blai212]

i tried full bed ghostwire and didnt like it. I believe GW is a string that’s great as a cross in hybrids.

 

[SpinToWin]

I string for somebody who likes a full bed of ghost wire. He has a very sensitive elbow and has often had problems but cannot handle the playability of multi and isn’t willing to try gut/poly. Told him we can try a soft string I have and he loves the playability and comfort of ghostwire since.

I personally use Black Knight 1.28 and think it’s an amazing string, especially at its price.

 

[AVSH]

Oh gotcha, did you give the tier one strings a while to let them break in?

Yea. I put 10+ hours on it. During each hit I found myself wanting more give so I'd put my weight onto the string to loosen them up more. I did that during each hit and eventually just gave up cuz elbow was not feeling good