Not busy today, thought I would share my thoughts on some strings I've used in the past months. I generally only use low powered polys, usually stiff but strung low in a few rackets (KPS88 (gut/poly), PSBLX90).
Ratings are given in comparison to other poly strings (no point comparing to multi/gut etc) and are more suited to what I see important and that is control and consistency. If I want power, I will drop tension.
Directional Control (flat shots, changing ball direction, returns, low racket head speed shots)
Groundstroke/Spin (how the string behaves during rallies)
Stringbed Consistency (how the string behaves depending on the location of contact)
Feel (how the string feels on contact, factors like sound and vibrations)
Comfort (arm pain after play, obviously different person to person)
Isospeed Black Fire
44lbs
Directional Control - 9/10
Groundstrokes/Spin - 8/10
Stringbed Consistency - 9/10
Feel - 7/10
Comfort - 9/10
Durability 7/10
Tension/playability Maintenance - 8/10
Unique string, crisp but comfortable (nice pocketing). Offers great control at high swing speeds and great spin. SUPER slick for spin potential. It does recquire a fast racket for spin, so when in uncomfortable positions a few balls can sail long.
Solinco Outlast
44lbs
Directional Control - 7/10
Groundstrokes/Spin - 8/10
Stringbed Consistency - 6/10
Feel - 5/10
Comfort - 9/10
Durability 9/10
Tension/playability Maintenance - 9/10
Had some great sessions to begin with, tried it a few times after and it has inconsistent stringbed feedback, which I really hate (could try adjusting tension differential?). It is however one of the best crosses out there for Gut/poly. As a full bed, it just throws in a few shots that hit the back fence and leave me looking at my racket with a puzzled face. The most durable string I have ever used???
Solinco Tour Bite
39lbs
Directional Control - 8/10
Groundstrokes/Spin - 9/10
Stringbed Consistency -8/10
Feel - 7/10
Comfort - 5/10
Durability 8/10
Tension/playability Maintenance - 8/10
Wow, what a string. At low tensions, it just behaves like a dream, control, spin and even great control on volleys. Spin serves are great. The low tension gives power and control on flatter shots. This is a string for competition.
Head Hawk
44lbs
Directional Control - 9/10
Groundstrokes/Spin - 8/10
Stringbed Consistency -9/10
Feel - 8/10
Comfort - 8/10
Durability 8/10
Tension/playability Maintenance - 8/10
Best string since Alu. This must have been long in the works from Head and it shows in their price tag. (more expensive than Alu over here). I've described it before like a gear box, it performs perfectly according to racket speed. It has everything. Like Black fire on steroids. Great feel, crisp but comfortable. It is also the best cross out there. If it wasn't for the price tag....
1. Head Hawk
2. Solinco Tour bite
3. Black fire
4. Outlast
Ratings are given in comparison to other poly strings (no point comparing to multi/gut etc) and are more suited to what I see important and that is control and consistency. If I want power, I will drop tension.
Directional Control (flat shots, changing ball direction, returns, low racket head speed shots)
Groundstroke/Spin (how the string behaves during rallies)
Stringbed Consistency (how the string behaves depending on the location of contact)
Feel (how the string feels on contact, factors like sound and vibrations)
Comfort (arm pain after play, obviously different person to person)
Isospeed Black Fire
44lbs
Directional Control - 9/10
Groundstrokes/Spin - 8/10
Stringbed Consistency - 9/10
Feel - 7/10
Comfort - 9/10
Durability 7/10
Tension/playability Maintenance - 8/10
Unique string, crisp but comfortable (nice pocketing). Offers great control at high swing speeds and great spin. SUPER slick for spin potential. It does recquire a fast racket for spin, so when in uncomfortable positions a few balls can sail long.
Solinco Outlast
44lbs
Directional Control - 7/10
Groundstrokes/Spin - 8/10
Stringbed Consistency - 6/10
Feel - 5/10
Comfort - 9/10
Durability 9/10
Tension/playability Maintenance - 9/10
Had some great sessions to begin with, tried it a few times after and it has inconsistent stringbed feedback, which I really hate (could try adjusting tension differential?). It is however one of the best crosses out there for Gut/poly. As a full bed, it just throws in a few shots that hit the back fence and leave me looking at my racket with a puzzled face. The most durable string I have ever used???
Solinco Tour Bite
39lbs
Directional Control - 8/10
Groundstrokes/Spin - 9/10
Stringbed Consistency -8/10
Feel - 7/10
Comfort - 5/10
Durability 8/10
Tension/playability Maintenance - 8/10
Wow, what a string. At low tensions, it just behaves like a dream, control, spin and even great control on volleys. Spin serves are great. The low tension gives power and control on flatter shots. This is a string for competition.
Head Hawk
44lbs
Directional Control - 9/10
Groundstrokes/Spin - 8/10
Stringbed Consistency -9/10
Feel - 8/10
Comfort - 8/10
Durability 8/10
Tension/playability Maintenance - 8/10
Best string since Alu. This must have been long in the works from Head and it shows in their price tag. (more expensive than Alu over here). I've described it before like a gear box, it performs perfectly according to racket speed. It has everything. Like Black fire on steroids. Great feel, crisp but comfortable. It is also the best cross out there. If it wasn't for the price tag....
1. Head Hawk
2. Solinco Tour bite
3. Black fire
4. Outlast
