IsoSpeed Cream - the King of all soft polys?

CiscoPC600

CiscoPC600

Hall of Fame
I've been on a quest for a reasonably priced soft poly that holds tension well and produces great spin, and I think it's finally concluded thanks to Cream. While unfortunately TW's Compare Strings Tool doesn't have the spin rate for 1.28mm or any data for the 1.23mm, I'm content with the latter's performance so far. The spin is great and it's not overly low powered like other polys. More importantly, it holds tension well. Anyways, I've seen a few threads here on hybrid setups, but I'd really suggest people try a full bed.

I've also posted this thread to (i) share a tiny bit of info that IsoSpeed's support staff shared (see below) and see if others here can confirm it with their experience, and (ii) encourage TW to complete the testing for the 1.28 and 1.23 versions. I've emailed TW and they said they've flagged it for their technician, perhaps some more popularity on here spurs that happening sooner than later. As to IsoSpeed's support staff, the following is true: "1,28 offers better tension maintenance and durability. 1,23 slightly better spin and touch."

If you have any other soft polys that can compete with Cream on playability, spin, and comfort, please post them here.
 
CiscoPC600 said:
I've been on a quest for a reasonably priced soft poly that holds tension well and produces great spin, and I think it's finally concluded thanks to Cream. While unfortunately TW's Compare Strings Tool doesn't have the spin rate for 1.28mm or any data for the 1.23mm, I'm content with the latter's performance so far. The spin is great and it's not overly low powered like other polys. More importantly, it holds tension well. Anyways, I've seen a few threads here on hybrid setups, but I'd really suggest people try a full bed.

I've also posted this thread to (i) share a tiny bit of info that IsoSpeed's support staff shared (see below) and see if others here can confirm it with their experience, and (ii) encourage TW to complete the testing for the 1.28 and 1.23 versions. I've emailed TW and they said they've flagged it for their technician, perhaps some more popularity on here spurs that happening sooner than later. As to IsoSpeed's support staff, the following is true: "1,28 offers better tension maintenance and durability. 1,23 slightly better spin and touch."

If you have any other soft polys that can compete with Cream on playability, spin, and comfort, please post them here.
Click to expand...

Great feeling string ... at least fb cream 1.28 @50 was for me.

It has poly in it ... but probably more a new category like hdx tour than co-poly.

If you didn't see @Automatix 's original Cream thread ... good read:

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/isospeed-cream.527685/

I created a thread here:

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/cream-my-new-string-probably.586069/

fyi ... if you have luck getting tw to add specs for Cream 1.23, ask them to do Velocity 16g natural also. We earned the specs after 35 pages. :cool:
 
CiscoPC600 said:
If you have any other soft polys that can compete with Cream on playability, spin, and comfort, please post them here.
Click to expand...
Honestly I have not found a co-poly as soft as Cream with such tension maintenance. There are some that may feel similarly soft but that is often due to tension loss (Polyfibre TCS 1.20mm being one but it looses tension just by looking at it).

I've recently hooked a friend on this string (1.23mm version).
Summary of his experience with it...
Yonex DR 98 310g @ 22/22kG - no less than 20 hours of mostly doubles play when it snapped (it can endure as much as 25-30hrs).
3hrs for the stringbed to settle in.
Comfort level (past the 3hr mark) similar to hybrids he had been using due to TE.
More spin and power then these hybrids.
Slightly worse feel in comparsion to these hybrids - with fresh balls the feel is just right.

The funniest thing is, I hooked him on this string, while I started searching for something better even though somewhere in the back of my head I know that I should stick with Cream 1.23mm...
 
Automatix said:
Honestly I have not found a co-poly as soft as Cream with such tension maintenance. There are some that may feel similarly soft but that is often due to tension loss (Polyfibre TCS 1.20mm being one but it looses tension just by looking at it).

I've recently hooked a friend on this string (1.23mm version).
Summary of his experience with it...
Yonex DR 98 310g @ 22/22kG - no less than 20 hours of mostly doubles play when it snapped (it can endure as much as 25-30hrs).
3hrs for the stringbed to settle in.
Comfort level (past the 3hr mark) similar to hybrids he had been using due to TE.
More spin and power then these hybrids.
Slightly worse feel in comparsion to these hybrids - with fresh balls the feel is just right.

The funniest thing is, I hooked him on this string, while I started searching for something better even though somewhere in the back of my head I know that I should stick with Cream 1.23mm...
Click to expand...

1.23 vs 1.28? I remember you hoping they came out with 1.23 version.
 
Automatix said:
Honestly I have not found a co-poly as soft as Cream with such tension maintenance. There are some that may feel similarly soft but that is often due to tension loss (Polyfibre TCS 1.20mm being one but it looses tension just by looking at it).

I've recently hooked a friend on this string (1.23mm version).
Summary of his experience with it...
Yonex DR 98 310g @ 22/22kG - no less than 20 hours of mostly doubles play when it snapped (it can endure as much as 25-30hrs).
3hrs for the stringbed to settle in.
Comfort level (past the 3hr mark) similar to hybrids he had been using due to TE.
More spin and power then these hybrids.
Slightly worse feel in comparsion to these hybrids - with fresh balls the feel is just right.

The funniest thing is, I hooked him on this string, while I started searching for something better even though somewhere in the back of my head I know that I should stick with Cream 1.23mm...
Click to expand...


Near the 20 hour marks is the tension loss substantially noticeable? I’m wondering if it’s still near the 1.28’s 28% loss. I’m guessing it’s not more than 35% if it’s different.

I have only a few hours on mine and I was debating trying the 1.28 but you may have convinced me otherwise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Cream 1.23 feels slightly stiffer than Yonex PT Air, less stiff than YPTP, but holds tension better than Air and absorbs shock somewhat better than both, presumably due to the non poly percentage content.
 
ByeByePoly said:
1.23 vs 1.28? I remember you hoping they came out with 1.23 version.
Click to expand...
Yeah, the initial Cream 1.28mm was very nice but IMHO the somewhat bulky gauge didn't allow this string to reach full potential.

Since late 2016 I knew that a 1.23mm version was going to produced but due to a lack of a better alternative I sticked with the 1.28mm Cream and my only gripe was spin.
As soon as M.B. (Isospeed rep) told me the 1.23mm version has been actually produced I sourced quite a bit of them (only sets were available) directly from Austria (this was quite a while before any stores had them). As luck would have it in the meantime my life situation changed so I did not have much time to play tennis but was able to test drive 1.23mm vs 1.28mm. Though not in the same racquets, at least not long enough... I had both in the same frame but with 1.23mm I only played it for 2hrs, not long enough to truly compare.

Basically IMHO you get exactly what you typically do when going down in diameter.
You get more spin, better comfort, better pocketing.
You lose durability so if you're a string breaker it is not for you unless your needs go down to spin+comfort > durability (that is assuming your only other options are multis).
It still seems to retain tension just as well as the 1.28mm version. However as I wrote above, different frames - most of my experience with 1.28mm come from hours with O3 Tour MP (100 sq. inch. 16x18) and with the 1.23mm from playing with a tight patterned prostock (95 sq. inch 16x20).

Sooooo the question which mostly likely would be asked after the above is why did I start looking for something else even though Cream 1.23mm seems just about right?
Basically it's about ease of spin...*
smeagol-my-precious-funny-shoes.jpg
Whenever I switch frames with my opponents for kicks and they have it strung with a normal poly I get sucked in by the spin monster. It's so effortless to put spin on the ball with a stiffer poly...
Don't get me wrong. Cream does provide adequate spin... it's just noticeably less then those stiffer polys - Hyper G, Ultra Cable...

* - Just to clarify, this only pushes me to try different string setups, they do not have to necessarily provide more spin. Yep, I need help. :)
 
CiscoPC600 said:
Near the 20 hour marks is the tension loss substantially noticeable? I’m wondering if it’s still near the 1.28’s 28% loss. I’m guessing it’s not more than 35% if it’s different.

I have only a few hours on mine and I was debating trying the 1.28 but you may have convinced me otherwise.
Click to expand...
Comparison is a bit skewed since the 1.28 was mainly tested in an O-port 100 square inch frame with a 16x18 pattern - simply put, not the best scenario for a string to maintain tension - and the 1.23 in a 95 square inch frame with a 16x20 pattern. It doesn't hurt to try the 1.28 though to me tension maintenance was similar.
 
jmacdaununder2 said:
Cream 1.23 feels slightly stiffer than Yonex PT Air, less stiff than YPTP, but holds tension better than Air and absorbs shock somewhat better than both, presumably due to the non poly percentage content.
Click to expand...
I'm not fond of Yonex monofilament strings,everyone I've tested felt boardy, stiff, unpleasant. Though the marketing spiel for the YPT Air is tempting me to try it...
 
Automatix said:
Comparison is a bit skewed since the 1.28 was mainly tested in an O-port 100 square inch frame with a 16x18 pattern - simply put, not the best scenario for a string to maintain tension - and the 1.23 in a 95 square inch frame with a 16x20 pattern. It doesn't hurt to try the 1.28 though to me tension maintenance was similar.
Click to expand...

I’m gonna stock to 1.23 then, I have a 95 (16x20) as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Automatix said:
Yeah, the initial Cream 1.28mm was very nice but IMHO the somewhat bulky gauge didn't allow this string to reach full potential.

Since late 2016 I knew that a 1.23mm version was going to produced but due to a lack of a better alternative I sticked with the 1.28mm Cream and my only gripe was spin.
As soon as M.B. (Isospeed rep) told me the 1.23mm version has been actually produced I sourced quite a bit of them (only sets were available) directly from Austria (this was quite a while before any stores had them). As luck would have it in the meantime my life situation changed so I did not have much time to play tennis but was able to test drive 1.23mm vs 1.28mm. Though not in the same racquets, at least not long enough... I had both in the same frame but with 1.23mm I only played it for 2hrs, not long enough to truly compare.

Basically IMHO you get exactly what you typically do when going down in diameter.
You get more spin, better comfort, better pocketing.
You lose durability so if you're a string breaker it is not for you unless your needs go down to spin+comfort > durability (that is assuming your only other options are multis).
It still seems to retain tension just as well as the 1.28mm version. However as I wrote above, different frames - most of my experience with 1.28mm come from hours with O3 Tour MP (100 sq. inch. 16x18) and with the 1.23mm from playing with a tight patterned prostock (95 sq. inch 16x20).

Sooooo the question which mostly likely would be asked after the above is why did I start looking for something else even though Cream 1.23mm seems just about right?
Basically it's about ease of spin...*
smeagol-my-precious-funny-shoes.jpg
Whenever I switch frames with my opponents for kicks and they have it strung with a normal poly I get sucked in by the spin monster. It's so effortless to put spin on the ball with a stiffer poly...
Don't get me wrong. Cream does provide adequate spin... it's just noticeably less then those stiffer polys - Hyper G, Ultra Cable...

* - Just to clarify, this only pushes me to try different string setups, they do not have to necessarily provide more spin. Yep, I need help. :)
Click to expand...

Such an honest post. Can the rest of us just link it as our confession also? :cool:

I have just come to the conclusion I can't have max target accuracy with a flattish stroke and have max spin. For my game ... even more now older with less ability to grind ... flattish targeting by far the most important. That doesn't mean I don't crave that max spin sometimes. I have a 3 year old 2hbh that really made a topspin leap this year ... I would love to show it off. I get decent 2hbh ts with fb Velocity 16, even more with origin/v in my tight 16x19. But I picked up my friends Burn spin racquet 18x16 with isospeed baseline control 16g) and my 2hbh was dipping at a level that brought a smile to this old guy. Just a smooth 16g poly ... I assume same racquet with 17g shaped poly even more.

I haven't hit a lot of spin racquets, but at this point I assume they make more difference in spin then even the strings. If max spin was my #1 thing ... I would head straight to 16x16. I just don't like the few spin racquets I have it for hitting flattish strokes. Maybe everyone should have one 16x16 racquet with shaped poly in the bag for the occasional crack spin hit. :p
 
ByeByePoly said:
Great feeling string ... at least fb cream 1.28 @50 was for me.

It has poly in it ... but probably more a new category like hdx tour than co-poly.

If you didn't see @Automatix 's original Cream thread ... good read:

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/isospeed-cream.527685/

I created a thread here:

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/cream-my-new-string-probably.586069/

fyi ... if you have luck getting tw to add specs for Cream 1.23, ask them to do Velocity 16g natural also. We earned the specs after 35 pages. :cool:
Click to expand...

35 pages eh? SoYoureSayingTheresAchance.gif
 
signum pro xperience plays pretty soft imo...has anybody compared them side by side? signum pro makes high quality soft copolys... i jus got a few reels and looking to diversify if anybody interested in trading/deals...
signum pro poly plasma is terrific as a cross but because it’s smooth/round, I don’t think it would work well for me in mains...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I am playing them side by side. I like the feel of xperience better. I have a match today where I will use xperience. I can tell you after hitting on the wall several days with it, I feel no elbow issues (mine are always a little sore and sensitive). I like cream as well but I have no idea how xperience measures so much higher on the stiffness rating from TW. Makes no sense to me.
 
I tried severeal combination of Cream on my Blade v.7 16 x 19, and the results are disappointing. Previously and in my other racquet Gravity Tour, I have kirschbaum syngut main and silinco TourBite 1.15.
So, I will say it clear: Cream is very nice, very comfortable, and nice control but even in full bed it's no where near TourBite 1.15 Mains! You just don't get the same comfort in your shorts- and actualy I'm not sure it's much more comfort to your arm... It strange the amount of effort I have to give to my shots to get enough spin and how hard it is to create angles with this string... So, I'll continue my search...
 
I play with a Natural Gut/Cream hybrid and I think it is a great setup especially for an older player like me. Cream is a great cross string for gut as it holds tension really well for a poly so is a great compliment to a gut main.

That said, I much prefer a full bed of Volkl Cyclone Tour (VCT) to Cream if one is attempting to identify a softer poly for a full bed. I think Cream is more of a control string for those that have the strokes to benefit from that type of string (i.e. good racquet head speed) and if one has that ability there are probably better options for that type of player. For those that no longer can generate those strokes, a full bed of VCT offers more comfort than Cream on flatter groundstrokes and more spin on serves. VCT does not hold tension nearly as well as Cream but I am cutting out a full bed of poly rather quickly anyway.

In my opinion Polyfibre TCS was similar to Cream but was awful as far as tension maintenance.
 
Ruvi the Kruv said:
I tried severeal combination of Cream on my Blade v.7 16 x 19, and the results are disappointing. Previously and in my other racquet Gravity Tour, I have kirschbaum syngut main and silinco TourBite 1.15.
So, I will say it clear: Cream is very nice, very comfortable, and nice control but even in full bed it's no where near TourBite 1.15 Mains! You just don't get the same comfort in your shorts- and actualy I'm not sure it's much more comfort to your arm... It strange the amount of effort I have to give to my shots to get enough spin and how hard it is to create angles with this string... So, I'll continue my search...
Click to expand...
Cream is good when used as cross to add comfort plus its slippery,i have also played full bed and didn't like it much
 
LOBALOT said:
I play with a Natural Gut/Cream hybrid and I think it is a great setup especially for an older player like me. Cream is a great cross string for gut as it holds tension really well for a poly so is a great compliment to a gut main.

That said, I much prefer a full bed of Volkl Cyclone Tour (VCT) to Cream if one is attempting to identify a softer poly for a full bed. I think Cream is more of a control string for those that have the strokes to benefit from that type of string (i.e. good racquet head speed) and if one has that ability there are probably better options for that type of player. For those that no longer can generate those strokes, a full bed of VCT offers more comfort than Cream on flatter groundstrokes and more spin on serves. VCT does not hold tension nearly as well as Cream but I am cutting out a full bed of poly rather quickly anyway.

In my opinion Polyfibre TCS was similar to Cream but was awful as far as tension maintenance.
Click to expand...
Have you tried polyfibre venom to compare to TCS?
 
CiscoPC600 said:
I've been on a quest for a reasonably priced soft poly that holds tension well and produces great spin, and I think it's finally concluded thanks to Cream. While unfortunately TW's Compare Strings Tool doesn't have the spin rate for 1.28mm or any data for the 1.23mm, I'm content with the latter's performance so far. The spin is great and it's not overly low powered like other polys. More importantly, it holds tension well. Anyways, I've seen a few threads here on hybrid setups, but I'd really suggest people try a full bed.

I've also posted this thread to (i) share a tiny bit of info that IsoSpeed's support staff shared (see below) and see if others here can confirm it with their experience, and (ii) encourage TW to complete the testing for the 1.28 and 1.23 versions. I've emailed TW and they said they've flagged it for their technician, perhaps some more popularity on here spurs that happening sooner than later. As to IsoSpeed's support staff, the following is true: "1,28 offers better tension maintenance and durability. 1,23 slightly better spin and touch."

If you have any other soft polys that can compete with Cream on playability, spin, and comfort, please post them here.
Click to expand...
Totally agree on this.
 
-ive tried isospeed cream last year, and like the comfortable feel from it
-comparable options: head.lynx, kirschbaum.FLASH, and/or Weiss Cannon Scorpion
-all of which are also very cost comparable
 
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