Kirschbaum Pro Line II - The Best Poly?

I have tried Scorpion and it was my favorite to put in a hybrid setup as the cross with VS mains until SPPP came along. I will be getting a set of PL2 17 gauge so I am going to give this string a shot to see how well it plays.
 
been using pro line II 1.15 for years now . . . have used 1.25 and 1.2 as well. It's all good with this string-spin, power, feel, comfort, tension maintenance, durability, etc.

I leaded up my apd with 7grams from 9 to 3, which is quite head heavy ish, but I've adjusted and the playability is sick.
 

dadozen

Hall of Fame
I saw the same package and same string color being advertised as Kirschbaum Pro Line Evolution. But as I couldn't find more info, I'm waiting to see if it's real.

Btw, I've used PLII 1.15 for a very long time and I just love it how it feels and plays. I just don't like the tension stability.

I'll give it one more try, using it on the mains( black version ) with MSV Focus Hex 1.10 on the crosses. But at really low tensions( 42lbs ). Let's see if it keep tension longer this way.
 

the rebel

Rookie
i tried this co-poly ( pro line 2 1.20) string full bed in my avery m3 control at 54 and this is one of the best string i never ever use everything is GREAT i can make HUGE spin. the string doesn't really move just a bit and they break after 20-25 hours of big hitting next time i will hybrid this with pro hurricane 1.25/17 overall very nice string for the price
 

dadozen

Hall of Fame
Just played with PLII 1.15 again yesterday, and I had forgotten how well this stirng plays.

Even @ 42lbs, with Focus hex 1.10 on the crosses, it plays wonderfully. I'll stick with this setup.
 
Pro Line II
Strung up my ksix-one tour 90 with this string a while back. I found it a pleasant change from luxilon alu power rough. It is much more comfortable yet provides some bite on the ball. I do not think that this string provides as much spin as other polys in the market but is adequate. tension maintenance is slightly better than lux but it drops then stabilizes.

For the price pro-line II is very good however I just got a great deal on luxilons so I'm sticking with them for the time being. Its a nice mid-ground between poly and multi taking many positive traits from both types of string. If I were to go back to pro-line II I would definitely string it lik a multi though.
 

newton296

Rookie
rip control is cheaper ( 5.99$) then all these strings and more comfortable. I can even get decent spin and way better tension maintenance.

as far as poly, Ive tried sppp and its a real classic. good performance in all categories and better tension maintenance then most other polys. thought sppp was more controlled the big hitter silver.
 

rofl_copter3

Professional
I just switched from pl 2 to gamma zo tour rough... It is almost exactly like pl 2 but with crazy spin... If you like the pl 2 at least try the zo tour rough you won't be disappointed
 

mrc

Rookie
PLII is awesome. I also like Genesis Black Magic 17G and Head Sonic Pro. I usually buy the best deal I can find of the three.
 
I have been using the Proline II for 8 or 9 months now on my K90's. I played around with MSV focus Hex, which gives me more spin, but less pocketing. Something about the Proline II -- it helps me hit a cleaner 1HBH. I love it at net too. With slice shots (if you're coming from any poly with tooth on it) you really need to get the shot way out front and exaggerate the motion and it does what you need it to do. That's the one thing that I find is easier with the MSV or ALU Rough for that matter. I set mine up at 58lbs...and it drops and settles at 53 by the end of the week. I usually add string savers after the first day of play which brings it up a half a pound or so depending on how many I put in.

Just ordered the Evolution's - curious to see how they compare.
 
I have been using the Proline II for 8 or 9 months now on my K90's. I played around with MSV focus Hex, which gives me more spin, but less pocketing. Something about the Proline II -- it helps me hit a cleaner 1HBH. I love it at net too. With slice shots (if you're coming from any poly with tooth on it) you really need to get the shot way out front and exaggerate the motion and it does what you need it to do. That's the one thing that I find is easier with the MSV or ALU Rough for that matter. I set mine up at 58lbs...and it drops and settles at 53 by the end of the week. I usually add string savers after the first day of play which brings it up a half a pound or so depending on how many I put in.

Just ordered the Evolution's - curious to see how they compare.

Guessing by your post you play Proline II throughout the whole stringbed. Have you ever tried it in a hybrid set up because I am curious to see how it feels. Also please let me what you think of the Proline Evolution as well because I am considering trying those strings out.
 
Guessing by your post you play Proline II throughout the whole stringbed. Have you ever tried it in a hybrid set up because I am curious to see how it feels. Also please let me what you think of the Proline Evolution as well because I am considering trying those strings out.

Yeah, I have three K90's and I've tried it with various hybrid's of PLII. For me, the full bed same gauge was always the best. I've even tried it mixed with different gauges of itself (1.25 mains / 1.20 crosses, 1.20 m x 1.15 crosses) and for some reason it didn't jive the same way when it's full bed. That said I've only ever done 1.25 as a full bed of PLII (not the other gauges). But I get this really great feeling (help) on my 1HBH that enables me to swing out almost as if the racquet has a touch more flex only on my backhand...it's weird, but it's helped me quite a bit. To me this has been the best benefit. I will say on a stiffer racquet like the K90, it's tough for me to go above 58. When I do, I start to feel it in my shoulder on serve (old injury which has been improving)....so 58 is good for me. Once it drops I don't feel any issues with my shoulder. So while it is a co-poly and is talked up as being softer than traditional poly's, it's still a poly and if you have an injury you still need to be careful especially if you have fast full swings.

I'll report back on the new blue Evolution once I try it out. I'll have a K90 with PLII in it to compare it to.
 
Yeah, I have three K90's and I've tried it with various hybrid's of PLII. For me, the full bed same gauge was always the best. I've even tried it mixed with different gauges of itself (1.25 mains / 1.20 crosses, 1.20 m x 1.15 crosses) and for some reason it didn't jive the same way when it's full bed. That said I've only ever done 1.25 as a full bed of PLII (not the other gauges). But I get this really great feeling (help) on my 1HBH that enables me to swing out almost as if the racquet has a touch more flex only on my backhand...it's weird, but it's helped me quite a bit. To me this has been the best benefit. I will say on a stiffer racquet like the K90, it's tough for me to go above 58. When I do, I start to feel it in my shoulder on serve (old injury which has been improving)....so 58 is good for me. Once it drops I don't feel any issues with my shoulder. So while it is a co-poly and is talked up as being softer than traditional poly's, it's still a poly and if you have an injury you still need to be careful especially if you have fast full swings.

I'll report back on the new blue Evolution once I try it out. I'll have a K90 with PLII in it to compare it to.

I have tried out so many different polys with full bed and hyrbid setups and have always gone with a hybrid setup because the polys have been pretty stiff. I currently play with Tour bite 17 mains and PSGDF 17 crosses at 55lbs but have also tried Solinco Outlast, ALU Rough, Black Code, Red Code, RPM and Tornado. That is why I ask if the Proline II is also a good string for Hybrids. Is there any other specific reason you choose full poly over over the hybrid such as the poly is too soft in a hybrid setup or simply the reason you mentioned in your post?
 

Fedace

Banned
Any specific reason as to why Evolution is better?

The Kirschbaum Pro Line Evolution is a softer feeling polyester string that offers great ball pocketing and access to spin. Because the string is pre-stretched, it mains tension better than other, more traditional polyesters. Similar to that of the Pro Line II, this string is 10% lighter, providing more power and spin.
 

fgs

Hall of Fame
fedace,
have you played the evolution or do you just say it's better because the producer claims it's better?
 

Fedace

Banned
fedace,
have you played the evolution or do you just say it's better because the producer claims it's better?

I am play testing it Soon. I spoke with the Kirschbaum USA rep. There is only one guy in the entire country and he only sells thru Tennis Warehouse. but i am getting some T-shirts from him. Kirsch makes great T-shirt. he tells me that Evolution is definite improvement over Proline 2. and proline 2 was already premium stuff. so this has to be something special.
 
The Kirschbaum Pro Line Evolution is a softer feeling polyester string that offers great ball pocketing and access to spin. Because the string is pre-stretched, it mains tension better than other, more traditional polyesters. Similar to that of the Pro Line II, this string is 10% lighter, providing more power and spin.

So do you know this as a fact because you have play tested it? Seems to me you are just repeating the information tennis warehouse has posted about the string, no offense.
 
I am play testing it Soon. I spoke with the Kirschbaum USA rep. There is only one guy in the entire country and he only sells thru Tennis Warehouse. but i am getting some T-shirts from him. Kirsch makes great T-shirt. he tells me that Evolution is definite improvement over Proline 2. and proline 2 was already premium stuff. so this has to be something special.

Ahh the perks of playing college tennis how I miss it so. Do you currently play with Proline II and also would like to hear what you have to say about Evolution.
 

fgs

Hall of Fame
i played the pro line 2 in 1.25 and 1.20mm and while the initial performance is really top notch, the strings died at around 7 resp. 6 hours and became non-controllable rocketlaunchers. i much more enjoyed the 1.20 (one of my references) and the 1.25mm kirschbaum competition, which kept going until the last stroke. the small difference in price is the "best" investment in my opinion. the competitions plays a tad less soft but are superior in any of the other criteria.

would be interesting to see how the evolution compares to this "benchmark" string. since i'm trying to work myself through the pile of structured strings i have acquired, i don't see any possibility for me any time soon to give it a run though.
 
i played the pro line 2 in 1.25 and 1.20mm and while the initial performance is really top notch, the strings died at around 7 resp. 6 hours and became non-controllable rocketlaunchers. i much more enjoyed the 1.20 (one of my references) and the 1.25mm kirschbaum competition, which kept going until the last stroke. the small difference in price is the "best" investment in my opinion. the competitions plays a tad less soft but are superior in any of the other criteria.

would be interesting to see how the evolution compares to this "benchmark" string. since i'm trying to work myself through the pile of structured strings i have acquired, i don't see any possibility for me any time soon to give it a run though.

Have you played with Proline II in a hybrid setup and do you recommend going full poly over a hybrid on the Proline II like michaelscoots does? Will say though I like your comparison of the string turning into rocketlaunchers, had a good laugh from that comment thank you.
 

fgs

Hall of Fame
i played the 1.20 full bed and my shoulder did not really like it - which does not mean that it is stiff, i just got a shoulder problem which makes me too sensitive. this is the main reason why i play 90% of the times in hybrids. as a hybrid i had no issue with it whatsoever!

at the time i played these strings i was playing as cross strings the wilson sensation 1.25mm. i have switched in the mean time to the mantis power syn and now again to the mantis comfort syn, which i really love (gives incredible touch to the stringbed with most of the polys, even the stiff ones! like adrenaline). i haven't played the pro lines with these crosses though, but i doubt it would change much regarding the "going dead" of the string.
 
I agree, once the PLII drops tension it's got more kick, but I think the control is still there on a control oriented frame like the K90. However, my backhand is harder to control once it drops...so I do get the whole rocket launcher metaphor. Adding string savers has helped me control the power once tension drops. Again, it only adds a half pound or so but I automatically start keeping my backhand in the court when swinging full.

It's good to hear I'm not the only one that has shoulder issues. Mine first came on when I got over zealous in stringing up ALU Rough on the K90 (BBanger in mains)...I strung them at 65lbs and it was incredible...that is, until I served. Doh! I've been doing home therapy ever since (a really good program I bought online with multiple exercises and video instructions). I've strengthened my shoulder considerably but the pain can come on when PL II is too tight. When I go to a multi or hybrid I don't feel it (rip control for example, which is soft), but I miss the power and feel of Proline II. I'd love to find a string like this that doesn't drop tension as much...hopefully that's the new Evolution strings. MSV Focus Hex is pretty awesome but it's different (less pocketing, more bite and spin)....I may try that at a lower tension to see if I get more pocketing. It holds tension very well.
 

fgs

Hall of Fame
my top 3 favourites so far for the mains are (in order) mantis power polyester 1.25, polyfibre black venom rough 1.25 and kirschbaum competition 1.20. the mantis is also the cheapest (not by much though), while the polyfibre and the competition cost roughly the same.

the polyfibre has a much higher stabilisation loss which has to be taken into account when stringing, but then, at least in my time window (roughly 10 hitting hours, usually over two weeks) it keeps up pretty well. if you don't go slightly higher (1-2lbs) on the polyfibre, you will have MUCH less control than with the other two and would be tempted to dump the string, but going slightly higher is paying off. i assume that those 1-2lbs i am talking about have to be more if you string tighter anyway - i do my mains around 46lbs and the crosses around 44 usually, so that's where the 1-2lbs apply. at 50-52lbs probably you should be going like 3lbs higher.
 
my top 3 favourites so far for the mains are (in order) mantis power polyester 1.25, polyfibre black venom rough 1.25 and kirschbaum competition 1.20. the mantis is also the cheapest (not by much though), while the polyfibre and the competition cost roughly the same.

the polyfibre has a much higher stabilisation loss which has to be taken into account when stringing, but then, at least in my time window (roughly 10 hitting hours, usually over two weeks) it keeps up pretty well. if you don't go slightly higher (1-2lbs) on the polyfibre, you will have MUCH less control than with the other two and would be tempted to dump the string, but going slightly higher is paying off. i assume that those 1-2lbs i am talking about have to be more if you string tighter anyway - i do my mains around 46lbs and the crosses around 44 usually, so that's where the 1-2lbs apply. at 50-52lbs probably you should be going like 3lbs higher.

I'll have to give the Mantis a try. What racquet do you play with usually?
 

fgs

Hall of Fame
currently i play the mantis 300. until february 2011 i played the nblade 106. i found it interesting that in most of the cases the results found with the much softer and slightly bigger (106sq.i) nblade have been replicated with the 100sq.i but much stiffer mantis frame. of course the mantis frame has 16 mains, but the differerence in racquet stiffness is quite considerable.
 
i played the 1.20 full bed and my shoulder did not really like it - which does not mean that it is stiff, i just got a shoulder problem which makes me too sensitive. this is the main reason why i play 90% of the times in hybrids. as a hybrid i had no issue with it whatsoever!

at the time i played these strings i was playing as cross strings the wilson sensation 1.25mm. i have switched in the mean time to the mantis power syn and now again to the mantis comfort syn, which i really love (gives incredible touch to the stringbed with most of the polys, even the stiff ones! like adrenaline). i haven't played the pro lines with these crosses though, but i doubt it would change much regarding the "going dead" of the string.

Well my question is how the Proline II feels in a hybrid setup compared to a stiffer poly like Tour Bite or Big Banger Rough. Does it feel like a full bed of synthetic gut or does it still the crisp poly feel?
 

fgs

Hall of Fame
i'm playing hybrids because "i like them crispy but not harsh":). of course the proline 2 is a "softer" poly, so it is no comparison to adrenaline for instance. i haven't yet played tour bite nor the big ganger original rough, have both of them waiting patiently to be strung (along with other 40+ shaped strings:)).
 

rofl_copter3

Professional
Well my question is how the Proline II feels in a hybrid setup compared to a stiffer poly like Tour Bite or Big Banger Rough. Does it feel like a full bed of synthetic gut or does it still the crisp poly feel?

It has a softer feel obviously, but feels very clean or pure not mushy or harsh. With a multi it feels great and has more power than the stiffer poly's even in a hybrid...
 
It has a softer feel obviously, but feels very clean or pure not mushy or harsh. With a multi it feels great and has more power than the stiffer poly's even in a hybrid...

Thank you for the info. Actually felt better in a Full bed setup, but now I am confused because I have narrowed my search to two sets of strings and do not know which one to go with. I have Tour Bite 17 and the Pro Line Evolution. Both feel great and generate plenty of spin. I tried to go off price, but that did not help out too much because Tour Bite is only five dollars cheaper. Anybody here hit with both of these who can help me out?
 
Pro Line II seems to have everything I have been looking for - Comfort, Durability, Tension Maintenance, Mix of Power & Control

If you have hit with Pro Line II and have found another Poly that is better, please tell me which string you prefer and why.

I am currently playing Pro Line II 1.25 - I think it's the perfect poly

In my opinion, this IS the best poly from a price/playability standpoint. I am new to this site, but have been sort of a string junkie for the past few years and use this string almost exclusively. IMO, racquet choice makes an enormous difference for how this particular string plays though. I would guess its because of the enormous ball pocketing that this string has. I play with a PDR, 370 grams, weight under the handle and at 10/2, and string this low-as low as 48 and as high as 53-depending on whether I will play with it immediately. I have tried blending it as well with alot of different polys/syn guts:
Black Code in the mains/crosses(2 lbs tighter if in mains-this is what I play with if I'm going to play on Clay)
Cyber blue in crosses(not as much spin, more power)
RPM in mains(lasts longer but the tension of the RPM dropped at a higher rate than the PLII which became a problem)
Bi-phase(softer if in mains, more powerful when in crosses)
Wilson Nat Gut(maybe my ultimate favorite-but when it breaks every match?? yikes)
To answer your original ?...
Mantis Comfort Poly(to me, Mantis is a ridiculous bargain, it feels similar but a little less powerful than PLII, if you string it in the mains it might last a little longer because MCP is 16 gauge and actually holds tension very well-its hard to beat a combination of PLII and MCP because the cost is lowered, they both are solid strings and lose tension at the same rate.)
Sorry for the long answer, but I do love these strings too!!!
 
Pro Line II seems to have everything I have been looking for - Comfort, Durability, Tension Maintenance, Mix of Power & Control

If you have hit with Pro Line II and have found another Poly that is better, please tell me which string you prefer and why.

I am currently playing Pro Line II 1.25 - I think it's the perfect poly

In my opinion, this IS the best poly from a price/playability standpoint. I am new to this site, but have been sort of a string junkie for the past few years and use this string almost exclusively. IMO, racquet choice makes an enormous difference for how this particular string plays though. I would guess its because of the enormous ball pocketing that this string has. I play with a PDR, 370 grams, weight under the handle and at 10/2, and string this low-as low as 48 and as high as 53-depending on whether I will play with it immediately. I have tried blending it as well with alot of different polys/syn guts:
Black Code in the mains/crosses(2 lbs tighter if in mains-this is what I play with if I'm going to play on Clay)
Cyber blue in crosses(not as much spin, more power)
RPM in mains(lasts longer and maybe a tad more spin but the tension of the RPM dropped at a higher rate than the PLII which became a problem)
Bi-phase(softer if in mains, more powerful when in crosses)
Wilson Nat Gut(maybe my ultimate favorite-but when it breaks every match?? yikes)
To answer your original ?...
Mantis Comfort Poly(to me, Mantis is a ridiculous bargain, it feels similar but a little less powerful than PLII, if you string it in the mains it might last a little longer because MCP is 16 gauge and actually holds tension very well-its hard to beat a combination of PLII and MCP because the cost is lowered, they both are solid strings and lose tension at the same rate.)
Sorry for the long answer, but I do love these strings too!!!
 

user92626

G.O.A.T.
PL2.......My favorite poly to use in hybrid with any syngut, I have always had plenty of spin power and control when using this combo, though I will say in a ful bed there are better polys. personally SPPP is my favorite full bed, but doesnt come close to the hybrid set up

Hi I'm interested in knowing your poly/synth gut hybrid. Which one for main and which for cross and what tension.

I have like 3 1/2 sets of proline 2 but I have always hybrid it with another stiff poly. NOt exactly a comfortable and powerful set up.
 

Shaochieh

Rookie
String it full bed. This one is a unique poly and feels like a stiff multi to me. 10 -14 hours maxium before you lose a little control. I use 1.20 and I break it before it becomes too out of control.
 
in college, i used the blue pro hurricane, then our team switched to the hurricane tour when it came out. after college, i started using pro red code after hearing about it. i then tried pro line ii about a year or 2 ago. after using it, i switched BACK to pro red code. after playing around with pro line ii again a week ago in a hybrid I'm about to try it out in a full bed. I'll keep you guys posted on what i think about it versus a full bed of pro red code.
 

pistolero

Rookie
compared to wc scorpion

Updating on my previous post, favouring the wc scopion (1.22) over the kpl2 on the blx90 tour and ps blx90 tour --

the scorpion gives more spin which translates to top spin and control and keeping the ball more in play. this winter i found it the better option because we play in a pressurized bubble and it helps prevent me from over hitting. when playing under normal conditions, kpl2 is preferred as it is more comfortable and velocity generating... just flows nicer.

the kpl2 probably allows for a higher tension setting than the scorpion as it seems to be the easier string on the arm. looking forward to trying out the 'evolution' in spring time.
 

Sander001

Hall of Fame
Currently I'm trialing many different polys[mostly in the 1.20mm range] and have to say that Pro Line II 1.2 is easily the most solid feeling string I have ever used. These strings will not be pushed around and no matter how heavy the ball or how much spin your opponent uses, the ball won't fly off your stringbed uncontrollably.
For that reason, it's a bit less lively too.
 
Been using a full bed of pro line 2 (black) for the past year. Was stringing at 63 pounds. Felt great, recently dropped down to 60 pounds and it feels even better. Love Love LOVE this string.
 

fjcamry

Semi-Pro
Well my question is how the Proline II feels in a hybrid setup compared to a stiffer poly like Tour Bite or Big Banger Rough. Does it feel like a full bed of synthetic gut or does it still the crisp poly feel?

It has the crisp poly feel in the crosses hybrid with kirschbaum basic multifilament in the mains


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I used this string a lot as a blend and full bed. It is good for sure. I blend now and I’ve been using synthetic gut and poly (Luxillon rough) like Federer uses. I find that I need help with power and I can’t create power like I used to even though I still hit fairly hard, but I don’t want to have to do it all myself. If anyone has recommendations as to how to get a more powerful string let me know. I play with a Wilson Pro Staff 97 which isn’t a very powerful racket
 

fjcamry

Semi-Pro
I used this string a lot as a blend and full bed. It is good for sure. I blend now and I’ve been using synthetic gut and poly (Luxillon rough) like Federer uses. I find that I need help with power and I can’t create power like I used to even though I still hit fairly hard, but I don’t want to have to do it all myself. If anyone has recommendations as to how to get a more powerful string let me know. I play with a Wilson Pro Staff 97 which isn’t a very powerful racket

Try to get a median stiffness rating of low 180 s even in a hybrid . Go with 16g multifilament and 18g poly


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fjcamry

Semi-Pro
Hi I'm interested in knowing your poly/synth gut hybrid. Which one for main and which for cross and what tension.

I have like 3 1/2 sets of proline 2 but I have always hybrid it with another stiff poly. NOt exactly a comfortable and powerful set up.

Kirschbaum syngut multifilament 16g in mains and proline ll in crosses (18g,17g ) 58/52 lbs with 2.25 gm lead tape at 11-2 o’clock and 1.5 gm lead tape at handle cap. Overgrip on grip 4 3/8 339gm static weight 335sw 7hl youtek speed pro 18x20.


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fjcamry

Semi-Pro
I will also add that full pl2 in the 17g is nice in there as well. I thought the tight pattern would not be comfortable with full poly in it but really nice.

The mg mid was too tight for me and full pl2 :( A hybrid worked better for me in that one.

I’m using kirschbaum syngut multifilament 16g mains PL2 1.15 crosses in youtek speed pro with 2.25gm lead tape at 11 to 1 o’clock and 1.50 gm lead at handle end with overgrip. Will try 17g PL2 in cross. I like the ball path better with the hybrid more than full PL2. But it could be because of the tension on my hybrid at 58/52lbs like Federer uses .


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fjcamry

Semi-Pro
It is perfect. (Not really, but it's perfect for me.)



I've had a Pro Line II 1.25 X Pacific Tough Gut 17 in my prestiges for about two months - it's maybe 3-5 pounds looser than when i strung it, and you can feel that bit of tension loss, but it still certainly doesn't feel dead. I'm not playing that often at the moment (which explains why the strings haven't broken), but yeah, the tension maintenance far surpasses any other poly I've ever used, with the exception of Kirschbaum Competition, which is a pretty similar string.

I’m using kirschbaum syngut multifilament 16 mains and PL2 18g crosses in my youtek speed pros with 2.25gm lead 11 to 1 o’clock and 1.50 gm at handle end with overgrip . At 58/52 lbs feels perfect . I went through 1 reel PL2 1.15 over 2 years and now am trying PL2 1.25 Black in a reel. Hoping to have similar characteristics in my frames as I’ve tried some PL2 1.20 in sets and find similar playing characteristics as my reel of PL2 1.15.


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