Okay, review time. This is probably going to be the shortest review in Talk Tennis history because there aren't many things to say about this string. I considered not even breaking it down by stroke, but I guess since that's how it's done, I'll do it that way starting with my favorites. Everything is based out of 10 compared to my go-to string, WeissCannon Silverstring, which has a 10/10 score for reference.
Serves: 9/10
This is a fantastic string for big servers, and especially those who hit slice, topspin and kick serves properly. If you use a topspin second serve, the only way that you'll ever double fault using this string is due to something you did, not the racquet. It feels incredibly soft and even without a rubber band, doesn't "ping" very loudly. Excellent.
Volleys: 8/10
Much like with the serves, this string really isn't made to improve your volleying ability, but it has the softness that you need to get incredible feel and directionality.
Groundstrokes: 15/10
This is going to be the shortest part of the review and it goes like this: if you employ any of the following either alone or in conjunction with any other, then the conclusion thereafter applies to you:
1. Semi-western forehand grip
2. Western forehand grip
3. Windshield wiper finish
4. Eastern or more extreme 1HBH grip
5. Low-high 2HBH
If you use any of the above, then there is only one thing to say: you cannot hit the ball out. If you string this properly at the correct tension, this string generates so much spin that if you TRY to hit it long or wide, that extra pace you tried to put in is just going to be generating more spin and making it drop in.
I did not have a single unforced error on my groundstrokes due to hitting long or wide. I have been playing tennis since the 5th grade and that has NEVER happened, and I mean ever. I know it was the string and not my stroke technique because I had an identical frame strung with Silverstring and another strung with MSV Hex and both make great spin, but not even in the same league as Spiky Shark. Into the net is another business altogether, but that's just due to you and not the racquet having enough pop.
So it's like this: if you can supply a swing path that generates topspin, you will NOT believe your eyes when you start cracking at the ball. If you want to flatten out your shots, go right ahead because the string then just plays like a soft poly and gives you the feel you need to determine just how much pace to put on the ball. Again, TRY to hit the ball long using your normal stroke. Don't flatten it out because that will obviously make the ball fly, but if you have a topspin generating stroke, you can't miss.
If you use a slice backhand, this can either be your best friend, or your worst nightmare. This allows you to create so much backspin that if you use your normal stroke, it will probably fly lower than you're used to and might go into the net. I found that out the hard way. If you put more pace behind it and step into the slice, the ball skids like you're playing on ice.
If you think that Blue Gear or MSV Hex or Black Code or ALU rough or any of the other top spin strings generate good spin, you will not believe your eyes when you use this stuff. It's that good.
I am a player that loves spin polys. Absolutely love them. I own reels of MSV Hex, Black Code, Blue Gear, Signum Pro Hextreme and Polystar Turbo. I've played with PHT, ALU Rough and Isospeed Pyramid. For spin production, none come close to Spiky Shark. I guess there's a reason why it's rated as the #1 spin producing string on that one forum that talks about strings only
I have a reel of WeissCannon Turbotwist that I will be stringing up tomorrow and will report in a separate thread about it, but as of now, I honestly don't believe there is a better spin string that money can buy, and looking at it now, it appears that I'm not alone in my consensus.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/feedback-SHARK17.html