bad_call
Legend
BBO rocks when fresh but after 4+ hrs stiffens. suggest stringing very low.
this Iontec looks interesting...
Mamba Tennis
- Thread starter davedomart
- Start date
BBO rocks when fresh but after 4+ hrs stiffens. suggest stringing very low.
this Iontec looks interesting...
Ray you rock!!! Can I get free samples please?
Email him and most likely he will mail free sample to you.
Xiaobo.
blackfrido
Hall of Fame
I played again tonight with Iontec string 3 sets, this stuff is getting better! I've already played approximately 8 hours, and practically no signs of losing much tension.
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mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
now that's what i'm talking about, BF! 8)
the tension stability and playability is so consistent throughout the life of the string. i still can't believe it's so affordable, too!
on a separate note, yesterday morning i ordered 2 more reels, but 1.20 this time instead of 1.25. one reel of Iontec and one reel of Iontec Hexa. also added a set of O-Power and Monster Spin to the order as well. Ray said if i placed my order in the morning, it would be shipped out same day so i would get it on Sat. i did place my order in the morning (i'm on the west coast while Mamba is on the east) but the Mamba folks had just left for the day. completely kidding, i gave Ray a hard time about it. apparently Ray didn't get my humor, felt bad my order didn't go out until today and comp'd me 2 sets of Thunderstrings to playtest. :shock:
well, Ray, being the great guy he is, replied that he knew i was kidding but wanted to make my buying experience was 1st class all the way.
is that not great customer service?
btw, Ray, i didn't receive a x-mas card! :mrgreen:
you can send me a few sets of some other string instead. JUST KIDDING, Ray!!! Really!
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BobFL
Hall of Fame
Thanks but I was kidding. I don't like free stuff.
blackfrido
Hall of Fame
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
blackfrido
Hall of Fame
now that's what i'm talking about, BF! 8)
the tension stability and playability is so consistent throughout the life of the string. i still can't believe it's so affordable, too!
on a separate note, yesterday morning i ordered 2 more reels, but 1.20 this time instead of 1.25. one reel of Iontec and one reel of Iontec Hexa. also added a set of O-Power and Monster Spin to the order as well. Ray said if i placed my order in the morning, it would be shipped out same day so i would get it on Sat. i did place my order in the morning (i'm on the west coast while Mamba is on the east) but the Mamba folks had just left for the day. completely kidding, i gave Ray a hard time about it. apparently Ray didn't get my humor, felt bad my order didn't go out until today and comp'd me 2 sets of Thunderstrings to playtest. :shock:
well, Ray, being the great guy he is, replied that he knew i was kidding but wanted to make my buying experience was 1st class all the way.
is that not great customer service?
btw, Ray, i didn't receive a x-mas card! :mrgreen:
you can send me a few sets of some other string instead. JUST KIDDING, Ray!!! Really!
yeah!
Honestly I'm not that excited, I've been so skeptical about anything and mostly everything lately.......my game went down the hill because of bad decision on my side. Sold racquets trying to get something better but not....guess what? yes, everything is worse
I did not get my x-mas card either
merry christmas to all of you guys!
BobFL
Hall of Fame
Don't remember seeing your email? Ask me here and I will reply promptly. Btw, are you getting the gut from manufacturer in India?
My question(s) were what gut(s) have you used that you prefer? I have not ordered any Mamba gut since you mentioned it was very irregular. I also read the 16g was sort of thick. I had been waiting on 17g to try. I had a similar problem ( too thick) with another cheaper gut and didn't order any more of it. Do you use full gut beds or some sort of hybrid gut set ups? Thanks.
Tennisman.de
New User
@ mad dog1
The iontec is now also available in black. But it is brand new, so if you ask ray he will send you a free sample.
Different colors change the performance of the string. But up to now i have no feedback from the customers about the black string.
So you are satisfied with the Iontec it would be interesting to know what you think about the black version.
It is exact the same string only with an other colour (many customers want black strings at the moment) but i think it will have different characteristics.
I also play the iontec my self (salmon) but at the moment i have a injuri and i can´t test the black version.
merry xmas for you all.
The iontec is now also available in black. But it is brand new, so if you ask ray he will send you a free sample.
Different colors change the performance of the string. But up to now i have no feedback from the customers about the black string.
So you are satisfied with the Iontec it would be interesting to know what you think about the black version.
It is exact the same string only with an other colour (many customers want black strings at the moment) but i think it will have different characteristics.
I also play the iontec my self (salmon) but at the moment i have a injuri and i can´t test the black version.
merry xmas for you all.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
thanks! merry xmas to you as well!
yeah, i agree different colors of the same string will play and perform differently. i'll ck w/ Ray about the black iontec.
hope you recover quickly from your injury so you can get back on the court!
blackfrido
Hall of Fame
Hey Dog,
I added some miles to Iontec (salmon color), the strings started moving around a little bit. They are still okay. I can count more or less around 12 hours.
I added some miles to Iontec (salmon color), the strings started moving around a little bit. They are still okay. I can count more or less around 12 hours.
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mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
yeah, i get about 20 hrs or so from mine. there are a couple of variables that affect string life. tension is one. i string my sticks at lower tensions than you. lower tensions generally lend to longer string life for poly. secondly, i string my sticks so i can control the process from start to finish. i don't rush in order to get very consistent results. i string on a babolat sensor which doesn't allow me to set the pulling speed of the tension head and the babolat tension head is known to overshoot tension by ~8 lbs. so to achieve 52 lbs, i set my reference tension at 44 lbs and pull tension. then manually increase the tension to 52 lbs so that i haven't overshot my reference tension. it takes longer but i'm not racing the clock when i string. those variables can affect string life.
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BobFL
Hall of Fame
I have tried everything from Babolat, Wilson, and Prince out of curiosity. They all played good, no question about that. Always used them in hybrid setups. Measured them all with micrometer and they were very consistent. However, imo natgut is an unwise choice here in FL. The humidity just kills them all pretty fast.
mikeler
Moderator
BobFL
Hall of Fame
Many strings do quite as good. No need to drop big$ on natgut.
mikeler
Moderator
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
ray at mambatennis dot com
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
the 660' reel of Iontec 17g i had enjoyed so immensely was nearly exhausted so rather than simply ordering a refill of the same, i went to the website and noticed that Iontec is available in thinner gauge 17L. originally, i was afraid 17L would be too thin that I would be breaking strings constantly so i tried the 17, but finding Iontec so resistant to notching my curiosity w/ the thinner gauge was piqued. so i shot off a note to Ray asking him how 17L compared to 17. Ray mentioned they were very similar other than the 17L providing more feel and being a little softer. i felt a wee bit softer string wasn't a bad thing in my case, so i i took the plunge and ordered up a 660' reel of Iontec 17L.
i strung up my BLX buttcapped PS85 at my preferred tension of 47.5/46 and hit with it a few times this week. 17L is indeed a bit softer than 17. not much but a wee bit. feel is also improved as well. 2 qualities surprised me. power and spin. 17L offers more power and alot more spin - Tour Bite levels of spin, in fact. the 17L is still a round string, but it almost feels like there's ridges on because it's so thin. the thinner string allows the stringbed to really bite into the ball gripping it harder. the ball pocketing is really, really nice. but the additional power was causing some of my shots to fly long. control was very good in the sense that the ball goes where i'm aiming to hit. but to tame the additional power, i'll probably need to bump up the tension 1 or 2 lbs. this will most likely improve the control and provide even more spin. the ball had so much action on my topspin forehands that alot of my groundstrokes ended at shoulder height or higher when they landed just past the service line. if it gets better as i expect it will at a few lbs higher tension, the spin is going to be unreal. after an hour of hitting, the strings started to exhibit some slight signs of shifting but since then, the strings have settled down and stopped sliding. i imagine taking the tension up a bit will help as well. all in all, i'm very, very happy w/ 17L. in terms of tension stability, so far it's as good as 17. as far as the life of a string job, i'll keep you posted on how many hours i get out of the thinner gauge. for customers i string for, i'll probably continue to recommend 17, but for myself, i'm a convert if 17L remains playable for close to 20 hrs like i experience with its thicker brethren.
i've been looking for a softer poly with superior feel that provides spin levels comparable to Tour Bite, my current spin king of strings, and i've found it in Iontec 17L. highly recommended in my book.
i strung up my BLX buttcapped PS85 at my preferred tension of 47.5/46 and hit with it a few times this week. 17L is indeed a bit softer than 17. not much but a wee bit. feel is also improved as well. 2 qualities surprised me. power and spin. 17L offers more power and alot more spin - Tour Bite levels of spin, in fact. the 17L is still a round string, but it almost feels like there's ridges on because it's so thin. the thinner string allows the stringbed to really bite into the ball gripping it harder. the ball pocketing is really, really nice. but the additional power was causing some of my shots to fly long. control was very good in the sense that the ball goes where i'm aiming to hit. but to tame the additional power, i'll probably need to bump up the tension 1 or 2 lbs. this will most likely improve the control and provide even more spin. the ball had so much action on my topspin forehands that alot of my groundstrokes ended at shoulder height or higher when they landed just past the service line. if it gets better as i expect it will at a few lbs higher tension, the spin is going to be unreal. after an hour of hitting, the strings started to exhibit some slight signs of shifting but since then, the strings have settled down and stopped sliding. i imagine taking the tension up a bit will help as well. all in all, i'm very, very happy w/ 17L. in terms of tension stability, so far it's as good as 17. as far as the life of a string job, i'll keep you posted on how many hours i get out of the thinner gauge. for customers i string for, i'll probably continue to recommend 17, but for myself, i'm a convert if 17L remains playable for close to 20 hrs like i experience with its thicker brethren.
i've been looking for a softer poly with superior feel that provides spin levels comparable to Tour Bite, my current spin king of strings, and i've found it in Iontec 17L. highly recommended in my book.
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nalvarado
Semi-Pro
And it wasn't even a typed mass response. Handwritten and everything!
I play with the 17g Iontec Hexa and I must say that I believe it's one of the best polys out there. Obviously, to each his own, but the comfort, spin and control of this string (even as a hybrid) is remarkable. I will say that I tend to cut it out every 3-4 hitting sessions, which equates to about 8-10hours. I still think that for a poly, that's pretty good time out of the string for what you're getting. I was thinking of trying the 17g regular Iontec, but I'm not sure if there'd be much difference and since I'm already used to this, I don't want to keep looking for the "next best string".
Great job Mamba!!!
Also, I too received a hand written Christmas card from Ray. Top notch all the way.
DH.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
i'm generally not a big fan of shaped or twist strings which is why i started off w/ regular Iontec 17, but with Ray's feedback and now having read your impressions as well about Iontec Hexa, I'm really looking forward to trying it. 8)
tennisrookie57101
New User
these are my absolute favorite strings i use the O-mega
maddog, I would definitely give it a try and see how you like it. I don't have any comparisons with the regular Iontec, but if you do decide to test it, I would like to get your feedback on it. I'm just curious to know if it feels any different from the original or if you think the original may hold tension better. I'm probably not going to get away from this string, but it would be good information to have for my customers as they are starting to ask me "what's that pink string you're using in your racket".
DH
Power Player
Bionic Poster
My experience with the 1.20 Iontec in the BLX 16x18 has been pretty positive. I believe it should be strung tighter..more like 54#s in this racquet. I just do not have the control with it that I get from Silverstring or Tourbite.
I strung it up at 49#s and I believe that was the mistake.
The feel and spin is very good though. Comfort level is high. Very nice string.
I strung it up at 49#s and I believe that was the mistake.
The feel and spin is very good though. Comfort level is high. Very nice string.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
thought i'd report back on Iontec 1.20...i threw it into the PS85 BLX on 12/31/11. played 5 times w/ it each time for about 1.5 to 2 hours so no more than 10 hours on the stringjob. tonight towards the end of the session, my shots started flying. sometimes my shots start flying as i get tired and i start hitting late due to sluggish footwork and racquet timing. i switched to my BC20 and my shots came back in so it was the strings. also the mains started moving around quite a bit so alas my Iontec 1.20 had finally expired.
compared to Iontec 1.25, it has a bit more power, spin, feel and touch, but on the flip side it doesn't last nearly as long. i was getting 20+ hrs out of 1.25 vs less than 10 out of 1.20. as with everything in life, you can't have it all. for higher performance, you have to be willing to give up some longevity. just like formula 1 race cars motors are only built to last one race and then they are rebuilt. the same applies to Iontec 1.20 vs 1.25. i love them both. 1.20 gives me higher performance and playability for a shorter period of time while 1.25 gives me high performance and playability for a longer period of time. c'est la vie.
on the bright side, this gave me the opportunity to restring w/ Iontec Hexa 1.20 which i've been so eager to try out!!! woohoo!!!
so i laced up the PS85 BLX w/ Hexa at my preferred tension of 47.5/46. Hexa being a 6 sided version Iontec is a bit stiffer to string than Iontec. Iontec is a breeze to string compared to most copolys. Hexa isn't much more difficult. i string up my PS using a 1 pc ATW pattern and do M8 then string up all the crosses from top down and from the bottom come up M7 as my final weave & pull so the M7 weave is a hard weave. Hexa wasn't any more recalcitrant than other softer polys for the last weave. using my highly technical and well tuned "bouncing the string bed off my palm and knee" method, i can tell Hexa will be stiffer and offer crisper response albeit there was no mistaking that it still had the Iontec signature feel. i could feel the increased bite on my palm from the hard edges of the 6 sided string. this should aid in generating more spin. based on these initial clues, Hexa sure seems promising. i'll be sure to share my on court impressions after i hit tomorrow night. i'll be sure to keep y'all posted! stay tuned. 8) if it turns out i end up loving Hexa 1.20, i may just have to try Hexa 1.25, too! :mrgreen:
compared to Iontec 1.25, it has a bit more power, spin, feel and touch, but on the flip side it doesn't last nearly as long. i was getting 20+ hrs out of 1.25 vs less than 10 out of 1.20. as with everything in life, you can't have it all. for higher performance, you have to be willing to give up some longevity. just like formula 1 race cars motors are only built to last one race and then they are rebuilt. the same applies to Iontec 1.20 vs 1.25. i love them both. 1.20 gives me higher performance and playability for a shorter period of time while 1.25 gives me high performance and playability for a longer period of time. c'est la vie.
on the bright side, this gave me the opportunity to restring w/ Iontec Hexa 1.20 which i've been so eager to try out!!! woohoo!!!
so i laced up the PS85 BLX w/ Hexa at my preferred tension of 47.5/46. Hexa being a 6 sided version Iontec is a bit stiffer to string than Iontec. Iontec is a breeze to string compared to most copolys. Hexa isn't much more difficult. i string up my PS using a 1 pc ATW pattern and do M8 then string up all the crosses from top down and from the bottom come up M7 as my final weave & pull so the M7 weave is a hard weave. Hexa wasn't any more recalcitrant than other softer polys for the last weave. using my highly technical and well tuned "bouncing the string bed off my palm and knee" method, i can tell Hexa will be stiffer and offer crisper response albeit there was no mistaking that it still had the Iontec signature feel. i could feel the increased bite on my palm from the hard edges of the 6 sided string. this should aid in generating more spin. based on these initial clues, Hexa sure seems promising. i'll be sure to share my on court impressions after i hit tomorrow night. i'll be sure to keep y'all posted! stay tuned. 8) if it turns out i end up loving Hexa 1.20, i may just have to try Hexa 1.25, too! :mrgreen:
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
so i've been hitting w/ the PS85 w/ Hexa 1.20 for the past few days. while it's a tad stiffer than regular Iontec, it's still very comfortable with great ball pocketing and feel, but due to the extra stiffness, power levels are down a tad. on the flip side, spin levels were definitely up. my hitting partner said the increased spin was very noticeable. i was hitting groundstrokes that were clearing the net by 4 feet and landing a few feet inside the baseline and after were bouncing higher than my partner's head when he was positioned a few feet behind the baseline. my partner also agreed that the spin levels were up w/ Hexa. i have a feeling Hexa 1.20 like Iontec 1.20 won't last 20 hours like Iontec 1.25. i also have a sneaking suspicion that Hexa 1.25 might just be the best yet in offering higher spin levels, longest playability and great feel. because of the greater stiffness and likely lower power levels, i would string it about 2 lbs lower. i'm pretty sure this would be an absolutely amazing setup. may just have to place another order...
so far i'm loving Hexa 1.20!!! it's just a great string!
today, i was able to compare Iontec 1.25 an Iontec Hexa 1.20 in the same frame from the other side of the net. my TW buddy, JGads, brought his Iontec 1.25 strung PS85 and i let him hit w/ my Hexa 1.20 strung PS85...the balls he hit w/ Hexa did indeed have more spin, heaviness and jumped higher than the ones he hit w/ Iontec. so i've been able to confirm on both sides of the net w/ different hitting partners that Hexa is capable of generating more spin.
i'm starting to think that Hexa 1.25 might be able to offer the best mix of feel, spin and long life as i'm finding the thinner version of Iontec and Hexa seems to last about 8 hrs before the strings start moving around and spin levels are reduced.
so far i'm loving Hexa 1.20!!! it's just a great string!
today, i was able to compare Iontec 1.25 an Iontec Hexa 1.20 in the same frame from the other side of the net. my TW buddy, JGads, brought his Iontec 1.25 strung PS85 and i let him hit w/ my Hexa 1.20 strung PS85...the balls he hit w/ Hexa did indeed have more spin, heaviness and jumped higher than the ones he hit w/ Iontec. so i've been able to confirm on both sides of the net w/ different hitting partners that Hexa is capable of generating more spin.
i'm starting to think that Hexa 1.25 might be able to offer the best mix of feel, spin and long life as i'm finding the thinner version of Iontec and Hexa seems to last about 8 hrs before the strings start moving around and spin levels are reduced.
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28
The following is a playtest of Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28 tennis string. As expected, string feel/play evaluations vary by individual. I have tried to provide some quantitative values as well. For myself, this string performed very well for a baseline or all court style of play and is a string to recommend.
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm
Racquet, String, and Stringing Style: The test was done with a Vantage 221109 racquet (95 sq. in., 16x19, 63 RA, 27”, 320 g., 10 pts. HL – unstrung specifications). My current, play string set-up is a poly hybrid of Unique Tourna Poly Big Hitter 1.25 mains and Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex 17 crosses at a 53 lb. constant pull reference tension. A John Elliot stringing style was used with a Beers ERT 300 and String Meter stringbed tension measures for the initial stringing. The Beers ERT 300 is used for follow-up DT measurements. The play test was done as a hybrid of Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm and Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex 17 (gold) crosses at a constant pull reference tension of 52 lb.
Stringing Machine: Stringing was done on an Alpha Pioneer DC Plus drop weight stringer (six point mount, fixed spring assist swivel clamps).
Test Measurements (Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm):
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm set length: 12.3+ m; Color: black; Texture: Pentagonal string profile with a twist.
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm Gauge (pre-stringing): 1.31mm (range 1.28- 1.32mm). This measurement is difficult due to the string’s texture/profile.
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm Gauge (post-stringing, @52lb. reference tension): 1.28mm (range 1.26-1.30mm) with the same measurement difficulty as above.
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm Mass Density (mu): 1.81 g/m
Elongation QI: 0.48
ERT 300 (immediately after stringing): DT (dynamic tension) = 33kp/cm (measured at stringbed center & cross 9).
String Meter (immediately after stringing): Mains=47.3 (average of 10 center mains),
Crosses=28.2 (average of 11 center crosses).
ERT 300 (24 hours after stringing, no play): DT=31kp/cm
ERT 300 (5.6 play hr.): DT=28kp/cm
ERT 300 (8.6 play hr.): DT=28kp/cm
ERT 300 (11.1 play hr.): DT=28kp/cm
ERT 300 (12.4 play hr.): DT=27kp/cm
ERT 300 (14.4 play hr.): DT=28kp/cm
ERT 300 (16.0 play hr.): DT=27kp/cm
ERT 300 (17.5 play hr.): DT=27kp/cm
ERT 300 (19.5 play hr.): DT=28kp/cm [I experienced poorer ball control at this play time]
ERT 300 (21.5 play hr.): DT=27kp/cm
ERT 300 (23.5 play hr.): DT=27kp/cm [end of play test]
Stringing Data: two piece stringing, slight pre-stretch of the Prince SGw/D17(gold) cross string, constant pull reference tension = 52 lb.
Stringing Observations: The string has a lot of coil memory. Other observations include: stiff, wiry, pentagonal/twist profile, knotting was fine, and good tension stability while stringing. There was more elasticity to the string than expected.
Additional String Performance Comments: The overall tension maintenance of the string was very good, stable, and consistent (some typical post stringing tension loss). My selected reference tension was in the ball park for me and initially played a little stiff, maybe 1-2 lb. high in reference tennsion. The string, for my play, provided good spin on ground strokes and was not overly powerful (good for my game). The string had a nice crispness and was comfortable to the arm. The string displayed very good ground strike control, great slice action/control, crisp one hand backhands, and lobs were good. Serving was comparable to my baseline string with good placement. Volleys were not quite as sharp as my baseline string, but improved with play time. My control with this string diminished at ~ the 18 hour mark – a longer life than most co-polys for me!
Play was on a hard court surface, with singles, drilling, and ball machine play. Play temperature ranged from 45-70 degrees F.
Conclusion:
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm performed well and is a very good string for my game. It has great attributes – comfort, spin, control; working very well from the baseline or for all court play. If you like Tourna Big Hitter Silver or Topspin Cyber Twirl, I think you will enjoy Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28. Definitely a string to recommend!
The following is a playtest of Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28 tennis string. As expected, string feel/play evaluations vary by individual. I have tried to provide some quantitative values as well. For myself, this string performed very well for a baseline or all court style of play and is a string to recommend.
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm
Racquet, String, and Stringing Style: The test was done with a Vantage 221109 racquet (95 sq. in., 16x19, 63 RA, 27”, 320 g., 10 pts. HL – unstrung specifications). My current, play string set-up is a poly hybrid of Unique Tourna Poly Big Hitter 1.25 mains and Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex 17 crosses at a 53 lb. constant pull reference tension. A John Elliot stringing style was used with a Beers ERT 300 and String Meter stringbed tension measures for the initial stringing. The Beers ERT 300 is used for follow-up DT measurements. The play test was done as a hybrid of Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm and Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex 17 (gold) crosses at a constant pull reference tension of 52 lb.
Stringing Machine: Stringing was done on an Alpha Pioneer DC Plus drop weight stringer (six point mount, fixed spring assist swivel clamps).
Test Measurements (Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm):
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm set length: 12.3+ m; Color: black; Texture: Pentagonal string profile with a twist.
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm Gauge (pre-stringing): 1.31mm (range 1.28- 1.32mm). This measurement is difficult due to the string’s texture/profile.
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm Gauge (post-stringing, @52lb. reference tension): 1.28mm (range 1.26-1.30mm) with the same measurement difficulty as above.
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm Mass Density (mu): 1.81 g/m
Elongation QI: 0.48
ERT 300 (immediately after stringing): DT (dynamic tension) = 33kp/cm (measured at stringbed center & cross 9).
String Meter (immediately after stringing): Mains=47.3 (average of 10 center mains),
Crosses=28.2 (average of 11 center crosses).
ERT 300 (24 hours after stringing, no play): DT=31kp/cm
ERT 300 (5.6 play hr.): DT=28kp/cm
ERT 300 (8.6 play hr.): DT=28kp/cm
ERT 300 (11.1 play hr.): DT=28kp/cm
ERT 300 (12.4 play hr.): DT=27kp/cm
ERT 300 (14.4 play hr.): DT=28kp/cm
ERT 300 (16.0 play hr.): DT=27kp/cm
ERT 300 (17.5 play hr.): DT=27kp/cm
ERT 300 (19.5 play hr.): DT=28kp/cm [I experienced poorer ball control at this play time]
ERT 300 (21.5 play hr.): DT=27kp/cm
ERT 300 (23.5 play hr.): DT=27kp/cm [end of play test]
Stringing Data: two piece stringing, slight pre-stretch of the Prince SGw/D17(gold) cross string, constant pull reference tension = 52 lb.
Stringing Observations: The string has a lot of coil memory. Other observations include: stiff, wiry, pentagonal/twist profile, knotting was fine, and good tension stability while stringing. There was more elasticity to the string than expected.
Additional String Performance Comments: The overall tension maintenance of the string was very good, stable, and consistent (some typical post stringing tension loss). My selected reference tension was in the ball park for me and initially played a little stiff, maybe 1-2 lb. high in reference tennsion. The string, for my play, provided good spin on ground strokes and was not overly powerful (good for my game). The string had a nice crispness and was comfortable to the arm. The string displayed very good ground strike control, great slice action/control, crisp one hand backhands, and lobs were good. Serving was comparable to my baseline string with good placement. Volleys were not quite as sharp as my baseline string, but improved with play time. My control with this string diminished at ~ the 18 hour mark – a longer life than most co-polys for me!
Play was on a hard court surface, with singles, drilling, and ball machine play. Play temperature ranged from 45-70 degrees F.
Conclusion:
Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28mm performed well and is a very good string for my game. It has great attributes – comfort, spin, control; working very well from the baseline or for all court play. If you like Tourna Big Hitter Silver or Topspin Cyber Twirl, I think you will enjoy Black Mamba Penta Twisted 1.28. Definitely a string to recommend!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Just ordered a set of Hexa 1.25. I have a feeling this could be a real special string for me from the descriptions. Especially if it lasts around 20 hours..that would be quite fantastic.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
What tension are you at with the 1.25?
I found regular iontec at 49#s too powerful in my BLX 16x18. I am thinking I will do the Hexa at 54#s.
For reference, I like Silver String at 54#s and Tour bite at 52#s.
Murray_fan1
Professional
Just ordered a couple sets of the 1.25 and 1.20 Hexa as well as the Black Iontec Rough. Can't wait to put this up against Tourna's new Black 7 Spin in my 400 tour.
ericsson
Hall of Fame
I play with tensions around the 23-24kg mark, that would be around 50-54 lbs.
This works out the best for me cos i still want that soft feel.
I also think the string is best in full set up.
Great string for an even better price, what more can you ask for...
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Perfect..sounds like we are the same in preference.
The best string I have used in my Wilsons is Tour Bite.
I am hoping I can get similar spin with the Hex.
The best string I have used in my Wilsons is Tour Bite.
I am hoping I can get similar spin with the Hex.
Mad Dog,
Thanks for your constant updates on the Iontec strings. But I do have to say that you are making my decision really hard. I placed an order for the Black Mamba Penta, but now I am really considering switching that out for the Iontec Hexa.....ugh. I hate my indecision.
Thanks for your constant updates on the Iontec strings. But I do have to say that you are making my decision really hard. I placed an order for the Black Mamba Penta, but now I am really considering switching that out for the Iontec Hexa.....ugh. I hate my indecision.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
no problemo. actually the decision is very easy. Black Mamba Penta is a very good string for the price. i was quite pleased with it...that is until i tried Iontec. the extra money for Iontec vs Penta is absolutely worth the price difference and then some. Iontec is my favorite string. it just does everything so right and nothing wrong. You're gonna get better touch, feel and comfort w/ Iontec Hexa. enjoy!
On their site, they list Discho RPM Power as being comparable to the Babolat RPM.
George, I think you've made a great decision. This is one of the best strings that I've ever played with. For the price it makes it even more impressive. Happy hitting with the new Iontec Hexa.
DH
DH, is there another string you would compare it to?
There are a couple that I used to play with that I would say are comparable. I first would like to say this though, For my racket, this has been THE string to use for me. The other strings I use to use played better in my previous rackets than my current one, but I have no comparison with the IonTec on my old frames. So this is just a string to string comparison.
I would say that the most closely playing strings are: Volkl Cyclone 17g, Solinco Barb Wire 16L and Big Hitter Blue Rough 17. Out of all of these, I probably liked Barb Wire the best. To me it's probably the closest to string to IonTec Hexa of all of these.
DH
I would say that the most closely playing strings are: Volkl Cyclone 17g, Solinco Barb Wire 16L and Big Hitter Blue Rough 17. Out of all of these, I probably liked Barb Wire the best. To me it's probably the closest to string to IonTec Hexa of all of these.
DH
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
having used both strings, i'd agree with this assessment.
