The closest thing to Big Spin is Genesis Twisted Razor. Similar everything, including not just being triangular, but also twisted, which I've found makes for much more predictable ball trajectories, on average. With most straight triangular strings, Firewire included, the outermost edge/blade/point (whatever you choose to call it) typically leans slightly to one side or the other (at either ~70 degrees or ~110 degrees), which creates a high degree of uneven randomness across the contact surface, and as a result, ball launch can be erratic, noticeably more so and more often than with a twisted triangle or shaped string with more sides, whose outermost points are more evenly distributed. So, long story short, I'd go with a twisted triangle string over straight triangle, via Twisted Razor or similar.
Mayami strings
- Thread starter Lozannois
- Start date
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Had some better hitting from the other side, later. That's the warm-up.
In comparison to the Machete x Tour Hex, Big Spin x Tour Hex today felt: softer, lower launch angle for sure, less immediate response (Machete is stiffer), less "pop", better control on flat hitting with no crazy launches taking place. When I started hitting harder, faster and with more topspin it really delivered very good consistency.
Big Spin is said before to feel "mushy", I'd say it's easier for the arm than full-bed of Tour Hex or the Machete mains hybrid with Tour Hex crosses.
Again, very impressed with Mayami. I can see this Big Spin x Tour Hex working better on the Nova (and thus other powerful tweeners) than the Machete x Tour Hex which is a cheat-code combo for heavy top-spin hitting and lots of slicing.
In comparison to the Machete x Tour Hex, Big Spin x Tour Hex today felt: softer, lower launch angle for sure, less immediate response (Machete is stiffer), less "pop", better control on flat hitting with no crazy launches taking place. When I started hitting harder, faster and with more topspin it really delivered very good consistency.
Big Spin is said before to feel "mushy", I'd say it's easier for the arm than full-bed of Tour Hex or the Machete mains hybrid with Tour Hex crosses.
Again, very impressed with Mayami. I can see this Big Spin x Tour Hex working better on the Nova (and thus other powerful tweeners) than the Machete x Tour Hex which is a cheat-code combo for heavy top-spin hitting and lots of slicing.
ZDragonBall
New User
Was just about to buy a reel from these guys but it appears as though they jacked up all their prices by 50-60% wtf. I remember getting an email a couple months back saying they were going to maintain a 59-69euro per reel. So much for that plan. Are you guys still buying at these prices or are there better alternatives out there?
To me it feels like the company just doesn’t know where to position itself. They sold out quickly at 59-69 euros. To be honest I think thats a good price. Everything above there are good/better alternatives.
ZDragonBall
New User
I'm always hearing that these guys are sold out. Seriously, if you can't maintain a constant supply, you're so doomed for failure. Like who's really waiting in between months for new stock. People got to play tennis and consistent tennis to boot. If you give the people something new and they love it, you better be damn ready to give them their next hit immediately. Much like my cocaine dealer who's always found a way. At the end of the day, I'm going back to a brand that never fails to deliver because this company clearly isn't it.
I take to your point. The fact that they stopped US distribution is a big negative for me. I tend to order just-in-time (my stringing is all personal). That said, right now Tour Hex is in most of my setups so I will probably bite the bullet and order a reel or two at some point - when I'm confident I'll actually receive the reels. I did put in a plea to TW in a prior post to pick these guys up. The strings are really great and the players deserve access to this product. TW could demand that Mayami provide enough inventory to reduce the service disruption. So many of us have settled on these strings after extensive string playtests and searches - would love for TW to serve this group of players. I just don't think it makes sense for TW to force its customers to build a shopping cart with another vendor - and order a bunch of forward inventory outside of TW to boot. String is our recurring shopping cart, and the more orders we place, the better for TW. Most of us on this board are impulse buyers who will throw in more accessories and clothing into our cart - but it starts with strings. The strings are cheap enough too that there is plenty of room for margin (from me, at least). I'd pay a few extra bucks to avoid the headaches of shipping from Poland.
It sounds like some of the past dealings of Mayami didn't sit well with TW, though. I don't know enough to judge that. This brand has a cult following from demanding customers despite no marketing and uneven service. I personally have no replacement brand in my sights yet. I've had my eyes on Grapplesnake, I guess. One last nudge to TW and Mayami!
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Which better alternatives for Tour Hex @ 99 € instead of 69€ would you suggest?
ZDragonBall
New User
They **** the bed with TW though they have no problem using the TW forum, specifically this thread, as social proof that their product has validation. As for an alternative to Tour Hex, the closest thing seems to be Lynx Tour from what I've been reading. Maybe if Head had it in blue it would play exactly the same. ha
ZDragonBall, for the record, I have no affiliation with Mayami other than buying strings. That is the same for most of us on the board. There are a few that maybe are questionable, but they have denied affiliation on the board. I default to trust. Still, surely posters like Galapagos and Konstantinos are beyond any question.
Mayami is one of the few producers where I like multiple strings. They just have a really high quality (though small) lineup. I don't know why you're so bitter towards them. I will grant you that their business practices are sub-par, but there is a war going on and this appears to be a single entrepreneur. Being a challenged business is not a crime. I haven't heard of them shorting anyone on their orders or anything like that, and I haven't heard of any quality issues with the actual product. Being perpetually out-of-stock and changing distribution is a pain, but well within their rights. Some of us STILL want their strings. That should speak volumes.
Lynx Tour didn't really do it for me, but I know that series of strings is highly regarded by many. Maybe I'll try it again. It was not for me at my reference tension, but I didn't try it in a wide range. If I do eventually pickup a few reels from Mayami, I won't need more string for a very long time anyway.
I haven't heard much from US customers of Mayami - how long have deliveries taken and are they reliable from Poland?
Mayami is one of the few producers where I like multiple strings. They just have a really high quality (though small) lineup. I don't know why you're so bitter towards them. I will grant you that their business practices are sub-par, but there is a war going on and this appears to be a single entrepreneur. Being a challenged business is not a crime. I haven't heard of them shorting anyone on their orders or anything like that, and I haven't heard of any quality issues with the actual product. Being perpetually out-of-stock and changing distribution is a pain, but well within their rights. Some of us STILL want their strings. That should speak volumes.
Lynx Tour didn't really do it for me, but I know that series of strings is highly regarded by many. Maybe I'll try it again. It was not for me at my reference tension, but I didn't try it in a wide range. If I do eventually pickup a few reels from Mayami, I won't need more string for a very long time anyway.
I haven't heard much from US customers of Mayami - how long have deliveries taken and are they reliable from Poland?
ZDragonBall
New User
Well you don't have to go that far back to know that the new user Match77 is an obvious shill. But I get it, you got to pull every trick out of the bag to keep your business afloat. As for the venting, it's purely on the basis that they pulled a bait and switch by claiming they will be pricing it at 59-69 and then immediately switching to 99-109. Does a company not have the foresight to know what their retail prices should be for sustainability? Just appears to be a bunch of knee-jerk reactions with zero business acumen. I figure this feedback should only serve them to make improvements because otherwise we're just rewarding them for bad behavior.
OK. I'm not defending the business practices, though I have empathy for all of the challenges. I am defending the string, though. My Tour Hex hybrids are the first that have made me think about ending the string search entirely. I do wish they had Tour Hex in 1.28 still. I'd love to try that.
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VanDerVaart23
New User
I like Mayami because they offered me a string that I could finally call "my go to string"
They said that they won't be increasing their prices to stay competitive, but it all came to supply and demand, I guess their thought was that if the first round of tour hex at €69 sold out fast, then there is demand for it and they could increase the price. It's business and the consumer will have the choice to buy whatever they can afford or whatever they can't afford but want it anyway.
I seriously think that all the external circumstances have stopped this company from growing, getting experience and changing some of their behaviors, but man they're still up and running and that is admirable!
Welcome to the world of inflation, and whoever dislikes Mayami for any reasons, that's valid. Let's keep playing tennis, experimenting with strings, and be kind
They said that they won't be increasing their prices to stay competitive, but it all came to supply and demand, I guess their thought was that if the first round of tour hex at €69 sold out fast, then there is demand for it and they could increase the price. It's business and the consumer will have the choice to buy whatever they can afford or whatever they can't afford but want it anyway.
I seriously think that all the external circumstances have stopped this company from growing, getting experience and changing some of their behaviors, but man they're still up and running and that is admirable!
Welcome to the world of inflation, and whoever dislikes Mayami for any reasons, that's valid. Let's keep playing tennis, experimenting with strings, and be kind
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Very short clip. Unfortunately, I lost some good parts... I'll post some better hitting next time.
So far, with the Elevate's semi-open 16*20, this setup offers me:
- launch angle between Tour Hex full-bed and Machete (mains) / Tour Hex (crosses)
- more comfortable than both
- power is lower than both (close to something like Kirschbaum Max Power red - less direct feel though)
- less direct feel than both
- top spin assistance is between the other two, as expected
- playability seems to last less than both
- can hit the long and flat swing better than both, maybe (not seen on this clip)
Maybe, this setup would suit better my Powerful "Tweener" Nova and not the Elevate, because of its open gaps. Maybe, I could try it on the Nova next time.
these are some quick-fire thoughts. Happy to share feedback about other aspects.
So far, with the Elevate's semi-open 16*20, this setup offers me:
- launch angle between Tour Hex full-bed and Machete (mains) / Tour Hex (crosses)
- more comfortable than both
- power is lower than both (close to something like Kirschbaum Max Power red - less direct feel though)
- less direct feel than both
- top spin assistance is between the other two, as expected
- playability seems to last less than both
- can hit the long and flat swing better than both, maybe (not seen on this clip)
Maybe, this setup would suit better my Powerful "Tweener" Nova and not the Elevate, because of its open gaps. Maybe, I could try it on the Nova next time.
these are some quick-fire thoughts. Happy to share feedback about other aspects.
LocNetMonster
Professional
For those not in the know. Mayami is a one-man brand originally based in Ukraine. With Russia's invasion, the owner took his family and inventory out of harm's way. Not to say the owner didn't have challenges before the war, mostly understanding Western culture, running into exclusive club/retail contracts, and operating a business outside of Eastern Europe, but he was learning - albeit mostly the hard way, unfortunately.
So imagine if you will, running a business hauling around hundreds or reels of string, a wife, and a three-year-old thousands of miles in search of a new home, to put a roof over your family's head, and to keep them fed. To my knowledge, they have been refugees in at least three countries including Poland where they are now since the start of Russia's hostility, I believe. It has been several months since I have had personal communication with the owner. I am relatively sure the recent change in price structure isn't willy-nilly, but a reflection of the cost of doing business where he is now located.
"The past is the past. And the only direction in life that matters is forward. Never backwards."
-Henry “Pop” Hunter
I admire his tenacity to survive and keep moving forward facing incredible obstacles. No doubt, Mayami has a solid lineup of strings. Mayami's pricing and delivery can be frustrating for many here in the first world, but his business is fluid out of necessity, not out of neglect. While I would prefer the lower price, €99 for a reel of Tour Hex isn't terrible, it is still worth it because the string is highly underrated in terms of performance. A reel costs what four string jobs would run at either of the pro shops here in town, so buying one or two at that price is still a no-brainer.
LocNetMonster
Professional
I imagine the problem for Mayami, TruPro, and other smaller string companies not making it into TW and other major retailers is the low margin on wholesale pricing.
What? 99€ for a reel of Tour Hex isnt terrible? Its amazing, not terrible! I 'd gladly pay 140€ for Tour Hex. I 've played nearly every shaped string there is, you want a comparison? Here you go:
Hyper G : Inconsistent Laung angle, mediocre playability duration, mediocre tension maintenance.
Tour Bite : Stiff af, low playability duration : becomes super mushy
Confidential : At 5 hour mark becomes a completely different string : launchy with significant power increase, signum firestorm levels of power.
Could go on but I am bored: the only string I found to have such good tension maintenance and playability duration is poly tour spin but its super stiff!
To recap : You cant find TH's tension maintenance with such soft feel while having that good spin potential and no weird launches. Also the playability duration is off the charts, I could play it 20+ hours and easily adjust to the subtle changes may be happening( I dont notice any, only a very small boost in power).
LocNetMonster
Professional
That was a huge setback, but probably a necessary move for survival since there were rumblings of delivery issues prior to the change.
LocNetMonster
Professional
I agree with you on your review of Tour Bite and Hyper G. I haven't played with Confidential, but since we agree on the first two, I don't doubt you. Not sure I could justify 140 EUR with my player base, which is mostly college club players. Feel, tension maintenance and overall playability are why I keep two reels in stock at all times during the summer months.
I don't know any of this first hand - just from following past discussion threads, so don't take any of this as pure fact. I think the initial problem was that the owner offered free string sampler packs to the Talk Tennis discussion group, which is somewhat taboo. I don't think TW wants the racquet and string companies giving or selling anything directly here, as that undercuts them. Free playtests through TW? Fine. Giving away string and perhaps undercutting TW sales? Not good. That resulted in the Mayami guy being banned on Talk Tennis. I think he was a bit naiive and also maybe not cooperative enough with TW at the time. He has said that he since tried to offer TW very good deals with high margin to try to repair the relationship, but made no progress. I'd imagine the issues were one or more of 1) TW wanted nothing to do with him after the original infraction, 2) his response to their concerns was inadequate or maybe abrasive, 3) his ability to service an account like TW was insufficient, 4) he sells too much directly, or 5) the pricing wasn't right. I obviously would prefer that TW reconsider, but of course I don't know what their issues are in the first place. Still, if TW would take this on, it would make it easier for us not to have to deal with all of the business changes and shipping concerns. TW could just take on a bit more inventory or negotiate economics that make the extra trouble worth it to them. In turn, I wouldn't mind paying more for the strings if they were just easier to get.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
5th Tour Hex cross stays curved towards the top, like this (
I'm enjoying this Big Spin x Tour Hex more than Machete x Tour Hex, simply for the fact that the Diadem Elevate V2 FS98 with it's semi-open string pattern hits the flat ball more predictably and the launch angle is lower. Top-spin assistance is more than enough for me to hit cross court shots with safe net clearence, still not as much spin assistance as the triangular Machete. Underspin on slices is also very effective.
The stringbed feels softer now that I've played it 5 times.
In my mind, it makes total sense to put the softer polyester in the mains and the stiffer one in the crosses. The latter keeps the power level lower, enhancing control (limiting launchy response).
I'm enjoying this Big Spin x Tour Hex more than Machete x Tour Hex, simply for the fact that the Diadem Elevate V2 FS98 with it's semi-open string pattern hits the flat ball more predictably and the launch angle is lower. Top-spin assistance is more than enough for me to hit cross court shots with safe net clearence, still not as much spin assistance as the triangular Machete. Underspin on slices is also very effective.
The stringbed feels softer now that I've played it 5 times.
In my mind, it makes total sense to put the softer polyester in the mains and the stiffer one in the crosses. The latter keeps the power level lower, enhancing control (limiting launchy response).
Hi Guys, I need some help, so, I’ve been using the Big Spin/Tour Hex combo @50/48 for 3 years with the head extreme tour and it always felt amazing, no complaints at all, I recently switched to the 2023 vcore 98 because I felt so much more controlled power on my serve and groundstrokes (usually playing against 5.0-4.5) and improved my hame a lot, I strung it with the same combo/pounds and it feels really bad, tour hex under the crosses is not snapping back, balls are so short, and felt a small elbow discomfort which I never had using the extreme tour does anybody had any experience using this combo under the vcore 98? Do you think full bed of tour hex or big spin maybe @52 would be a better option? When I demoed the vcore 98 was strung with Toroline’s Kpop combo (Wasabi/Caviar) @52/50, I already have a reel of big spin and tour hex so trying to make it work with those before considering any switch, read lynx tour 17 @48 works well with the vcore 98 but I think is to stiff, any help is appreciate it.
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I really like FB Tour Hex in my VC98 '23. I string TH 1.23 @ 22.5 kg. No issues with comfort. Very controlled, lower powered, nice spin potential.
Gonna try Poly Tour Spin/Tour Hex Hybrid next.
I don't claim the expertise of some of our other stringaholics, but I have made a switch in the opposite direction - to a more powerful and less controlled racquet. I tried to transfer my favorite string combination, and adjusting tension wasn't giving me the same stringbed responsiveness/control. I was starting with 16L Barb Wire / 123 Mayami Tour Hex in a 100 in. 18x20 Speed Pro frame and switching to the 16x19 Speed MP. Eventually, I found that the better variable to change was using using thicker main to compensate for the wider string pattern. The Tour Hex already has a pretty good blend of power, control, and comfort in the crosses. For your case (if this approach holds for you), I would go to a half gauge thinner Big Spin main and maybe consider doing 49/47 tension. Mayami doesn't really have a full lineup of gauges for their strings, so you should definitely feel comfortable substituting Solinco Barb Wire. It is virtually indistinguishable to the eye, stringer, and in play with Big Spin. I actually marginally like Barb wire more. It is so slightly more crisp and controlled, and has the same bite of big spin. It is slightly less plush and bouncy, but I prefer the trade-off of predictability. Solinco carries multiple string gauges and is obviously easier to get quickly in small amounts through TW and generally on-line. Not too many local stringers carry Barb Wire as it has a niche following.
BTW, I have recently been substituting Tour Bite for Barb Wire. It is also a good main. It is slightly more predictable and controlled, it is a bit stiffer, and it has all of the spin you could ask for. I'm not sure what I'll settle on, but I'm leaning towards Tour Bite now. I haven't found a string that replaces Tour Hex yet. It has been a great cross string for me with just about any poly main I've tried, even though it doesn't fit the conventional wisdom of a round and slick poly cross.
BTW, I have recently been substituting Tour Bite for Barb Wire. It is also a good main. It is slightly more predictable and controlled, it is a bit stiffer, and it has all of the spin you could ask for. I'm not sure what I'll settle on, but I'm leaning towards Tour Bite now. I haven't found a string that replaces Tour Hex yet. It has been a great cross string for me with just about any poly main I've tried, even though it doesn't fit the conventional wisdom of a round and slick poly cross.
FrankyRelax
Professional
According to a recent post on their Instagram they are under new ownership. Interested to see what direction this takes this company
I could not find that post anywhere?
FrankyRelax
Professional
It was their most recent post but looks like they edited out the part about the new owner
Valerie
Rookie
Reviving this topic but wondering which racket and what tension did you put the Big Twist setup on? Many thanks.
what_army
Semi-Pro
It quickly sold out at those prices and the owner probably figured he could sell for more. No one believes anything he says at this point.
Nothing I ve found yet. Will check hyper g round today though.
It just feels like they dont know how and where to position themselfs. There seems to be no clear company strategy. What will happen now that they increased prices? Sales will decline and he will drop prices again probably..
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
On 08/11/2023, if I remember correctly, price for a Tour Hex reel was 69€. Should be a discount they ran back then for a brief time. Not marketed as a discount though.
what_army
Semi-Pro
Agreed.
what_army
Semi-Pro
*59€, I bought a reel.
Tennis And Anime Lover
New User
Even at 99 a reel of Tour Hex is still great value. The only quality string i could think of at a cheaper price point is TBHS7T
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
This is the exact string I would compare it to
what_army
Semi-Pro
They don’t make any of their strings but they used to sell a multi and a few synguts. I no longer see any of it in their website so they were probably discontinued.
d-quik
Hall of Fame
Is there a multi that is slippery, powerful, AND (relatively) durable? On the market today? I am starting to shop around for strings for the upcoming warm weather and the fact that there are six thousand choices is a bit unsettling...
Tennis And Anime Lover
New User
Try out Gosen Multi and or sin guts. There may be something to your liking
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Isospeed Energetic.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
For anyone interested:
Just got an email for "Buy Two any Reels 200m and get one any Free reel 200m"
B2-G2Free
Offer ends 22 of march.
Just got an email for "Buy Two any Reels 200m and get one any Free reel 200m"
B2-G2Free
Offer ends 22 of march.
Tennis And Anime Lover
New User
Dammit, bought my reel 1 week to early
jablojimski
Rookie
Have yet to try it out myself, but getting good initial feedback from stringing customers on Magic Twist in their Pure Aeros. I've also got a reel of Hit Pro I need to try. Thinking I will mainly use it for crosses based on what I've read here.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
A very good friend that tried a Tour Hex set I sent him will get 1 reel at least. I always recommend try the Big Spin x Tour Hex hybrid.Dammit, bought my reel 1 week to early
A couple others have found it a bit underpowered, which is true and it comes down to how much power assistance one needs from the stringbed for his/her playstyle.
I'm actually very interested in trying the Big Spin x Magic Twist combo also with the same racket (Diadem Elevate) I've tried the Big Spin x Tour Hex combo.
ChrisJR3264
Hall of Fame
I actually tried this hybrid.
Maybe it’s the dense pattern or that poly /poly hybrids don’t really gel for me.
Tour hex is a solid control oriented string - full bed. Had discomfort at first. Strung lower. Still not the most comfortable string - but I didn’t find any issues in performance and playability at lower tension. Not something I’d commit too long term - heck my arm was probably fatigued from playing a bit much. Overall a solid string.
