MY POLY REVIEWS

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
You mean it doesnt help the comfort or it just doesnt work for your spin hungry game lol?
it doesnt' work to get rid of the pain. and it really makes no difference in shoulder pain. I think if you have at least the mains as poly, that is what produces the bad vibrations and goes to your arm. also I have to work on keyboard all day long at work and that may contributing as well.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
When you going to custom string exactly to the fire wire/x1?
I played 2 sets with this setup today and it did not work for me. Power was too high, spin was good so was the feel but I had to adjust my strokes way too much and it affected my confidence. This setup sounds funky too in my YT prestige pro - every time I hit the ball I thought my racquet was cracking :)

I switched to my full bed of Solinco Revolution and everything fell right in place. Perhaps I have been playing with full poly for too long. I have enough string left for one more job.I will cut it out and try fw mains 57, biphase cross 60 and see how it plays.
 
Last edited:

kiteboard

Banned
I played 2 sets with this setup today and it did not work for me. Power was too high, spin was good so was the feel but I had to adjust my strokes way too much and it affected my confidence. This setup sounds funky too in my YT prestige pro - every time I hit the ball I thought my racquet was cracking :)

I switched to my full bed of Solinco Revolution and everything fell right in place. Perhaps I have been playing with full poly for too long. I have enough string left for one more job.I will cut it out and try fw mains 57, biphase cross 60 and see how it plays.
Did you follow the stringing directions, or did you string as you normally would? Also, if you leave a folded over piece of string in the last knot of the x1 crosses, you can redo them, turn the bottom into the top side, if you leave a bit extra string.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Did you follow the stringing directions, or did you string as you normally would? Also, if you leave a folded over piece of string in the last knot of the x1 crosses, you can redo them, turn the bottom into the top side, if you leave a bit extra string.
I followed your instructions in terms of stringing, thought about leaving the loop but decided against it, will redo the whole thing. Varying tensions created a softer upper part of the racquet, a "pocket" of some sort and stiffer bottom, not sure if the whole bed stabilizes over time anyway.

I was looking forward to trying this but it just didn't work for my game
 

kiteboard

Banned
I followed your instructions in terms of stringing, thought about leaving the loop but decided against it, will redo the whole thing. Varying tensions created a softer upper part of the racquet, a "pocket" of some sort and stiffer bottom, not sure if the whole bed stabilizes over time anyway.

I was looking forward to trying this but it just didn't work for my game
What exact tensions did you use on both mains and x1 crosses, string by string?
 

kiteboard

Banned
Have you had anyone else try this setup? Do you have any additional feedback?
Well, I don't think so. But you can redo just the crosses, if it was too loose or too powerful, after locking down the frame, and that was the reason for the doubled up small piece of string in the last tie off at the bottom. Ie, just do 57-39 for the first couple of strings down from 60-60-57-39-57-60, ie.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Well, I don't think so. But you can redo just the crosses, if it was too loose or too powerful, after locking down the frame, and that was the reason for the doubled up small piece of string in the last tie off at the bottom. Ie, just do 57-39 for the first couple of strings down from 60-60-57-39-57-60, ie.
I will do something else. String it as I usually do with my poly/multi hybrids 53/56. This way I will be able to tell if it is the string itself that doesn't work for me or was it the tension variations that might have created an erratic stringed.
 

bobombom

Rookie
Nice! Let me know how it plays, I really like regular BigAce. Is micro only available in 19g ?
So that was interesting. Because I was worried about my arm, I tensioned the strings at 48/46 (I normally string in high 50's low 60's), and experienced a whole new world of comfort. At the same time, I had a difficult time controlling the launch angle and depth. Normally I generate my own power, but the string ended up generating quite a bit for me. For some, this might be a favorable thing, but I personally didn't like it. That being said, the ball did tend to dive in a nasty way toward the baseline, moreso than the predictable fall of my old combination of cyclone/ogsm, so spin was a nice surprise. Serving was also great, and my flat serve was on point. My second serve traveled a bit long due to the extra power. The feel was amazing, and due to the nature of how high I normally string my racquets, this is my first time feeling what "ball pocketing" really means. Was quite nice, and comfortable on the arm. Crisp as well (though I tend to prefer more dead strings). The place where these strings shined was at net. I will admit, I'm a pretty crappy net player. I am a super aggressive baseliner who hits hard, but I normally don't get much success at the net. Given how my confidence at the baseline was a bit low yesterday due to the extra power, I was forced to the net, and for the first time in my life, I had complete control at the net. Each drop shot, volley, smash, all went exactly where I told it to. All in all, a pleasant playtest, but I'm gonna have to increase the tension quite a bit (as long as the elbow can tolerate it).

And I used the BAM 1.15. I've heard of a 1.19 out there somewhere but I've never seen it.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
So that was interesting. Because I was worried about my arm, I tensioned the strings at 48/46 (I normally string in high 50's low 60's), and experienced a whole new world of comfort. At the same time, I had a difficult time controlling the launch angle and depth. Normally I generate my own power, but the string ended up generating quite a bit for me. For some, this might be a favorable thing, but I personally didn't like it. That being said, the ball did tend to dive in a nasty way toward the baseline, moreso than the predictable fall of my old combination of cyclone/ogsm, so spin was a nice surprise. Serving was also great, and my flat serve was on point. My second serve traveled a bit long due to the extra power. The feel was amazing, and due to the nature of how high I normally string my racquets, this is my first time feeling what "ball pocketing" really means. Was quite nice, and comfortable on the arm. Crisp as well (though I tend to prefer more dead strings). The place where these strings shined was at net. I will admit, I'm a pretty crappy net player. I am a super aggressive baseliner who hits hard, but I normally don't get much success at the net. Given how my confidence at the baseline was a bit low yesterday due to the extra power, I was forced to the net, and for the first time in my life, I had complete control at the net. Each drop shot, volley, smash, all went exactly where I told it to. All in all, a pleasant playtest, but I'm gonna have to increase the tension quite a bit (as long as the elbow can tolerate it).

And I used the BAM 1.15. I've heard of a 1.19 out there somewhere but I've never seen it.
Thanks for a great review! the 1.15 is the same as 19g, I do not think Big Ace micro comes in a thinner gauge, I perhaps "micro" means the thinnest in the big ace line. Everything you describe is in line with my experience with Big Ace ( although I tried it in much thicker 1.28 gauge). I usually string my softer poly around 53lbs, it drops 3-5 lbs by the time you make it to courts anyway.

Will have to try me some Micro soon!
 

bobombom

Rookie
Yeah, it was interesting trying new string. I've used the same combo for a while now.
Next on my quest to find soft poly is silverstring. In your experience, how was the feel of silverstring for you? I prefer a deader feeling poly (such as cyclone), and was hoping to find a round string that was soft, dead (not a fan of crispy), and low-powered. Anything come to mind?
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Yeah, it was interesting trying new string. I've used the same combo for a while now.
Next on my quest to find soft poly is silverstring. In your experience, how was the feel of silverstring for you? I prefer a deader feeling poly (such as cyclone), and was hoping to find a round string that was soft, dead (not a fan of crispy), and low-powered. Anything come to mind?
If you liked Big Ace you will definitely enjoy Silverstring. I think it has better directional control, less spin, feels soft and pockets very well. It has a very unique feel. If you want a more muted, deader response try Wilson Revolve (former Ripspin) or Yonex Pro Poly Tour. Both are quite soft also.
 

Vanhalen

Professional
I've given up experimenting for a while. Too frustrating without a clear winner, for me at least.

Just sticking with Babolat Pro Hurricane 18 ga. Feels soft, lasts a while, great spin.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
I've given up experimenting for a while. Too frustrating without a clear winner, for me at least.

Just sticking with Babolat Pro Hurricane 18 ga. Feels soft, lasts a while, great spin.
I see where you are coming from, there are a lot of decent strings out there I could play with any day...

It's more of a hobby/curiosity than trying to find a holy grail of strings... I don't even think there is one that could outplay all other by a big margin.

On another note PH 18 gave me elbow issues (although it seems to be one of the less stiff polys according to tw numbers.. Smh)
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Just added Tecnifibre Pro Red code 18g to the table. It is a very stiff string even in 18g and 16x19 Prestige Pro. The string is everything you would expect from a low powered, stiff poly. It hold tension well, settles nice after 2-3hrs and is very predictable. Has above average spin and control. Gives a nice quack sound when you hit very hard, only then you can feel the string bed give in a bit creating a shallow pocket, besides that it feels like hitting with a frying pan.

It started bothering my wrist at the end of 8hrs (but was still quite playable) so I decided to cut it out and move to a softer poly for the next test (have not decided which one yet)
 

Muppet

Legend
Just added Tecnifibre Pro Red code 18g to the table. It is a very stiff string even in 18g and 16x19 Prestige Pro. The string is everything you would expect from a low powered, stiff poly. It hold tension well, settles nice after 2-3hrs and is very predictable. Has above average spin and control. Gives a nice quack sound when you hit very hard, only then you can feel the string bed give in a bit creating a shallow pocket, besides that it feels like hitting with a frying pan.

It started bothering my wrist at the end of 8hrs (but was still quite playable) so I decided to cut it out and move to a softer poly for the next test (have not decided which one yet)
Pro Red Code with a little more cushion is Red Devil.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Pro Red Code with a little more cushion is Red Devil.
Thats right, someone mentioned it here on the forum when I was researching red code, have you tried both yourself? Pro's Pro is not that easy to get in the US might get some samples when I travel to Europe soon
 

Muppet

Legend
Thats right, someone mentioned it here on the forum when I was researching red code, have you tried both yourself? Pro's Pro is not that easy to get in the US might get some samples when I travel to Europe soon
I did a google search for "red devil tennis string" and the second link was for the Pro's Pro US distributor.
 

bobombom

Rookie
If you liked Big Ace you will definitely enjoy Silverstring. I think it has better directional control, less spin, feels soft and pockets very well. It has a very unique feel. If you want a more muted, deader response try Wilson Revolve (former Ripspin) or Yonex Pro Poly Tour. Both are quite soft also.
Tried some YPTP 1.20 at a high tension tonight. 'Twas glorious :)
Thanks for the recommendation!
 

bobombom

Rookie
It is a sweet string. What tension did you use and what stick?
I used it prestrecthed at 55, so it felt a bit stiffer. When stringing the crosses, it felt super slick against the mains, so that was a huge plus. At the baseline, super plush feeling, kinda dead (which I like), and a large oval shaped sweet spot that made a huge thwack when I hit it right. Ball dove down at the baseline just like the BAM, but the sweetspot was definitely bigger and I had more directional control. Power was also good, but I personally like really low-powered strings. I'd say these are medium powered at that tension. Serves were huge, and the sound that it made coming off the stringbed was crazy. My flat serves usually clock between 118-122, and I'd say this felt a bit faster (though you never know), but one difference I definitely saw was the ball bounce off the court was a lot lower than I'm used to. I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing, but regardless, that's what I saw. My kicks normally don't kick that much, but a good amount of kick yesterday. One knock I have is when I hit outside of the sweetspot, it made the ball balloon and go super shallow, so it was easy points for my opponent, but considering how large the sweetspot felt, I can't complain. I'm happy, and I think I have my new long term string. I was gonna test a bunch more, but I think my consistency suffers a bit every time I change strings..
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
I used it prestrecthed at 55, so it felt a bit stiffer. When stringing the crosses, it felt super slick against the mains, so that was a huge plus. At the baseline, super plush feeling, kinda dead (which I like), and a large oval shaped sweet spot that made a huge thwack when I hit it right. Ball dove down at the baseline just like the BAM, but the sweetspot was definitely bigger and I had more directional control. Power was also good, but I personally like really low-powered strings. I'd say these are medium powered at that tension. Serves were huge, and the sound that it made coming off the stringbed was crazy. My flat serves usually clock between 118-122, and I'd say this felt a bit faster (though you never know), but one difference I definitely saw was the ball bounce off the court was a lot lower than I'm used to. I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing, but regardless, that's what I saw. My kicks normally don't kick that much, but a good amount of kick yesterday. One knock I have is when I hit outside of the sweetspot, it made the ball balloon and go super shallow, so it was easy points for my opponent, but considering how large the sweetspot felt, I can't complain. I'm happy, and I think I have my new long term string. I was gonna test a bunch more, but I think my consistency suffers a bit every time I change strings..
It takes me roughly a month to get used to a new racquet, perhaps a bit less for a new string. I have a set of this string in black, I am glad to hear it works for you in 18x20 pattern. Will string thisbup next.

I played with it few years ago in an Aeorpro Drive and found that it lost tension initially by a little too much that i liked and turned the racquet into a cannon, so i cut it out and never got back to it. But i remember enjoying the feel and control for the first 2-3hrs. Maybe prestretching will do the trick. The good thing about 18x20 patterns is that even with tension loss in poly they still tend to play a lot more stable than open patterns.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
I used it prestrecthed at 55, so it felt a bit stiffer. When stringing the crosses, it felt super slick against the mains, so that was a huge plus. At the baseline, super plush feeling, kinda dead (which I like), and a large oval shaped sweet spot that made a huge thwack when I hit it right. Ball dove down at the baseline just like the BAM, but the sweetspot was definitely bigger and I had more directional control. Power was also good, but I personally like really low-powered strings. I'd say these are medium powered at that tension. Serves were huge, and the sound that it made coming off the stringbed was crazy. My flat serves usually clock between 118-122, and I'd say this felt a bit faster (though you never know), but one difference I definitely saw was the ball bounce off the court was a lot lower than I'm used to. I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing, but regardless, that's what I saw. My kicks normally don't kick that much, but a good amount of kick yesterday. One knock I have is when I hit outside of the sweetspot, it made the ball balloon and go super shallow, so it was easy points for my opponent, but considering how large the sweetspot felt, I can't complain. I'm happy, and I think I have my new long term string. I was gonna test a bunch more, but I think my consistency suffers a bit every time I change strings..
It takes me roughly a month to get used to a new racquet, perhaps a bit less for a new string. I have a set of this string in black, I am glad to hear it works for you in 18x20 pattern. Will string thisbup next.

I played with it few years ago in an Aeorpro Drive and found that it lost tension initially by a little too much that i liked and turned the racquet into a cannon, so i cut it out and never got back to it. But i remember enjoying the feel and control for the first 2-3hrs. Maybe prestretching will do the trick. The good thing about 18x20 patterns is that even with tension loss in poly they still tend to play a lot more stable than open patterns.
 

bobombom

Rookie
It takes me roughly a month to get used to a new racquet, perhaps a bit less for a new string. I have a set of this string in black, I am glad to hear it works for you in 18x20 pattern. Will string thisbup next.

I played with it few years ago in an Aeorpro Drive and found that it lost tension initially by a little too much that i liked and turned the racquet into a cannon, so i cut it out and never got back to it. But i remember enjoying the feel and control for the first 2-3hrs. Maybe prestretching will do the trick. The good thing about 18x20 patterns is that even with tension loss in poly they still tend to play a lot more stable than open patterns.
Yeah, I've only had it in the stick for a day, so who knows, the tension loss could be pretty bad. Also, if I'm not mistaken, the 1.20 only comes in yellow, so maybe you have the 1.25 in black? I also experimented with a tension differential of 55/48, and I felt like spin improved, but who even knows. I'm not usually that sensitive to that kind of thing. Also, in regards to 18x20, I've never felt like the spin was inferior to open patterns, but closed patterns give me much more control and a more predictable string bed. Maybe I missed it in an earlier post, but what are you currently using?
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Yeah, I've only had it in the stick for a day, so who knows, the tension loss could be pretty bad. Also, if I'm not mistaken, the 1.20 only comes in yellow, so maybe you have the 1.25 in black? I also experimented with a tension differential of 55/48, and I felt like spin improved, but who even knows. I'm not usually that sensitive to that kind of thing. Also, in regards to 18x20, I've never felt like the spin was inferior to open patterns, but closed patterns give me much more control and a more predictable string bed. Maybe I missed it in an earlier post, but what are you currently using?
completely agreed on the 18x20 spin part. I've played on Playsight courts with Pure Strike Tour 18x20 and I had equal or more spin reading than Prestige Pro 16x19. I also like the stability of a closed pattern, just string it much lower and the power is there too. Currently I am using Head Pro Tour 630, Pure Strike Tour (both 18x20) and sometimes Prestige Pro (16x19).
Just double checked - yes it is black in 1.25 (16l), they only do yellow in 1.20. Will see how it plays in the Pro Tour. I have Solinco Revolution 18g in it now strung at 50lb and it plays like a dream.
 

bobombom

Rookie
completely agreed on the 18x20 spin part. I've played on Playsight courts with Pure Strike Tour 18x20 and I had equal or more spin reading than Prestige Pro 16x19. I also like the stability of a closed pattern, just string it much lower and the power is there too. Currently I am using Head Pro Tour 630, Pure Strike Tour (both 18x20) and sometimes Prestige Pro (16x19).
Just double checked - yes it is black in 1.25 (16l), they only do yellow in 1.20. Will see how it plays in the Pro Tour. I have Solinco Revolution 18g in it now strung at 50lb and it plays like a dream.
I loved demoing the Pure strike tour, except for a tinny feeling every time I hit a ball. I took the plunge and just bought a reel of YPTP 1.20 haha.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
I loved demoing the Pure strike tour, except for a tinny feeling every time I hit a ball. I took the plunge and just bought a reel of YPTP 1.20 haha.
Nice. I travel to Europe quite a lot so I am looking into strings that I can buy a lot cheaper there. A reel of yptp is less than $100, weiscannon and signum pro are like a third of what it costs in the US, some Babolat strings are pretty cheap too.

That tinny feel dissapears when strung with a soft poly at low tensions. i tried a bunch of string combinations in it. Silverstring @48lb plays great, seems like the whole stick is one big fat sweetspot :
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
The Pro Red Code destroyed my wrist. Had to take some time off, need to take it easy for a while. I will not go into any poly over 200 stiffness anytime soon. Strung up Klip Legend 17/Silverstring and a full bed of Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25, will test it out as soon as this damn snowstorm gets out of my way
 
Last edited:

bobombom

Rookie
The Pro Red Code destroyed my wrist. Had to take some time off, need to take it easy for a while. I will not go into any poly over 200 stiffness anytime soon. Strung up Klip Legend 17/Silverstring and a full bed of Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25, will test it out as soon as this damn storm gets out of my way
Sorry about the wrist. And dang, the price difference of YPTP between here and Europe is insane... Not to brag but..all sun and fun down here is Texas :)
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Sorry about the wrist. And dang, the price difference of YPTP between here and Europe is insane... Not to brag but..all sun and fun down here is Texas :)
The wrist is much better after a week. Can you play outdoors all year long in Texas?
 

bobombom

Rookie
The wrist is much better after a week. Can you play outdoors all year long in Texas?
The summers can get quite hot, but you can play if you're motivated enough. Winter's are anywhere from the 50's to 80's, and it cycles somewhat randomly. No sign of any snowstorm down here just yet.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
The summers can get quite hot, but you can play if you're motivated enough. Winter's are anywhere from the 50's to 80's, and it cycles somewhat randomly. No sign of any snowstorm down here just yet.
Yet another reason to move out of NYC
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
I was out for a little while with a wrist injury. Strung up some Klip gut mains Alu Power crosses and the pain is gone. The Pro Red Code seriously destroyed my wrist, I must stay away from really stiff poly.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Added Head Lynx 1.25 black to the list. It is a decent poly but nothing stands out aside from soft feel. Spin is ok, power is average, control was so so. If you just hit through the court, rely on loopy strokes and like a poly on a softer side this is your string. I will not be buying more due to the lack of control and average tension maintenance. Started notching after 1 hour, it was gone in 4hrs of heavy hitting.
 
Last edited:

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Just finished stringing a set of Tourna BHB7. A lot of folks seem to love it. Great spin and soft but the worst tension maintenance according to TW. I tried to play with it couple of years back but the damn thing snapped on the machine while stringing. Giving it one more chance. Lets see how it performs.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Curious about your thoughts about BHB7. Could you compare to Solinco Rev?
Just added it to the table. I really wanted to love this string but I couldn't. If there is such thing as "too much spin" then BHB7 is just that. It seems like it grabs the ball too much and I had trouble figuring out trajectory at times. It has a plasticky feel and generally I just felt disconnected with the ball, there are a lot of strings out there with much better control. Kick serves worked exceptionally well here and comfort was high, but that's about it. I cut it out after 6 hrs ( 4 sets with warm up ), tension loss was so so, it started moving a lot at the end of 4th set.

Solinco Revolution is a string on a completely different level. It is firm but plush, and keeps its characteristics throughout it's life (plays fine for 8-10 hrs then dies). It's edges are not as sharp as BHB7 but spin is almost as good. It really just does everything better.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Below is my report from the TW playlets of Kirschbaum Pro Line II Rough:



I gave this string a solid beatdown. 1hr min ball machine to figure out how it plays and let it settle followed by 4 sets with a couple of short warmups.

Tension(s) used for playtest - 53lbs

Regular string set up - WeissCannon Silverstring 1.20 53lbs or Solinco Revolution 18g 55/53/lbs

Racquet brand and model used for test - Babolat PureAero

Power of test string
- I found The Pro Line II Rough above average in terms of power from the get-go. The fact the PureAero is a quite powerful stick did not help. Power increased dramatically over the life of the string to the point I needed to significantly adjust my strokes to keep the ball in which made me less and less confident to go for my shots - more on that under tension maintenance.

Feel - it has a slightly muted feel at impact, it gives a nice "thwack" sound when you really go for your shots and pockets ok. I've hit with strings that felt a lot better, I can't say I felt really connected to the ball.

Spin - Not as great as expected. The rough texture was gone in less than 2 hours and it became just an average poly in terms of spin. The spin is adequate at the beginning but much less than some other "rough" strings I have tried in the past and definitely much less than any shaped poly. Overall a disappointment in this area.

Comfort - My wrist can be sensitive specifically when using firmer racquets. This string caused no pain or discomfort at all even when hit really hard or mishit a few times.

Durability - The string did not break which surprised me because it looked like it was good to go after the 3rd set. It started moving after 5 hrs, the rough surface disappeared after 2 hrs. It became unplayable after 6hrs and I cut it out.

Playability Duration - some poly will lose some tension and settle, some just dies in 2hrs other just keeps on losing tension. I feel like Pro Line II rough is in the 3rd group. It had a good start and played ok when it was fresh but quickly things went downhill. It still felt ok and wasn't dead but lost a lot of tension and quickly turned into a rocket launcher, depth control suffered, I had trouble keeping the ball in after 2 hrs. I did not feel confident with this string at all.

Control - Directional control above average. Trajectory control changed dramatically after 2hrs and got worse over time - I had trouble keeping the ball in court.

Compare to the string you use most often - WeissCannon Silverstring has better feel and control, much better tension maintenance and less spin. Solinco Revolution plays a lot more solid and has tons of spin in comparison. It is also very predictable throughout it's lifetime.


Tension recommendations - If I tried this again I would have to go up 4-5 lbs maybe even more, but I never string poly more than 55lbs due to arm/wrist problems in the past. It does lose tension quickly and starts moving after about 5 hrs.

List any additional thoughts - Comfort is probably the only things about this string that stands out. Overall I must admit I am disappointed with it. When I test new strings I usually ask myself "what are the odds that I would buy a reel of this thing?" and in the case of Pro Line II the odds are very low. My hopes and expectations of a newly marketed product are that it would be superior to its predecessor but it turns out it is not the case. After trying many polyesters over the years I can tell you that you can easily find much better performing strings both new and ones that have been on the market for a very long time.

Looking forward to TW review
 
Top