My Search for the Perfect Poly - Any Suggestions?

[ebster]

Thanks ahead of time for any advice shared - You guys are awesome!

First, a little background on me. I am a Div. 1 college tennis player (2nd year) with a NTRP rating around 5.5. I have 6+ years of stringing experience for a retail shop and for my school's men's and women's teams. Through this time I have tried a variety of strings and have been playing with a full poly since the start of my first year of college tennis. I had been using the prince diablo mid and recently switched to the new prince rebel 95. My usual string life is around one week(around 15-20 hours of play) during season. All my reviews and opinions below are just that; my own personal opinion. I am a true believer that there are so many different factors in tennis gamestyles, strokes, rackets etc. that strings can play very different for each person.

The three characteristics I am most concerned about in a string are:

tension maintenance - since strings don't last me that long, I just need something that will play consistent while it is in my frame. Along with this it can't have too long of a break-in period as I constantly have to switch to a freshly strung frame mid-match.

Control - this is what I love about poly's in general, and I am looking for a string that will have a lot of it. I don't need a powerful poly as I generate a lot of pace with my fast strokes, and I'm not as concerned with touch, feel etc. as I am with maximizing control.

Stiffness - I don't need a comfort poly, but I also can't handle a super stiff 1st gen. poly-ish string that will be too harsh in my racket's 18x20 frame.


Here is a list of strings I have tried so far:

Pro Supex Big Ace - One of my favorites in the old diablo, but it the rebel it feels a little "plasticky" and the sweet spot seems to of had shrunk. I experimented with different tensions but this string just doesn't feel as good in my new frame. String also notched quickly and quite badly; part of the blame for this may lie in the tighter string pattern.

Pro Supex Blue Gear - Awesome spin, I do believe any texture in string will give you a little more bite and spin, but my gripe with blue gear (any any other textured string) is that after an hour or two of hitting I wear down the "gears" and the string-bed plays inconsistently. For this reason I am not looking for any textured poly.

Prince Tour - The team string for my school, and a decent all around poly, but when compared to the other current co-poly's on the market it just falls short in almost every aspect. Long break-in, decent control, stiff feel, loses tension faster than others.

Isospeed Baseline - Not a big fan of this string in a full string job. I know I shouldn't have had high expectations for a string thats $40 for a reel, but similar to Prince tour it just seems to lack in every category. Stiff, a lot of string movement, decent control. I would recommend this for someone looking for a super economical hybrid setup with this and something like gosen og micro.

Topspin Cyber Blue - I liked this string, but it is just too far on the soft and mushy side of the poly spectrum for my gamestyle. I need something with a little crisper response off of the string bed. This would be great for those making the initial switch to poly strings. Have had issues with early snapping from miss-hits same as cyberflash; see below.

Topspin Cyberflash - I felt like this was a good playing string, especially for its price, but I have had issues with premature snapping both on the stringing machine and within the initial hour or two of hitting from a framed shot. I know many can reassure me that perhaps I got a bad reel and that this snapping isn't common, but with my own personal experience I don't think I will try this route again.

Luxilon Strings - Awesome line of strings that play great initially but too expensive for a college kid like me. Maybe some day.

Signum Pro Poly Plasma (SPPP) - This is currently in one of my frames, and I like more than anything else I have tried to date, but I still don't think it is "the one". That said, it has played consistently since coming off the stringer and I feel like I have a decent amount of control in a not too stiff string bed. I am not crazy about the "muted" feel of these strings and ultimately would be looking for something crisper.


I just strung up 3 frames with each of these strings for my next tests:

MSV Focus - Great price and from reviews it seems like MSV is putting forth a great line of strings. Haven't tried any MSV yet, and I am not interested in the HEX because I'm not into textured strings. I have high hopes for this string.

MSV Focus Evo - Just want to compare this side by side to the regular focus to see if the extra buck makes a difference.

Weisscannon Matchpower - I have read great reviews of all the Weisscannon strings and I am excited to try out matchpower. I was first attracted to the price, but I now see that I am going to want to try out WC's flagship Silverstring too. Seems like this company is onto something.. hardly no negative reviews on the boards.


I will post results after hitting with these three for any and all that are interested. I have all three strung up at 57 lbs in my EXO3 Rebel 95's.


Lastly, I am trying to compile a final list of possible strings to try:

Weisscannon Silverstring

Weisscannon Scorpion

Any other suggestions / ideas?

I would like to keep the price around or under $100 a reel, but if I fall in love with a string and I think its performance warrants a few more bucks I may have to stretch my budget.

Please feel free to add any comments or questions you may have.

I will post mini-reviews of the Focus, Focus Evo and Matchpower after hitting with them on Friday.

Thanks!

 

[saram]

SPPP....ten char.

 

[dugger5688]

I can tell you I LOVE MSV focus, you have to string it fairly loose though. I moved from a previous poly @ 58 mains/ syn gut @ 60 cross to 53 mains/ 55 cross when I switched. It offers amazing pocketing at these low tensions, and doesn't suck at net. I also use a diablo leaded up to feel more like the new frames. I know some people complain about MSV focus not being as durable, but most of these people I see are using either the 17 or 18 gauge, which obviously will break quickly.

By the way, I use the hex, and I really don't think it makes an ounce of difference for PLAYERS.

 

[emmyc]

Try the new Topspin Concept Pure. Great feel, the best tension maintenance of any poly I've used (and I've tried a bunch) and easy on the arm.

 

[ebster]

I can tell you I LOVE MSV focus, you have to string it fairly loose though. I moved from a previous poly @ 58 mains/ syn gut @ 60 cross to 53 mains/ 55 cross when I switched. It offers amazing pocketing at these low tensions, and doesn't suck at net. I also use a diablo leaded up to feel more like the new frames. I know some people complain about MSV focus not being as durable, but most of these people I see are using either the 17 or 18 gauge, which obviously will break quickly.

By the way, I use the hex, and I really don't think it makes an ounce of difference for PLAYERS.

Diablo is a great frame, eh? Thanks for your advice.. It is nice to hear some love for the MSV, as I am very excited to try it out myself. I usually string poly's around 59, so I took the tension drop into account after reading reviews on the boards, so we will see how it feels at 57. I will let you know how it goes.

 

[ebster]

Try the new Topspin Concept Pure. Great feel, the best tension maintenance of any poly I've used (and I've tried a bunch) and easy on the arm.

thanks for the recommendation.. I was just checking out this string and the only reason I am apprehensive is a lot of the feedback have linked it to the soft, mushy feel of the cyber blue.. do you not agree? If it plays a little crisper /stiffer it might be worth a try for me.

Also, I have had bad luck with topspin strings breaking prematurely.. maybe I can get over my past experiences and give 'em another shot.

 

[ebster]

anything else I should add to my short list? I want to make sure I am not missing anything else out there that may make my criteria.

 

[gastro54]

Looking forward to hear how the MSV strings compare to big ace and cyber blue

 

[vasquez90]

defintitely review/include the new Prince Poly EXP - that is what came in my EXO3 Rebel Team.

 

[jrod]

WC Silver String meets most of the criteria you've specified, however you may find it too soft at the lower tensions. I string mine around 53 lbs (crosses) and it is pretty comfortable. Tension maintenance is excellent for a poly, as is control. I have heard some say this string tops out in terms of power, but at my level (4.0+) this is not an issue. It doesn't sound like you are overly concerned with power anyway. It's certainly worth trying.

Let us know what you settle on.

 

[NickC]

From my own experience and from what others have said as well, I reccomend Polystar Energy. It's fairly soft and it plays very, very well and holds tension quite nicely.

 

[ebster]

defintitely review/include the new Prince Poly EXP - that is what came in my EXO3 Rebel Team.

How do you like it so far? Any comparison to other similar poly's? I saw that string but I just can't afford/justify $190 for a reel.

 

[Kevo]

You should try Kirschbaum Competition. It's basically like a slightly stiffer CyberBlue IMO. I like the feel of CyberBlue slightly better myself, but Comp is a little better in durability and control IMO. It tends to suit a big hitting baseliner type game.

It's a bit more expensive, but in a reel it's less than $8 if you're frugal with the string lengths.

 

[nbalagu]

I suggest to try a hybrid instead of pure poly.

I'v been playing tennis for around 28 years and tried too many strings to list. Note that this includes Leonia 66 on a Jack Cramer Autograph Wilson... Today, based on my latest experience and personal preference I tend to enjoy a hybrid string with polys on the mains and a softer string such as synthetic/multifilament on the crosses. In result string will not last as long as a pure poly, due to the fact that the cross string will break sooner then the poly, however, the feel of the string is great. Although the cost of this is higher, to me it is more important to protect my arm/elbow from any pain due to stiff stringbed. Please give these a try and let us know what you think:
Main: MSV Co.-Focus 16L (1.27) - Price: 7.49 (Blue or Gold)
Crosses: Yonex Tour Super 880 Ti Soft 16L - Price: 8.95

 

[Dags]

WC Silverstring is a must try. Prior to that I tried out WC Repulse, and SS was much better in pretty much every department. It's a very good string.

The other that has stood out for me is Tecnifibre Pro Red Code. A little over your budget ($135 on TW for the reel), but an excellent string.

Of these two, I prefer Red Code. From your comments, I suspect you may side with Silverstring. If you try both, it'd be interesting to know the outcome.

 

[ebster]

I'v been playing tennis for around 28 years and tried too many strings to list. Note that this includes Leonia 66 on a Jack Cramer Autograph Wilson... Today, based on my latest experience and personal preference I tend to enjoy a hybrid string with polys on the mains and a softer string such as synthetic/multifilament on the crosses. In result string will not last as long as a pure poly, due to the fact that the cross string will break sooner then the poly, however, the feel of the string is great. Although the cost of this is higher, to me it is more important to protect my arm/elbow from any pain due to stiff stringbed. Please give these a try and let us know what you think:
Main: MSV Co.-Focus 16L (1.27) - Price: 7.49 (Blue or Gold)
Crosses: Yonex Tour Super 880 Ti Soft 16L - Price: 8.95

thanks for your advice and input, and believe me, if I could make a hybrid last, I would use one, but every hybrid combination I have tried with a variety of poly's in the mains and different synthetic's and multi's in the crosses (even durable ones) won't last me more than two hours, which is just too low.

 

[ebster]

WC Silverstring is a must try. Prior to that I tried out WC Repulse, and SS was much better in pretty much every department. It's a very good string.

The other that has stood out for me is Tecnifibre Pro Red Code. A little over your budget ($135 on TW for the reel), but an excellent string.

Of these two, I prefer Red Code. From your comments, I suspect you may side with Silverstring. If you try both, it'd be interesting to know the outcome.

dags - thanks for your comments on SS; I am very excited to give this string a try. I also appreciate you mentioning repulse, which I looked at because of its cheaper price but will skip over it and just go for the best in their line (SS).

I have toyed with the thought of buying a set of red code, and I hear you loud and clear about how good it is. My current stance is that if after I test the other strings closer to budget I still am not happy I will up my budget and try redcode - Also, my college team is cosidering switching to having redcode as our team string next year, which would be a convenient and nice upgrade.

 

[ebster]

Update

So here is my current and update plan of attack:

Friday - Have a ball machine to try MSV Focus, MSV Focus Evo, Weisscannon Matchpower for the first time and compare them to the SPPP that is in my fourth frame.

Saturday - Playing 3+ competitive sets with which ever string I like the most from the night before. This will help me gauge tension maintenance, durability and notching.

Next Week - Keep my favored setup thus far and cut out the others to replace with Weisscannon Silverstring and up to two other strings that I am still trying to determine.

Thanks to all those that have provided input - my goal is to narrow down to two more options for that final set of four to test and hopefully reach a final conclusion.

I will provide updates as I make my way through the process!

 

[nyc]

One more for Silverstring - keep coming back to it- and Lux BBO - you can find it occasionally on the auction site for a good price - but given your level, you might actually find some joy in a relatively dead string like Kirsch Competition, so I would add that one too.

Also, Kirschbaum is pretty good about partial/full sponsorships - something to consider.

 

[ebster]

First String Test Results

Alright, so I just got back from my string playtest session with a ball machine comparing MSV Focus, MSV Focus Evo and Weisscannon Matchpower. To re-cap, my favorite going into this test was Signum Pro Poly Plasma. I spent 15 minutes on each frame with basic ground strokes and volleys, hit a bunch of serves with each racket, then I eliminated my least favorite and went an additional 10 minutes with each frame with fast, random ground strokes that moved me all over the baseline.


Here are the results:

MSV Focus (1.27) - This was the string I wanted to like the most (the attractive price), but ended up being my least favorite of the group. The first thing that turned me off of this string was the long break-in period. It took a solid 5-10 minutes of hitting on the machine before the strings "settled in". I know this may not sound like a lot, but when I pop a string mid-match I can't afford to waste a couple games getting the strings broken in. That said, once I passed this point this string had great control and was the stiffest of the three strings while not being uncomfortable on the arm. The closest string I could compare it to is a little bit stiffer and less powerful version of big ace. Similar to big ace, I felt that this string fell into the category of poly's that play great in the dead middle sweet spot, but lack that same feel outside of the small area. Lastly I want to comment on durabilty / movement. This is the only of the three to show signs of notching already, and there is some slight string movement after the initial hit.

MSV Focus EVO (1.25) - First, to those who are wondering, there is a definite difference between the regular Focus and the Evo. The Evo is a little softer while still maintaining the same level of control. It also seemed to have a shorter break-in period before the string bed felt "right". Like the regular focus, this string felt awesome in the sweet spot - actually, even better than the focus. The same inconsistent stringbed held, though, with the Evo's softer feel helping to compensate for the lack of pop and control as you stray from the center. Lastly, holy string movement batman! Even after the first 15 minute hit I found myself constantly having to straighten and adjust, something I hadn't had to deal with up to this point with any full poly job in my dense 18x20 frame. That said, there is minimal notching in the strings, but this movement makes me doubt that the strings would make it my normal string life.

Weisscannon Matchpower (1.25) - Wow. This is a nice playing poly. Most simply I would describe it as a little bit stiffer version of SPPP. It was good to go from the first few shots, and had a very consistent stringbed that was very playable even outside the very middle. Soft-ish feel while avoiding the "muted" feel of SPPP and not being nearly as soft as something like Topspin Cyber Blue. Great control and pop even at fast speeds on the serve, which I can hit around 125-130 mph. The instance that really set this apart was at the end when I had fast-fed balls moving me around. I could absorb, apply power with fast swing speed and redirect the ball without any compromise to control.


- Conclusion -

Matchpower wins this round hands down. It blended the qualities I like from SPPP with a little stiffer feel and more control, especially at higher speeds. I have read on the boards and elsewhere that the Weisscannon line are better quality poly's than the majority of those out there, and I am now seeing this first-hand. THe matchpower seems to be in league with the Luxilon line and (this is just my opinion) just play above and beyond any of the other sub-$100 per reel poly's I have tried so far.

My only small gripe, which I think may be solved by trying Silverstring, is that the Matchpower may still be slightly on the soft side.



So here is my plan from here:

Tomorrow - Play a couple sets with Matchpower. Will update on playibility, movement, notching etc.

Next Week - Go through similar process and compare Matchpower with 2-3 other strings; see below.


My Updated Short List:

Weisscannon Matchpower (current favorite)

Weisscannon Silverstring

Tecnifibre Pro Red Code (?)

Kirschbaum Competition (?)

Open to any other suggestions / agreement of any of those listed above.

Also, if anyone wants me to compare any of the strings I have tried to one another, just let me know!

Thanks!

 

[jdub486]

try polyfibre tcs rapid

Try the Polyfibre TCS rapid. Softest, most responsive poly I have found. I have used Pro Red Code, Hurricane Tour, Lux ALU, Prince Tour, Wilson Enduro, Lux TiMo, Pro Supex Blue Gear, and original polyfibre tcs. The TCS rapid has great spin, soft feel, a lot of power, and good control. I would string it 2-3 lbs higher than luxilon or the like. Best cross I have found is Prince Premier LT, but if your cheap and breaking a lot of strings you mite like Babolat super fine play.

 

[ebster]

Try the Polyfibre TCS rapid. Softest, most responsive poly I have found. I have used Pro Red Code, Hurricane Tour, Lux ALU, Prince Tour, Wilson Enduro, Lux TiMo, Pro Supex Blue Gear, and original polyfibre tcs. The TCS rapid has great spin, soft feel, a lot of power, and good control. I would string it 2-3 lbs higher than luxilon or the like. Best cross I have found is Prince Premier LT, but if your cheap and breaking a lot of strings you mite like Babolat super fine play.

Thanks for your advice, but if it is a very soft poly, then it probably isn't what I am looking for.. I want something stiffer that will maximize control. Also, I can't do hybrids.. don't last me more than 2 hours, so everything im testing in a full poly string job.

 

[ebster]

things just got more complicated..

So this changes things.. I was at a local tennis chain (they do golf as well..) and they had sets of Big Banger Original Rough for $6.50! Needless to say this is a huge discount for a string that was way out of my price range, so I bought up all 13 sets they had.

I have hit with this string before and loved it. just couldn't afford it. Unfortunately my hitting partner canceled on me today so I will have to wait till Monday to play again, but I will playtest and compare the BBO rough with the Weisscannon matchpower.

 

[tennisfreak15347]

I definitely suggest you try tecnifibre pro redcode atleast once; it is quite a unique poly. the price at $12 may scare you, but I know a place to get a brand new reel for around $115. you can email me if you like the string and would like to buy the reel.

 

[In)SpiRe]

I definitely suggest you try tecnifibre pro redcode atleast once; it is quite a unique poly. the price at $12 may scare you, but I know a place to get a brand new reel for around $115. you can email me if you like the string and would like to buy the reel.

Hey tennisfreak, have you tried the Black code yet? It seems like you've been playing with full Red Code for a while. Are you interested in switching any?

 

[tenis]

I think the Weisscannon is much better string than Matchpower, IMO.

 

[ebster]

I think the Weisscannon is much better string than Matchpower, IMO.

Matchpower is a weisscannon string.. what comparison are you trying to make?

 

[dgdawg]

nBlade 106

M-SPPP 1.18
X-VS Team

Simply put: nirvana

 

[ebster]

I definitely suggest you try tecnifibre pro redcode atleast once; it is quite a unique poly. the price at $12 may scare you, but I know a place to get a brand new reel for around $115. you can email me if you like the string and would like to buy the reel.

You are the second person today to recommend pro red code, and at $115 it really isn't too bad. I think I might have to add it to my short list.



Currently here is the situation:

1. I have a frame strung with Weisscannon Matchpower, and I liked it a lot. It is my new favorite.

2. I bought 13 sets of Luxilon Big Banger Original Rough today for cheap. This is a try I haven't played with for a while, but the time I tested it I really liked it. My concern with this string is what do I do after I play through these 13 sets.. It will be hard to justify paying the full price.

3. I have the Weisscannon trifecta sampler on its way to me so I can try Silverstring and Scorpion out.


I am hoping the original rough will play nicely and possibly last me longer than a typical poly setup, making it two weeks instead of the regular one. I am also toying with the idea of trying a Big Banger Original Rough / Matchpower hybrid.. this would stretch my sets of BBO, slightly soften the stringbed, and lead me to possibly come to terms with buying more BBO after I run out.

These are the five setups I will be comparing next:

1. Full set of Weisscannon Matchpower

2. Full set of Big Banger Original Rough

3. Full set of Weisscannon Superstring

4. Hybrid of BBO Rough / Matchpower

5. Full set of Tecnifibre Pro Red Code


I am open to advice / comments on my plan of action

 

[DennisK]

If you liked the SPPP, then you may want to give their new Blackline Hyperion and Blackline Tornado strings a try.

 

[2ndserveace]

If you liked the SPPP, then you may want to give their new Blackline Hyperion and Blackline Tornado strings a try.

All I've heard about these so far is that they are awesome. If you try them, post a review here.

 

[tenis]

Matchpower is a weisscannon string.. what comparison are you trying to make?

Sorry - correction:
I think the Weisscannon SILVERSTRING is much better than Matchpower, IMO.

 

[NovakWannabe]

Try Pacific Poly Force. The spin is great and so is the durability.

 

[Lefty78]

Silverstring, Silverstring, Silverstring!!!!!!!!!

 

[Kal-El 34]

i have a reel of hyperion if anyone wants to trade and try it

 

[In)SpiRe]

i have a reel of hyperion if anyone wants to trade and try it

Have you tried it yet? If so, how does it play?

 

[ebster]

i have a reel of hyperion if anyone wants to trade and try it

any comparison of this string to the others I am liking / considering (big banger original rough, weisscannon strings, SPPP)?

thanks!

 

[ebster]

Update

So I just went out and hit with Big Banger Original Rough vs. Weisscannon Silverstring vs. Weisscannon Matchpower, and here are my thoughts:

Big Banger Original Rough - Wow. This is why the pros use this stuff. This is by far my favorite of the setups. Before anyone is too quick to remind me about the fateful "honeymoon period" of these strings, I know that they have a reputation of going dead rather quickly, and I will monitor the tension loss / feel as I continue to hit with this setup this week. I still believe that (assuming the tension loss isn't too horrible) my ideal setup for both playability and cost would be to hybrid BBO rough mains with Matchpower crosses.


Weisscannon Silverstring - I can see why so many people recommend this string, and if tested without the BBO with it I may pick this as my top string. The downside (for me) was that it took longer to break in and any off center shots were really stiff and harsh on the arm. That said, when keeping the ball in the middle of the strings I had good control with a good amount of pop too. Can't quite decide whether I prefer the stiffer feel of this string or the slightly softer feel of the Matchpower.. leaning towards the Matchpower though. I feel it has the best combination of characteristics in the Weisscannon line.


Current plan is to now hit exclusively with the frame with BBO Rough in it until the strings go dead or I break them. As long as they last me close to a week I will then try my hybrid idea of BBO rough mains with Matchpower crosses. This setup, when bought in reel form would have me looking at around $9 a frame which is a much more acceptable price than the $13.75 for a full set of BBO.

If the BBO goes deal quickly I will scrap it and go back to the drawing board and test the Silverstring again with Matchpower and Scorpion and go from there.

thanks everyone again for your input!

 

[nyc]

One more for Silverstring - keep coming back to it- and Lux BBO - you can find it occasionally on the auction site for a good price - but given your level, you might actually find some joy in a relatively dead string like Kirsch Competition, so I would add that one too.

Also, Kirschbaum is pretty good about partial/full sponsorships - something to consider.

AND THE WINNER IS.....

ME!

 

[jrod]

So I just went out and hit with Big Banger Original Rough vs. Weisscannon Silverstring vs. Weisscannon Matchpower, and here are my thoughts:

Big Banger Original Rough - Wow. This is why the pros use this stuff. This is by far my favorite of the setups. Before anyone is too quick to remind me about the fateful "honeymoon period" of these strings, I know that they have a reputation of going dead rather quickly, and I will monitor the tension loss / feel as I continue to hit with this setup this week. I still believe that (assuming the tension loss isn't too horrible) my ideal setup for both playability and cost would be to hybrid BBO rough mains with Matchpower crosses.

I'll refrain...for now.

Weisscannon Silverstring - I can see why so many people recommend this string, and if tested without the BBO with it I may pick this as my top string. The downside (for me) was that it took longer to break in and any off center shots were really stiff and harsh on the arm. That said, when keeping the ball in the middle of the strings I had good control with a good amount of pop too. Can't quite decide whether I prefer the stiffer feel of this string or the slightly softer feel of the Matchpower.. leaning towards the Matchpower though. I feel it has the best combination of characteristics in the Weisscannon line.

I string mine at 53 lbs and it's considerably less harsh, although the first couple of hours it is rather crisp. After that it settles in and seems to play consistently for several weeks (equating to ~16-20 hours for me).

Current plan is to now hit exclusively with the frame with BBO Rough in it until the strings go dead or I break them. As long as they last me close to a week I will then try my hybrid idea of BBO rough mains with Matchpower crosses. This setup, when bought in reel form would have me looking at around $9 a frame which is a much more acceptable price than the $13.75 for a full set of BBO.

If the BBO goes deal quickly I will scrap it and go back to the drawing board and test the Silverstring again with Matchpower and Scorpion and go from there.

Economic analysis (for me): BBO and WCSS are priced comparably so it all boils down to how long the string maintains its playability. My observation is WCSS > 4x BBO.

thanks everyone again for your input!

Anytime.

 

[ebster]

Nyc - ha, I had forgotten you mentioned BBO in that reply.. It looks like were definitely on to something.

Jrod - I completely understand what you are saying and as much as I would love the BBO to keep playing at its current level, my gut feeling from feedback from you and others is that it will go dead soon and I will most likely make a choice between SS and MP, or choose to keep trying out other polys. That said, there are also those who get good life out of their BBO, so I will be curious to see what happens. I have also notice that strings seem to hold their tension better in the tighter string patterns like my rebels.

No matter how much I love the BBO, if it only makes it even half as long as a full set of any of the Weisscannon strings I will stop using it. As much as I want to find my "perfect poly" I can't afford something that lasts only a few days.

I will update as I hit this week with the BBO frame.. I might hit some balls with the other setups as well but I really want to test the durability / tension loss of the BBO right now.

thanks again!

 

[jrod]

Nyc - ha, I had forgotten you mentioned BBO in that reply.. It looks like were definitely on to something.

Jrod - I completely understand what you are saying and as much as I would love the BBO to keep playing at its current level, my gut feeling from feedback from you and others is that it will go dead soon and I will most likely make a choice between SS and MP, or choose to keep trying out other polys. That said, there are also those who get good life out of their BBO, so I will be curious to see what happens. I have also notice that strings seem to hold their tension better in the tighter string patterns like my rebels.

No worries. I know of many juniors including my son who keep Lux in their racquets until it breaks and never once complain about it. Come to think of it, I kind of like it that way...cuts down on my expenses!

 

[tennisnut16]

what about Kirshbaum Spiky Shark? I've heard good things about it, though I haven't used it myself. Or the Babolat Pro Hurricane (tour)?

 

[tenis]

This is so funny,
I'm also trying find the best poly for me, switching from one string to the other and - on the almost end of testing, I totaly messed my game.
Now, my question: do you think if my arm can handle full poly, is it better go for it or go to hybrid?
Please, your comment!

 

[jrod]

This is so funny,
I'm also trying find the best poly for me, switching from one string to the other and - on the almost end of testing, I totaly messed my game.
Now, my question: do you think if my arm can handle full poly, is it better go for it or go to hybrid?
Please, your comment!

Usually, when conducting a search for the "ideal" string set-up, the player starts with a reference point that allows them to make decisions about what to look for. That is, what do you like and what do you dislike about your current set-up?

Then, from there, one can make intelligent decisions about what to look for, what to change, etc. It's usually a good idea to change only one parameter at a time so you can get a sense as to how the change impacts your play. Changing lots of things all at once doesn't really help you narrow things down.

So, I suggest you go back to your initial set-up and proceed from there. Then we might be able to make some rational suggestions.

 

[JT_2eighty]

I'm a bit in the same boat, currently trying a few new hybrids & full polys, but unfortunately my "ideal reference point" is now the VS gut cross & PHT 17 mains. I have a bad feeling everything else is going to fall short... 7 hours into the string job and the combination of control, spin and pop has blown my mind. (I just know they are going to snap any day now, and I can't afford this expensive setup). My other frame has a full TiMO 18 with only 3 hours played on that, and I can't tell if I haven't broken in the TiMO yet or if the hybrid just feels that much better because I'm getting much better spin and control with the hybrid. My short list coming up is BA, BAmicro, CF, MSV, WCss, SPPP... but before I do those I think I need to compare a full PHT to the hybrid so that I'm only changing one variable at a time...?

ebster - I know you are not interested in textured strings, but have you ever used PHT? It seems to me strings like MSV hex and PHT are not so much "textured" (meaning the textured surface can wear off like the "gear" or "rough" strings) as they are just "shaped" differently (so that the string itself is a hexagon/octagon - which would mean it does not "wear off" per se), or am I just taking the manufacturer's description too literally?

I'm also using 18x20 frames so the insight in this thread has been very helpful. looking forward to the updates...

 

[jrod]

I'm a bit in the same boat, currently trying a few new hybrids & full polys, but unfortunately my "ideal reference point" is now the VS gut cross & PHT 17 mains. I have a bad feeling everything else is going to fall short... 7 hours into the string job and the combination of control, spin and pop has blown my mind. (I just know they are going to snap any day now, and I can't afford this expensive setup). My other frame has a full TiMO 18 with only 3 hours played on that, and I can't tell if I haven't broken in the TiMO yet or if the hybrid just feels that much better because I'm getting much better spin and control with the hybrid. My short list coming up is BA, BAmicro, CF, MSV, WCss, SPPP... but before I do those I think I need to compare a full PHT to the hybrid so that I'm only changing one variable at a time...?

ebster - I know you are not interested in textured strings, but have you ever used PHT? It seems to me strings like MSV hex and PHT are not so much "textured" (meaning the textured surface can wear off like the "gear" or "rough" strings) as they are just "shaped" differently (so that the string itself is a hexagon/octagon - which would mean it does not "wear off" per se), or am I just taking the manufacturer's description too literally?

I'm also using 18x20 frames so the insight in this thread has been very helpful. looking forward to the updates...

I used to use PHT in my crosses with gut mains, but I found it caused more fraying than a smooth poly cross. So I switched to Weiscannon SS and felt like I got even more spin because the string rewarded me when I took bigger cuts at the ball....just my observation.

 

[ebster]

I'm a bit in the same boat, currently trying a few new hybrids & full polys, but unfortunately my "ideal reference point" is now the VS gut cross & PHT 17 mains. I have a bad feeling everything else is going to fall short... 7 hours into the string job and the combination of control, spin and pop has blown my mind. (I just know they are going to snap any day now, and I can't afford this expensive setup). My other frame has a full TiMO 18 with only 3 hours played on that, and I can't tell if I haven't broken in the TiMO yet or if the hybrid just feels that much better because I'm getting much better spin and control with the hybrid. My short list coming up is BA, BAmicro, CF, MSV, WCss, SPPP... but before I do those I think I need to compare a full PHT to the hybrid so that I'm only changing one variable at a time...?

ebster - I know you are not interested in textured strings, but have you ever used PHT? It seems to me strings like MSV hex and PHT are not so much "textured" (meaning the textured surface can wear off like the "gear" or "rough" strings) as they are just "shaped" differently (so that the string itself is a hexagon/octagon - which would mean it does not "wear off" per se), or am I just taking the manufacturer's description too literally?

I'm also using 18x20 frames so the insight in this thread has been very helpful. looking forward to the updates...

JT - Sounds like you are on your way to determining a great setup for youself! First, to answer your questions, yes, i have tried PHT. I thought it was a good poly that offered some great spin from the texture but i thought that the overall control and playability didn't match the stiffness and price. That said, i felt that it played better in a hybrid than a full string job (IMO), and the setup you have right now (pht / vs) sounds amazing.. you lucky dog.

My personal advice to you would be to first know for yourself why you would want a hybrid or a full-poly setup. I feel that the hybrid helps you get the best of both worlds, and although it sounds like you can't afford to keep doing the gut hybrid, there are many other options (multi's and syn gut's) that will help soften the stringbed and avoid the stiff feel of a full poly.

I would use a hybrid myself if I could make any of them last more than 2 hours, but I break so many strings I am forever in "full-poly" mode. There are poly's out there (including my current favorite.. see my second post below) that offer the durability of a typical poly while still avoiding something too stiff / harsh.

If you decide to continue to test out those poly's listed above, I would add Weisscannon Matchpower (see my comments below) and Weisscannon Repulse, which is a new string that is supposed to rival the Pro Supex Big Ace micro as an outstanding thin poly with a lot of feel and good bite.

If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask!

 

[ebster]

And the winner is...

...Weisscannon Matchpower!

So let me fill you all in on how I reached this conclusion.. and then defend / promote my decision.

Part 1 - My last update had me loving Big Banger Original Rough, which I did for the first 2 hours of hitting. The next day out (you called it Jrod) the whole stringbed felt completely different; not quite totally "dead", but enough that the stringbed played inconsistently and it lacked the main characteristics that made me fall in love with it in the first place. So, good news! I have avoided a potentially really expensive habit!

Part 2 - I then switched back over to the racket with Weisscannon Silverstring in it. In my last update, I stated that these strings felt very stiff and harsh initially but after hitting a while they "settled in" and played nicely. There was a lot of control with decent pop, but I still felt that you had to make contact in the very center sweetspot to maintain the best feel and control, thus making the stringbed somewhat inconsistent. Now, before you SS lovers jump on me, I still think this is an awesome poly string! I believe the whole Weisscannon line is heads and shoulders above any of the other poly's I have tried, and if compared to some of these others (such as Big Ace, Cyberflash, MSV Focus, etc.) , I would pick the SS over all of them. I am just being very picky as I decide on my perfect string.

Part 3 - This is when I settled in to my final choice - Matchpower. I was initially wary after reading that Matchpower was the "lower-level" string in the Weisscannon line, and after even reading on the package that it is for younger players. Once I put my pre-determined bias' out of my mind, I was able to really test out this string. I first hit with this 5 days ago with a ball machine and it blew away both of the MSV strings I tried alongside. I then hit with it on Monday with the BBO and WCSS, and I was blown away by the BBO at the time but still felt that the Matchpower felt better than the SS, and more than that the stringbed still played consistent in comparison with my initial test on Friday.

I then started doing some heavy hitting with one of my college teammates, and I was really blown away. Laying into my forehand ended up giving me some major pop, and my teammate of two years and I agreed it was the hardest (while still controlling it) I had ever hit my forehand, which is my biggest shot. I know that many stress the main goal of this string is comfort, but I interpret the comfort and feel of this string as really helping to allow me meet a hard hit ball with the strong, full stroke of my own without feeling discomfort in my arm. For my gamestyle, this string is the perfect blend of power, control, comfort (Without being muted or too soft), and most important to me, tension maintenance / consistent stringbed from right off the stringer.

So I know that there are other strings to try, but I am calling my search off here because I really believe that this is the string for me. It might not be up to snuff to others, but for me it is my "holy grail". I started out this thread stating that no matter how much feedback you receive from everyone else on a string, your racket / gamestyle / swingstyle and a variety of other factors will determine whether you like that string. With Matchpower, I get as much control as with the SS, it is ready to go right after a fresh string job, and the tension maintenance is like nothing else I have played with. And guess what? Its only $85 a reel!

If anyone wants any help finding their perfect string or want me to compare some of the strings I have tested, just let me know!

thanks for all the thoughts / advice as I figured out my string. you guys are all awesome!

 

[nyc]

congrats on finding your perfect setup!

I think you made a wise choice in stopping your testing and settling on one string exclusively. I also applaud you for really taking time to put the strings through their paces - I think a lot of people can learn from your process.