I am also interested to try it but not as a full-bed. Based on the feedback we have gained from rpm soft testers, I believe that its snapback is not going to last more than 3-4 hitting sessions. My intention is to either use it as main paired with a smooth soft poly in order to increase control and decrease the crazy movement or put it in the crosses with some thick multi mains (velocity, triax for example) with a view to assisting the snapback and prolonging their lifespan.
My tennis string review database.
- Thread starter konstantinos kalfountzos
- Start date
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
I have never played hybrid setups. Assuming I could use 1 set of Black Mist for 2 hybrid setups, what hybrid set-up would you like me to try?
Black Mist in the mains first or in the crosses?
Black Mist in the mains x Round-shaped poly in the crosses or Multi?
Black Mist in the crosses x Round-shaped poly in the mains or Shaped?
* Longevity is not something I can really help with as I'm not keeping a string setup longer than 7-8 hours.
Konstantin, that's only a suggestion. You can do whatever feels right to you. If you take the hybrid route, try it first as a main to get a more thorough feedback of the string characteristics. After that, you can see and think in what way black mist could be useful in a different hybrid.
P.s. Black mist's thickness is 1.30mm. As I have noticed, you prefer and play with polys <1.25mm. Using a thicker cross than the main string isn't a common practice, at least from my experience..
P.s. Black mist's thickness is 1.30mm. As I have noticed, you prefer and play with polys <1.25mm. Using a thicker cross than the main string isn't a common practice, at least from my experience..
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Could be the thin 1.20 gauge, but the thing is the Evolution played much better when hitting with top-spin, rather than my usual flat-strokes. Semi-closed racket face to tame the higher launch angle.
Maybe the 1.20 is too thin for me for the Elevates.
Other than this adjustment, the string plays very good. Has good pop, is stiff (short ball pocketing), VERY GOOD directional control, again, always when hitting with topspin. Very good on the cross court forehands. Holds tension/playability very well for now.
Very easy to see the more RPMs produced in comparison to the Super Tour 1.25.
1.25 is my preferred gauge, even 1.27-1.28 as I prefer hitting quite flat from behind the baseline.
Next time, I'll record some hitting clips to share and make this more evident. Switching from the Super Tour to the Evolution, several flat forehands sailed long today when the racket face was neutral.
Maybe the 1.20 is too thin for me for the Elevates.
Other than this adjustment, the string plays very good. Has good pop, is stiff (short ball pocketing), VERY GOOD directional control, again, always when hitting with topspin. Very good on the cross court forehands. Holds tension/playability very well for now.
Very easy to see the more RPMs produced in comparison to the Super Tour 1.25.
1.25 is my preferred gauge, even 1.27-1.28 as I prefer hitting quite flat from behind the baseline.
Next time, I'll record some hitting clips to share and make this more evident. Switching from the Super Tour to the Evolution, several flat forehands sailed long today when the racket face was neutral.
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Tennisist
Professional
I am typically a big fan of soft and thin strings. But not in the Elevates. Elevates are somewhat special and different from other racquets: powerful and with wide spacing. This makes them excellent at spin, but control suffers. This is exacerbated by strings which are too thin or too soft.
I found the best string for the Elevates is Mayami Tour Hex / Head Sonic Pro at 50/46. This tamps down the power but raises control. Feel-wise, at the summer temperatures, it is a pure “perfection” for me.
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
I once used an oval-shaped string 1.15/1.26 Stringlab Italia Orbitour Silver. Texture was something between the "rubbery" Luxilon Vibe and your typical "not premium shinny" Topspin Cyber Flash. The string spacing closed a lot and the directional control levels went through the roof. Yes, both the V2 and V3 deliver more than sufficient power. They have good plough-through. At the same time, one heavy-top-spin baseliner can transform them into spin-monsters. I remember the RPMs produced by the YTex Quadro Twist and Gamma Jet 17 and the kick I took out of them even if I'm not that king of a player.
In my opinion, both are much better frames then the Head Boom Pro and the 16*20 Babolat Pure Strike VS. + They don't give me arm soreness.
As for these two strings, I'm telling you, this Super Tour 1.25 is my favorite Dyreex string. Plays like Luxilon 4G, if not better! Kirschbaum strings have character: a bit stiff, low-to-medium power and tons of control. The softest so far has been the Xplosive Speed.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Luxilon 4G 1.25 22kg x Diadem Nova FS100
Short dwell-time, very responsive on flat strokes. Suits the 98s and tight string patterns better.
Baseline: trying it on this 100 sq inch, open 16*19, the 4G offered immediate response to flat hitting from the baseline, easy depth and great directional control. It seemed the stringbed responded better when going for winners in short rallies than when being on defense.
Forehands: flat forehands from the baseline were great when attacking. Its highlight is definitely the ability to hit flat winners in the open space. It does this probably better than anything else. Access to topspin was very moderate as the strings move very little and actually notched quickly into each other. They stay in their original place from day one till the very end.
Backhands: my very flat backhands were hit with good amount of pace and depth, flat and kept my hitting partners back. Again, it plays better on offense rather on defense. Defending is much easier when hittng backhand slices (with 98sq inch, 18*20 slices were top).
Netplay: directional control in expense of comfort.
Conclusions: the 4G played much better with the Blade V5 18*20. It offered pro-level sensations with that one. Between the 4 Luxilon strings I've played this far, Alu Power, 4G, Vibe and Element, the 4G lives up to the pro-level hype and pays off the high price tag if you can hit the ball early, flat and attacking. It is the most durable of the four and the one that I would choose for a 98 sq inch tight pattern racket.
Comfort:
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
Short dwell-time, very responsive on flat strokes. Suits the 98s and tight string patterns better.
Baseline: trying it on this 100 sq inch, open 16*19, the 4G offered immediate response to flat hitting from the baseline, easy depth and great directional control. It seemed the stringbed responded better when going for winners in short rallies than when being on defense.
Forehands: flat forehands from the baseline were great when attacking. Its highlight is definitely the ability to hit flat winners in the open space. It does this probably better than anything else. Access to topspin was very moderate as the strings move very little and actually notched quickly into each other. They stay in their original place from day one till the very end.
Backhands: my very flat backhands were hit with good amount of pace and depth, flat and kept my hitting partners back. Again, it plays better on offense rather on defense. Defending is much easier when hittng backhand slices (with 98sq inch, 18*20 slices were top).
Netplay: directional control in expense of comfort.
Conclusions: the 4G played much better with the Blade V5 18*20. It offered pro-level sensations with that one. Between the 4 Luxilon strings I've played this far, Alu Power, 4G, Vibe and Element, the 4G lives up to the pro-level hype and pays off the high price tag if you can hit the ball early, flat and attacking. It is the most durable of the four and the one that I would choose for a 98 sq inch tight pattern racket.
Comfort:
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Without the dampener, the Ki5 295 x Sonic Speed stringbed has gotten quite jarring. The dampener reduced a lot of the jarring feel, not only the sound. Has the stringbed gone "dead" already? With the dampener on, it was still playble yesterday, but the "pop" of the first 2-3 hours seems to be gone.
I will string it up with the L-Tec Premium Meteor Pro 1.20 between 20-22kg, as suggested to see what blend of Control and Power I can get out of this great Control-oriented frame. I miss the liveliness the Dyreex Cube Flash 1.20 offered.
I will string it up with the L-Tec Premium Meteor Pro 1.20 between 20-22kg, as suggested to see what blend of Control and Power I can get out of this great Control-oriented frame. I miss the liveliness the Dyreex Cube Flash 1.20 offered.
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Upcoming combos for August:
Elevate V2 x Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25
Elevate V3 x Kirschbaum Flash 1.20 (orange) to make a straight comparison to the Evolution 1.20, but will not stick to that more than 5 hours as I prefer 1.25 gauge strings on the Elevates
Ki5 295 x L-Tec Premium Meteor Pro 1.20
Diadem Nova x Dyreex Solaris Spin 1.25 (not sure about that yet)
Elevate V2 x Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25
Elevate V3 x Kirschbaum Flash 1.20 (orange) to make a straight comparison to the Evolution 1.20, but will not stick to that more than 5 hours as I prefer 1.25 gauge strings on the Elevates
Ki5 295 x L-Tec Premium Meteor Pro 1.20
Diadem Nova x Dyreex Solaris Spin 1.25 (not sure about that yet)
NotHeavenToast
New User
I think you should have tested Luxilon 4G 1.25 and Dyreex Super Tour 1.25 in the same racket at the same tension for a direct comparison but it's exciting to hear really high praise for Dyreex Super Tour 1.25. I think I have to try Dyreex Super Tour 1.25 as well.
In 2019 I played with Gamma Ocho 1.25 (white) at 25 / 24 kg and really enjoyed it. According to the listed specs and caracteristics on Tennis Warehouse University and Racketpedia the Gamma Ocho 1.25 should also be similiar string to Luxilon 4G 1.25.
A comparison between Dyreex Super Tour 1.25, Dyreex Super Tour Edge 1.25 and Gamma Ocho 1.25 could be interesting if you get a set of each.
In 2019 I played with Gamma Ocho 1.25 (white) at 25 / 24 kg and really enjoyed it. According to the listed specs and caracteristics on Tennis Warehouse University and Racketpedia the Gamma Ocho 1.25 should also be similiar string to Luxilon 4G 1.25.
A comparison between Dyreex Super Tour 1.25, Dyreex Super Tour Edge 1.25 and Gamma Ocho 1.25 could be interesting if you get a set of each.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Ideally, yes. I should be using 2-3 identical rackets to be more fair... I chose to play the Dyreex Super Tour 1.25 with the less mute of the 2 Elevates, the V2. It's 16*20 suits well my flat hitting style. I'm only experiencing high launch angles with 1.20 gauge strings that demand more top-spin to get consistent control. It's as close I could get to the stiffer Wilson Blade V5 18*20.
I actually will play the Gamma Moto 17 (1.24) in August. It has 1 less edge than the Ocho, if I'm not mistaken. Maybe after the Tour Status with the V2? Should be interesting. Maybe Ocho could follow a bit later?
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Oehms Sonic Speed 1.19 x Pro Kennex Ki5 295
+ allows to hit big swings without fear of overshooting
+ good sense of being in control one the forehand side
+ good access to top-spin
+ the price (1+1 deal if it's still on) and string once every 2 weeks
- demands big swings, otherwise balls will fall short
- noticed drop in playability especially when hitting without a dampener, it felt jarring
- underpowered for sure, most of my shots landed between the service and baseline
- underpowered for one-handed backhands
Kirschbaum Evolution 1.20 x Diadem Elevate V3 FS98 (I prefer 1.25+ gauge on the Elevates)
+ easy depth, maybe because of the high launch angle, but anyway, kept my hitting partner back
+ super good directional control on the forehand side
+ very good top-spin assistance on the forehand
+ very good underspin on the backhand slice
+ tension stabilty was super good as I didn't notice any noticable drop in playability
- the high launch angle on my forehand, something that needed an adjustment on my part, but others who hit with more top-spin than me behind the baseline will like it for sure
- the stiffness, just a recommendation not to string it higher than 24kg the first time if the racket used has a high RA. Mine is quite soft and I had absolutely no soreness
+ allows to hit big swings without fear of overshooting
+ good sense of being in control one the forehand side
+ good access to top-spin
+ the price (1+1 deal if it's still on) and string once every 2 weeks
- demands big swings, otherwise balls will fall short
- noticed drop in playability especially when hitting without a dampener, it felt jarring
- underpowered for sure, most of my shots landed between the service and baseline
- underpowered for one-handed backhands
Kirschbaum Evolution 1.20 x Diadem Elevate V3 FS98 (I prefer 1.25+ gauge on the Elevates)
+ easy depth, maybe because of the high launch angle, but anyway, kept my hitting partner back
+ super good directional control on the forehand side
+ very good top-spin assistance on the forehand
+ very good underspin on the backhand slice
+ tension stabilty was super good as I didn't notice any noticable drop in playability
- the high launch angle on my forehand, something that needed an adjustment on my part, but others who hit with more top-spin than me behind the baseline will like it for sure
- the stiffness, just a recommendation not to string it higher than 24kg the first time if the racket used has a high RA. Mine is quite soft and I had absolutely no soreness
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Oehms Sonic Speed 1.19 21kg x Pro Kennex Ki5 295
Low power. Mute. Can't hit long!
Baseline: most shots would land short between the servive line and baseline. Using a dampener was necessary after the first 2 sessions, because the stringbed got jarring after 3 hours.
Forehands: allows/demands big swings to get the ball deep. On the other hand, every mid-court short would land safely in and short angles could be found because of the low power delivery and above moderate access to top-spin.
Backhands: low-power delivery made it hard to defend with driving shots. Slicing was almost the only way to defend.
Netplay: very comfortable feel and no launchy response, but there's a lack of "touch" because of the muteness.
Conclusions: "Plasticky" and mute feedback. Low power. High comfort when using a dampener. Drop in playability noticed after only 3 hours of medium-to-higher intensity of hitting, so durability is not so good. The 1+1 reel deal, if still on is a bargain for someone that restrings once every two weeks and seeks for a low-powered, mute string for a powerful and stiff racket. It seems almost impossible to overhit! I think it's a very consumer-friendly option for a beginner transitioning from multifilaments to polyesters, but can generate his/her own power.
Comfort: (with dampener)
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
Low power. Mute. Can't hit long!
Baseline: most shots would land short between the servive line and baseline. Using a dampener was necessary after the first 2 sessions, because the stringbed got jarring after 3 hours.
Forehands: allows/demands big swings to get the ball deep. On the other hand, every mid-court short would land safely in and short angles could be found because of the low power delivery and above moderate access to top-spin.
Backhands: low-power delivery made it hard to defend with driving shots. Slicing was almost the only way to defend.
Netplay: very comfortable feel and no launchy response, but there's a lack of "touch" because of the muteness.
Conclusions: "Plasticky" and mute feedback. Low power. High comfort when using a dampener. Drop in playability noticed after only 3 hours of medium-to-higher intensity of hitting, so durability is not so good. The 1+1 reel deal, if still on is a bargain for someone that restrings once every two weeks and seeks for a low-powered, mute string for a powerful and stiff racket. It seems almost impossible to overhit! I think it's a very consumer-friendly option for a beginner transitioning from multifilaments to polyesters, but can generate his/her own power.
Comfort:
(with dampener)Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Dyreex Super Tour 1.25 22kg x Diadem Elevate V2 FS98
Short dwell-time. Responsive. Great Control and Durability!
Baseline: from day one, this string felt like a 4G clone with a tad more comfortable feel. Power/depth in my shots came easy, but at the same time control on flat shots was its best attribute. The ball got in n' out in a hurry.
Forehands: hitting my quite flat forehands behind the baseline the stringbed offered pinpoint accuracy in depth and direction changes. Other than the slight lack of top-spin assistance from the mid-court, it gave everything I'd wish on a tight stringbed. Very stable response on serve returns.
Backhands: good pop to help defending either driving or slicing the ball. Approach slices felt great. I didn't get much help when hitting backhand slices on the run. The ones I hit with early preparation and attacking mindset were better than fine.
Netplay: great "touch" at the net. Not so great underspin help.
Conclusions: so far, the Dyreex Super Tour 1.25 has the highest performance/price ratio, by miles! It is just a very good string, that apart from my only two "knocks": the unsual cream-yellow colour and the just moderate access to top-spin and underspin, I can't find anything that it let me down in any manner. It's got pop, control, touch at the net and has held playability at very high level. A must try for flat hitters!
Comfort: (with dampener)
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
Short dwell-time. Responsive. Great Control and Durability!
Baseline: from day one, this string felt like a 4G clone with a tad more comfortable feel. Power/depth in my shots came easy, but at the same time control on flat shots was its best attribute. The ball got in n' out in a hurry.
Forehands: hitting my quite flat forehands behind the baseline the stringbed offered pinpoint accuracy in depth and direction changes. Other than the slight lack of top-spin assistance from the mid-court, it gave everything I'd wish on a tight stringbed. Very stable response on serve returns.
Backhands: good pop to help defending either driving or slicing the ball. Approach slices felt great. I didn't get much help when hitting backhand slices on the run. The ones I hit with early preparation and attacking mindset were better than fine.
Netplay: great "touch" at the net. Not so great underspin help.
Conclusions: so far, the Dyreex Super Tour 1.25 has the highest performance/price ratio, by miles! It is just a very good string, that apart from my only two "knocks": the unsual cream-yellow colour and the just moderate access to top-spin and underspin, I can't find anything that it let me down in any manner. It's got pop, control, touch at the net and has held playability at very high level. A must try for flat hitters!
Comfort:
(with dampener)Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Kirschbaum Evolution 1.20 22kg x Diadem Elevate V3 FS98
Firm with great bite/spin/pocketing on the ball (?!).
Baseline: quite firm at first with no dampener. After I put it on, it was no way back! This string felt quite firm/stiff on this quite soft racket. I'm sure on other rackets it may feel even stiffer, so that's something to look out for, especially with the 1.25 gauge. 1.20 gauge strings on both the V2 and V3 Elevates have a high launch angle of my flat forehand with neutral racket face. These rackets play better with 1.25+. Anyway, I had to make some adjustments and hit every shot with a semi-closed racket face.
Forehands: depth and returning fast balls felt great as the string had much better bite and ball pocketing on the ball than I expected from a round-shaped, firm-labelled string. I was positively surprised by this! With the dampener on and hitting 1+ hours straight each time with no breaks in-between, I didn't feel any discomfort, as a result of the soft racket x low tension combo).
Backhands: both my driving one-handed backhands and backhand slices were hit excellently on both offense and defence. My attaching backhand slices towards the corners were among the best I've hit so far.
Netplay: immediate response feel to hit a volley to the open space. No volley dropped shorter than I wanted and didn't give extra time to my partners.
Conclusions: a firm string, with excellent capability to change direction of the ball from both sides. More than enough power, mainly because of the thin gauge, so depth was very easy to find. With a semi-closed racket face and more top-spin swingpath the feel of being in control is top-notch. Despite not being my preferred 1.25 gauge (will do that too), it dethrones the Xplosive Speed 1.23 out of my top-10, for now.
Comfort: (with dampener)
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel: (higher than wanted launch angle)
Firm with great bite/spin/pocketing on the ball (?!).
Baseline: quite firm at first with no dampener. After I put it on, it was no way back! This string felt quite firm/stiff on this quite soft racket. I'm sure on other rackets it may feel even stiffer, so that's something to look out for, especially with the 1.25 gauge. 1.20 gauge strings on both the V2 and V3 Elevates have a high launch angle of my flat forehand with neutral racket face. These rackets play better with 1.25+. Anyway, I had to make some adjustments and hit every shot with a semi-closed racket face.
Forehands: depth and returning fast balls felt great as the string had much better bite and ball pocketing on the ball than I expected from a round-shaped, firm-labelled string. I was positively surprised by this! With the dampener on and hitting 1+ hours straight each time with no breaks in-between, I didn't feel any discomfort, as a result of the soft racket x low tension combo).
Backhands: both my driving one-handed backhands and backhand slices were hit excellently on both offense and defence. My attaching backhand slices towards the corners were among the best I've hit so far.
Netplay: immediate response feel to hit a volley to the open space. No volley dropped shorter than I wanted and didn't give extra time to my partners.
Conclusions: a firm string, with excellent capability to change direction of the ball from both sides. More than enough power, mainly because of the thin gauge, so depth was very easy to find. With a semi-closed racket face and more top-spin swingpath the feel of being in control is top-notch. Despite not being my preferred 1.25 gauge (will do that too), it dethrones the Xplosive Speed 1.23 out of my top-10, for now.
Comfort:
(with dampener)Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
(higher than wanted launch angle)
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
The L-Tec Premium Meteor Pro 1.20 playes great on the Ki5. It's strung at 21kg (suggested tension is 20-22kg). Feels very comfortable, very good sense of directing the ball at will and finally some easy depth with the Ki5, after the lively Dyreex Cube Flash 1.20.
The Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25 is also strung at 21-21.5kg. When I unpacked it, it felt rough textured, sharpe-edged and gave me the impression it's gonna be stiff. The V2 Elevate is stiffer than the V3, so dropped the tension a bit. Yes, it feels quite stiff. Stiffer than the Black Knight. It's not super spin friendly. It has good directional control and quite effective on backhand slicing. Power is medium+.
I lost my dampener at one point and after a few hits, I immediately put another one. I've been using dampeners for about a month now and I feel the make the stringbed feel less jarring/vibrating and filter-out the sound.
Trying to lead my serves with my elbow going up and hitting at a much higher contact point. My one-handed backhand during playing sets is just all over the place. I don't decide and prepare early - don't turn enough - don't hit it like when hitting warm-up groundstrokes. Slicing feels safer and faster to execute and even the 2-handed backhand.
On groundstrokes hitting, my one-handed backhand is starting to click: racketface is facing more towards the back fance (better use of my left hand on the drop and more torso rotation), getting more topspin, I don't stay sideways when I hit, I'm open-up my chest like Stan!
The Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25 is also strung at 21-21.5kg. When I unpacked it, it felt rough textured, sharpe-edged and gave me the impression it's gonna be stiff. The V2 Elevate is stiffer than the V3, so dropped the tension a bit. Yes, it feels quite stiff. Stiffer than the Black Knight. It's not super spin friendly. It has good directional control and quite effective on backhand slicing. Power is medium+.
I lost my dampener at one point and after a few hits, I immediately put another one. I've been using dampeners for about a month now and I feel the make the stringbed feel less jarring/vibrating and filter-out the sound.
Trying to lead my serves with my elbow going up and hitting at a much higher contact point. My one-handed backhand during playing sets is just all over the place. I don't decide and prepare early - don't turn enough - don't hit it like when hitting warm-up groundstrokes. Slicing feels safer and faster to execute and even the 2-handed backhand.
On groundstrokes hitting, my one-handed backhand is starting to click: racketface is facing more towards the back fance (better use of my left hand on the drop and more torso rotation), getting more topspin, I don't stay sideways when I hit, I'm open-up my chest like Stan!
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
@proracketeer @Arzivu got Black Mist full-bed on the Diadem Nova. It felt super slick and VERY elastic. Like a multifilament, but slicker. I don't know what Polyamid actually is. I strang it a bit higher, so by the time I hit with it, it should be around 21-22kg. Because it felt very elastic (super easy to bend), I strang it a bit higher. On the other hand, the Tru Sport Tour Status that felt harsh-textured and stiff, I strang it a bit lower. I played 1 hour.
I'll let you know my first impressions about the Black Mist. I've played many strings with the Nova, so I think I can get some key characteristics right about it. I don't know about durability.
I'll let you know my first impressions about the Black Mist. I've played many strings with the Nova, so I think I can get some key characteristics right about it. I don't know about durability.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
The Impulse was thinner. I have to say it felt better than 2 other 1.30 multifilaments: the MSV Soft Touch and Wilson Sensation. The MSV Soft Touch, as I've said before, would stay out of place after 5-6 forehands and then my next ball would be completely unpredictable (and I wasn't hitting with much top-spin). I'm always talking about full-bed. The Impulse seems to have an outer-coating for some kind of decent snapback. I guess it would work well in the mains with a round poly in the crosses or vice-versa.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
First hit with the Dyreex Black Mist 1.30 x Diadem Nova. Haven't played the Nova for quite some time now, because it's much more powerful than my taste.
Balls used: brand new from my hitting partner, out of the can, Head Pro something. Rubbish balls.
Then switched back to some already played Wilson US Open Extra Duty I had left. These are rubbish too but not as much as those Head Pro.
I'll get some Fort Court or Tour XT asap!
The Black Mist had good snapback freshly strung, but now, after 1- hour of play, the snapback is much slower and the strings are already digging into each other.
It's very elastic, only short swings kept the ball in. On the first set I played, I was missing everything long.
From the 4th game on, I switched to the Pro Kennex Ki5 x L-Tec Premium Meteor Pro 1.20.
Hit about half an hour of groundstrokes towards the end. Full-bed, I can only see it working for someone with 50-60% of my swing and 2-handed backhand. I can see it being used in hybrids as a cross-string to provide for comfort and power, but I've not played with any hybrid yet.
Not a good practice today, because of the balls used. I will play it again with new balls, good balls.
Balls used: brand new from my hitting partner, out of the can, Head Pro something. Rubbish balls.
Then switched back to some already played Wilson US Open Extra Duty I had left. These are rubbish too but not as much as those Head Pro.
I'll get some Fort Court or Tour XT asap!
The Black Mist had good snapback freshly strung, but now, after 1- hour of play, the snapback is much slower and the strings are already digging into each other.
It's very elastic, only short swings kept the ball in. On the first set I played, I was missing everything long.
From the 4th game on, I switched to the Pro Kennex Ki5 x L-Tec Premium Meteor Pro 1.20.
Hit about half an hour of groundstrokes towards the end. Full-bed, I can only see it working for someone with 50-60% of my swing and 2-handed backhand. I can see it being used in hybrids as a cross-string to provide for comfort and power, but I've not played with any hybrid yet.
Not a good practice today, because of the balls used. I will play it again with new balls, good balls.
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
More Kirschbaum strings to follow, including new colours for the Max Power.
I will do the Flash 1.20 - Evolution 1.20 comparison from the last package first.
I will do the Flash 1.20 - Evolution 1.20 comparison from the last package first.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Hit with it about an hour with a beginner hitting partner. Of course, I will play it more hours with more advanced partners at higher intensity.
At this pace, it felt a tad softer than the Evolution and thus, with slightly less assistance on top-spin shots.
Pop and Control were good. The Control not as precise as the Evolution.
The Flash had lower launch angle. I didn't feel I had to close my racket face, but could be the low intensity of the incoming balls today.
At this pace, it felt a tad softer than the Evolution and thus, with slightly less assistance on top-spin shots.
Pop and Control were good. The Control not as precise as the Evolution.
The Flash had lower launch angle. I didn't feel I had to close my racket face, but could be the low intensity of the incoming balls today.
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finalfantasy7
Professional
have you ever tried weiscannon strings - especially mosquito bite / ultra cable / scorpianMore Kirschbaum strings to follow, including new colours for the Max Power.
I will do the Flash 1.20 - Evolution 1.20 comparison from the last package first.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
No, I haven't. I played with another advanced partner who hit with the most top-spin I've seen, using Pro Staff 11 x Weiss Cannon Ultra Cable. Insane kick!
By the way, the Flash 1.20 felt it was easier to play with at such low pace. The Evolution 1.20 (like the Topspin Cyber Flash 1.25) demanded much faster hitting to come alive. Meaning, some strings will give mediocre, even uncomfortable feedback, when played like I did yesterday and next time, at higher pace will deliver way differently.
finalfantasy7
Professional
ultra cable is a soft poly - but gives plenty of spin, i would say its the best for spin - tw stats also show this = however a big however - the worst string for tension maintenance - mine last 2 hrs and then it just became a rocket launcher
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Yes. I'm aware of Weiss Cannon strings and this one specifically. I'm not that kind of heavy top-spin hitter. I've played 3 square shaped strings, Dyreex Cube Flash and Cube Max and RS Tennis London. I did notice extra assistance on rpms produced with less effort. I just don't enjoy those on backhand slices. They seem to have a high launch angle or sail a bit long.
I now have Tru Pro Tour Status on the Elevate V2 and hit some cross court forehands with very good top-spin, especially when hitting them on the run.
I wanna see the Mayami Hit Pro on the same racket to see how it plays. Seemed to have very good access to spin with the Angell, but that was too open 16*19.
Have plenty more to test from the brands I've already tested. I try to keep every brand on the loop, so I limit each string for about 5-6-7 hours of play max
I now have Tru Pro Tour Status on the Elevate V2 and hit some cross court forehands with very good top-spin, especially when hitting them on the run.
I wanna see the Mayami Hit Pro on the same racket to see how it plays. Seemed to have very good access to spin with the Angell, but that was too open 16*19.
Have plenty more to test from the brands I've already tested. I try to keep every brand on the loop, so I limit each string for about 5-6-7 hours of play max
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Groundstrokes / 6-game set / 4-game set / groundstrokes.
The Kirschbaum Flash 1.20 compared to the Evolution 1.20 feels:
- softer (longer dwell-time)
- easier to use in both medium and fast pace hitting
- slightly less accurate (being less stiff, less immediate responsiveness)
- less top-spin and under-spin assistance
- lower launch angle for sure
- a bit less powerful
I'd suggest these combos: stiff racket x flash, soft racket x evolution
The Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25 feels:
- stiff, but not over the top stiff
- has very good top-spin assistance, especially hitting the cross-court forehand on the run
- medium-to-low launch angle / no crazy launches with neutral racket face
- easy access to power and depth
- immediate response
- relatively small sweet-spot
- playes much better when hitting fast, not very responsive when hitting medium-pace
The Kirschbaum Flash 1.20 compared to the Evolution 1.20 feels:
- softer (longer dwell-time)
- easier to use in both medium and fast pace hitting
- slightly less accurate (being less stiff, less immediate responsiveness)
- less top-spin and under-spin assistance
- lower launch angle for sure
- a bit less powerful
I'd suggest these combos: stiff racket x flash, soft racket x evolution
The Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25 feels:
- stiff, but not over the top stiff
- has very good top-spin assistance, especially hitting the cross-court forehand on the run
- medium-to-low launch angle / no crazy launches with neutral racket face
- easy access to power and depth
- immediate response
- relatively small sweet-spot
- playes much better when hitting fast, not very responsive when hitting medium-pace
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Black Mist 1.30 started staying out of place yesterday. Only played warm-up roundstrokes and at the end, to cool down (see clip).
About 3 hours played total with only 4 games played in a set before switching.
In full-bed, it's too powerful and only short swings hit completely loose keep the ball in-bounds. It's super comfortable I guess feeding balls and hitting balls back to students, I guess.
It lacks control and when consecutive fast or underspin balls come, it's hard to cope with.
Started hitting consistent first and second serves with the Pro Kennex Ki5 295. This racket just keeps impressing me! The L-Tec Premium Meteor Pro 1.20 offers the power that I was missing from the latest strings. Control levels are just too good. The racket is 100 and feels like a 98, maybe because of the 22mm beam. I know some have put some grams on, but for now, I don't need extra weight. It delivers what I want in stock form with the right string setup.
Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25 x Elevate V2 FS 98: stiffer setup. Much easier access to spin and more immediate response. Feels like a stiffer version of the Black Knight as it has shorter dwell-time and feels stiffer. On the forehand side it plays better when hitting with top-spin, rather than flat with a neutral racket face, as I mostly hit with behind the baseline. Has good pop on first serves and very good side spin on second serves.
About 3 hours played total with only 4 games played in a set before switching.
In full-bed, it's too powerful and only short swings hit completely loose keep the ball in-bounds. It's super comfortable I guess feeding balls and hitting balls back to students, I guess.
It lacks control and when consecutive fast or underspin balls come, it's hard to cope with.
Started hitting consistent first and second serves with the Pro Kennex Ki5 295. This racket just keeps impressing me! The L-Tec Premium Meteor Pro 1.20 offers the power that I was missing from the latest strings. Control levels are just too good. The racket is 100 and feels like a 98, maybe because of the 22mm beam. I know some have put some grams on, but for now, I don't need extra weight. It delivers what I want in stock form with the right string setup.
Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25 x Elevate V2 FS 98: stiffer setup. Much easier access to spin and more immediate response. Feels like a stiffer version of the Black Knight as it has shorter dwell-time and feels stiffer. On the forehand side it plays better when hitting with top-spin, rather than flat with a neutral racket face, as I mostly hit with behind the baseline. Has good pop on first serves and very good side spin on second serves.
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Should I try cut the Black Mist 1.30 crosses and put a spare half-set from Isospeed Cream or another half-set of a polyester to see what's what?
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
It will be low 20s for sure. Just before cutting it off, I'd like to see if a firmer cross string can limit down the trampoliny-pillow feeling stringbed and this way, slightly inchance the control. Isospeed Cream is not the firmest, but is still firmer than polyamid, so it will do the job.
* Next on the Nova, I will for sure string the L-Tec Premium Meteor 1.30 that's supposed to be a more controlled variation of a multifilament - without being one - with Comfort as first priority and suited for beginners or people with arm issues. Maybe, a hybrid with a cross poly for that one too, after some hits.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
First hybrid setup. Already played Dyreex Black Mist 1.30 in the mains, I guess it less than 20kg now. Fresh Isospeed Cream 1.28 in the crosses just around 20kg. The Black Mist mains now have a slow snap-back effect, when moving them with my fingers. Will it give some extra spin? Most importantly, I want to see if I can get the power delivery down and get a bit more control.
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
The Dyreex Black Mist 1.30 x Isospeed Cream 1.28 works MUCH BETTER than full-bed of Black Mist. Keep in mind that the Nova is a (very) powerful racket and my 4th option right now. The Power delivery was easy again, but not launchy and significantly more controlable. Snapback is quite good. The Black Mist strings did not stay out of place like 2 days ago. Underspin is mediocre. Top-spin was much better and especially on my second serves. Good combo to do warm-ups and play a 4-game set as a warm-up and then get more serious with the Elevate x Kirschbaum Flash 1.20 combo.
Flash: softer than the Evolution, control is very good, a bit less direct than Evolution (x V2 Elevate) and slightly less spin assistance. Other than that, it's a very good string in full-bed.
Flash: softer than the Evolution, control is very good, a bit less direct than Evolution (x V2 Elevate) and slightly less spin assistance. Other than that, it's a very good string in full-bed.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Dyreex Black Mist 1.30 22kg x Diadem Nova FS100
Super comfortable. Launchy response. Low levels of control in point-plays.
Baseline: Serious dwell-time. Pillow-like response and too much power when hitting intensity picked up behind the baseline.
Forehands: had to limit my power and swings down to 60-70% to keep the ball safely in-play on groundstrokes hitting with this rather powerful racket. Top-spin was very moderate and only there when I exagurated a heavy top-spin swingpath.
Backhands: on the 1-handed backhand, I couldn't hit consistenlty, because the swing speed and path themselves cannot be limited down as easily as the 2-handed backhand. On the 2-handed backhand, I got better results in depth and ball placement.
Netplay: very comfortable and powerful response with the least of effort, but lacked "touch".
Conclusions: full-bed I could only use it feeding balls and practicing with beginners at low pace. In point-play situations, Control was very hard to find: returning serves was puzzling, backhand slices were very deep but underspin was very low, 2-handed backhands were ok and flat-forehands were most of the time too powerful. Third time out, the mains started staying out of place, but not as much as with a full-bed of multifilament string.
Comfort:
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
In hybrid setup with Isospeed Cream 1.28 in the crosses, I got:
+ less power
+ much better ball placement
+ the Black Mist mains would not stay out of place (much better snapback effect)
+ better access to top-spin (due to better string movement)
+ much better response in point-plays
+ much better 1st and 2nd serves
- still limited access to underspin
I would highly recommend a try in hybrid with a generic round polyester in the crosses for beginners, people with arm issues, on 100 sq inch rackets and up to a medium intensity of hitting as an alternative to multifilaments.
The stringbed responsiveness with the Isospeed Cream in the crosses was day-n'-night better.
Super comfortable. Launchy response. Low levels of control in point-plays.
Baseline: Serious dwell-time. Pillow-like response and too much power when hitting intensity picked up behind the baseline.
Forehands: had to limit my power and swings down to 60-70% to keep the ball safely in-play on groundstrokes hitting with this rather powerful racket. Top-spin was very moderate and only there when I exagurated a heavy top-spin swingpath.
Backhands: on the 1-handed backhand, I couldn't hit consistenlty, because the swing speed and path themselves cannot be limited down as easily as the 2-handed backhand. On the 2-handed backhand, I got better results in depth and ball placement.
Netplay: very comfortable and powerful response with the least of effort, but lacked "touch".
Conclusions: full-bed I could only use it feeding balls and practicing with beginners at low pace. In point-play situations, Control was very hard to find: returning serves was puzzling, backhand slices were very deep but underspin was very low, 2-handed backhands were ok and flat-forehands were most of the time too powerful. Third time out, the mains started staying out of place, but not as much as with a full-bed of multifilament string.
Comfort:
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
In hybrid setup with Isospeed Cream 1.28 in the crosses, I got:
+ less power
+ much better ball placement
+ the Black Mist mains would not stay out of place (much better snapback effect)
+ better access to top-spin (due to better string movement)
+ much better response in point-plays
+ much better 1st and 2nd serves
- still limited access to underspin
I would highly recommend a try in hybrid with a generic round polyester in the crosses for beginners, people with arm issues, on 100 sq inch rackets and up to a medium intensity of hitting as an alternative to multifilaments.
The stringbed responsiveness with the Isospeed Cream in the crosses was day-n'-night better.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Thoughts about next strings to try out:
hybrid - Diadem Solstice Power 1.25 / Evolution 1.25 x Diadem Elevate V3 FS98 (first poly-poly hybrid with a shaped in the mains and round in the crosses)
Mayami Hit Pro 1.25 x Diadem Elevate V2 FS98 (want to see how it plays on this tighter 16*20 and compared to - the great - Dyreex Super Tour 1.25. On the Angell TC95 open 16*19 I had to hit with much more topspin than I usually do and want to see how it plays at flat hitting situations. Its texture felt quite premium and wanna seewhat blend of Feel-Stiffness does it come along)
hybrid - RS Tennis New York x Base12 Alpha 1.28 x Diadem Nova FS100 (the most premium Multi I've got in hybrid with a round-shaped poly not as soft as Isospeed Cream)
Gamma Moto 17 x Pro Kennex Ki5 295 (want to try a shaped and stiffer string on this racket)
hybrid - Diadem Solstice Power 1.25 / Evolution 1.25 x Diadem Elevate V3 FS98 (first poly-poly hybrid with a shaped in the mains and round in the crosses)
Mayami Hit Pro 1.25 x Diadem Elevate V2 FS98 (want to see how it plays on this tighter 16*20 and compared to - the great - Dyreex Super Tour 1.25. On the Angell TC95 open 16*19 I had to hit with much more topspin than I usually do and want to see how it plays at flat hitting situations. Its texture felt quite premium and wanna seewhat blend of Feel-Stiffness does it come along)
hybrid - RS Tennis New York x Base12 Alpha 1.28 x Diadem Nova FS100 (the most premium Multi I've got in hybrid with a round-shaped poly not as soft as Isospeed Cream)
Gamma Moto 17 x Pro Kennex Ki5 295 (want to try a shaped and stiffer string on this racket)
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Happi
Hall of Fame
You should be able to hit any shots with Angell TC95 including flat.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
That was 340grams strung, 12 points head light, (open 16*19). Waaaay outside my preferences. I really have settled with 16*20 and tight patterns in general.
Great quality racket, just a bit too small headsize for me and I actually played it much less than I wanted and sold it. I have high respect for Angell rackets. The Reacts tight patterns are intriguing...
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Kirschbaum Flash 1.20 22kg x Diadem Elevate V3 FS98
+ comparison to the Evolution 1.20
Comfortable string to play medium and high pace rallies. Good blend of Control and Power.
Baseline: No adjustments needed when started hitting with the Flash 1.20. The launch angle was moderate, not high. I could hit my usual flat strokes with neutral racket face, with no issues of unpredictable launch, depth and control.
Forehands: either hitting at a medium pace with beginner hitting partner or much more intense with advanced hitting partner, the Flash 1.20 offered me a comfortable feel, moderate stiffness, which led to some noticable dwell-time on flat shots with repeatable depth on groundstrokes on the forehand side. Extra help on top-spin shots was just above average, I felt I didn't have to apply lots of rpm to find my targets. Power delivery was just above moderate which allowed/demanded fast swings on fast incoming balls.
Backhands: on my flatter backhand side, the only downside would be the limited access to underspin, as I had to do all the work properly and use bodyweight transfer to get depth. My flat 1-handed backhands felt absolutely great.
Conclusions: 2 drawbacks were the access to underspin on the slice where I felt I had to have an overall more forward motion to get the same depth I got from a few other strings I liked and the assistance on topspin shots hit below my weist (late hitting!) from the mid-court. Other than these 2 drawbacks that are drawn in comparison to the Evolution 1.20, the Flash was a pleasant experience as it performed very well in a large range of pace situations.
Comfort: (with dampener)
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel: (great response on flat hitting)
* Compared to the Evolution 1.20, the Flash felt:
+ more comfortable (a tad softer)
+ more joy when hitting at medium pace
+ easier for the arm
+ lower launch angle and better for flat hitting
- less immediate/precise response
- less access to topspin and underspin
- durability of the Evolution felt more stable
The Flash 1.20 suits stiff rackets better and Evolution 1.20 softer ones and advanced hitters.
+ comparison to the Evolution 1.20
Comfortable string to play medium and high pace rallies. Good blend of Control and Power.
Baseline: No adjustments needed when started hitting with the Flash 1.20. The launch angle was moderate, not high. I could hit my usual flat strokes with neutral racket face, with no issues of unpredictable launch, depth and control.
Forehands: either hitting at a medium pace with beginner hitting partner or much more intense with advanced hitting partner, the Flash 1.20 offered me a comfortable feel, moderate stiffness, which led to some noticable dwell-time on flat shots with repeatable depth on groundstrokes on the forehand side. Extra help on top-spin shots was just above average, I felt I didn't have to apply lots of rpm to find my targets. Power delivery was just above moderate which allowed/demanded fast swings on fast incoming balls.
Backhands: on my flatter backhand side, the only downside would be the limited access to underspin, as I had to do all the work properly and use bodyweight transfer to get depth. My flat 1-handed backhands felt absolutely great.
Conclusions: 2 drawbacks were the access to underspin on the slice where I felt I had to have an overall more forward motion to get the same depth I got from a few other strings I liked and the assistance on topspin shots hit below my weist (late hitting!) from the mid-court. Other than these 2 drawbacks that are drawn in comparison to the Evolution 1.20, the Flash was a pleasant experience as it performed very well in a large range of pace situations.
Comfort:
(with dampener)Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
(great response on flat hitting)* Compared to the Evolution 1.20, the Flash felt:
+ more comfortable (a tad softer)
+ more joy when hitting at medium pace
+ easier for the arm
+ lower launch angle and better for flat hitting
- less immediate/precise response
- less access to topspin and underspin
- durability of the Evolution felt more stable
The Flash 1.20 suits stiff rackets better and Evolution 1.20 softer ones and advanced hitters.
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Full Diadem setup yesterday. Elevate V3 FS98 305gr x hybrid - Solstice Power 16L / Flash 16L.
Played about 1 hour, warm-up groundstrokes, lost a close 4-6 set and some cool-down groundstrokes at the end (clip).
It's super stable and I don't see any reason for customization. On the other hand, the V2 I played 1 set with felt more unstable, less forgiving and smaller sweetspot (Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25).
Played about 1 hour, warm-up groundstrokes, lost a close 4-6 set and some cool-down groundstrokes at the end (clip).
It's super stable and I don't see any reason for customization. On the other hand, the V2 I played 1 set with felt more unstable, less forgiving and smaller sweetspot (Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25).
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
L-Tec Premium Meteor Pro 1.20 21kg x Pro Kennex Ki5 295
(Like the 1.25 gauge) Played great with different balls, hitting partners, intensity levels. Durable.
Baseline: the Meteor Pro offered efficient access to Power. That was something I was missing with the previous 3 strings. The launch angle was quite low, mainly because of the super tight string pattern. Flat hitting was great. Access to top-spin was moderate. Great level of Comfort due to the racket's Kinetic Tec + string's thin gauge combo.
Forehands: my flat forehands from the baseline felt dialed-in. I was missing some connection to the stringbed and sometimes I got lost in how close to the sweet-spot I'm hitting or how much higher to the head of the hoop, but nonetheless, the consistency in depth was very good. Access to top-spin was just above moderate from the mid-court or hitting cross-sourt. Always felt better hitting rather flat.
Backhands: both flat 1hbh and 2hbh were like my forehands, just fell a little shorter as expected. Backhand slicing was moderate in terms with connection with the stringbed. I didn't experience high launch angles, just some lack of information about the depth I should expect after each hit.
Netplay: blocked and volley-ed several shots. The stringbed felt comfortable, but lacked some connection with this soft frame.
Conclusions: having played both the 1.20 and 1.25 gauge Meteor Pro with the - both soft - Ki5 295 and Elevate V3 FS98, I can say that, in my opinion, the 1.25 will play much better on low RA rackets and that the 1.20 should be strung either a bit higher or used on stiffer RA rackets with tight patterns. The string itself plays excellent and is currently my favorite of everything I've played with. I will use it on a stiffer racket next time.
Comfort:
Stiffness: *
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:*
Feel:*
* the PK Ki5 295 is quite mute and takes away some of the connection with the stringbed. Very tight string pattern - low launch angle.
(Like the 1.25 gauge) Played great with different balls, hitting partners, intensity levels. Durable.
Baseline: the Meteor Pro offered efficient access to Power. That was something I was missing with the previous 3 strings. The launch angle was quite low, mainly because of the super tight string pattern. Flat hitting was great. Access to top-spin was moderate. Great level of Comfort due to the racket's Kinetic Tec + string's thin gauge combo.
Forehands: my flat forehands from the baseline felt dialed-in. I was missing some connection to the stringbed and sometimes I got lost in how close to the sweet-spot I'm hitting or how much higher to the head of the hoop, but nonetheless, the consistency in depth was very good. Access to top-spin was just above moderate from the mid-court or hitting cross-sourt. Always felt better hitting rather flat.
Backhands: both flat 1hbh and 2hbh were like my forehands, just fell a little shorter as expected. Backhand slicing was moderate in terms with connection with the stringbed. I didn't experience high launch angles, just some lack of information about the depth I should expect after each hit.
Netplay: blocked and volley-ed several shots. The stringbed felt comfortable, but lacked some connection with this soft frame.
Conclusions: having played both the 1.20 and 1.25 gauge Meteor Pro with the - both soft - Ki5 295 and Elevate V3 FS98, I can say that, in my opinion, the 1.25 will play much better on low RA rackets and that the 1.20 should be strung either a bit higher or used on stiffer RA rackets with tight patterns. The string itself plays excellent and is currently my favorite of everything I've played with. I will use it on a stiffer racket next time.
Comfort:
Stiffness:
*Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
*Feel:
** the PK Ki5 295 is quite mute and takes away some of the connection with the stringbed. Very tight string pattern - low launch angle.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Time to see how Mayami Hit Pro 1.25 plays on the Elevate V2 FS98.
* The previous string on it, the Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25 falls into the same experience I've had with Diadem Pro X 1.25 and Dyreex Pro Player 1.25: stiffer than my liking, quite demanding with relatively small sweet-spot. I'd take the Black Knight over the Tour Status for its slightly softer feel that allows me to play better overall.
* The previous string on it, the Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25 falls into the same experience I've had with Diadem Pro X 1.25 and Dyreex Pro Player 1.25: stiffer than my liking, quite demanding with relatively small sweet-spot. I'd take the Black Knight over the Tour Status for its slightly softer feel that allows me to play better overall.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
I'm pretty sure I've not passed the 2.000 serves yet. Just trying to hit without thinking and get the muscle memory going.
To do list:
1) hit higher
2) fix my timing
3) hit faster
4) add some artistic touch (it's too simplistic now)
Still not hitting high enough and my elbow is not as much stretched as I'd like. Ball toss placement is getting more consistent and more inside the court.
To do list:
1) hit higher
2) fix my timing
3) hit faster
4) add some artistic touch (it's too simplistic now)
Still not hitting high enough and my elbow is not as much stretched as I'd like. Ball toss placement is getting more consistent and more inside the court.
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
I'll be back with my playtesting feedback. I will write my Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25 review (forgot that, busy week!). I sold my Easy Stringer and got myself a drop weight stringing machine with a starting clamp. Experimented this morning with how it works.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Tru Pro Tour Status 1.25 21kg x Diadem Elevate V2 FS98
Stiff. Advanced players - small sweetspot.
Baseline: this was one of the few strings that I found myself unable to fully tame (like Diadem Pro-X and Dyreex Pro Player). Stiff and immediate repsonse feeling from day one to finish. Relatively sweetspot - inforgiving on slight misshits.
Forehands: at those minority of situations that I hit with it super clean and fast, the Tour Status delivered what I put into it: both good top-spin assistance especially hitting the cross-court forehand on the run on defence and consistent depth on flat hitting from the baseline.
Backhands: my new, flat and still quite compact 2-handed backhand didn't get as much depth as I'd like, while my regular 1-handed backhand was hit with good amount of topspin. Backhand slicing was the way to go, as the launch angle was low and the ball most of the time clipped the net.
Netplay: stiff feel, good directional control, but small sweetspot made slight misshits take a small toll on my joints.
Conclusions: when hit clean and fast, the Tour Status felt it could manage both top-spin and flat hitting forehands very well. Personally, considering my level of playing, I'd choose Black Knight over Tour Status in full-bed, but would consider a hybrid setup of Tour Status in the mains and Ghost Wire in the crosses, just to soften-up the stringbed and open the sweetspot a little more.
Comfort:
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
Stiff. Advanced players - small sweetspot.
Baseline: this was one of the few strings that I found myself unable to fully tame (like Diadem Pro-X and Dyreex Pro Player). Stiff and immediate repsonse feeling from day one to finish. Relatively sweetspot - inforgiving on slight misshits.
Forehands: at those minority of situations that I hit with it super clean and fast, the Tour Status delivered what I put into it: both good top-spin assistance especially hitting the cross-court forehand on the run on defence and consistent depth on flat hitting from the baseline.
Backhands: my new, flat and still quite compact 2-handed backhand didn't get as much depth as I'd like, while my regular 1-handed backhand was hit with good amount of topspin. Backhand slicing was the way to go, as the launch angle was low and the ball most of the time clipped the net.
Netplay: stiff feel, good directional control, but small sweetspot made slight misshits take a small toll on my joints.
Conclusions: when hit clean and fast, the Tour Status felt it could manage both top-spin and flat hitting forehands very well. Personally, considering my level of playing, I'd choose Black Knight over Tour Status in full-bed, but would consider a hybrid setup of Tour Status in the mains and Ghost Wire in the crosses, just to soften-up the stringbed and open the sweetspot a little more.
Comfort:
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Weather has been pretty rainy and now too windy. I'll come back with string testing feedback asap.
UPDATE: I'll do more Mayami strings!
UPDATE: I'll do more Mayami strings!
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
After playing with:
Multi full-bed: Diadem Impulse 17, MSV Soft Touch 1.30 and Wilson Sensation 1.30
Polyamide full-bed: Dyreex Black Mist 1.30
Hybrid Black Mist (mains) x Isospeed Cream 1.28 (crosses) and very recently (just 1 hours) RS New York 1.30 (mains) x Base12 Alpha Lime 1.28 (crosses), the multi-mains, yes, they offer some comfort and don't stay as much out of place as when full-bed, I just don't feel I get anything back apart from comfort and easy depth. Control levels go way down.
I will try some time, Poly-mains x thick-multi crosses, out of curiosity. I just feel that a soft polyester in the mains works much better than a multi.
Multi full-bed: Diadem Impulse 17, MSV Soft Touch 1.30 and Wilson Sensation 1.30
Polyamide full-bed: Dyreex Black Mist 1.30
Hybrid Black Mist (mains) x Isospeed Cream 1.28 (crosses) and very recently (just 1 hours) RS New York 1.30 (mains) x Base12 Alpha Lime 1.28 (crosses), the multi-mains, yes, they offer some comfort and don't stay as much out of place as when full-bed, I just don't feel I get anything back apart from comfort and easy depth. Control levels go way down.
I will try some time, Poly-mains x thick-multi crosses, out of curiosity. I just feel that a soft polyester in the mains works much better than a multi.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Very satisfying flat hitting today with the LTec Premium Meteor 1.30. Noticable dwell-time and got consistent depth on all flat strokes hit from the baseline. Underspin and top-spin assistance was so-so, but I hit mostly dead-flat with the Nova, I like to imitate Dimitrov.
The Dyreex Solaris Spin played so-so when hit at medium pace. Didn't like the dead flat 2-handed backhands. Flat forehands hit early where nothing close to the Super Tour. It played much much better when I started exaggerating my top-spin forehand motion, hitting the ball a bit closer to me, trying to hit as fast as possible with as much spin as possible. That's something, I can for sure, not do for very long. The Control became much better and curved the ball quite well.
* different rackets played, but Solaris Spin material-wise is similar to the String Kong Banana Bite, Mayami Magic Twist give-or-take.
The Dyreex Solaris Spin played so-so when hit at medium pace. Didn't like the dead flat 2-handed backhands. Flat forehands hit early where nothing close to the Super Tour. It played much much better when I started exaggerating my top-spin forehand motion, hitting the ball a bit closer to me, trying to hit as fast as possible with as much spin as possible. That's something, I can for sure, not do for very long. The Control became much better and curved the ball quite well.
* different rackets played, but Solaris Spin material-wise is similar to the String Kong Banana Bite, Mayami Magic Twist give-or-take.
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konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
L-Tec Premium Meteor 1.30 20kg x Diadem Nova FS100
Revisiting this string which I've previously played with the Diadem Elevate v2 at much higher tension. This time, I went low to simulate how it plays at medium-to-low intesity, since the info I got is it's being used in academies by kids.
Very comfortable. Easy depth. Better Control than 1.30 full-bed of multifilament (Wilson Sensation, MSV Soft Touch, Diadem Impulse, Dyreex Black Mist)
Baseline: very noticable dwell-time, easy depth and comfort, strings would not stick out of place like multifilaments or polyamide full-beds.
Forehands: I hit dead-flat with the Nova and with this string I only needed about 60-70% of motion speed and swing to get deep depth. It's highlight from the baseline was returning chest-high balls hitting them flat or hitting some flat winners. Exaggerating some top-spin forehands gave some top-spin, but I couldn't keep applying so much motion during a long match. Good thing is that the strings would not stay out of place.
Backhands: worked great on the short and flat 2-handed backhand. Slicing with the Nova is never easy for me and I found it easier and more effective to hit 2-handed backhand than slicing.
Netplay: super comfortable, powerful response, just place the racket face right and no underspin is needed, blocking shots was very effective as most of them bounced deep
Conclusions: I've mostly used this setup during warm-ups and to hit groundstrokes after match plays to cool down. I've only played 3 games with it (1 serve, 2 return serves). I feel the Meteor 1.30 suits best tweener rackets 280-300gr, played at low tension, instead of multifilament, as it provides everything a full-bed of multifilament does, but with less launchiness and better control. Personally, when using a multifilament, I have to add a soft and round polyester in the crosses to reduce the power and better snapback.
Comfort:
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
* similar options: Isospeed Second Service, Solinco Hyper G Round and Soft 1.30 (and maybe Cream)
Revisiting this string which I've previously played with the Diadem Elevate v2 at much higher tension. This time, I went low to simulate how it plays at medium-to-low intesity, since the info I got is it's being used in academies by kids.
Very comfortable. Easy depth. Better Control than 1.30 full-bed of multifilament (Wilson Sensation, MSV Soft Touch, Diadem Impulse, Dyreex Black Mist)
Baseline: very noticable dwell-time, easy depth and comfort, strings would not stick out of place like multifilaments or polyamide full-beds.
Forehands: I hit dead-flat with the Nova and with this string I only needed about 60-70% of motion speed and swing to get deep depth. It's highlight from the baseline was returning chest-high balls hitting them flat or hitting some flat winners. Exaggerating some top-spin forehands gave some top-spin, but I couldn't keep applying so much motion during a long match. Good thing is that the strings would not stay out of place.
Backhands: worked great on the short and flat 2-handed backhand. Slicing with the Nova is never easy for me and I found it easier and more effective to hit 2-handed backhand than slicing.
Netplay: super comfortable, powerful response, just place the racket face right and no underspin is needed, blocking shots was very effective as most of them bounced deep
Conclusions: I've mostly used this setup during warm-ups and to hit groundstrokes after match plays to cool down. I've only played 3 games with it (1 serve, 2 return serves). I feel the Meteor 1.30 suits best tweener rackets 280-300gr, played at low tension, instead of multifilament, as it provides everything a full-bed of multifilament does, but with less launchiness and better control. Personally, when using a multifilament, I have to add a soft and round polyester in the crosses to reduce the power and better snapback.
Comfort:
Stiffness:
Power:
Ball pocketing:
Spin:
Feel:
* similar options: Isospeed Second Service, Solinco Hyper G Round and Soft 1.30 (and maybe Cream)
Last edited:
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
Delivered my package today. I'll cut and share 12m sets of Tour Hex to people I know and trust they will use it. I will string the Diadem Elevate V2 with Tour Hex today and will come back with impressions once I hit with it.
