a few tests later
Two months later, I have been making a few tests and didn't find yet what I was looking for but found a few other interesting things that I was not looking for, as usual.
To start, I'd say that just as I got used to the PC600 through these last ten years, I got used to the Technifibre TGV strings feel, strung to 25kg, and it's indeed very difficult to change.
To get a thinner gage was very good advice. I recall I was playing with 1.30 in the 1990s and will get down, from 1.40, to at least this gage. On a 18x20 bed, it's common sense, what was I thinking...
Also, a remark, I have now 7 of these PC600 and classic mid racquets, which is useful for testing, and, although the buttery feel is pretty much standard (and therefore the composition: Twaron) "none" of them has the same weight or balance. It ranges from 345g to 360g and from 32cm to 33.5cm balance...I do understand now that pros do need customization. For me, about 32.2cm and 350g works better but I can play with either of them of course.
As I tried those polys and as advised, I got down from a 25kg tension to 24kg. I found this was unecessary. The difference in the hits my arm, elbow and shoulder was acceptable. I'll get back to 25kg (55.5lbs).
Anyway, the results...I was looking for more feel and control. Didn't find yet. Probably because I tried a lot of copoly, monopoly or whatever they are and I do find these are just "inferior" quality strings, compared to the TGV multi at least. For those interested in these poly strings, here are my comments. Ranked by decreasing order of quality (power, feel, control, spin):
_MSV Focus Hex 1,10 (white or black): hexagonal string, execeptional for spin. I might use this string on clay with a lighter PC600 (345g). New balls would reach shoulder height and be very difficult to play for my partner. This is the only positive test I found.
_Prosupex Big Ace 1,25 (white): the closest thing to the TGV multi but besides the price, it's just not as good.
_Cyber Power (blue)/Cyber Flash (grey): amazing softness and power. If I was to serve a whole match without ever receiving, this is what I would take. Loses its qualities and tension way too fast though.
_Signum Pro Poly Megaforce 1,19 (grey): consistent feel, nothing fancy, reliable string.
_Kirschbaum Pro Line II 1,15 (red): very stiff, lousy string. I need to try it again though. Might be the racquet but I doubt it...
_Prince Duraflex 1,30 (yellow): tension had dropped to low by the time I tried it but seems very basic.
I also tried the Technifibre Xone biphase 1,24 (natural). The comparison is difficult with the TGV because I had it strung on a 360g/33.5cm Classic Mid which has unusual weight and balance. I'd say it is very similar of course. It may have more power but less feel than the TGV original, not for me therefore.
I still want to try the Babolat VS team natural gut. I believe either I am going to be crazy about it or dislike it big time. I have big hopes for a change on this string. I have one pack ready but need to wait for the rain to stop around here, maybe in March.
I might also try the Wilson Champion's choice strings, used by Federer. I will string it with the gut in the mains, for "a softer feel and playability". I might find it's a combo of some kind of a "super spin" (MSV hex like, the luxilon alu rough, never tried it yet) and a "super feel" string (the wilson gut).
Price is a killer for these two strings but since I do understand why I was paying so much for my TGV (it is indeed a better string than most strings around), this might be worth it.
Will let you know.
;-))
