PERFORMAXX Gold String-bed energizer(alcohol base) Review

[Readers]

I read about this first in PV's string test thread, and one thing I don't like about the string I am using is it moves a lot even when it was new, so ordered a bottle and had it for 2 weeks now. It's 2.5 Oz for $9.99

String: Performaxx Whispertouch 1.20 @ 53 CP, the string is already heavily frayed.

Racquet: Donnay X-Dual Core Gold 99 (does this even matter?)

First: string movement.

The first time I used it, I sprayed 7-9 times on each side, moved string a little as per instruction, then another 6-7 times on each side. According to the instruction, it should last me a few play days.

I played the next day for 1 hour, it works great, at the end, only 3 main moved a little.

The 3 days later, I played 3 hour, the first hour, it's still great, almost not string movement, the second hour is still good, about 80% of effect is still there. However the in the 3rd hour it went from 80% to 0%.

So while it does work great in helping strings to move back, it does not last a few days as advertised. 3 hours and I did spray a lot on.

Later I also tied to only spray 3-4 times on each side if I will only go play an hour, but 3-4 times does not give 100% performance, and it wears off real quick, so it's doesn't seems to be the way to go for both money and performance.

So, I would say at least 10-15 times on each side, and reapply every 3 hour is the way to use it. But it only cost $9.99 for 2.5 Oz, which should last you 30 hours or so, again, I have not gone though a bottle yet.

9.5/10 for reduce string movement(or rather help string move back)

Second: Spin production

Since it helps string to snap back, which according to TWU it should also increase spin, and it does. I feel I could get noticeably spin increase in the first 2 hour. Yes, 2, here is the difference, I feel the extra spin is pretty much gone in the third hour but string still move back quite well. As for how much more spin I got with it, I can't really quantify it, but I'd say more than 5-10% for sure.

Please note I have a gut, and it has very average spin for a gut IMO, so if you have poly or hybrid, I doubt you will get the same or even a close result as I did.

8/10 for increase spin production.

Anyway, here is my first ever review on TW, I know it's dry and boring, but hope it helps.

Edit: It takes close to no time to dry, maybe 1 sec or less.

11/13/2011 Update:

I used almost 3/4 of a bottle now, and with more time, I have to say it lasted 2 hour min, 3 hour max, but most of time it's closer to 2 hours. So now I reapply every 2.5 hour or so instead of 3. So current new est for a bottle is 25 hours.

 

[pvaudio]

Since I was one of the playtesters for this, I will agree that it is indeed very good. I recommend spraying down the stringbed before straightening your strings so that you get a great effect from the get go. It's not a wonder fluid. It basically helps to keep the strings play how they were playing for longer, not make an existing setup better. So, as you say, unless you already are impressed with your setup, the spray is really just going to help increase durability and keep the spin potential high for a longer time.

 

[Readers]

PV, I agree with most of what you said, but it does make it better than new, the string moves a lot the day it was strung, and with the spray on it does not.

But yeah, I like every other part of the string, so it will not make you like a string you don't already like.

 

[corners]

I read about this first in PV's string test thread, and one thing I don't like about the string I am using is it moves a lot even when it was new, so ordered a bottle and had it for 2 weeks now.

String: Performaxx Whispertouch 1.20 @ 53 CP, the string is already heavily frayed.

Racquet: Donnay X-Dual Core Gold 99 (does this even matter?)

First: string movement.

The first time I used it, I sprayed 7-9 times on each side, moved string a little as per instruction, then another 6-7 times on each side. According to the instruction, it should last me a few play days.

I played the next day for 1 hour, it works great, at the end, only 3 main moved a little.

The 3 days later, I played 3 hour, the first hour, it's still great, almost not string movement, the second hour is still good, about 80% of effect is still there. However the in the 3rd hour it went from 80% to 0%.

So while it does work great in helping strings to move back, it does not last a few days as advertised. 3 hours and I did spray a lot on.

Later I also tied to only spray 3-4 times on each side if I will only go play an hour, but 3-4 times does not give 100% performance, and it wears off real quick, so it's doesn't seems to be the way to go for both money and performance.

So, I would say at least 10-15 times on each side, and reapply every 3 hour is the way to use it. But it only cost $9.99 for 2.5 Oz, which should last you 30 hours or so, again, I have not gone though a bottle yet.

9.5/10 for reduce string movement(or rather help string move back)

Second: Spin production

Since it helps string to snap back, which according to TWU it should also increase spin, and it does. I feel I could get noticeably spin increase in the first 2 hour. Yes, 2, here is the difference, I feel the extra spin is pretty much gone in the third hour but string still move back quite well. As for how much more spin I got with it, I can't really quantify it, but I'd say more than 5-10% for sure.

Please note I have a gut, and it has very average spin for a gut IMO, so if you have poly or hybrid, I doubt you will get the same or even a close result as I did.

8/10 for increase spin production.

Anyway, here is my first ever review on TW, I know it's dry and boring, but hope it helps.

Thanks for your report. BTW, the hours you played with it, what kind of hours were they? Practice sets? Drills? Casual hitting? I ask because the longevity of the spray will depend basically on how many balls are hit. We tend to hit lots of balls doing drills and much fewer in a match.

 

[corners]

Hey Readers, how does the Gold 99 feel with full gut?

 

[Readers]

Thanks for your report. BTW, the hours you played with it, what kind of hours were they? Practice sets? Drills? Casual hitting? I ask because the longevity of the spray will depend basically on how many balls are hit. We tend to hit lots of balls doing drills and much fewer in a match.

Casual hitting.

 

[bsandy]

I use this. $4.98 from Lowe's.

 

[levy1]

I use this. $4.98 from Lowe's.

What kind of strings are you using?

 

[Readers]

What kind of strings are you using?

Not only that, maybe a review instead of just a pic?

 

[2Hare]

I use this. $4.98 from Lowe's.

Wow, that looks useful but way too toxic for use on tennis string. I think hand/body lotions r the safer way to go.

 

[mixedmedia]

I'm thinking this might actually be pretty similar to what the P'maxx stuff is. Anyone compared the two?

 

[Racer41c]

wow, my experience was completely different. I hybrid gut mains with gosen crosses and tried the spray on a fresh string job. The result was a rocket launcher. I could feel the string move excessively and then launch the ball. My trusty setup had turned into a scud rocket launcher, pretty much a terrorist weapon with no control.

So I put the racquet back on the stringer, cut out the crosses (the gosen), wiped off the WT mains and re-strung the crosses. The normal behaviour was 90% back.

So I guess it's going to depend on what strings/racquet/tension your using.

 

[bsandy]

What I use.

What kind of strings are you using?

I use Pacific Tough Gut 17 x Pacific Prime 16 at 50 in a Chang Graphite 107 Longbody.

 

[bsandy]

Not only that, maybe a review instead of just a pic?

This stiff is like spraying paraffin on your string (smells like it too), I spay it on before I play, between sets and after I play.

There is a very noticeable increase in spin (you know the dirty look right after you hit a topspin shot at someone or jam someone with a slice serve,)

I used to use spray silicone. It was messy and didn't last a whole set.

. . . Bud

 

[Readers]

wow, my experience was completely different. I hybrid gut mains with gosen crosses and tried the spray on a fresh string job. The result was a rocket launcher. I could feel the string move excessively and then launch the ball. My trusty setup had turned into a scud rocket launcher, pretty much a terrorist weapon with no control.

So I put the racquet back on the stringer, cut out the crosses (the gosen), wiped off the WT mains and re-strung the crosses. The normal behaviour was 90% back.

So I guess it's going to depend on what strings/racquet/tension your using.

Very interesting, I guess it really depends, the power increase on my setup is very very minimal.

 

[Readers]

This stiff is like spraying paraffin on your string (smells like it too), I spay it on before I play, between sets and after I play.

There is a very noticeable increase in spin (you know the dirty look right after you hit a topspin shot at someone or jam someone with a slice serve,)

I used to use spray silicone. It was messy and didn't last a whole set.

. . . Bud

Guess I will have to pass on this, sounds too toxic for me. Still I want to ask, does it take anytime to dry?

 

[bsandy]

Does it take anytime to dry?

No. It dries quicker and is not as messy (or toxic) as the silicone I was using. All the toxic stuff evaporates and if just leaves the teflon wax behind.

 

[2Hare]

No. It dries quicker and is not as messy (or toxic) as the silicone I was using. All the toxic stuff evaporates and if just leaves the teflon wax behind.

I thought Teflon IS the toxin! It's a known carcinogen. At wax form, this thing is gonna slide off the strings, onto the ball, then your hands, then who knows where you'll touch! You should really consider stop using it, you don't want to have any regret down the road.... not worth it man!

Anyone has a more "organic" solution?

 

[pvaudio]

Please don't spray teflon on to your strings, it's not worth it. If you don't want to pay for the Performaxx stuff, then that's fine. Teflon is designed not to work on biological materials aka natural gut or say...human lungs. It's an industrial product and that's its use. So while the function may be similar, the product is far more hazardous. Aside from getting a bit drunk off the alcohol based version, you will be fine if you drink the PMaxx stuff. Fatal if swallowed aren't typically words I want to see when talking about tennis racquet modifications unless it's lead tape and it's purpose is for just that.

 

[Readers]

PV, you sure it's ethanol and not isopropyl or a mixture in the Performaxx? Because it only says rubbing alcohol, which can be either or a mixture of both.

 

[Readers]

While it's not on product page it is on the bottle, it's isopropyl alcohol, but still it's not really toxic unless you decide to drink it.

 

[bsandy]

I thought Teflon IS the toxin! It's a known carcinogen. At wax form, this thing is gonna slide off the strings, onto the ball, then your hands, then who knows where you'll touch! You should really consider stop using it, you don't want to have any regret down the road.... not worth it man!

Anyone has a more "organic" solution?

Teflon is not a toxin. There's probably some teflon tape used in your home plumbing.

Teflon not a carcinogen. One compound used in its production is, so there was some mis-guided press.

It doesn't slide off the strings, because it's in a wax mixture.

. . . Bud

 

[bsandy]

Teflon is designed not to work on biological materials aka natural gut or say...human lungs. It's an industrial product and that's its use. So while the function may be similar, the product is far more hazardous.

Wow you are mis-informed.

Did you know that . . .

Olay uses Teflon in some of its skin products.

L'Oreal uses it in their eyeliner.

Sally Hanson uses it in their nail polishes.

If you eat Teflon, as long as your digestive system is below 260 degrees you will poop it all out.

This stuff is REALLY easy to google, please stop spreading bull $#!t.

. . . Bud

 

[mixedmedia]

Well I've always heard what PV's been saying. Could you post a link to what articles you found? All I saw so far is stuff supporting PV's position.

 

[bsandy]

Well I've always heard what PV's been saying. Could you post a link to what articles you found? All I saw so far is stuff supporting PV's position.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=teflon+olay

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=teflon+l'oreal

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=teflon+sally+hansen

http://www2.dupont.com/Teflon/en_US/keyword/safety.html?src=search_us_teflon_safety

 

[mixedmedia]

I'm not questioning that it's used in those products or that a manufacturer supports its own product, just wondering what studies you've read on it. You referenced something besides the Teflon that's dangerous? Thanks.

 

[bsandy]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=silicone+toxicity+cosmetics

 

[kiteboard]

Why not just use crayons on the cross junctions, like a candle wax only? I wonder what that would do for ashaway kevlar.

 

[kaiser]

If Teflon is safe to be used in any non-stick frying pan, I suppose it should be safe to spray on tennis strings...

 

[mixedmedia]

If Teflon is safe to be used in any non-stick frying pan, I suppose it should be safe to spray on tennis strings...

But that's the point: reports came out that Teflon wearing off of non-stick pans was hazardous.

 

[bsandy]

But that's the point: reports came out that Teflon wearing off of non-stick pans was hazardous.

Nope . . . Those were false reports precipitated by reports on PFOA. Teflon in inert below 260 degrees. (Am I the only person with access to Google?)

Read this too: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=84710

OBTW . . . PFOA is used in a lot of flourocarbon production, but no one is complaining about Luxilon. Germany's lax laws on chemicals like PFOA is probably the reason a lot of poly strings are made in Germany.

. . . Bud

 

[mixedmedia]

Then at least in the non-stick pans is it hazardous b/c of the other chemicals used in its application or are you saying everything related to Teflon is fine? In any case, this has gotten very off topic, though could be important for health reasons, but I'll leave it be.

Any more feedback on Gold Bed?

 

[mixedmedia]

Why not just use crayons on the cross junctions, like a candle wax only? I wonder what that would do for ashaway kevlar.

Hmm... I take it you haven't tried it yet?

 

[kiteboard]

No, not yet. Don't have any crayons, but they or a thin candle would do. Snap back is a tricky thing, to still grab the string in time, but without too much slip.

 

[ricki]

Teflon is harmless. When you heat teflon to some excessive temperature, then it produces some carcinogen suff (as teflon is made from crude oil - crude oil is carcinogenous)

 

[Ramon]

Are we to conclude that it's not safe to spray teflon on your strings because if you decide to fry food on it, the food could become toxic? :?

 

[pvaudio]

PV, you sure it's ethanol and not isopropyl or a mixture in the Performaxx? Because it only says rubbing alcohol, which can be either or a mixture of both.

Oh no, I'm pretty certain it's more rubbing alcohol than grain alcohol. My point was about the entire product itself. One is meant to be used on animal tissue to increase its longevity, the other is intended to be used on industrial fixtures. The toxicity therefore is likely a much larger concern for the former product. The reason there are 3 different versions of the spray isn't due to one being more toxic than the other, it's just that with the alcohol base it works much better.

 

[pvaudio]

Wow, just like the other thread, this is going in the complete wrong direction due to misinterpretation. Let me clarify so we can move on:

1. Is the string spray safe to be used by people? Yes.

2. Is the Teflon lubricant safe to be used by people? Yes.

3. Is the string spray safe to be used on tennis strings? Yes.

4. Is the Teflon lubricant safe to be used on tennis strings? No idea whatsoever.

That's all the point that's being made, and nothing more. A can of Teflon lubricant is not made to be used on natural gut string beds, and it's ludicrous that someone says that it "serves the same purpose" simply because they're spray lubricants. One is made for a specific purpose, and while the Teflon very well may be good to go on strings, it's not marketed to be used in the same way. That's all. To put shortly: use at your own risk, but do not tell others it is equivalent or just as safe to use for the same purpose.

 

[Readers]

Did some research

Teflon is not the problem here, paraffin is.

Well, pure paraffin itself is fine, but the one used in this product most likely is NOT, and it is toxic. What's even worse, is Solvent used for paraffin is most likely highly toxic.

So I would not want prolonged exposure to this thing.

 

[parasailing]

I ordered up one on the great auction site so will let you know whether it makes any difference in about a month.

 

[maggam24]

I've used "Finger-ease," a string lubricant for guitars, on an all poly set-up. I found that it increased spin because of the snap back effect. I don't think it lasts a whole match, but I did notice a small increase in spin. According to the can it can be used on steel, nylon, or gut strings, but I've only tried it on poly. I've recently been using gut and synth gut and I haven't tried it out on these kinds for fear that it may contribute to premature breakage, at least for the gut. The thing that is nice about the finger ease is that it is meant to come in contact with one's fingers/hands (on the neck of the guitar and fretboard) and I assume is non-toxic, or, at the very least less toxic than the silicon based sprays that you'll find at your local hardware store. Also it isn't messy, it isn't wet, and won't get all over your racquet or the ball. I would also say that it doesn't reduce friction as much though, but again small, but appreciable, increase in spin. Maybe it's purely the power of suggestion, I don't have any evidence.

 

[bsandy]

Wow, just like the other thread, this is going in the complete wrong direction due to misinterpretation. Let me clarify so we can move on:

1. Is the string spray safe to be used by people? Yes.

2. Is the Teflon lubricant safe to be used by people? Yes.

3. Is the string spray safe to be used on tennis strings? Yes.

4. Is the Teflon lubricant safe to be used on tennis strings? No idea whatsoever.

That's all the point that's being made, and nothing more. A can of Teflon lubricant is not made to be used on natural gut string beds, and it's ludicrous that someone says that it "serves the same purpose" simply because they're spray lubricants. One is made for a specific purpose, and while the Teflon very well may be good to go on strings, it's not marketed to be used in the same way. That's all. To put shortly: use at your own risk, but do not tell others it is equivalent or just as safe to use for the same purpose.

This is funny. Not your funniest post, but it ranks up there.

 

[retrograde]

Thread necromancy, I know ...

Home Depot says Super Lube, a Teflon (PTFE) dry spray lube, is food grade and non-toxic:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...arch2-1-_-NA-_-202932709-_-N&locStoreNum=6623

This is probably similar to that Dupont Teflon spray.

 

[Sardines]

Wow you are mis-informed.

Did you know that . . .

Olay uses Teflon in some of its skin products.

L'Oreal uses it in their eyeliner.

Sally Hanson uses it in their nail polishes.

If you eat Teflon, as long as your digestive system is below 260 degrees you will poop it all out.

This stuff is REALLY easy to google, please stop spreading bull $#!t.

. . . Bud

Unfortunately, the cosmetics industry isn't the safest and most regulated industry. They constantly use carcenogenic and other hazardous ingredients because there is no FDA catch. Parabens and derivatives only have been recently removed from many products because they "realized" there are causal links to cancer and other effects.
As you say, google is easy:

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/Cancer...tHome/teflon-and-perfluorooctanoic-acid--pfoa

It's not conclusive, so let's not make broad statements either way.

 

[retrograde]

So, does Performaxx Gold contain Teflon?

Looking at their ads on Ew Bay, Performaxx talks about their liquid carriers (alcohol, water, etc.). But they don't say anything about their actual lubricant. Could it be Teflon?

As a side note, there are many different formulations under the Teflon name (PTFE, PFA, etc.). PFA is listed as having "FDA food contact compliance" which I assume means its a "food grade" product like Super Lube Dri-Film (which has PTFE).

http://www2.dupont.com/Teflon_Industrial/en_US/products/product_by_name/teflon_pfa/index.html

Anyways, not looking to stir the pot, just looking for facts. It would be amusing if Performaxx or Finger Ease contained teflon.

 

[retrograde]

Here is the webpage for Finger-Ease:

http://www.chem-pak.com/catalog/index.html

I asked for their MSDS datasheet for Finger-Ease and will post info if they reply (their literature search page is broken).

Edit: The MSDS for Finger-Ease says the main (non-propellant) ingredient is Dimethylpolysiloxane. I'm not a chemist, but some Googling indicates it's a silicone-based oil. Some of these types of oils are used in food products (e.g. anti-foaming agents):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicone_oil