Just an FYI that I was not part of this playtest. I received a set of LT a month ahead.
Tension(s) used for playtest: 53/51lbs on a Prince Neos 1000 (lockout)
Regular string set up: Hawk Touch 1.25 @ around 53/51
Racquet used for test: Head G360 Speed MP (modded)
Control/Power: In the first couple of outings, this string was low powered and the launch angle was low. Similar to a full bed of round poly in an 18x20. I could get a decent amount of pace but no free power. As for control, it was more point and shoot and it had good control as it was low powered.
Over time, the stringbed opened up and the launch angle was greater (somewhat around what I was used to for full poly in a 16x19) and the power level increased - Some shots started sailing long.
Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): At first, a little crisp, muted, and comfortable. After a while, a little mushy/plush, more muted, still comfortable. I think this is a great string to play with during the winter time if playing recreationally. I’m amazed how little jarring I experienced when hitting with this string. This particular feel may not suit everyone and even I don’t like it from time to time. I would say I would prefer this string when playing doubles because I can volley without too much shock on off-center hits. I’d prefer something more predictable and spin-friendly in singles. Overall, softer than poly, softer than poly/multi, similar to multi/poly, and firmer than full multi.
Spin: Not the string’s best aspect. Definitely more spin than a full bed of multi but less than a full bed of poly. I could still hit slice and kick serves but with less effect. I think this string may suit a player who hits a majority of their balls flat. The lack of spin contributed to the lack of control.
Playability Duration (did it lose playability over time?): I’ve had this string in my racquet for over a month (1/11) and I still find it comfortable. However, I would only use it for double because of how the power and launch angle has increased. It doesn’t feel dead or trampolin-y IMO
Durability (did it notch? -get stuck out of position?): At first, this string creaked quite a bit. Now, it gets pushed around, similar to poly over time. I don’t break poly often so it’s still got life.
Tension findings (would you string it at a different tension on your next try? Why?): I would stay at the same tension or I could bump it up a couple pounds to rein in the power and launch as the string opens up.
Additional comments (optional): Because I was not officially part of the playtest, I did a small side experiment by stringing up my 360+ Speed MP with Hawk Touch/Velocity @53lbs. (Hybrid refers to HT/Velo, Poly refers to full HT, Multi refers to a similar string to T1 Triumph) Here are my comparisons:
Power: Multi>LT>Hybrid>Poly
Control: Poly>Hybrid=LT>Multi
Launch: Multi>LT>Poly>Hybrid
Spin: Poly>Hybrid>=LT>Multi
Durability: Poly>LT>Hybrid>=Multi
Playability: Poly>=LT=Hybrid (idk where to put multi lol)
Quick read: It bridges the gap between multi and poly, a unique hybrid in itself. It’s more control oriented and spin friendly than multi. It has more comfort, but less spin and control than poly. May be better suited for flat hitters or serve and volley’ers.
Thank you to TW and HEAD for sending out sample sets from their podcast episode!
Tension(s) used for playtest: 53/51lbs on a Prince Neos 1000 (lockout)
Regular string set up: Hawk Touch 1.25 @ around 53/51
Racquet used for test: Head G360 Speed MP (modded)
Control/Power: In the first couple of outings, this string was low powered and the launch angle was low. Similar to a full bed of round poly in an 18x20. I could get a decent amount of pace but no free power. As for control, it was more point and shoot and it had good control as it was low powered.
Over time, the stringbed opened up and the launch angle was greater (somewhat around what I was used to for full poly in a 16x19) and the power level increased - Some shots started sailing long.
Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): At first, a little crisp, muted, and comfortable. After a while, a little mushy/plush, more muted, still comfortable. I think this is a great string to play with during the winter time if playing recreationally. I’m amazed how little jarring I experienced when hitting with this string. This particular feel may not suit everyone and even I don’t like it from time to time. I would say I would prefer this string when playing doubles because I can volley without too much shock on off-center hits. I’d prefer something more predictable and spin-friendly in singles. Overall, softer than poly, softer than poly/multi, similar to multi/poly, and firmer than full multi.
Spin: Not the string’s best aspect. Definitely more spin than a full bed of multi but less than a full bed of poly. I could still hit slice and kick serves but with less effect. I think this string may suit a player who hits a majority of their balls flat. The lack of spin contributed to the lack of control.
Playability Duration (did it lose playability over time?): I’ve had this string in my racquet for over a month (1/11) and I still find it comfortable. However, I would only use it for double because of how the power and launch angle has increased. It doesn’t feel dead or trampolin-y IMO
Durability (did it notch? -get stuck out of position?): At first, this string creaked quite a bit. Now, it gets pushed around, similar to poly over time. I don’t break poly often so it’s still got life.
Tension findings (would you string it at a different tension on your next try? Why?): I would stay at the same tension or I could bump it up a couple pounds to rein in the power and launch as the string opens up.
Additional comments (optional): Because I was not officially part of the playtest, I did a small side experiment by stringing up my 360+ Speed MP with Hawk Touch/Velocity @53lbs. (Hybrid refers to HT/Velo, Poly refers to full HT, Multi refers to a similar string to T1 Triumph) Here are my comparisons:
Power: Multi>LT>Hybrid>Poly
Control: Poly>Hybrid=LT>Multi
Launch: Multi>LT>Poly>Hybrid
Spin: Poly>Hybrid>=LT>Multi
Durability: Poly>LT>Hybrid>=Multi
Playability: Poly>=LT=Hybrid (idk where to put multi lol)
Quick read: It bridges the gap between multi and poly, a unique hybrid in itself. It’s more control oriented and spin friendly than multi. It has more comfort, but less spin and control than poly. May be better suited for flat hitters or serve and volley’ers.
Thank you to TW and HEAD for sending out sample sets from their podcast episode!
