First off, thank you to TW for including me in this play test! It was really great trying out this string as I've been interested in it for a while!
Tension(s) used for playtest
54/52 lbs
Regular string set up & tension
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.20 at 54/52 lbs. Sometimes I dabble with poly/multi hybrid - a set-up I recently tried was Wilson Revolve 17G/Mayami Absolute Perfection at 54/50 lbs
Racquet used for test
Yonex VCORE Pro 97 (310), 2021 edition
Power/Control
I was surprised by just how much control I could get out of this string! The PTP is very known for having good ball pocketing and thus pretty controllable in my opinion. I was very pleasantly surprised with the control that I could muster from the PTS to get my corner shots in. The string I felt was closer towards low-medium in terms of power, nothing to really write home about. I do take very full swings though, and the low-powered string helped to keep balls in the court so if you happen to make that full and fast swing motion, this could be worth trying as it's just enough to keep your balls in the court instead of against the back wall. Control I'd say 8-8.5/10. Power around 5-6/10 - it's there, but you have to unlock it with your technique.
Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?)
The feel on this string I would say is comfortable while feeling crisp. It's again in the middle. Not a board and not like a memory foam pillow. I get enough feedback in my first few hits to know how to confidently play with this string bed moving forward and feel GOOD about my hits, where they're moving, and how it's feeling on my arm. And I appreciated the response I felt when I was working those volleys. The feedback I got at net did wonders at my shot placement on my volleys and half-volleys.
Definitely not as muted the PTP, and I honestly kind of like that change of pace, especially with my particular racket - having a crisper string like this could work really well with my set up.
Spin
Better than PTP but definitely still a round poly. I feel the spin was more middle of the road on this string, and like the power - it can get the spin but you have to work to get that spin for yourself. It's not going to be like the shaped polies that can grip the ball to enact the spin you need easily. I'd say a 6-7/10, good for a round poly but just doesn't compete with your shaped polies. Edit: I'd say if you compare it with only round polies, it's an 8-8.5/10. But a 6-7/10 if you compare with all strings out there.
Playability Duration (include any relevant comments on durability)
Playability so far has been great. I've played for about 3 hours at this point and I haven't noticed much change with the tension, spin, power, etc with the string. I'll post updates if I notice anything different as the playtest continues.
Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? Explain answer)
I typically adjust my tension for my string beds from a 50/48 to a 54/52. I think this string could maybe unlock some more potential if I tried it at 52/50 next. I'm always looking for more spin though, so that's my personal reasoning.
List any additional thoughts (optional)
String had this slick coating on it coming out the packet and this coating made it extremely easy to string. I didn't notice any kinks while stringing and that's always a plus.
Blue color looks great, especially on the new VCORE Pro line, since the racket has some blue accents in the paint job anyways.
I'd say try the racket and if it works out, consider the reel because the price of it is pretty high.
I'd say if you were a heavy hitter who can produce his/her own spin that's looking for a low-powered string that is pretty controllable to keep your balls in the court or looking for some more control in your game - this is a great string for you to consider. I also think this string can be used not only full bed but also in a hybrid set up since it's a round poly and I'm not as weary about it cutting into my multis.
I really enjoyed this play test, and look forward to more Yonex strings to try out! Low key may get another set to try out at other tensions because it may be a good competitor to my PTP I have.
