Prince Beast XP 16

[GarryClarke]

hi guys

is there any good info on this string as ive just got a couple of sets cheap!!!

i intend stringing up a 2012 pd/wilson blade 98 (black/gold version)

ive done the usual search but its a bit hit and miss,also some suggestions on string tension as ive read its powerful for a poly???

i mainly play doubles so im more intreasted in control/low power tensions,
i want to try and get it right 1st time as im stringing up both rackets at the same time for a side by side comparison to see what suits and then i can go from there.

many thanks in advance

 

[EastAngels2014]

I like this string a lot, i string it at 55lbs and it felt great. great spin and control with good amount of power.

 

[GarryClarke]

I like this string a lot, i string it at 55lbs and it felt great. great spin and control with good amount of power.

thanks EastAngles2014

i was going to try mid tension on both the PD/Blade if i didnt get any joy on here and 55lbs sounds about right.

cheers Garry

 

[EastAngels2014]

I used it on an Aero and it was great then i made the change to the blade (same one you have) and it hasn't felt the same i am not sure it it is the 18x20 pattern and it doesn't have the same amount of spin potential but it is still a very solid string, one of my favorite polys. I felt it held tension very well and stayed playable for a long time. I just had to move on because of the price.

 

[EastAngels2014]

i suggest dropping tenison in the blade to around 51 or 52 if you want the spin btw i just didn't have a chance to try it because i ran out.

 

[gtshark1]

Prince Beast XP is my "go to" string. Its the string I use most commonly. I have used it full bed and recently I have used it in mains with Gosen Micro Sheep in cross to cut down on price.

A couple things I like about the string include control, feel, and the life seems longer than most other polys I have tried. Spin is good but not incredible.

I still search for a better string as I feel Beast isnt perfect, but again its my preference right now. I dont use the same racquet so I cant help with tension, plus I'm one of the odd people that prefers hi tension poly.

If you have any questions I will for sure monitor the thread and try to answer.

 

[GarryClarke]

I used it on an Aero and it was great then i made the change to the blade (same one you have) and it hasn't felt the same i am not sure it it is the 18x20 pattern and it doesn't have the same amount of spin potential but it is still a very solid string, one of my favorite polys. I felt it held tension very well and stayed playable for a long time. I just had to move on because of the price.

thanks again for the info

for some reason when playing the blade i hit flatter strokes/inches over the net with minimal spin which to be honest i like far better than the loopy spin of the PD,dont get me wrong i love the ease of power out of the PD and i can rip the hell out of the ball from all over the court.

the blade i just love that low powered control side of it and i do play better in doubles,ive got it 6pts HL so its a bit easier to swing but still thuds a ball,serves are well down on power but i can be pin point with them as i can just blast them with the PD.

i will string the PD @ 56 or 55lbs and will try the Blade @52lbs

again many thanks for your input

cheers Garry

 

[GarryClarke]

Prince Beast XP is my "go to" string. Its the string I use most commonly. I have used it full bed and recently I have used it in mains with Gosen Micro Sheep in cross to cut down on price.

A couple things I like about the string include control, feel, and the life seems longer than most other polys I have tried. Spin is good but not incredible.

I still search for a better string as I feel Beast isnt perfect, but again its my preference right now. I dont use the same racquet so I cant help with tension, plus I'm one of the odd people that prefers hi tension poly.

If you have any questions I will for sure monitor the thread and try to answer.

hi gtshark1

many thanks for your input

from what ive dug up on the net it does seem a nice string but a tad expensive,as in my 1st post i got a few sets very very cheap and even if i fall in love with it i doubt i would use it again as i can get 3 sets of pro's pro blackout for 1 set of XP and i do rate the pro's pro BO highly as ive played it both in my PD and Blade.

also shame the colour is puke green lol

thanks again

 

[Torres]

I think JackB1 has played with this string quite a bit. You might want to ask him to chip in with his review?

Are you still liking that blue Yonex string, Gary? I strung up a racquet with it the other day and really like the way the string played.

 

[GarryClarke]

I think JackB1 has played with this string quite a bit. You might want to ask him to chip in with his review?

Are you still liking that blue Yonex string, Gary? I strung up a racquet with it the other day and really like the way the string played.

hi Torres

not played the blue yonex string for a while now but i will go back to it at some point as like you say its a very very good string at a good price too.
think it might suit the blade for my doubles as its low powered

ive still got a few sets of yellow yonex to try in the blade and i like that alot too,dont no if you knew but i had blue yonex in the mains and yellow yonex in the crosses in my PD and that played very well too,stll plenty of spin but with added power from the yellow yonex,i just liked the full bed of yellow in the PD as it looked better but again i will go back to that setup at some point,
thats the perils/joys of having your own stringing machine and more strings at your disposal than you can shake a stick at lol

 

[EastAngels2014]

thanks again for the info

for some reason when playing the blade i hit flatter strokes/inches over the net with minimal spin which to be honest i like far better than the loopy spin of the PD,dont get me wrong i love the ease of power out of the PD and i can rip the hell out of the ball from all over the court.

the blade i just love that low powered control side of it and i do play better in doubles,ive got it 6pts HL so its a bit easier to swing but still thuds a ball,serves are well down on power but i can be pin point with them as i can just blast them with the PD.

i will string the PD @ 56 or 55lbs and will try the Blade @52lbs

again many thanks for your input

cheers Garry

I loved the easy power i got from my aero but i improved my game a lot of the last few months and have been hitting the ball a lot better so i needed something that was more stable and allowed me to really hit through the ball and that's what the blade gives me. I am going to be trying out BHSR in my blade next at about 52 or 53lbs.

 

[EastAngels2014]

Prince Beast XP is my "go to" string. Its the string I use most commonly. I have used it full bed and recently I have used it in mains with Gosen Micro Sheep in cross to cut down on price.

A couple things I like about the string include control, feel, and the life seems longer than most other polys I have tried. Spin is good but not incredible.

I still search for a better string as I feel Beast isnt perfect, but again its my preference right now. I dont use the same racquet so I cant help with tension, plus I'm one of the odd people that prefers hi tension poly.

If you have any questions I will for sure monitor the thread and try to answer.

How much help do you get from hybriding beast in terms of price because i cant pay that much for a string no matter how much i like it.

 

[gtshark1]

How much help do you get from hybriding beast in terms of price because i cant pay that much for a string no matter how much i like it.

The difference is minimal but there. Full bed is crisper and a little more stiff. The Syn Gut softens it up a bit but I tried it because of price and its fine for me. Again, I'm not 100% sold on Beast as the perfect string but in full bed and hybrid its the best I found for myself overall.

 

[EastAngels2014]

The difference is minimal but there. Full bed is crisper and a little more stiff. The Syn Gut softens it up a bit but I tried it because of price and its fine for me. Again, I'm not 100% sold on Beast as the perfect string but in full bed and hybrid its the best I found for myself overall.

I am not quite sold either but it is my favorite poly and i haven't tried a whole lot but a fair amount but the price keeps pushing me away.

 

[GarryClarke]

I loved the easy power i got from my aero but i improved my game a lot of the last few months and have been hitting the ball a lot better so i needed something that was more stable and allowed me to really hit through the ball and that's what the blade gives me. I am going to be trying out BHSR in my blade next at about 52 or 53lbs.

i do hear where your coming from and as like the PD you can put in minimal effort but proper ground strokes to get a mass of spin or a thumping flat 1st serve

like you my game has improved and i wanted to try a more controlled racket with a tighter string pattern which to me/my coaches surprise worked very well and in doubles its an absolute pleasure to use as long as my technique doesnt go walk about which it does alot lol

looking forward to try the beast xp and should find out on sunday

 

[KoaUka]

Dig the beast. I like it best as a main w/ a multi or syn gut cross. It also works well as a cross w/ nat. gut

 

[JackB1]

I think JackB1 has played with this string quite a bit. You might want to ask him to chip in with his review?

Are you still liking that blue Yonex string, Gary? I strung up a racquet with it the other day and really like the way the string played.

Correct Torres. Beast is one of my favorite poly's. It just has such a nice almost plush feel on impact and has nice pop as well. Seems to last very well also. Just a fantastic smooth, round poly, so it also works great in hybrids with gut mains. I have a full bed of Beast 16g currently in my Steam 99s and it is playing great.

Only negative is that green color might clash with some frames

 

[EastAngels2014]

Correct Torres. Beast is one of my favorite poly's. It just has such a nice almost plush feel on impact and has nice pop as well. Seems to last very well also. Just a fantastic smooth, round poly, so it also works great in hybrids with gut mains. I have a full bed of Beast 16g currently in my Steam 99s and it is playing great.

Only negative is that green color might clash with some frames

Have you found anything that plays pretty similar but its cheaper?

 

[Torres]

Correct Torres. Beast is one of my favorite poly's. It just has such a nice almost plush feel on impact and has nice pop as well. Seems to last very well also. Just a fantastic smooth, round poly, so it also works great in hybrids with gut mains. I have a full bed of Beast 16g currently in my Steam 99s and it is playing great.

How does it play compared to other well known polys? How do its characteristics change over its string life? Tension? Comparative stiffness to other well known polys? How many hours does it last before going dead, and does it stiffen when dead?

Some specific information would be more useful.

 

[ricki]

How does it play compared to other well known polys? How do its characteristics change over its string life? Tension? Comparative stiffness to other well known polys? How many hours does it last before going dead, and does it stiffen when dead?

Some specific information would be more useful.

Average spin, Average durability for poly (saws into itself pretty), Does not go "dead" - stablest poly I played, Power is fairly big - I recommend string tighter (25 kg)

 

[Rabbit]

Have you found anything that plays pretty similar but its cheaper?

I read that Isospeed Pulse was the same string, so I bought some. It doesn't play as plush as Beast, IMO. It is close, firmer, but close and about 1/2 price. I'm currently testing Spin Cycle. If I don't like that, I'll bite the bullet and buy Beast over Pulse, it just feels better.

 

[gtshark1]

I read that Isospeed Pulse was the same string, so I bought some. It doesn't play as plush as Beast, IMO. It is close, firmer, but close and about 1/2 price. I'm currently testing Spin Cycle. If I don't like that, I'll bite the bullet and buy Beast over Pulse, it just feels better.

I have heard the same about Pulse but I have not tried it. I'm also looking for an alternate price wise for Beast. Again, the search for the perfect string continues....

Some have mentioned the life of Beast here as a bonus. I wanted to back that up. I coach high school tennis and many of my top players use Beast. I wouldn't say they are super string breakers but they actually break string more than I do and Beast last them, me us a long time compared to other strings we have tried. It does cost more, but you get more life in my opinion. Plus, a few of the guys notice slight difference in Hybrid so that saves money.

 

[JackB1]

Average spin, Average durability for poly (saws into itself pretty), Does not go "dead" - stablest poly I played, Power is fairly big - I recommend string tighter (25 kg)

Agree with this, but I didn't see the sawing you speak of.

 

[JackB1]

I read that Isospeed Pulse was the same string, so I bought some. It doesn't play as plush as Beast, IMO. It is close, firmer, but close and about 1/2 price. I'm currently testing Spin Cycle. If I don't like that, I'll bite the bullet and buy Beast over Pulse, it just feels better.

Rabbit, u have to try Beast 16 in the Steam 99s. Its awesome!

 

[Rabbit]

Rabbit, u have to try Beast 16 in the Steam 99s. Its awesome!

I am....I put Spin Cycle in at 54/52, broke it, and then based on comments by your and others bumped it up to 58/56. But it was way to firm. After hitting with it my wrist hurt. I remember putting Beast in at like 55 with no problem, so it may be a good fit.

 

[JackB1]

I am....I put Spin Cycle in at 54/52, broke it, and then based on comments by your and others bumped it up to 58/56. But it was way to firm. After hitting with it my wrist hurt. I remember putting Beast in at like 55 with no problem, so it may be a good fit.

I did it at 58 and it seems perfect

 

[Rabbit]

I did it at 58 and it seems perfect

great, that's on my next list then

I've got one guy who loves Volkl V-Rex at 58 in his

 

[GarryClarke]

thanks again everyone for there input

i will string xp up at some point over the weekend and will post my findings!!!!!

not been playing much tennis as the weather here in the UK doesnt play ball this time of year.

 

[Torres]

Finally got round to properly playtesting this string (about 100 years after everyone else) and it is the most unexceptional poly I have ever played with.

It's comfortable, has a reasonable amount of power, lasts a fairly long time but in every other respect I thought it was disappointing.

Spin is very poor compared to the best 'grabby' polys. You have the work the string so much harder to generate topspin. Drop shots are harder simply because you can't put the same amount of backspin on the ball as with other polys. It's also quite powerful but not necessarily in a linear or predictable way. Wasn't too impressed with its directional accuracy or forgiveness either. Strike the ball perfectly and it plays okay if you want a predominately flat hitting game. It's not a terrible poly, just very average.

It reminds of a meatier feeling version of Yonex PTP but with more unpredictable power, or a meatier feeling version of WC Scorpion that doesn't tighten up with hitting but doesn't offer quite the same control.

 

[Tennis Fanatic 070]

Finally got round to properly playtesting this string (about 100 years after everyone else) and it is the most unexceptional poly I have ever played with.

It's comfortable, has a reasonable amount of power, lasts a fairly long time but in every other respect I thought it was disappointing.

Spin is very poor compared to the best 'grabby' polys. You have the work the string so much harder to generate topspin. Drop shots are harder simply because you can't put the same amount of backspin on the ball as with other polys. It's also quite powerful but not necessarily in a linear or predictable way. Wasn't too impressed with its directional accuracy or forgiveness either. Strike the ball perfectly and it plays okay if you want a predominately flat hitting game. It's not a terrible poly, just very average.

It reminds of a meatier feeling version of Yonex PTP but with more unpredictable power, or a meatier feeling version of WC Scorpion that doesn't tighten up with hitting but doesn't offer quite the same control.

Tension and racket pls?

 

[djNEiGht]

I had previously tested it in a 17g full bed (BB London 48#) when it was being promoted as 361.

Currently playing with it in a hybrid in the same racquet at #55 with Tier One Triumph. The set up I have the poly in the mains it seems pretty decent at the net for touch shots and has a decent amount of spin from the base line. Was a bit lively but still controllable with such shots at the net. The sweet spot seemed to be huge and comfort was very nice.


The set up in the crosses has more pop from the base line and is just way to lively at the net for touch but makes up for it with put away punch volleys. When the strings where really fresh, the multi main slid nicely and snapped back nicely. Probably had just as much spin as the poly main set up but with more zip to it the ball would jump up more. Sweet spot was similar to the poly main set up but the comfort level was noticeably better.

I would try this set up again in 17g and with the multi strung a few pounds tighter but...that was my last free set of 361. ATM I have other smooth polys I'd rather test.

 

[Vertiz]

Just played a set with these strung in a Blade 98 18x20. Was playing really well with them but there are downsides. Power was no problem when I struck the ball solid. Dude I was playing against noticed a lot more pace and was visibly struggling to deal with it. If I didn't strike it clean, the ball would land really short and these D1 guys just destroy short balls. Spin was okay, never really found myself frustrated by lack of spin, but with that being said it's not the best. Control was pretty good, I didn't have any trouble changing directions and I was hitting drop shots and volleys really well. Another plus is that the string was pretty soft, had a full bed in and no problems. The only downside is that while I was hitting great and executing touch/feel shots to near perfection, I didn't have a lot of feel on the ball. I knew where I wanted to put the ball, and the ball usually went there, but I didn't feel connected to the ball at all. The lack of feel was off putting but regardless, played extremely well and the results don't lie.

 

[Torres]

The oddest thing about this string is how little 'grip' there is on the ball. Not sure whether its unique to this particular gauge but its almost as if the ball slides off the strings rather than really embedding. I found I had to really exaggerate the brushing motion up and against the back of the ball and concentrate much more on the finish than I would do normally. That managed to put more rotations on the ball but reduced ball speed through the court as I wasn't hitting as flat. Would potentially be a better string if Prince could produce a spinnier, bitier version.

Tension and racket pls?

53CP, Wilson BLX JP 96/16x20

 

[JackB1]

Finally got round to properly playtesting this string (about 100 years after everyone else) and it is the most unexceptional poly I have ever played with.

It's comfortable, has a reasonable amount of power, lasts a fairly long time but in every other respect I thought it was disappointing.

Spin is very poor compared to the best 'grabby' polys. You have the work the string so much harder to generate topspin. Drop shots are harder simply because you can't put the same amount of backspin on the ball as with other polys. It's also quite powerful but not necessarily in a linear or predictable way. Wasn't too impressed with its directional accuracy or forgiveness either. Strike the ball perfectly and it plays okay if you want a predominately flat hitting game. It's not a terrible poly, just very average.

It reminds of a meatier feeling version of Yonex PTP but with more unpredictable power, or a meatier feeling version of WC Scorpion that doesn't tighten up with hitting but doesn't offer quite the same control.

Beast is one of my favorite poly's, but I'm not really a "poly guy". But...it's got more power than most and the FEEL is great for a poly...nice pocketing and comfortable with a very solid "meaty" feel, as you say. I didn't notice a reduction in spin, but I don't hit a loopy ball.

 

[Torres]

Just read the RSI review of Beast 16 and its amazingly spooky how many people have commented on the lack of grip from the strings and how the ball feels likes its sliding off the strings...

"The ball feels like it’s sliding off the stringbed rather than being ‘gripped’ and rotated."

"The ball seems to slip off the strings unpredictably"

"The lack of bite"

 

[JackB1]

Just read the RSI review of Beast 16 and its amazingly spooky how many people have commented on the lack of grip from the strings and how the ball feels likes its sliding off the strings...

"The ball feels like it’s sliding off the stringbed rather than being ‘gripped’ and rotated."

"The ball seems to slip off the strings unpredictably"

"The lack of bite"

That may be true, but it didn't have a noticeable impact on my own game. If your game relies heavily on spin, then it's something to consider. If you want some feel and pocketing from your poly...then Beast is a great choice.

Strings are a very personal thing. This is evident in reading ANY RSI review....you will find some people saying it's powerful or lacking power....or stiff or soft feeling in the same exact review.

 

[scotus]

Beast XP is sort of an acquired taste.

My first outing, I didn't find it very impressive. But the second time out, I hit better with it. The third time even better, which was surprising because most polys die by the third time.

And then it keeps performing. This is the only poly that I can use 8-10 times.

I'm not sure whether it is because I use it in a hybrid with natural gut, but I find it grips very well.

 

[Torres]

That may be true, but it didn't have a noticeable impact on my own game.

The type of string isn't likely to make much difference to your type of game anyway.

Strings are a very personal thing. This is evident in reading ANY RSI review....you will find some people saying it's powerful or lacking power....or stiff or soft feeling in the same exact review.

Just because there are a range of views doesn't mean that a particular string isn't stiff or in the case of Beast isn't particuarly grabby. You reviewing a string and Andy Gerst reviewing a string for example, is going to produce very different outcomes.

 

[djNEiGht]

I found myself able to get decent spin. Within the stroke, I had to really swing out and pocket the ball. This may have contributed to the weight and spin produciton. When playing with a grippy/shaped string I find myself getting better spin with slower RHS than versus a smooth poly and same RHS.

 

[djNEiGht]

Just read the RSI review of Beast 16 and its amazingly spooky how many people have commented on the lack of grip from the strings and how the ball feels likes its sliding off the strings...

"The ball feels like it’s sliding off the stringbed rather than being ‘gripped’ and rotated."

"The ball seems to slip off the strings unpredictably"

"The lack of bite"

IIRC, my TT review stated something about wanting to try a shaped/geared version of the string.

 

[JackB1]

The type of string isn't likely to make much difference to your type of game anyway.



Just because there are a range of views doesn't mean that a particular string isn't stiff or in the case of Beast isn't particuarly grabby. You reviewing a string and Andy Gerst reviewing a string for example, is going to produce very different outcomes.

String type doesn't make much difference, but power level and comfort both make a big difference in my game.

Of course my review versus a more advanced player like Andy will be vastly different.

 

[Torres]

String type doesn't make much difference, but power level and comfort both make a big difference in my game.

Balls seem to fly all over the place no matter what you use.

 

[JackB1]

Balls seem to fly all over the place no matter what you use.

Whatever u say :roll:

 

[ricki]

Balls seem to fly all over the place no matter what you use.

what a nonsense - there's big diff in strings: multi has no spins, syngut is decent and poly gives any player best consistence

 

[Vertiz]

Broke Beast XP 17 in 2 days, played a 10 game practiceproset and then broke them about 15minutes into the next practice. Played great until then but come on...poly in 2 days...(17 is much better than 16 imo)