ckhirnigs113
Rookie
Anyone tried Black Knight/Ghost Wire hybrid? Wondering if it might be a more controlled/predictable setup than Firewire Boost.
Prince Phantom 93P- Best string set up
- Thread starter Downtheline1
- Start date
Voytek Bunia
Rookie
Thanks will definitely try this!
Btw for someone that’s thinking of getting a 93p. It is a demanding stick. I do not recommend it for anyone under 4.0. But if your technique is spot on and you enjoy a heavy swing weight. It’s tough to beat the precision and spin. My pro staff 90 is easier to play with but once you figure out the 93p. You’ll be hitting great precise shots all day long!
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
I think it gets a lot less demanding over time. I’m a good 3.5 and have no issues playing with it. I don’t think NTRP really has anything to do with it since the lower rated you are the slower the incoming ball and more time you have to set up.
Heck some of us old geezers started tennis using 14 oz wood frames at level 2.5-3.0. Talk about demanding frames.
And I think you find the Prostaff 90 easier to play with because of lingering familiarity. Build some muscle memory for the 93p and it’s hard to go back to other frames.
am1899
Legend
^^ I agree. IMHO, it isn’t so much about NTRP, as it is about being able to comfortably swing the 93p. I actually think it would make a great beginner or training stick for aspiring juniors, or even adults - to form a solid foundation of technique and footwork fundamentals. On coaches orders, I switched to a pro staff 85 when I was ~ 10 years old. I turned out ok. 
Have not tried that hybrid, but I have enjoyed full bed of BK and the FW Boost hybrid on the 93P. Full bed BK was great for control and freedom to swing out, and my guess is that the BK/GW hybrid will offer similar characteristics as full bed BK but provide a softer stringbed.
am1899
Legend
So I forgot to bring my reel of BK with me yesterday, so that forced me to string up with a set of RS Lyon I had in my bag. It turned out to be a mixed bag for me.
The good:
I returned the best I have in recent memory. The stringbed rewarded big cuts on ground strokes. Hit some filthy slice ground strokes (although that is a common characteristic with this frame).
The not so good:
I didn’t get the warm and fuzzies for touch and feel type shots (overhit a couple drop volleys and drop shots). Putting spin on the second serve took a lot of extra effort, and even then just didn’t get the bite I was used to.
Maybe playing with it right off the stringing machine played a role (but I didn’t have a choice). We’ll see how it plays again today - I have another USTA play.
Next to try, in spite of already having declared BK the winner: Diadem Flash.
The good:
I returned the best I have in recent memory. The stringbed rewarded big cuts on ground strokes. Hit some filthy slice ground strokes (although that is a common characteristic with this frame).
The not so good:
I didn’t get the warm and fuzzies for touch and feel type shots (overhit a couple drop volleys and drop shots). Putting spin on the second serve took a lot of extra effort, and even then just didn’t get the bite I was used to.
Maybe playing with it right off the stringing machine played a role (but I didn’t have a choice). We’ll see how it plays again today - I have another USTA play.
Next to try, in spite of already having declared BK the winner: Diadem Flash.
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This is exactly how I felt with RS Lyon on the 18x20 93P. Compared to the shaped poly I'm using now, I feel lukewarm towards RS Lyon. Maybe it would be better used as cross string to gut main.
Gonna try Kevlar/ZX hybrid on my 93P...eventually. I still need to do gut/poly first.
spinerella
New User
what gauge and tension for the kevlar? 18g? 40lbs?
Unsure of the Kevlar gauge yet. I have half set of 16g Ashaway kevlar at hand, but would like to go 17g with the 93P.
As for tension, likely high differential again like, perhaps 80/30 to take into account of smaller hoop size. I did 90/35 for my APD2013 and it played really well. Will consult @travlerajm closer to the time when I want to string this combo.
Jannick
Rookie
Yup.
Will need to dig up the old threads where @travlerajm explained the whys. Basically the high tension differentials give us 2 things:
1) main string snap back (thus better spin potential and arm comfort)
2) main Kevlar string retains tension better (with the help of squashed hoop trying to return to normal length), which in turn translates to a string bed that plays consistently far longer.
There was also a point about launch angle sensitivity, but I admit I haven't quite understood that yet.
shaysrebelII
Professional
Quick update: I’m still going strong with Solinco Outlast 18. If you’re a low-maintenance player when it comes to strings, this is what you should use. The playability duration has been great. I’m in between 15 and 20 hours and pretty much since hour 2 it’s been wicked consistent. I’ll probably cut it out soon out of boredom, but I could see myself going back to this one on a more permanent basis.
Next is Pro Line II 1.15.
Next is Pro Line II 1.15.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Have to say that Gut/Ghostwire is the winner for me. Softness and pop of cream but it doesn't notch like Cream and has excellent tension maintenance. Currently have 19g in my 93p but I'll probably order 18g in the future as the 19g is cutting into the gut more than I'd like.
Those looking for an arm friendly gut/poly set up really need to look at this further.
Those looking for an arm friendly gut/poly set up really need to look at this further.
Nice, I did 45 team/ 35 rs lyon no pre-stretch and it was good!
How long did this set up last for you, in either playability or durability? Did you play til string breaks or cut out after certain hours?
I replaced the crosses at about 13-14 hrs (mostly because I was bored); mains are still going strong at about 20 hrs but starting to fray. I'd say they will break at about 25 hrs. This is on hard courts. I'd say I'm around a 4.0 that hits with moderate pace and spin. I always play the gut til it breaks.
My stringer wouldn't do cross string replacement only, so I'll likely play til any string breaks. Thanks for the background info, I think I play at a similar level as you. I play mostly indoor carpet/hard.
Hmgraphite1
Hall of Fame
So for you, when you restring, is it better to keep crosses on same side of mains, or have them start digging in on opposite side, differences?
I flip the weave of the crosses when I restring them to even out the wear on the gut.
graycrait
Legend
Starting tennis at age 5 or 6 around 1961 I never saw anything called a "junior" racket. If a kid got a rare "Light" racket it likely weighed somewhere between 12-13oz. I never saw a grip size less than 4&3/8 which was rare. Medium, 4&5/8, probably between 13-14oz seemed to the most common by far, with a Heavy about as rare as the Lights. The parks department had wooden handled steel hooped rackets that had steel cable for strings. A very good stick for hitting rocks. The upper ******* was not a hotbed of tennis, probably more tennis then than now though.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
So we both can laugh at all these millenials calling 93 sq in, 12 oz frames "too small and heavy". In the good old days, that was an oversize granny stick.
I actually wonder if the lighter rackets have negative impact in other area of a players game development. Having played just as graphite came into racket tech, I can remember how early you had to prep to get that wooden racket moving to hit a good ball. There was no forgiveness for getting there late. The mantra was back early out early.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Just wondering if any of you string other frames at such low tensions. Would low tension poly work in other mids? How about those 100" tweeners? The reason why I ask is because the 93P plays better at 42lbs than if it was strung at 48-50 using the same string. Wonder if that works in other frames.
it works ... you should try it. Was stringing tc97 at 38 and also dunlop ag300 4d at 38 full poly
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Thanks. Did it just work, or did it feel better than when they were strung tighter?
spinerella
New User
I need more ball pocketing with my 93p. My usual set up is a round poly/poly 1.20mm at 45lbs; want to keep low launch angle. A bit more spin would be a bonus. Any suggestions?
Hmgraphite1
Hall of Fame
I really like cyclone tour 18 gauge full bed. I've been using Lux gut mains 57 ALU soft cross 51 for the last few months and it's softened up real nice. Hit amazing today. I hate that i'm still testing strings. I could stop and just choose between these two but I have a whole bunch more to test
spinerella
New User
Hmgraphite1,
What tension for the cyclone tour 18g? I know it gains power over time.
I was thinking to try VS Team 17/WC Mosquito Bite (1.16) at 53/48, but thought it might launch too high and not enough spin...
Hmgraphite1
Hall of Fame
I've strung the cyclone at 45/47 up to 50/52 or so. The 45 last summer was great haven't really zeroed in on what's best (do I need the higher tension against a heavy hitter, need to find out)
The gut hybrid is currently giving me massive spin on my serve which though for me is technique related ( I finally figured out why my serve has been struggling for the last year, hip and wrist technique was changed) As for launch angle both worked well eastern trying to hit a foot or less over the net, but I think I'm switching to almost a SW. The gut hybrid gives a different spin ball but I think it's just as good, plus for me I'm finding it much better at low slice or dinking cat mouse games up at net, more control but I'm still testing as I don't trust my judgments over short term. The gut was strung up in January and still feels fresh, I haven't tracked my time but it's got to be 12hrs or more.
Steve Williams
Rookie
I just played having strung up my 93p (18x20) with Ashaway Dynamite 17 mains and Grapplesnake Irukandje crosses 48/44.
I really liked the results. Ample power, spin and touch for my game.
I really liked the results. Ample power, spin and touch for my game.
I think I'm around 15 hours into playing with VS Team (1.25mm) main / Yonex Poly Tour Fire (1.25mm) cross, strung at 45/35 with 10% pre-stretch on the gut. It's my first gut/poly hybrid ever so I have nothing else to compare with, except:
1) more comfy than playing full bed poly (previous string job was Still-In-Black HTS at 40/35)
2) more powerful than full bed poly
3) slightly less spin than full bed shaped poly, but not by much.
Durability seems pretty good. I see some slight fraying on the gut strings but not a lot. I think I can play til the string breaks.
1) more comfy than playing full bed poly (previous string job was Still-In-Black HTS at 40/35)
2) more powerful than full bed poly
3) slightly less spin than full bed shaped poly, but not by much.
Durability seems pretty good. I see some slight fraying on the gut strings but not a lot. I think I can play til the string breaks.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
The entire time I have used this frame it's been Rs Lyon 1.25 at 42#s.
I just got a reel of Max Power rough headed my way. I would recommend that as well. Same tension and gauge.
I just got a reel of Max Power rough headed my way. I would recommend that as well. Same tension and gauge.
spinerella
New User
So, I'm on a string binge again--wanting to try different strings for my 93P's 18x20. I just purchased the following:
Diadem XT 17 (1.20)
MSV Focus Hex 17L (1.18)
Kirschbaum Max Power 18 (1.20)
WeissCannon Mosquito Bite 18 (1.16)
Volkl Cyclone 18L (1.15)
Volkl V-Square 18 (1.20)
Looking to put together a crisp feel, hybrid if necessary, for added spin and power. I also have on hand these strings:
Solinco Tourbite 18 (1.15)
Solinco Hyper-G (1.15)
Signum Pro Tornado 18 (1.17)
Prince XP 18 (1.20)
Anyone have suggestions for hybrid of these with tension recommendations.
FWIW, I'm an all court player, serve and volley, OHBH - slice mostly, and topspin forehand.
Thanks!
Diadem XT 17 (1.20)
MSV Focus Hex 17L (1.18)
Kirschbaum Max Power 18 (1.20)
WeissCannon Mosquito Bite 18 (1.16)
Volkl Cyclone 18L (1.15)
Volkl V-Square 18 (1.20)
Looking to put together a crisp feel, hybrid if necessary, for added spin and power. I also have on hand these strings:
Solinco Tourbite 18 (1.15)
Solinco Hyper-G (1.15)
Signum Pro Tornado 18 (1.17)
Prince XP 18 (1.20)
Anyone have suggestions for hybrid of these with tension recommendations.
FWIW, I'm an all court player, serve and volley, OHBH - slice mostly, and topspin forehand.
Thanks!
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
When I think crisp, I think maybe a poly main and syn gut cross may be something you would like.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Hyper G with Max Power cross
spinerella
New User
How about tension recommendation for Hyper-G/Max Power --any suggestions?
Thanks, Dartagnan4.
shaysrebelII
Professional
It seems like I like slightly higher tensions in the 93P than most here, but I’d say 48/45.
spinerella
New User
shaysrebelII,
Actually, I like a higher tension too in the 93P. Since I read Max Power can be a bit high powered and springy outdoors in the heat, I will go higher. Maybe I'll try 49/47.
Thanks!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
That should be plenty. The 93P handles poly in the low 40’s and max power is a low powered string. I am playing in pretty rough heat and it was still controllable at 34#s (not suggesting that tension, just saying).
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
45/42. Max power is a very dead string. I play in cool weather so my results may differ.
I think I saw somewhere that you used to play with gut/4G soft? How does ghostwire and 4g soft compare as a cross to gut? I would imagine ghostwire is more comfortable but any other differences?
shaysrebelII
Professional
Part of the reason I’m partial to slightly higher tensions might be that I’ve been using pretty thin strings. If the Hyper-G and Max Power gauges are 1.15 and 1.20 respectively, as reported a few posts above, I stick by my earlier recommendation. Thicker strings would probably necessitate a drop in tension though.
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
I didn’t realize that, but may have experienced it personally. A TT100P with I put away last summer because the Max Power was too lively seemed much more controlled in the cool spring this year. I figured I was just mis-remembering, didn’t think that the string could change that much, especially one that’s supposed to be “dead” to begin with.
Oh, and I string my 18 x 20 93P with poly in the mid/hi 30’s. Anything above 40 is too high for me.
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spinerella
New User
TheOtherBecker
Rookie
Trying Cyclone 18g black (1.20?) - actually maybe 19g - in one and ALU power rough 17 (1.25) in the other. I’ll get the specs off my racquet as far as tension. I think it’s 40/38 for the Cyclone and 36/33 for the ALU, which is the one I generally prefer. It’s got great touch for volleys, but I can overhit if I’m tense.
It’s nearly (maybe past?) time to string one or both of these, so I’m looking into other people’s setups again. I know neither of these strings is probably ideal, but it’s interesting that I prefer the softer (and thicker) string at a lower tension.
I’d really like to try a thin, dead poly at 30 and work my way back up to a good middle ground.
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