Pro's Pro Strings!?

[DariaGT]

I guess if Concept is the same as Scorpion.......is then Black Out the same as Black 5 edge ?

I believe so, someone pointed to be from same factory some time back if not mistaken, seems awesome as I mentioned in 1.25 but boardy and less control and spin in thicker gauges.

It looks like Black 5 edge has better/less string to string friction than Scorpion (on TWU chart). isnt then the better hybrid actually just a full bed of Black Out?

My experience with players using geared cross strings is yes less friction but cuts the main as the friction is concentrated in a smaller area or edges.
As a pro that changes with every ball change no issues but gets pricey for amateurs and specially very expensive for those using gut mains.
If you can use BO or S8 with wax/wd40/sil with a cheap yet quality SG mains that could be worth changing often for self stringers.

side note: be carefull with Big Hitter Silver...... Some 1.30 (16) reels are either really 1.25 or 1.35 (caliper meassured)...some production line errors there.

very handy info, specially if pairing it as as cross with TWs P6 for mains (aka hex sitting on round crosses)

Seems the silver coloring on strings has that crispy feel that is often muted on carbon/charcoal used on black strings
lively for green as you said and yellow seems to be the longest lasting even more than white which is more powerful but lesser lasting than silver.

On a side project....
Im asking a few string manufacturers if they can source anodized alum metallic blue but communication with Taiwan suppliers is challenging.

 

[BallsOfFire]

I believe so, someone pointed to be from same factory some time back if not mistaken, seems awesome as I mentioned in 1.25 but boardy and less control and spin in thicker gauges.

My experience with players using geared cross strings is yes less friction but cuts the main as the friction is concentrated in a smaller area or edges.
As a pro that changes with every ball change no issues but gets pricey for amateurs and specially very expensive for those using gut mains.
If you can use BO or S8 with wax/wd40/sil with a cheap yet quality SG mains that could be worth changing often for self stringers.


very handy info, specially if pairing it as as cross with TWs P6 for mains (aka hex sitting on round crosses)

Seems the silver coloring on strings has that crispy feel that is often muted on carbon/charcoal used on black strings
lively for green as you said and yellow seems to be the longest lasting even more than white which is more powerful but lesser lasting than silver.

On a side project....
Im asking a few string manufacturers if they can source anodized alum metallic blue but communication with Taiwan suppliers is challenging.

And more random knowledge sharing:
Thinner string (higher gauge) makes the racket faster through the air but carries higher frequenzies to the arm. for more muted feelinf thicker strings (lower gauge). I think main reason for Nadal used/using 1.35 mm (15) and two overgrips.
Bigger grommet holes for the cross makes the racket quicker through the air also. main reason why speed line is fast through the air.
S8 has grooves more than edges. Could be saving the main strings as the mains strings kinda pockets in/on the S8. The S8 will have some kinda trompoline effect on the mains too. ( I guess = more/better snapback)
I think best PP hybrid could be S8 cross with BO mains
There should be some aluminium in the Big Hitter Silver

 

[DariaGT]

The 1.2 x 1.2 s8 ate itself pretty quickly in my 97 cv 3.0 F and this is not a true 97 as next to a PS 97 there is space over the cv.
I would like to try 1.2 cross on a H19 19x20 but this frame is relatively under-powered unless going hell for leather every shot.
I found the 16x19 and open patterns like you mentioned are only comfortable for my ohbh using 1.30mm and over.
I really enjoyed the 1.35mm TB with 1.33mm concept crosses both @ 40lbs was the easiest combo to groove into daily.

Speaking about racquet head speed its time to see a 23mm thin beam faced 100 inch racquet like Head Instinct Gasquet used.
That beam was thinner than all Babolats and can be revisited for the modern game aka fuzzier balls v2 era, 1st gen was 2005.

I agree with rpm being easier on the arm @ 1.35mm BUT only for a ball change and he could afford that as do most pros.
The problem with RPM is the urethane cell walls break down very quickly after an hour, urethane is weak for this application
much better using other many other compounds which are just not cheap compared to urethane which is in everything.
As an example Dunlops SX racquets using urethane enamel based paints scratch with ease vs older RF97A matt enamel.

 

[BallsOfFire]

The 1.2 x 1.2 s8 ate itself pretty quickly in my 97 cv 3.0 F and this is not a true 97 as next to a PS 97 there is space over the cv.
I would like to try 1.2 cross on a H19 19x20 but this frame is relatively under-powered unless going hell for leather every shot.
I found the 16x19 and open patterns like you mentioned are only comfortable for my ohbh using 1.30mm and over.
I really enjoyed the 1.35mm TB with 1.33mm concept crosses both @ 40lbs was the easiest combo to groove into daily.

Speaking about racquet head speed its time to see a 23mm thin beam faced 100 inch racquet like Head Instinct Gasquet used.
That beam was thinner than all Babolats and can be revisited for the modern game aka fuzzier balls v2 era, 1st gen was 2005.

I agree with rpm being easier on the arm @ 1.35mm BUT only for a ball change and he could afford that as do most pros.
The problem with RPM is the urethane cell walls break down very quickly after an hour, urethane is weak for this application
much better using other many other compounds which are just not cheap compared to urethane which is in everything.
As an example Dunlops SX racquets using urethane enamel based paints scratch with ease vs older RF97A matt enamel.

I can imagine a full bed s8 is not good. Bc of the strings shape it will eat its own. Gear on gear.
But as a cross for anything not gear shaped, something straight edged it should on the other hand actually protect the mains and help with snapback .
I think the Signum Pro's Poly Plasma Hextreme is same shape as S8.
Maybe Signum Pro and Pros Pro share production facility.

 

[BallsOfFire]

The 1.2 x 1.2 s8 ate itself pretty quickly in my 97 cv 3.0 F and this is not a true 97 as next to a PS 97 there is space over the cv.
I would like to try 1.2 cross on a H19 19x20 but this frame is relatively under-powered unless going hell for leather every shot.
I found the 16x19 and open patterns like you mentioned are only comfortable for my ohbh using 1.30mm and over.
I really enjoyed the 1.35mm TB with 1.33mm concept crosses both @ 40lbs was the easiest combo to groove into daily.

Speaking about racquet head speed its time to see a 23mm thin beam faced 100 inch racquet like Head Instinct Gasquet used.
That beam was thinner than all Babolats and can be revisited for the modern game aka fuzzier balls v2 era, 1st gen was 2005.

I agree with rpm being easier on the arm @ 1.35mm BUT only for a ball change and he could afford that as do most pros.
The problem with RPM is the urethane cell walls break down very quickly after an hour, urethane is weak for this application
much better using other many other compounds which are just not cheap compared to urethane which is in everything.
As an example Dunlops SX racquets using urethane enamel based paints scratch with ease vs older RF97A matt enamel.

Even Pure Strike 97 isnt a 97. Its "inspired" by/from the Pure Storm mold...which was sold as a 98.
I guess its (both) really around 97.5..
Also the Head Prestige Tour is more close to 97" than 95". My guess its 96.5
Yeah the listed specs regarding frame size is not exactly everytime for sure.

 

[BallsOfFire]

The 1.2 x 1.2 s8 ate itself pretty quickly in my 97 cv 3.0 F and this is not a true 97 as next to a PS 97 there is space over the cv.
I would like to try 1.2 cross on a H19 19x20 but this frame is relatively under-powered unless going hell for leather every shot.
I found the 16x19 and open patterns like you mentioned are only comfortable for my ohbh using 1.30mm and over.
I really enjoyed the 1.35mm TB with 1.33mm concept crosses both @ 40lbs was the easiest combo to groove into daily.

Speaking about racquet head speed its time to see a 23mm thin beam faced 100 inch racquet like Head Instinct Gasquet used.
That beam was thinner than all Babolats and can be revisited for the modern game aka fuzzier balls v2 era, 1st gen was 2005.

I agree with rpm being easier on the arm @ 1.35mm BUT only for a ball change and he could afford that as do most pros.
The problem with RPM is the urethane cell walls break down very quickly after an hour, urethane is weak for this application
much better using other many other compounds which are just not cheap compared to urethane which is in everything.
As an example Dunlops SX racquets using urethane enamel based paints scratch with ease vs older RF97A matt eSonamel.

Sofia Kenin uses RPM Blast (gear-shaped) as cross and nat gut in mains. So that recipe is also known on tour and by babolat (they suggested her this).
So its ok for us to use/try S8 as cross.

 

[DariaGT]

I guess so if you change every 10 games like she does youd be safe
rather string Cyclone at a higher tension and use it as a cross instead
However S8 might be ok in sub ra62 frames just not wilsons that have
frame snap built in on the pro staff, 6.1, H19/22 and blades.
The Elbow area will tell you so in time with tendons taking the strain
as well as the lower triceps damage and soreness that heals slowly.

 

[BallsOfFire]

I guess so if you change every 10 games like she does youd be safe
rather string Cyclone at a higher tension and use it as a cross instead
However S8 might be ok in sub ra62 frames just not wilsons that have
frame snap built in on the pro staff, 6.1, H19/22 and blades.
The Elbow area will tell you so in time with tendons taking the strain
as well as the lower triceps damage and soreness that heals slowly.

Fair enough.... I think though that the gear shaped strings actually protect the mains if mains are not also gearshaped. And I think that if half the string bed is nat gut then some of the damaging effect to the joint are lowered. Someone told me that the mains are 60 % of the string bed regarding the arm joints.
All the tour players dont think so much of cost. If they did they would play with Pros Pro and half stringbed would be syn gut...cheers.

 

[morten]

How would you compare the Concept and Plus Power? I find Concept ok, but I miss some feel with it... i have orderen Plus Power(orange) and it seems promising from what is have read about it. (similar to Signum pro poly plasma)

 

[esm]

Quick q - am currently back using and enjoying a fullbed of RD1.19 on 100sq” 16x19 racquets at low tension.
As much as I enjoy it, I’d like some “lift” on demand, if possible.

I am looking at some sort of shaped poly for the mains and RD1.19 for the crosses.

Any recommendations? Strings I am looking at are, and keeping at the same low tension setup

Solinco Hyper G Soft 1.20
Solinco Tour Bite Soft 1.20
Solinco Revolution 1.20
Volkol Cyclon 1.20

Thanks.

 

[BallsOfFire]

How would you compare the Concept and Plus Power? I find Concept ok, but I miss some feel with it... i have orderen Plus Power(orange) and it seems promising from what is have read about it. (similar to Signum pro poly plasma)

Chose a thicker (1 gauge down) version of Concept if you lack feel. And get rid of the vibrationsdampener. You can also try the Intense Heat.

 

[BallsOfFire]

Quick q - am currently back using and enjoying a fullbed of RD1.19 on 100sq” 16x19 racquets at low tension.
As much as I enjoy it, I’d like some “lift” on demand, if possible.

I am looking at some sort of shaped poly for the mains and RD1.19 for the crosses.

Any recommendations? Strings I am looking at are, and keeping at the same low tension setup

Solinco Hyper G Soft 1.20
Solinco Tour Bite Soft 1.20
Solinco Revolution 1.20
Volkol Cyclon 1.20

Thanks.

With edged poly (not gear-shape or round roughed) that is 4,5,6 or 7 sided ( hepta/hexa etc) you need to play with brush up/wind wipe style of play like Alcaraz. Flathitters will loose control. a 1.20 shaped sting is 1.15 at the short side.
to match with a round cross at 1.19 you shouldnt go lower with a shaped than 1.23. and then I would try the MSV 1.23.
Same tension as the Red D is a bit softer than MSV Focus Hex 1.23. In a 100 " I would suggest 22-23 kg for intermidiate-experinced player) Msv Focus Hex is half price but equal or better than the 4 1.20's you have listed.
Go for green, red or blue colour bc best snap back.

 

[esm]

With edged poly (not gear-shape or round roughed) that is 4,5,6 or 7 sided ( hepta/hexa etc) you need to play with brush up/wind wipe style of play like Alcaraz. Flathitters will loose control. a 1.20 shaped sting is 1.15 at the short side.
to match with a round cross at 1.19 you shouldnt go lower with a shaped than 1.23. and then I would try the MSV 1.23.
Same tension as the Red D is a bit softer than MSV Focus Hex 1.23. In a 100 " I would suggest 22-23 kg for intermidiate-experinced player) Msv Focus Hex is half price but equal or better than the 4 1.20's you have listed.
Go for green, red or blue colour bc best snap back.

thank you v much for this - great info and exactly what i was looking for re: shaped mains gauge vs. round crosses. makes sense.
how about black colour MSV Focus Hex 1.23, Tennis Only here have it in black, red and white in sets, but only black in reel.... so if i like it, i'd rather get a reel later.
thank you again for this!

 

[BallsOfFire]

thank you v much for this - great info and exactly what i was looking for re: shaped mains gauge vs. round crosses. makes sense.
how about black colour MSV Focus Hex 1.23, Tennis Only here have it in black, red and white in sets, but only black in reel.... so if i like it, i'd rather get a reel later.
thank you again for this!

black strings can be more dull/dead than brighter coloured....and slide/snapback can be less w black version.
The white is most likely going to be the softest.
The "sweetspot" for me is the green, red and blue versions.

 

[DariaGT]

How would you compare the Concept and Plus Power? I find Concept ok, but I miss some feel with it... i have orderen Plus Power(orange) and it seems promising from what is have read about it. (similar to Signum pro poly plasma)

I second going to 1.28mm but leave it soft 35lbs is pretty sweet also use rubber band instead of dampner

Fair enough.... I think though that the gear shaped strings actually protect the mains if mains are not also gearshaped. And I think that if half the string bed is nat gut then some of the damaging effect to the joint are lowered. Someone told me that the mains are 60 % of the string bed regarding the arm joints.
All the tour players dont think so much of cost. If they did they would play with Pros Pro and half stringbed would be syn gut...cheers.

Thats not issue with softer mains just RPM/S8 crosses with poly mains
yep we should not look at what the pros do for strings but sort out PPs
and what is in retail as 99% of amateurs will try to make strings last.

Nat gut prizes are astronomical but if you can make it last a month with
the cheaper S8 crosses then its a winner for many however I still prefer
Concept over any other cross as its the closest to 4G OG but shinier
more slippery finish less sticky if you know what 4G is like at 40-45lbs.

 

[esm]

black strings can be more dull/dead than brighter coloured....and slide/snapback can be less w black version.
The white is most likely going to be the softest.
The "sweetspot" for me is the green, red and blue versions.

Actually, is there a Pros Pro shaped mains option to go with the RD1.19.
I think I still have some Blackout 1.24 and Black Eruption 1.18 left, can’t remember what the BO1.24 play like as it’s been many years and felt the Eruption1.18 (Green) was too plasticky feel in a fullbed.
Thanks again.

 

[DariaGT]

Actually, is there a Pros Pro shaped mains option to go with the RD1.19.
I think I still have some Blackout 1.24 and Black Eruption 1.18 left, can’t remember what the BO1.24 play like as it’s been many years and felt the Eruption1.18 (Green) was too plasticky feel in a fullbed.
Thanks again.

I find RD to be plasticky and has no pop just trampoline where the springs end up overstretched
better use eruption in your crosses since its 1.18 and BO 1.24 mains or just BO full bed.
My 6.1 and cx 2.0 love BO full bed its stiff but unlike S8 it has forgiveness.
Do 45lbs full bed for both since eruption is not as stiff as BO. Concept 1.22 x 1.24 Bo is magic.

 

[esm]

I find RD to be plasticky and has no pop just trampoline where the springs end up overstretched
better use eruption in your crosses since its 1.18 and BO 1.24 mains or just BO full bed.
My 6.1 and cx 2.0 love BO full bed its stiff but unlike S8 it has forgiveness.
Do 45lbs full bed for both since eruption is not as stiff as BO. Concept 1.22 x 1.24 Bo is magic.

Thanks for that. I find that I can play with the RD and not so much of Eruption.
I will try these hybrid setups. Thank you.

 

[BallsOfFire]

I second going to 1.28mm but leave it soft 35lbs is pretty sweet also use rubber band instead of dampner


Thats not issue with softer mains just RPM/S8 crosses with poly mains
yep we should not look at what the pros do for strings but sort out PPs
and what is in retail as 99% of amateurs will try to make strings last.

Nat gut prizes are astronomical but if you can make it last a month with
the cheaper S8 crosses then its a winner for many however I still prefer
Concept over any other cross as its the closest to 4G OG but shinier
more slippery finish less sticky if you know what 4G is like at 40-45lbs.

Just curious.
Why you go for stiff strings like 4G/Concept as cross?
I mostly go for something softer in cross than the main (not with a federer set up)
The one execption outside Federer set up ( mine is Poly Strike 1.30 green with babolat Syn gut Blue mains)
Is S8 1.20 (very stiff) and that because it has the effect of being a sort of katapult (bc of the gear shape) for the mains while also being slippery.

 

[BallsOfFire]

@BallsOfFire your username is just the meth talking.

Imagine my sizzling OHBH down the line catching fire on match point while stadium plays the Song by Jerry Lee Lewis... and again you have to leave court first.

 

[FootFault18]

Quick q - am currently back using and enjoying a fullbed of RD1.19 on 100sq” 16x19 racquets at low tension.
As much as I enjoy it, I’d like some “lift” on demand, if possible.

I am looking at some sort of shaped poly for the mains and RD1.19 for the crosses.

Any recommendations? Strings I am looking at are, and keeping at the same low tension setup

Solinco Hyper G Soft 1.20
Solinco Tour Bite Soft 1.20
Solinco Revolution 1.20
Volkol Cyclon 1.20

Thanks.

Nice to see pople that like 1.20 or less gauge like me even in open string petterns.

 

[kevonian]

Quick q - am currently back using and enjoying a fullbed of RD1.19 on 100sq” 16x19 racquets at low tension.
As much as I enjoy it, I’d like some “lift” on demand, if possible.

I am looking at some sort of shaped poly for the mains and RD1.19 for the crosses.

Any recommendations? Strings I am looking at are, and keeping at the same low tension setup

Solinco Hyper G Soft 1.20
Solinco Tour Bite Soft 1.20
Solinco Revolution 1.20
Volkol Cyclon 1.20

Thanks.

Probably PP shaped strings like stratagem 8, Lethal 5, Lethal 8, or blackout and pair that with your RD 1.19 if youre looking for a PP main

 

[DariaGT]

Just curious.
Why you go for stiff strings like 4G/Concept as cross?
I mostly go for something softer in cross than the main (not with a federer set up)
The one execption outside Federer set up ( mine is Poly Strike 1.30 green with babolat Syn gut Blue mains)
Is S8 1.20 (very stiff) and that because it has the effect of being a sort of katapult (bc of the gear shape) for the mains while also being slippery.

pop rather than wet trampoline
Fed setup like Djoko, Evans and more
stiff crosses provide control and pop, soft or spin mains provide the bite and snap for spin
I think S8 crosses would work with lube like mentioned earlier with halve gut pack for mains
or a quality poly like 4g which is amazing @ 43-45lbs no higher. 4g is perfect at low tensions
and way better than alu power for durability and shock absorption in general. RBA know this

Thanks for that. I find that I can play with the RD and not so much of Eruption.
I will try these hybrid setups. Thank you.

Is not eruption a co-poly version of RD but using different colors and the diameter is narrower due to coating
to make the outside sheath so overall even stretchier over time than RD? I stay away from these and only
go for BO, Concept, PPPP (signum pro SPPP), Hexaspin and yet to try Cyper Power to compare it to Concept

I think RD is fine for an hour but no more, thats just me while others love them with SGut mains @ high tensions
For me need an obvious and repetitive controlled pop than and endless sling shot effect that is always different.

 

[BallsOfFire]

pop rather than wet trampoline
Fed setup like Djoko, Evans and more
stiff crosses provide control and pop, soft or spin mains provide the bite and snap for spin
I think S8 crosses would work with lube like mentioned earlier with halve gut pack for mains
or a quality poly like 4g which is amazing @ 43-45lbs no higher. 4g is perfect at low tensions
and way better than alu power for durability and shock absorption in general. RBA know this


Is not eruption a co-poly version of RD but using different colors and the diameter is narrower due to coating
to make the outside sheath so overall even stretchier over time than RD? I stay away from these and only
go for BO, Concept, PPPP (signum pro SPPP), Hexaspin and yet to try Cyper Power to compare it to Concept

I think RD is fine for an hour but no more, thats just me while others love them with SGut mains @ high tensions
For me need an obvious and repetitive controlled pop than and endless sling shot effect that is always different.

RBA?

 

[BallsOfFire]

Actually, is there a Pros Pro shaped mains option to go with the RD1.19.
I think I still have some Blackout 1.24 and Black Eruption 1.18 left, can’t remember what the BO1.24 play like as it’s been many years and felt the Eruption1.18 (Green) was too plasticky feel in a fullbed.
Thanks again.

I can recommend Black Out and HexaSpin (green) for mains with Intense Heat 1.20 grey
RD has its fans. with higher tension (55-60 lbs) its not so springy actually and stiffens up an holds tension better.
I would use 1.19 cross and then the 1.24 RD as mains. The thicker mains here will act as dampening for the springy stuff ( + for control) and also add spin as its pronounced more with the thinner cross (this gives it some effect like a sided would).
A real Sleeper combo is Poly Star Strike green 1.30 cross @ 53 Lbs with Babolat Syn Gut 1.30 Mains 55 Lbs

 

[DariaGT]

Roberto Bautista Agut just another fellow 6.1 user

 

[morten]

Ok, so lets get into the multifilaments from ProsPro... can anyone compare them? Not the synthgut but the more xone like...

 

[Thomas the Tank Engine]

Hello @morten , I can compare the two I've tried extensively:

- PP hitec multifibre 1.30: extremely soft, mushy and muted, next to zero coil when you cut if off the reel. For being so soft the string is not all that powerful which I quite like. Poor durability (which is to be expected with most multis), the outer coating is very thin. It's not a slick string so beware of stringing full bed, since the friction will cause the string to fray very quickly. The last two times I played with this string it were: hitec mains/syngut crosses, hitec snapped in 45min; and concept mains/hitec crosses, hitec snapped in 1h40. I haven't tried it ever since because I hate stringing.

- PP gutex ultra 1.30 and 1.35: much more durable than hitec. a touch stiffer feeling too, you can tell the outer coating is a bit thicker compared to hitec. It's also slicker and more powerful than hitec. The last time I tried it was in a lynx tour 1.25/gutex ultra 1.35 hybrid (so far from a like for like comparison) and it lasted me 4h30. I think this string may be similar to Wilson sensation comfort.

 

[morten]

Hello @morten , I can compare the two I've tried extensively:

- PP hitec multifibre 1.30: extremely soft, mushy and muted, next to zero coil when you cut if off the reel. For being so soft the string is not all that powerful which I quite like. Poor durability (which is to be expected with most multis), the outer coating is very thin. It's not a slick string so beware of stringing full bed, since the friction will cause the string to fray very quickly. The last two times I played with this string it were: hitec mains/syngut crosses, hitec snapped in 45min; and concept mains/hitec crosses, hitec snapped in 1h40. I haven't tried it ever since because I hate stringing.

- PP gutex ultra 1.30 and 1.35: much more durable than hitec. a touch stiffer feeling too, you can tell the outer coating is a bit thicker compared to hitec. It's also slicker and more powerful than hitec. The last time I tried it was in a lynx tour 1.25/gutex ultra 1.35 hybrid (so far from a like for like comparison) and it lasted me 4h30. I think this string may be similar to Wilson sensation comfort.

Thanks, Gutex Power same as Ultra?