Pro's Pro Strings!?

[wmrhawk]

Earlier today I tried my first Pro's Pro string (the Black Out) and it didn't turn out so well. Within 2 hours my elbow started hurting like hell despite the fact I never had issues with tennis elbow in the past. I browsed through this thread a bit and found that the Black Out is pretty stiff. Considering my racquet is also stiff (2015 Pure Drive) this isn't really all-that surprising.

While browsing this thread I also saw that the Red Devil is much more comfortable. Is Red Devil a Pro's Pro string with the best power/control/spin and comfort ratio?

PS: Which Pro's Pro string is in your opinion the most similar to Signum Pro Firestorm?

I've tried literally dozens of different Pro's Pro poly hybrid combinations. I'm not done experimenting yet, but if I had to stop fiddling around and settle on something it would be this: 1.28 Blackout in mains/1.25 or 1.30 istring soft in crosses. Tension is dependent on a number of factors, but in general, I'd try to not exceed the low 50's. Also, important is to set tension speed at the lowest setting (30% in my case), pull slowly if you have a lockout or drop weight machine.
I've played that string combination and so have about a half dozen guys I play with and string. It gets high marks all around, including comfort.

 

[Mr_Zorg]

If you like the price point and other characteristics of black out, try lowering the black out to 48/46 next time or even lower. Buy you a reel , which is like $45 shipped, and you can experiment without spending a load of $. Not all strings are created equal. Plus, your pure drive only magnifies stiffness in any string you put on there.

I want to make sure I like the string before buying a reel. Since I don't own a stringing machine of my own I need to take the racket to a tennis store every time I want it restrung. It's a hassle and it costs money (not a lot though).

Considering my play style (aggressive baseliner with ok spin) I thought Black Out would work great for me. However, that wasn't the case. Even before my elbow started hurting the string felt bouncy. My initial thoughts were to increase the tension, not lower it. The biggest thing I noticed was a LOT more spin, but for some reason that didn't lead to more control. I guess I'm just too used to Firestorm (which is a power-heavy string) so that my shots were simply too weak. Decreasing the tension would definitely result in more power, but I suspect it would do nothing regarding the control.

Can I ask for a tension recommendation for the Red Devil? Should I go with my standard tension (53/51) or lower?

 

[sma1001]

Which PP multi would be considered a control multi like RIP control of Prince Premier control?

 

[Ben42]

Clay Court Plus. I've been a PPC player for a couple of years and just recently got some CC+ and really like it.

 

[smirker]

Clay Court Plus. I've been a PPC player for a couple of years and just recently got some CC+ and really like it.

Great string if you can get over the hideous colour.

 

[wmrhawk]

It would be a great official string for the Rambling Wreck Of Georgia Tech.
(Color wise)

 

[nadalex]

Just picked up a reel of Pro's Pro Interceptor 1.25. Anyone play this one and have any tension suggestions in a Yonex XI 98?

P.S. The string is an awesome color

 

[Karma Tennis]

Anyone care to comment on the differences between Black Out and Strategem 5?

 

[wmrhawk]

I think Blackout and LETHAL 5 are somewhat similar, but Strategem 8 is much stiffer than either. I'd buy Blackout over Lethal and I probably wouldn't buy Strat again (it's already given two different guys sore arms-- it would be three, but I had the sense to cut it out and go with something more sensible).

 

[veecee]

Want to pull the trigger on a reel of Pro's Pro - Blackout 1.24 vs Hexaspin 1.25 vs Concept 1.28. Thoughts?

 

[Bhairava]

Which PP multi would be considered a control multi like RIP control of Prince Premier control?

Pro's pro gutex ultra 1.35mm is also a low powered multi - I have used it on cross, raising just a little tension with respect to a poly cross, and the power isn't increased at all - I think it is perfect for people looking at low powered multi - still it doesn't perform so good like rip control in full bed(less spin)

 

[gmatheis]

Want to pull the trigger on a reel of Pro's Pro - Blackout 1.24 vs Hexaspin 1.25 vs Concept 1.28. Thoughts?

Do it!
Blackout is awesome.

 

[dekko1]

Want to pull the trigger on a reel of Pro's Pro - Blackout 1.24 vs Hexaspin 1.25 vs Concept 1.28. Thoughts?

I bought a reel of Blackout 1.24 and Concept 1.22.

I like Blackout better. Concept is not a bad string but I am not so enthusiastic about it. It's crisp, but I just did not get much feeling with it. Ok spin, comfortable if not strung tight.

Blackout on the other hand, I was really surprised with it. Great grip on the ball, softer than RPM Blast, and also a bit better feeling than RPM. Blast still has a better snap back, but Blackout is still a really good option for those looking fire good grip on the ball and for a great price.

 

[pepka]

What's the softest PP poly? Anything that holds tension decently would be more than welcome too .

 

[gmatheis]

What's the softest PP poly? Anything that holds tension decently would be more than welcome too .

I like softer poly also and was previously using red devil which is a little softer than blackout. But even though blackout is not the softest it is still relatively soft I think and plays very well even after quite a few hours of use.

For me the red devil played really great for about an hour and then lost its feel.

 

[veecee]

Ended up going with Concept 1.28. Thanks for the recommendations on Blackout. If I'm not happy with Concept, I'll try Blackout!

 

[AsianArnold1]

Ended up going with Concept 1.28. Thanks for the recommendations on Blackout. If I'm not happy with Concept, I'll try Blackout!

i've bought reels of Blackout, Blackforce, Strategem 8, Lethal 5+8, Spinox, and Ichiban.
Blackout still tops them all.

 

[mischiefalex]

i've bought reels of Blackout, Blackforce, Strategem 8, Lethal 5+8, Spinox, and Ichiban.
Blackout still tops them all.

I'm just curious, how does blackout top strategem 8? I'm about to finish my reel of strategem 8, and might consider trying blackout.

 

[sma1001]

Pro's pro gutex ultra 1.35mm is also a low powered multi - I have used it on cross, raising just a little tension with respect to a poly cross, and the power isn't increased at all - I think it is perfect for people looking at low powered multi - still it doesn't perform so good like rip control in full bed(less spin)

Thanks - i'm finding it very difficult to differentiate between PP's multi offerings. The description makes them all sound the same! Any comparisons gratefully received!

 

[AsianArnold1]

I'm just curious, how does blackout top strategem 8? I'm about to finish my reel of strategem 8, and might consider trying blackout.

Blackout is $39. Strat8 is $49. (i cringed when i bought the Strat8, but had to try)
they're very close, but this is just my perception: BO is 5-sided and has sharper edges, versus Strat8 with 8-side which is almost round. The spin is just better on BO. Plus BO has more of a crisper feel, while S8 has a thicker dud feel.
again, just my view.

 

[gmatheis]

Blackout is $39. Strat8 is $49. (i cringed when i bought the Strat8, but had to try)
they're very close, but this is just my perception: BO is 5-sided and has sharper edges, versus Strat8 with 8-side which is almost round. The spin is just better on BO. Plus BO has more of a crisper feel, while S8 has a thicker dud feel.
again, just my view.

I live in the US but I get my Pro's Pro stuff from the UK , even with shipping it's cheaper.

 

[illzoni]

Cheaper? Than from the US source?

 

[wmrhawk]

Wow. I just checked. Good to know!

 

[eelhc]

I live in the US but I get my Pro's Pro stuff from the UK , even with shipping it's cheaper.

How does the payment work though? They don't accept PayPal...

 

[UsedToHateDoubles]

I've searched this thread and the Strings forum in general but didn't find an answer: Is there a Pro's Pro syngut that is similar/close to Forten Sweet 17?

 

[Ben42]

Synthetic Power is supposed to be like Sweet, but it only comes in 16. I've never hit with it so I don't know.

 

[Imago]

How does the payment work though? They don't accept PayPal...

Credit Card only. I've spent several grants with them - no problem at all.

PS. Black Cyber Power is a better choice than white CP.

 

[eelhc]

Credit Card only. I've spent several grants with them - no problem at all.

PS. Black Cyber Power is a better choice than white CP.

Not to the US... they do not accept credit cards and not sure how I would get them a check...

 

[topspinlob]

Pro's Pro Concept

Does anyone of an opinion of this string? I am using a couple of Pure Aero's. I have realized I like using 17G strings in this racket regardless of string type (poly, syn gut, multi). I am looking at either the 1.20mm or 1.22 mm version. Any thoughts would be appreciated?

 

[Aretium]

Pro's Pro Concept

Does anyone of an opinion of this string? I am using a couple of Pure Aero's. I have realized I like using 17G strings in this racket regardless of string type (poly, syn gut, multi). I am looking at either the 1.20mm or 1.22 mm version. Any thoughts would be appreciated?

Not played the 1.20 or 1.22. 1.28mm is comfortoble, crisp ( i find it similar to topspin cyberflash) and lasts the longest out of all the pros pros polys I have tried. IMO their best string.

 

[tennisBIEST]

Concept is a really good all around poly....soft and an extremely slick coating.....if it only came in shaped/textured then I'd love it even more.

 

[topspinlob]

thanks to @Aretium and @tennisBIEST

not the question is.. do I really need to buy a reel of PP concept.. when I have practically good reels of other string at my disposal... its not hard to pass up since they are cheap and play well!

 

[Aretium]

thanks to @Aretium and @tennisBIEST

not the question is.. do I really need to buy a reel of PP concept.. when I have practically good reels of other string at my disposal... its not hard to pass up since they are cheap and play well!

If you have a machine... 100% yes. If you don't 100% no.

 

[topspinlob]

If you have a machine... 100% yes. If you don't 100% no.

yes i have machine.....now i know my answer

 

[wmrhawk]

I've only played the heavier 1.33 gauge, and I will also say that it's a good all around poly in terms of comfort, spin, power & durability. I've done mostly hybrids w Concept in the mains, but it did fine as a full job as well. I've got too many PP reels, but Concept is a string I would buy again.

 

[Aretium]

yes i have machine.....now i know my answer

To be honest though, concept lasts me 2 competitive outings and 1 training session. Which is the same as any poly aside maybe 4g or one of those new strings that hold tension well

 

[tennisBIEST]

Concept is definitely worth the money. It's a really good full bed string if you prefer smooth polys and can be also used as a really good cross string with a shaped/textured main string. Again Concept is very slick! When you weave the crosses and you see how much it "smiles" you'll know what I'm talking about. Only other string that "smiled that much for me was RPM Blast. So far I've used concept full bed, devil spin mains and concept cross and I'm waiting for my 4th or 5th reel of Black Out and will be using that as my main matched with concept next. I love Black Out but a full bed of BlackOut bags out pretty quickly so a smooth poly cross like concept should help extend the life and produce a tad more free power.

 

[topspinlob]

thanks to everyone who made comments to PP Concept...a reel of 1.22mm is on its way!

 

[djNEiGht]

Let me know how slick it is. I've been using vstar as a cross on multi and also using baseline spin for poly shaped mains.

 

[topspinlob]

fo sho.... you know you are getting a set for playtesting.. when we finally play again!

 

[Aretium]

Honestly, this string is not very slick. It is a standard poly with possibly more slick than average (these days, polys are all super slick). I will probably try and hybrid it with black force 1.14mm in the crosses (verrrry slick).

 

[sma1001]

How long do you guys expect Blackout to last? I've had it as my main in a hybrid. Played about 4 hours and now feels very bouncy. Is that normal?

 

[skraggle]

I haven't experienced anything far outside the norm in tension loss. Just don't expect it to last like 4G or something.

On a related note, I am loving Black Force 1.14 in a full bed.

 

[tennisBIEST]

Honestly, this string is not very slick. It is a standard poly with possibly more slick than average (these days, polys are all super slick). I will probably try and hybrid it with black force 1.14mm in the crosses (verrrry slick).

Are you talking about Concept? If so than I surely wouldn't classify it as a "standard poly." I firmly believe these are repackaged strings from the same manufacturers as the more name brand companies. Concept is slick. How much slicker? I don't know! But when I string the crosses and the string slides down(smiles) as much as Concept does then I know I have a nice cross string. The lower the string to string friction the better the spin, playability and comfort.

 

[Aretium]

Are you talking about Concept? If so than I surely wouldn't classify it as a "standard poly." I firmly believe these are repackaged strings from the same manufacturers as the more name brand companies. Concept is slick. How much slicker? I don't know! But when I string the crosses and the string slides down(smiles) as much as Concept does then I know I have a nice cross string. The lower the string to string friction the better the spin, playability and comfort.

Well, it doesn't have a coating, or at least not a thick one. Black force is very slick. If I would compare it to Alu power, I would say they are equal in slickness with maybe concept a little slicker.

 

[tennisBIEST]

How long do you guys expect Blackout to last? I've had it as my main in a hybrid. Played about 4 hours and now feels very bouncy. Is that normal?

What is your cross string and tension in your setup? I found that the Black Out/Tecnifibre Syn Gut 16 hybrid to be quite spinny and comfortable for an above average amount of time. Tecnifibre Syn gut isn't that soft so I string it like a poly. I'd say twice as long playability than a full bed of BlackOut.

 

[sma1001]

What is your cross string and tension in your setup? I found that the Black Out/Tecnifibre Syn Gut 16 hybrid to be quite spinny and comfortable for an above average amount of time. Tecnifibre Syn gut isn't that soft so I string it like a poly. I'd say twice as long playability than a full bed of BlackOut.

On this racquet i started the poly quite low - at 45 pounds, with the cross (multi) at 50.

 

[dafobbishon3]

I love Pro Pro's Strings. I've used Ichiban, Spinox, Red Devil, Strategem, and Synthetic Gut.

I currently use a hybrid of Red Devil main and Synthetic Gut Cross. I hit with a heavy top spin forehand and I get a lot of spin with this. The Red Devil does play like the Tecnifibre Pro Red.

I actually just ordered the Black Out so I can't wait to try that out.

 

[dafobbishon3]

Does anyone have any input on any of the multifilament strings that Pro Pro's offers? I want to try a multifilament and see how that plays instead of synthetic gut. I can break synthetic gut in about 3-4 hours on the crosses when I use a hybrid setup. I'm worried that the multifilament will break even faster, but the playability is top notch.

 

[wmrhawk]

I have about 10 players using Gutex (most using 1.30, but a few using 1.25). Most of these folks have switched from various synthetic gut. About 50/50 men/ women. Ntrp of 3.0 to 4.0. None are what you'd call string breakers.
I have a few other PP multis, but Gutex is the most popular. Everyone that has tried it likes it.