What tension would you guys recommend for my Dunlop F2.0(18x20)in a full bed setup?
Go for the 1.28 or the 1.22. Usual tension for a poly I would say.
Pro's Pro Strings!?
- Thread starter Jura-SB
- Start date
Go for the 1.28 or the 1.22. Usual tension for a poly I would say.
stiggytennis
Semi-Pro
Cool,I've noticed you saying that it lasts awhile.
Would you say it's tension maintenance is similar to say Luxilon 4g?
I haven't used 4g. I have used pro poly plasma which is similar. I honestly can't say because I only used strings twice because they break in the 4/5th hour. Concept 1.28 lasts 3 times and it plays very well until i break it. I have never broken 1.33 but it dies after 3/4 uses.
stiggytennis
Semi-Pro
Thanks for the info.
I'm guessing you're very hard on strings?
I'm stringing much higher these days and it really reduces the lifespan. Used to break them every week but now can only last 2/3 days. One of my club players uses gardening wire or something lol, breaks them every half hour
stiggytennis
Semi-Pro
Amazing,you two must hit as hard as Stan the man!
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
I assume you mean Prince Tour 16x18? If you play with any topspin at all, and with any semblance of racket speed, then durability will be a big issue.
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
Anyone want to trade sets of string? Feel like there are people with excess reels that would be willing to, but I see no one posted in the classified's String Trade thread.
Oh yeahhh, as hard as stan....
are you uk? I've got a reel of concept I could trade.
Yes. It Prince Tour 100 16x18.
I play with a lot of topspin and my favourite surface is clay, of course. Also own stringing device and play once or twice a week. Durability is not an issue so much. Pro's Pro strings are very cheap and one setup would last at least 2 weeks.
What tension would you recommend for mentioned strings?
Christian Andersson
New User
I would string Concept a couple of pounds tighter than Luxilon 4G. I can only compare in my frame though, but compared to Kirschbaum Maxpower which is more similar to i.e Lux Alupower it needs to be tighter.
It is hard to say, but in general I think most poly from Pro's Pro needs a bit higher tension than some others, since most of them are on the softer side.
Also depends on the stringing machine used. Electronic will produce a much tighter stringbed than a lockout. I would start 2 pounds up from your regular tension of the same stringer/machine.
But some may disagree. There is always a totally different opinions about the same strings.
I would string Concept a couple of pounds tighter than Luxilon 4G. I can only compare in my frame though, but compared to Kirschbaum Maxpower which is more similar to i.e Lux Alupower it needs to be tighter.
It is hard to say, but in general I think most poly from Pro's Pro needs a bit higher tension than some others, since most of them are on the softer side.
Also depends on the stringing machine used. Electronic will produce a much tighter stringbed than a lockout. I would start 2 pounds up from your regular tension of the same stringer/machine.
But some may disagree. There is always a totally different opinions about the same strings.
Yeah I agree. Compared to 4g though anything is more powerful.
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
No, I live across the pond in murica.
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
I wouldn't count on that. I'm not saying they won't last you two weeks, but you should probably also inquire which is the most durable.
Karma Tennis
Legend
It is hard to say, but in general I think most poly from Pro's Pro needs a bit higher tension than some others, since most of them are on the softer side.
Also depends on the stringing machine used. Electronic will produce a much tighter stringbed than a lockout. I would start 2 pounds up from your regular tension of the same stringer/machine.
But some may disagree. There is always a totally different opinions about the same strings.
We've stuck with 1.24mm BlackOut and tested it over a wide range of tensions in a 16x19 pattern from low 30s all the way up to 60 strung on a trusty LO with fixed clamps.
BlackOut seems to perform best for us in the window between high 30s and high 40s. We string it at 52 but by the time the racquets are used considering the static tension loss the beds are probably around mid to high 40s. Works really well but tends to lose a bit of control after about 4 to 5 hours of solid hitting. Crosses begin to notch almost straight away and by the time we re-string, the crosses are probably notched to around 50%. (Heavy spin serves and heavy topspin groundstrokes.)
Christian Andersson
New User
Yes, I agree. My stringbeds with Blackout strung on my LO machine with fixed clamps often ends up at mid 40s according to the Stringmeter. I have mostly strung BO at 52-53p also for myself. It works also a lot lower as you say.
I think it is a good string, but myself I'm not so fond of the the more muted response. But it has not really to do with the performance, just a preference of feeling of what you like. Completely diffent sound and direct response from KB Maxpower for example. But it is a string I will continue to buy from Pro's Pro, since some I string for likes it, and it is cheap.
A bit off topic maybe. What I experiment a bit with is to string the crosses 2-4p tighter now than mains on poly strings for myself. Like everything it might be individual, but I think that crosses strung on a LO often is close to the "max" of wanted difference between crosses and mains, often they might end up at 35 when stringing 55, while mains end up in the high 40:s. So to string crosses lower than mains on a LO machine I would not do myself, only on a constant pull electronic machine or a drop weight machine.
When measuring stringbeds done on a constant pull machine I have noticed that the mains and crosses are "closer" to each other in tension. So that's why I have tried to compensate this on my LO where probably friction is measured as tension easily. It seem to me doing this increases durability a bit, but I might be wrong. Just interesting to hear opinions on this.
stiggytennis
Semi-Pro
What do guys think has the best tension maintenance and durability combo for a poly?
I'm considering Concept,Red devil,Blackout,Vendetta,Intense Heat etc.
I'm considering Concept,Red devil,Blackout,Vendetta,Intense Heat etc.
WhETHANs
Rookie
Concept
Read the recent posts. 1.33 Concept is insanely durable and has really good maintenance.
Karma Tennis
Legend
A lot of it would depend on the string pattern and the string spacing. We tested BlackOut on 16x19 (customised 2013 APDs) with a range of different tension configs. We found that stringing crosses at lower tension than mains leads to significant decrease in control potential, and significant decrease in tension maintenance and durability. For us, stringing crosses at higher tension than mains leads to noticeable reduction in spin potential while improving tension maintenance and durability a little bit - but not enough to justify the reduction in spin potential.
(Note, I am talking about the 1.24mm gauge. Never tried the 1.28mm gauge which would probably produce different results in our scenario. However, we like the comfort factor of the 1.24mm and don't think the 1.28mm would improve that.)
I think it depends on the string pattern. I wouldn't ever advocate stringing crosses higher in a dense pattern. I string 2lbs higher crosses in my 6.1 16X18. It firms up the stringbed a lot and really adds control but I don't notice any less spin potential. I would say what is the point of spin potential if you can't control it. The tension maintenance seems to be improved hugely, whenever I string at the same tension, the stringbed gets soft very quickly.
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
So what are some recommendations for a poly that is soft, spinny, and powerful? I like Blackout just fine, though I found it to be not all that soft or powerful. Vendetta was soft and powerful, but didn't provide much spin for a poly and durability was a major issue. And Plus Power was okay, but I felt like Blackout did everything as well or better. I could easily just stick with Blackout, but if there is something similar with a little extra softness and free power, I'd like to try out a set before grabbing another reel.
tennisBIEST
Professional
That's exactly where I am right now! I've hit with BlackOut as my main setup for a year or two and I've been looking/testing some others trying to find more power and better pocketing. I'm currently playing with Hyper G and I like it but I hate paying $100+ for strings when I know there are good quality reels out there at a much lower price.I strung up PP Hexaspin Blue 1.25 a month ago at my regular tension 48lbs and it played well but quite a bit stiffer. I felt it in my wrist the next day so I made a note to string much lower next time I try it. I have just hit with PP Hexaspin Blue 1.25 today at 40lbs and its plays much nicer at that tension and the spin was on par with BO and Hyper G. Not sure if the power is significantly better but I did feel very connected to to the ball. I'm going to be hitting it again tomorrow and I'll report back.
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
Lots of love for Hyper G around these parts and among practice partners. What are its strengths in comparison to Black Out?
Think I might try some Black Force, Hexaspin Twist, and Lethal 5 or 8. Or...?
WhETHANs
Rookie
I think stratagem 8 is what you're looking for. Similar to blackout but had more power and comfort IMO and had a rubbery feel as opposed to blackouts plasticky feel.
Another good fit is I found black force to be soft, pretty spinny for a smooth poly, and powerful. I've read that a few others disagree but that's just my take. Maybe try the thinner gauge for a bit more power and spin. It's quite slick. Found it's playability duration to be similar to blackout; it stiffened up and died a pretty horrible death but it was good all before that.
Maybe try out a blackout/blackforce or blackout/concept hybrid if you don't like strategem 8
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
Oh yeah, that was another one I was looking at. Thanks! And you add even more credibilty to your recommendation by using the exact term I'd use to describe the feel of Black Out: plasticky. Time to order me a set.
princemidplus
Semi-Pro
I find it interesting that most players using PP Hexaspin 1.25 find it pretty stiff. I was under the impression it was a softer poly. I've been using it at 55lbs and no arm issues. Sometimes full bed and sometimes with syngut crosses to increase durability. Maybe I need to try a few other polys to compare. Strings are ridiculous prices in South Africa so usually have to order from UK.
I have some concept 1.28, nano vendetta 1.30 and the hybrid set with Super power 1.30/Spinox 1.25. I have read Spinox is not great but heard good things about the other strings. Any suggestions as to what combination/tensions that are recommended? I have syngut as well.
Surprisingly, black force 1.14 lasted 2 sessions for me in terms of durability. I could only get one match (barely one match) out of it though before it died. It is very slick and also probably the stiffest string I have used from pro's pro.
There is a string on their website called Interceptor that is supposedly low powered and very slick and soft. Supposed to be like Lynx or Hyper g. They don't have it in the uk but it looks interesting...
tennisBIEST
Professional
To me Hyper G has what I wish Black Out had...more spin, longer playability and a tad more power. $100 more...not worth it to me though. I did try Strat8 a few years back and I remember completely hating it after a short 30min hitting session and immediately sold it to a college kid. I remember it being powerful and I couldn't find the court with out adjusting my swing. I probably needed to spend some time adjusting tension but BlackOut provided the control I was seeking. To add the pop to BO one can use a cross like Red Devil, Concept etc. but the spin becomes less evident. I just like a full bed of sharp edged poly.
tennisBIEST
Professional
I have hit with Hexaspin Lime and it plays extremely close to Head Lynx to me. It's crisp, spinny, and comfortable just doesn't have that ball pocketing that I like. However dropping tension 2-4lbs did get my close to the feel that I like.
tennisBIEST
Professional
Been looking for a soft cross to pair with Black Out to help prolong playability. Playability of full bed Black Out just wasn't satisfactory. First hour it's sublime but then notching occurs and it's dies rather quickly. I've also been moving to my preferred higher stiffness racquets and was looking to soften the string bed. I've used poly mains /syn gut crosses primarily in the past with some success during hitting sessions. So I've decided to check out some PP multis and see if I'd like that better than syn gut in the crosses. Picked up Gutex Ultra 16 and have been extremely impressed with its softness, power, durability(so far), and most surprising the tension maintenance. Strung up my Head Microgel Extreme MP BlackOut/ Gutex Ultra 50/52. First hour it took a bit to get used to the lower launch angle compared to fb BO. I was just shocked at the comfort! So freaking soft! My current racquet had a RA in the upper 60's feels like 68/69 but with this cross it was so nice on the arm. Zero notching! I'm gonna run with this and see how durable it really is.
I've tried Blackout 42/44. Too low powered, not enough spin. Wasn't satisfied. Gutex Ultra and Cyber Spin have been on my mind for the last few weeks.
What do you think would be good tension for Gutex Ultra?
Also don't know if I should buy 1.25 or 1.30? Will use also for Juice 108.
What do you think would be good tension for Gutex Ultra?
Also don't know if I should buy 1.25 or 1.30? Will use also for Juice 108.
tennisBIEST
Professional
I decided to go with the 16 gauge just due to the fact it's a multi and mostly likely won't have to longest durability. I'd give Black Out another try in the mains and then throw GU in the crosses. I'd give it a go at low 50's
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
If you hit with decent racket head speed and spin, Gutex Ultra is going to be toast in no time, regardless of which gauge you choose.
hotasice
Semi-Pro
Agreed.
I used to have Gutex in my crosses with a poly in the mains and the gutex would last me 4 hours tops. Heavy fraying after 3 hours and then it snaps.
Karma Tennis
Legend
What gauge?
IMO, 1.25mm Black Out doesn't work as well in the spin potential department at anything below 46lbs. We string it at 50 to 52 full bed and leave it for 24 hours.
Plenty of spin and enough power for players with long swings that can generate a lot of racquet head speed. I don't think this string works that well for players with medium swings.
We get about 4 good hours out of it now in a 16/19 bed. Mains are usually notched to around 40% mark when we re-string.
We've gotten good results for my son with Black Out paired with Forten Sweet SG. That hybrid results in minimal notching and when the crosses fray noticeably, it's time to replace the dead strings anyway.
skraggle
Professional
Worth trying for sure. Although I have not hit Lethal 8, I have used BO quite a bit and it's really nice. I prefer it in a hybrid setup for better feel, but you can still feel it grabbing the ball and providing good feedback.
Sent from my MI MAX using Tapatalk
PT630Wannabe
Professional
I bought a reel of Intense Heat 17 and so far so good. Nice and soft. Lower powered than my standby which is Volkl V-Pro. I haven't played any other Pro's Pro string, so admittedly mine is not much of a contribution...
Are the edges sharp enough to feel the extra grab?
Or it just grabs it like a good poly?
skraggle
Professional
Feels like it grabs more, but can't say it's a dramatic difference. I prefer round polys in full bed and textured in hybrids (except for the awesome BHBR), so tough to judge.
Sorry I can't offer more clarity than that...
No worries. I appreciate any feedback.
