Ben42
Semi-Pro
Ha! Those are the exact same PP strings I've tried. I rank them in the exact opposite order.
1. Red Devil
2. Blackout
3. Concept
Pro's Pro Strings!?
- Thread starter Jura-SB
- Start date
Ha! Those are the exact same PP strings I've tried. I rank them in the exact opposite order.
1. Red Devil
2. Blackout
3. Concept
tennisBIEST
Professional
I'll play...
Top 3
1. Black Out(Duh!)
2. Devil Spin(Mains Only)
3. Red Devil(Crosses Only)
Honorable Mention
1. PPPP
2. Black Force
3. Concept
Top 3
1. Black Out(Duh!)
2. Devil Spin(Mains Only)
3. Red Devil(Crosses Only)
Honorable Mention
1. PPPP
2. Black Force
3. Concept
kailash
Hall of Fame
I've played all three of those choices and Black Force was the best cross paired with Black Out. Black Force is very elastic(Same as Red Devil) similar to a synthetic gut but offers better control and spin yet still comfortable. Concept is also a nice cross as well just didn't have the same control and spin as BF did. I'm still a big fan of a full bed of Black Out though. Find your tension of full bed of Black Out at somewhere between mid 40's-low 50's then go online and buy 3 reels
Whatever you said is working
I tried full bed of BO and also BO/sy.gut hybrid; both are good! Surprising thing is that it is better than or on par with many of the polys I tried so far. Tried Concept/syn.gut combo and also full bed of BF, but those are not good. Yet to try BO/BF hybrid.
Imago
Hall of Fame
My vote too.
This and Stratagem 10 too go very well with NGut on 18x20 Mid and MP Prestiges.
djNEiGht
Legend
Imago
Hall of Fame
S8 are sharp and they can cut the mains when weaving them through, then become blunt after 5-6 hours, but the string holds. It looks like S8 is somehow twisted. S10 feels almost round.
tennisBIEST
Professional
From my notes I loved the sharp edges and the spin was on par with some of the best spin strings I've ever tried. It's another black muted string from PP(BlackOut, Black Force) The edges are quite pronounced unlike the RPM Blast profile. For me though it's just not as good as BlackOut but to be fair I haven't used it enough at different tensions to give it a fair shot.
Karma Tennis
Legend
@Imago, are you able to you compare S10 with Volkl Cyclone?
Currently experimenting with Cyclone mains and different slippery round crosses. Working very well getting 6 to 8 hours of decent performance before combo bags out. Wonder whether S10 / Concept would be a better value alternative?
Imago
Hall of Fame
If you want a combined Cyclone and RPMB performance, go for S8 1.30.
S10 has nothing in common with S8, it's almost like a very hard multifibre. If you like Concept you will like S10 too - or even more. If I played with full-poly bed, I would experiment with S10 and S8 in different combinations.
Frans Bleker
Professional
Someone knows where Vendetta is made?
Karstic
Rookie
Germany, according to the description at the U.S. seller.
The.Bloke
New User
Hi
I've been playing with Red Devil 1.24 for two years now. 53lbs. I generate plenty of spin naturally. Could do with a bit more power.
The strings never brake. Always have a minimum of 3 racquets of the same strings, so important to choose the right one.
I ask my stringer to cut them every 3 months.
No real reasons. I agree that it loses a bit of it feels and spring but it does not affect the way I play. We did not have the choice when younger, so I keep it that way.
I even played with one of my racquets strung 18 months ago with it. Different, harder but much more powerful and more control. Comfort, same.
Used to play with Luxilon and then Signum. No points really. A bit of a gimmick really.. And much more expensive for sure.
I originally bought Red Devil because of my elbow. Never really likes its colour.
But I never had any problem since. What I did not l know was that most of the pain was created from foods intolerances. Aching joins.
Now I intend to replace it with something similar but in white or yellow.
It's easier to see the ball. My frames are redi-sh orange.
After reading the posts, I came up to PP Concept. But in what size? 1.22 is the closest to what I play with, or 1.28?
Any other similar strings to consider?
Any ideas?
Thanks
I
I've been playing with Red Devil 1.24 for two years now. 53lbs. I generate plenty of spin naturally. Could do with a bit more power.
The strings never brake. Always have a minimum of 3 racquets of the same strings, so important to choose the right one.
I ask my stringer to cut them every 3 months.
No real reasons. I agree that it loses a bit of it feels and spring but it does not affect the way I play. We did not have the choice when younger, so I keep it that way.
I even played with one of my racquets strung 18 months ago with it. Different, harder but much more powerful and more control. Comfort, same.
Used to play with Luxilon and then Signum. No points really. A bit of a gimmick really.. And much more expensive for sure.
I originally bought Red Devil because of my elbow. Never really likes its colour.
But I never had any problem since. What I did not l know was that most of the pain was created from foods intolerances. Aching joins.
Now I intend to replace it with something similar but in white or yellow.
It's easier to see the ball. My frames are redi-sh orange.
After reading the posts, I came up to PP Concept. But in what size? 1.22 is the closest to what I play with, or 1.28?
Any other similar strings to consider?
Any ideas?
Thanks
I
Last edited:
WhETHANs
Rookie
I'd reccomend 1.22 or even thinner since you don't break strings. Stratagem 5 seems to have good reviews
WhETHANs
Rookie
I've never played with red devil but I'd string at same tension to see how it is then you can lower it from there if it's too tight.
tennisBIEST
Professional
BlackOut has that boardy muted feel...very little give(pocketing). L8 is softer and has more power and possibly more spin potential. I've loved BlackOut because of its lack of power and all around solid playability however short that maybe.
WhETHANs
Rookie
I've used solstice power and elite xt. Phenomenal strings but a tad pricey. Don't think there are any close strings to pros pro but guess you could give strategem 8 a try but no promises that you'll find it even close.
emn8
Rookie
Just been trying a few strings as I look to move away from KB Max Power (getting a bit much for me as I get older). Before trying a Hybrid using Velocity I was intrigued by this thread and positive views on Pro's Pro Strings. I strung up my Blade 98 CV with Technifibre Syn Gut (black) in the mains with Blackout in the crosses at my usual tension of 52/49. Played 2 sets of doubles yesterday evening and 2 sets of singles with a friend this morning.
Doubles:
Comfort was ok, nothing special. Spin was low compared to what i'm usually used to with MP or velocity. Volleys were nice and crisp and probably the highlight during the match for me. Serves were so so. 2nd server kicker had no bite and I struggled for direction and control. Return of serves took some adjustment as the launch angle seemed to be lower than what i'm used to - appreciate that some may like this aspect but as I play with a mostly semi-western FH I had to make some adjustments. My one hand BH was a bit of a mixed bag. Great on slice (especially on returns) but the topspin BH was difficult to dial in and was a little erratic - just couldn't get it going and I was netting them more than I usually do. Overall a very mediocre Doubles setup for me.
Singles:
Very much in keeping with what I experienced whilst playing doubles the evening before. My rally ball from the baseline was ok and I adjusted to the lower launch quickly after playing doubles. Flattening out the ball for shots was ok, although I felt I was holding back a little for fear of UE's. First serves were ok, but my 2nd serve definitely suffers with this setup. Opponent really attacked my kicker as there very little kick and it just sat up to be hit. Just had to flatten out my 2nd serve in the end. Into the 2nd set the stringbed just died for me. Could feel the vibration and it seemed to lose power and feel. My arm felt a twinge so I just opted to go to my backup racquet with Gut/4G.
It could be the syngut choice, the blackout or that this setup in a Blade CV just doesn't work (for me anyway). May be tempted to try Velocity with blackout at some point. Next up for me Velocity and Hyper G. The search continues...
Doubles:
Comfort was ok, nothing special. Spin was low compared to what i'm usually used to with MP or velocity. Volleys were nice and crisp and probably the highlight during the match for me. Serves were so so. 2nd server kicker had no bite and I struggled for direction and control. Return of serves took some adjustment as the launch angle seemed to be lower than what i'm used to - appreciate that some may like this aspect but as I play with a mostly semi-western FH I had to make some adjustments. My one hand BH was a bit of a mixed bag. Great on slice (especially on returns) but the topspin BH was difficult to dial in and was a little erratic - just couldn't get it going and I was netting them more than I usually do. Overall a very mediocre Doubles setup for me.
Singles:
Very much in keeping with what I experienced whilst playing doubles the evening before. My rally ball from the baseline was ok and I adjusted to the lower launch quickly after playing doubles. Flattening out the ball for shots was ok, although I felt I was holding back a little for fear of UE's. First serves were ok, but my 2nd serve definitely suffers with this setup. Opponent really attacked my kicker as there very little kick and it just sat up to be hit. Just had to flatten out my 2nd serve in the end. Into the 2nd set the stringbed just died for me. Could feel the vibration and it seemed to lose power and feel. My arm felt a twinge so I just opted to go to my backup racquet with Gut/4G.
It could be the syngut choice, the blackout or that this setup in a Blade CV just doesn't work (for me anyway). May be tempted to try Velocity with blackout at some point. Next up for me Velocity and Hyper G. The search continues...
can you update us on your playtest of the concept 1.22?
Karma Tennis
Legend
Why would you hybrid a Round Main with a Shaped Cross?
I suggest you switch them around and you might find that most of your negatives disappear.
If you are using 1.24mm BO then try it in a full bed. The tensions you are using are mid range and BO should work very well with the Blade CV. The only issue will be that the string bed will be dead within 4 to 5 hours. BO is a great string if you are prepared to cut it out every 4 hours or so.
emn8
Rookie
Appreciate the comments Karma Tennis. Just some context around my test. My goal moving forward is to look for a setup that provides me with most of what I had in a full poly setup i.e control, low powered and spin...but in a more arm friendly setup. I'm currently testing Velocity which might be suitable but whilst I was waiting for the reel I had some syngut and Blackout in the draw and thought it might be worth a try. Syngut in the mains as I want the comfort first. I'm not bothered if the shaped BO would notch the syngut or there was limited snapback (I use semi western FH) and I string myself. i may try BO FB at some point but I may invariably end up comparing it to the Max Power that I was using before.
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styksnstryngs
Professional
Huh, I didn't know BO lost tension that fast... Do you know how ichiban spin 1.21 and red devil 1.14 stack up in terms of tension maintenance, and the best soft poly in terms of tension? I play a few hours every day so I need help...
Karma Tennis
Legend
1.24mm BO in an open pattern used by a hard hitter with heavy topspin will bag out pretty quickly. 1.28mm might give the same player a couple more hours.
Can't comment about the other two because BO was the first and last PP string I tried. Perfectly good enough for our needs. As I can re-string at any time I rather do that to have fresh strings and protect my arms. Poly is still poly regardless of the brand.
So I had a reel of T1 Firewire and Blackout. I'd tried both out as a full bed but found both to be lacking. Tried FW in mains and Blackout in the crosses and It's the best setup I've ever used. Lasts longer than either individually did, very consistent response, lots of spin and It grips the ball great for slices and kick serves.
I've also tried full beds of Yonex PTP, Yonex Poly Tough, Yonex Poly Spin, Head Gravity, Prince SynGut, Wilson Revolve and Kirchbaum Pro Line II but this beats them all.
I hope pro's pro will realease a triangular string in the future as T1 FW isn't anywhere near as good value as Blackout.
I've also tried full beds of Yonex PTP, Yonex Poly Tough, Yonex Poly Spin, Head Gravity, Prince SynGut, Wilson Revolve and Kirchbaum Pro Line II but this beats them all.
I hope pro's pro will realease a triangular string in the future as T1 FW isn't anywhere near as good value as Blackout.
tennisBIEST
Professional
Just wanted to throw this out as a possible Pro's Pro contender for your current poly/poly hybrid Black Out/Black Force. I've come full circle.. played years with full bed of BlackOut then got intrigued by the Solinco's(Hyper G, Revolution and Tour Bite). Those Solinco's are really good strings but I've recently been reconnected to Black Out 1.24 and the magic is back! There is something so perfect about BlackOut strung mid to high 40's. Control, Spin, Comfort and Power in that order for me. Now for the bad...it loses its playability rather quickly. If you throw a round slick poly like Black Force 1.19 you'll get better playability. I just prefer the full bed of Black Out. So if I'm playing a match I go about a 1 1/2 sets and then I'll replace with fresh stick. If I'm just hitting/drilling then I'll play with it longer. BO doesn't turn into a trampoline like some polys(holds tension well) but it does lose its snap back and you'll find second serves dumping into net or groundies flying long. Truth be told I've found TB to have a similar playability life as well. Hyper G was the one poly that I thought held its playability the longest but it was too mushy/soft to me. I have played with BO in many racquets but I find that I like it best in mid to low flex racquets(65 RA and lower.) So considering the price and the performance it's still my number #1 string. Have fun!!
Thank you. This makes me think it may be best to stick with L8. I want as much spin potential as possible.
tennisBIEST
Professional
FYI....Strategem 8 has destroyed my arm!
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Yikes! Noted. Thinking about pulling he trigger on hexaspin or the twist.
graycrait
Legend
I've notice when Tour Bite goes dead it goes dead "right now." But at my age, level, racket head speed I suspect I can squeeze 4 or 5 hours out of TB. So once my Tour Bite and Black Magic sets are done I'll likely get a reel each of Black Out and Black Force. I have a couple of sets of Black Force and one of Cyber Power I was going to mess around with in a week or so.
tennisBIEST
Professional
Love the Hexaspin Neon Yellow...hated the Blue never played the Orange. Hexaspin Twist Black should not be used as a full bed. Gets really gummy and loses playability possibly faster than any other Pro's Pro string and that's saying something! Hexaspin Twist with a smooth poly cross would be best.
tennisBIEST
Professional
I have played a reel of TB 18 this summer and the open pattern of my Head Graphene Speed MP usually broke before it got dead but you definitely know when it's dying!
graycrait
Legend
I see in your signature you use Hyper G 17. It must be me, age, level, etc., but regardless of all the good reviews I thought it was bit "mushy."
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Neon yellow was the one I was going to get. Have you used the interceptor?
Kenny022593
Professional
Been through 4 reels of the new Vendetta now. I started hitting it in a full bed because I ran out of multi options in my stockpile of strings. As a full bed, Vendetta is lasting 40 minutes before it breaks as opposed to 2.5 hours in a hybrid.
styksnstryngs
Professional
Strung up my rad with BO at 50 and Forten syngut at 52 yesterday night. Will review later today, and compare to ichiban spin and gosen.
ckhirnigs113
Rookie
Bought reels of Blackout 1.24 and Concept 1.22. I will probably try both as full beds and perhaps as a hybrid with Blackout in the mains. I may try Concept as a cross to Tonic gut too. Lots of setups to try. I'll report back.
GuilhermeG
Rookie
Hi. Could anyone describe how comfortable hexaspin twist 1,20 is? Also, if possible, compare it to hyper g on the same gauge (comfort, spin, power, tension hold). Thanks!
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oscar b
New User
I've been using Hexaspin 1.20 for two years now. I love it's feel and control. I prefer a muted sensation and it is just that. I can only get about 2 hrs of quality play from it, though. I've bought reels if 1.30,but it has a completely different feel to it.
i like black the best. i have tried red and yellow, but they feel very different, gummy.
i have also experimented with hybrid combinations, but always come back to a full bed of Hex Twist.
I play with a Yonex DR98, strung at 22/21 kg. Decent club player with average spin and good power.
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