PV Audio's Playtest Thread

pvaudio

Legend
As far as the discounted string, just look on the Bay. You'll see a few every now and again. I've just happened to snatch up enough that a few retailers have said they'll email me before listing since I always pay the price they request. Obviously I am not at liberty to list off TW's competitors, so I'll just say this: it never hurts to ask :)
 

bosssauce

Banned
As far as the discounted string, just look on the Bay. You'll see a few every now and again. I've just happened to snatch up enough that a few retailers have said they'll email me before listing since I always pay the price they request. Obviously I am not at liberty to list off TW's competitors, so I'll just say this: it never hurts to ask :)

thanks do you play till poly break?
 

pvaudio

Legend
Also truthfully, unless you're using it as a cross with natural gut, it's not a terribly good string. Mediocre all around. It's just super slick as a cross string.
 

pvaudio

Legend
I've looked at it, but right now i'm just focusing on technique. I just want to solidify my groundstrokes SO badly. They keep toying with me by being on and then off depending on the day. I still have to actively focus on certain aspects, but alas, that's why practice makes perfect :)
 

mikeler

Moderator
I've looked at it, but right now i'm just focusing on technique. I just want to solidify my groundstrokes SO badly. They keep toying with me by being on and then off depending on the day. I still have to actively focus on certain aspects, but alas, that's why practice makes perfect :)

Technique is so boring. Strings are fun!
 

pvaudio

Legend
Just got and tried the Propulse 4s. First thing straight off: they look absolutely sinister in black. Got four compliments on them. More importantly, they are not just a different iteration of the 3s. They fit similarly, but feel quite different. A fair bit stiffer feeling which shows up in terms of support. This also means that they DO require some break-in. Walking around my apartment for 2 hours prior was plenty sufficient. The biggest difference is the speed. The P3s felt like a lightweight shoe on your foot. These feel more like your feet are just secure. That means that you can take off more quickly and stop more quickly since it just feels like an extension of your foot. All in all, I give these a 9.5/10 vs the P3's 9.25/10.
 

mikeler

Moderator
PPA really shreds quickly. It was silky smooth after installation but now is getting roughed up after just 1 set.
 

Boricua

Hall of Fame
Precisamente.

In other news, I'm playing with B5E/Xcel FO 17g. I love that cross string.

How does this hybrid setup work out? How does X1 Biphase compare as a cross string with Babolat Excel FO 17? Do you think B5E/ Excel FO would be a good choice for a Exo3Tour 16x 18? If yes, what tension? I am a baseliner that hits with topspin
 
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pvaudio

Legend
Perhaps I'm just odd, but some strings just resonate with me, and Xcel FO as a cross is one of them. It adds a very nice crisp bit of pop that syn guts like Nvy can't. I typically use it with Tornado mains, but I think B5E should help it last a bit longer. It is definitely NOT a good value as it's quite expensive. Compared to X-1, I can't say. I don't particularly like X-1 because NRG2 is my favorite multifilament and in my top 5 all-time strings. X-1 to me is like a tweaked Lotus (NRG2) that shreds its tires after 2 hours: better at first, then hopeless. As for the use question, I believe mikeler would be the man to ask about that.
 
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mikeler

Moderator
How does this hybrid setup work out? How does X1 Biphase compare as a cross string with Babolat Excel FO 17? Do you think B5E/ Excel FO would be a good choice for a Exo3Tour 16x 18? If yes, what tension? I am a baseliner that hits with topspin

Both strings are low powered and the frame is low powered. If that is your cup of tea, go for it.
 

pvaudio

Legend
Check this out:
prestigegamma.jpg


Tis my racquet strung with B5E/Nvy per usual, but, I have replaced the leather grip with this Gamma Hi-Tec. While the leather gives more "feel", I'm not convinced it feels better. Plus, I think the racquet looks much nicer like this!
 

Boricua

Hall of Fame
I have some B5E to try but I'm not sure how well it will jive with the Exo Tour.

Its better to try it than ro stay with the doubt. At least you have it with you. I used it once with Rdis 100 mp that is a control racket with nice spin potential and it worked well.
 

Doubles

Legend
Check this out:
prestigegamma.jpg


Tis my racquet strung with B5E/Nvy per usual, but, I have replaced the leather grip with this Gamma Hi-Tec. While the leather gives more "feel", I'm not convinced it feels better. Plus, I think the racquet looks much nicer like this!

Let me l me how it plays with the hi-tec. I like the leather, but I might try changing it as I'm getting awful blisters from leather.
 

pvaudio

Legend
So the Hi-Tec is heavier than leather?
With an overgrip, the Gamma stick balances just ever slightly more headlight. So yeap, I believe that it is. I purchased the grip after recommendations here for something that wouldn't change the balance too much.
 

Doubles

Legend
With an overgrip, the Gamma stick balances just ever slightly more headlight. So yeap, I believe that it is. I purchased the grip after recommendations here for something that wouldn't change the balance too much.

Sounds like it plays nicely with the Gamma. This is good news in case I want to switch over to it.
 

pvaudio

Legend
Yeap, definitely made the best decision ever with that grip. It also hides the fact that the butt cap should be named Serena. It brought my backhand back too (that's harder to explain, but my BH grip is definitely a feel thing). For the first time this year, I also haven't had to wrap my hand in anti-blister tape. Damn leather!
 

Doubles

Legend
Yeap, definitely made the best decision ever with that grip. It also hides the fact that the butt cap should be named Serena. It brought my backhand back too (that's harder to explain, but my BH grip is definitely a feel thing). For the first time this year, I also haven't had to wrap my hand in anti-blister tape. Damn leather!

I either play bare leather, or leather and tourna. When I sweat, the leather with tourna is actually pretty soft, but if my hands are dry, dear god it's painful.
 

pvaudio

Legend
Do not believe I did a full review, although I have tested it in full. I'm currently in the process of selling off my enormous inventory, so perhaps once that is finished. :)
 
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