Revisiting Monogut ZX

[MarTennis]

No. Most crosses if not all are at some point tied off on the mains. So cutting the mains means the crosses have nothing to tie too and lose tension. Replacing the crosses is possible because the mains stay in place

Thanks Shroud. I have another question specifically for you. I have a ranked 15 y.o. that uses a hard poly in the mains @53 and mild prestetch mzx in the crosses @58. He wants to go all MZX but wants same playing characteristics as current set up. Any suggestions to try?

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[Shroud]

Thanks Shroud. I have another question specifically for you. I have a ranked 15 y.o. that uses a hard poly in the mains @53 and mild prestetch mzx in the crosses @58. He wants to go all MZX but wants same playing characteristics as current set up. Any suggestions to try?

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Imho mzx is too soft so even at max tension in a full bed its not going to play like poly mains just from a stiffness standpoint. Why does he want to do a full bed??

 

[MarTennis]

Imho mzx is too soft so even at max tension in a full bed its not going to play like poly mains just from a stiffness standpoint. Why does he want to do a full bed??

I understand. Not sure exactly why he asked for a full bed. I did a full bed once and it was too soft. Could be aesthetics.

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[TimeToPlaySets]

Holy cow!
This Monogut ZX string is great!!!
It's a revelation.

I just played full Bed ZX at 55 pounds on my POG.

Stiffness
Poly Tour Bite = 238
Monogut ZX = 106
Babolat VS Gut = 96

So, it's basically as arm friendly as NatGut.

I did not like nat gut.
Played harsh at 60.
Strings locked up, and constantly had to be adjusted.
Gut also broke in 5 hours.
Was a huge disappointment.

Multi/Velocity was pretty lame also, similar issues.

ZX seems smooth like a Poly.
Strings always snap back into place.

So, ZX has the softness of gut
but the smoothness of poly.

With ZX, I feel like I have my strokes back.
Lots of spin, and balls were landing in.

The ping sound is not there if you use a damper.

Thanks for turning me onto this!

 

[mike841]

Just a note regarding colours.

The red ZX is slightly more brittle. It's the prone to breakage when tying knots and doing 180 degree turns sharply back on itself.
The black ZX much more 'string like' (if you know what I mean) particularly when handling and stringing it.
The biege ZX is somewhere in between.

The string works best as a cross with a smooth poly main. Doesn't provide as much spin as with a full poly bed but it plays better than a poly/synthetic gut hybrid.

 

[BenC]

Just a note regarding colours.

The red ZX is slightly more brittle. It's the prone to breakage when tying knots and doing 180 degree turns sharply back on itself.
The black ZX much more 'string like' (if you know what I mean) particularly when handling and stringing it.
The biege ZX is somewhere in between.

The string works best as a cross with a smooth poly main. Doesn't provide as much spin as with a full poly bed but it plays better than a poly/synthetic gut hybrid.

I didn't even know there was a red version. I'm guessing it's not available anymore ...

IME the hardness of the poly main matters too ... too soft and the ZX will saw through it, and you might end up with a locked stringbed that's stiff as a board. Happened when I tried Cream mains with ZX crosses.

I'm experimenting with ZX mains and Ghost Wire crosses but as you'd expect it's bouncy as hell.

 

[Deleted member 369227]

Argh! My first ever Monogut ZX string job, and it snapped while I was pulling the last knot

This string is truly different than any other string on the market. If pulled in a linear fashion, it stretches enormously, but it is definitely very sensitive to bending.

 

[BenC]

16 or 17 gauge? What kind of knot?

Argh! My first ever Monogut ZX string job, and it snapped while I was pulling the last knot

This string is truly different than any other string on the market. If pulled in a linear fashion, it stretches enormously, but it is definitely very sensitive to bending.

 

[travlerajm]

Argh! My first ever Monogut ZX string job, and it snapped while I was pulling the last knot

This string is truly different than any other string on the market. If pulled in a linear fashion, it stretches enormously, but it is definitely very sensitive to bending.

We all learn this one the hard way. Never pull tension on zx knot. The good thing is that a knot will hold easily, and you really don’t even need much of a knot with this string. In fact, you could probably go out and play with that racquet and the L bend left behind would probably be enough to keep it from popping out through the grommet hole, and you wouldn’t notice any difference in tension.

 

[Deleted member 369227]

16 or 17 gauge? What kind of knot?

16 gauge - Monogut ZX (not Pro). It was a Parnell knot - I was pulling the first loop, pretty gently in my opinion, when it snapped. Obviously even less tension must be applied, but I learned my lesson.

EDIT: In the meantime, I strung one of my Yonex DR 98 sticks with Monogut ZX (one piece). Everything went smoothly this time, no problems at all.

 

[Deleted member 369227]

We all learn this one the hard way. Never pull tension on zx knot. The good thing is that a knot will hold easily, and you really don’t even need much of a knot with this string. In fact, you could probably go out and play with that racquet and the L bend left behind would probably be enough to keep it from popping out through the grommet hole, and you wouldn’t notice any difference in tension.

Exactly! I didn't cut the string because the last cross is holding pretty well - the L-bent piece of the string is stuck in the grommet hole. I even put the racquet on the floor and stepped gently on the stringbed - didn't move a bit, so there is a good chance that it will hold as well as a proper knot.

 

[BenC]

Crazy. I used to leave the knots very loose but started getting cavalier about tightening them up after not having any string-breaking incidents so far.

16 gauge - Monogut ZX (not Pro). It was a Parnell knot - I was pulling the first loop, pretty gently in my opinion, when it snapped. Obviously even less tension must be applied, but I learned my lesson.

 

[speedysteve]

Argh! My first ever Monogut ZX string job, and it snapped while I was pulling the last knot

This string is truly different than any other string on the market. If pulled in a linear fashion, it stretches enormously, but it is definitely very sensitive to bending.

I'd be tempted to put a drop of superglue on that and clamp it together.
Once set add a blob of 2 pack epoxy, job done[emoji6]
Careful though as superglue can be runny as hell!

 

[allenkau]

I have been stringing Ash Kev 16 with Beige MonoGut zx 16 for the past 3 yrs.... Both my sons play with this combo.

I get about a 10% chance of breakage while pulling the cross on my stringer. Usually on the 3rd to 6th cross. Its gotten worse in the last 660ft reel I have used.

Anyone having similar issue? I breaks at the grommett (Even on frames with less than 3 string jobs). I hate the feeling so much I cringe everytime I push the PULL button on my electric stringer.

Maybe its because I am using a reel vs sets?

 

[graycrait]

@allenkau , I have strung a lot of ZX, Nat Gut x ZX, multi x ZX, poly x ZX and many many rackets with Ash Kev x ZX. I use a stock Prince Neos 1000 stringing machine. I used to break ZX occasionally, at first it was at the knots before figuring that out . I would also on rare but irritating occasions break ZX while pulling tension on crosses.

I have not broken ZX while stringing for some time. On the crosses I never ever clamp ZX next to the frame. I usually give one main space distance from the frame or at least a good bit of space. It seems giving some clamp to frame distance has partially solved that problem. I also pull tension with ZX pretty darn slow compared to what I do with some cheap poly or syn gut. All this after prestretching around 15" of permanent elongation out of a 1/2 set ZX 17g that I am going to use for crosses.

 

[allenkau]

@allenkau , I have strung a lot of ZX, Nat Gut x ZX, multi x ZX, poly x ZX and many many rackets with Ash Kev x ZX. I use a stock Prince Neos 1000 stringing machine. I used to break ZX occasionally, at first it was at the knots before figuring that out . I would also on rare but irritating occasions break ZX while pulling tension on crosses.

I have not broken ZX while stringing for some time. On the crosses I never ever clamp ZX next to the frame. I usually give one main space distance from the frame or at least a good bit of space. It seems giving some clamp to frame distance has partially solved that problem. I also pull tension with ZX pretty darn slow compared to what I do with some cheap poly or syn gut. All this after prestretching around 15" of permanent elongation out of a 1/2 set ZX 17g that I am going to use for crosses.

Thanks for the help. I have never broken at the Knot though... I might have to break down and get an Neos 1000 since my buddy also has never broken ZX on a pull using that.

 

[d-quik]

Black Monogut ZX pro 17 in black on the way.

so what ended up happening with these? was the 17g predictably less durable (even when strung correctly)?

 

[Shroud]

16 gauge - Monogut ZX (not Pro). It was a Parnell knot - I was pulling the first loop, pretty gently in my opinion, when it snapped. Obviously even less tension must be applied, but I learned my lesson.

EDIT: In the meantime, I strung one of my Yonex DR 98 sticks with Monogut ZX (one piece). Everything went smoothly this time, no problems at all.

any nick or scratch will cause a break. Also its best to pull slow

 

[TypeRx]

I've been using Kev/ZXP for years now and have been very happy. Recently strung up with full bed ZXP for fun and am loving it. In the past using a full bed I had trouble getting consistency in tension/feel from racket to racket, so I am going to see if that still remains an issue when I string up another racket with it.

It is a powerful string for sure...if you don't hit with a lot of RHS, it could be a launcher. But otherwise, its so comfy and the free power is nice.

 

[graycrait]

@TypeRx , What racket at what tension? I strung a Babolat Pure Storm 95 Ltd Gt+ at 60lbs fullbed 17g ZX, took it out today and was not overly excited about it.

 

[d-quik]

Recently strung up with full bed ZXP for fun

can you let us know when it breaks how many hours of play you got out of it? thanks a lot! really interested on how long it will last! also, what color?

 

[TypeRx]

@TypeRx , What racket at what tension? I strung a Babolat Pure Storm 95 Ltd Gt+ at 60lbs fullbed 17g ZX, took it out today and was not overly excited about it.

What didn't feel good about it?

I am currently using:
Wilson Blade v7 16x19 -- Black Monogut ZXP pre-stretched to ~10% increased length before stringing. 50 lbs mains, 53 lbs crosses. It was fine for the first 1.5 hours but has matured to great for now. I only have maybe 6 hours on it now, so we will see.

can you let us know when it breaks how many hours of play you got out of it? thanks a lot! really interested on how long it will last! also, what color?

Black. I've used full bed ZXP in the past....but in a very different racket (Volkl V-Sense 8 315g at 50 lbs I think...maybe a couple lbs higher). I recall getting ~12-14 hours of play before breaking, which is similar to full poly for me. The reason I stopped using it was I was getting inconsistent performance stringing to stringing and experienced some annoying string breaks during pre-stretch/stringing. However, either my stretching/stringing technique has improved or my luck....I can't remember the last time I've snapped ZXP during the stringing process. But let's see what happens. I really do like the increased pop with full bed ZXP vs. Kev/ZXP and like the very good spin potential and comfort. If I need to trade off duration I am okay with that as long as I can still 1.5-2 weeks worth of play (about 15-20 hours).

 

[graycrait]

What didn't feel good about it?

Too boardy right now at 60lbs in a 95" 18x20. I should have known, I have ROK 93 similarly strung. Should have dropped the tension. However, in a 100" 16x19 Volkl Catapult 8 Ash Kev x ZxP feels great at 62/58.

 

[TypeRx]

Too boardy right now at 60lbs in a 95" 18x20. I should have known, I have ROK 93 similarly strung. Should have dropped the tension. However, in a 100" 16x19 Volkl Catapult 8 Ash Kev x ZxP feels great at 62/58.

Couldn't imagine stringing ZXP at 60 lbs!! Hopefully it loosens up a but probably not since you have a great pre-stretch process. Good news is you can always use most of the string again..perhaps at lower tension. Most of my Kev/ZXP string jobs now have 2 or sometimes even 3 pieces of ZXP for the crosses. Its ridiculous but I don't find any performance difference and can use the ZXP for SOOOO long.

I am going to try full bed ZXP one of these days in my Blade 18x20. I am not overly happy with Kev/ZXP in that racket...maybe some more pop will make it better

 

[d-quik]

I am going to try full bed ZXP one of these days in my Blade 18x20

ever try using zx/zxp MAINS with a synthetic gut or multifilament CROSS like the OP or naw?

 

[TypeRx]

ever try using zx/zxp MAINS with a synthetic gut or multifilament CROSS like the OP or naw?

I've used ZXP mains with poly crosses and poly mains with ZXP crosses. I've also used Kev/ZXP. And obviously full bed ZXP. Never ZXP/SG or ZXP/multi.

In any case, don't waste your time with SG or Multi and ZXP -- it is simply too hearty a string. It will saw through SG or Multi SOOO quick. Even poly it saws through in a couple hours.

 

[d-quik]

It will saw through SG or Multi SOOO quick. Even poly it saws through in a couple hours.

this is contradictory to what he said though

It's been a couple of months and honestly, I don't know I'll be going back to poly when the weather turns warmer. The tinny, hollow feel is gone. The string bed hits like a full bed of ZX but feels like a full bed of the Mantis. The tension is holding great although after ~50Hrs

 

[TypeRx]

this is contradictory to what he said though

Thanks for linking back to the original post on that. Amazing is all I can say. I don't see how SG work in that situation, but like I said I don't have direct experience with it. Maybe I'll try it for fun sometime.

FYI, when I use poly/SG I normally have to cut it out after about 6 hours because the ball fuzzed up SG bothers me and requires a lot of adjustment. Not to say playability is horrible...just my OCD I guess. ZXP is MUCH heartier than SG. Also, the SG I keep on hand is OGSM 18 awg, so keep that in mind.

 

[d-quik]

Amazing is all I can say

could not believe when I read it myself. still have doubt. 50 hours?!? excuse me?

 

[frank52]

What tension do you use when stringing a multi like Tecnifibre NRG2 in the mains and Ashaway Monogut ZX in the crosses ??

Last time I did mains at 57# and ZX crosses at 53 in a Babolat Pure Aero racquet. The result seemed too stiff. I'm wondering if I should drop the ZX cross tension down to 50, drop only the multi mains down to 54-55, or drop tension in both. Can I go with a big tension differential between mains and crosses?

 

[graycrait]

I am going to try full bed ZXP one of these days in my Blade 18x20.

I am stringing two 18x20 Blades for one of my buddies. I suggested he give up poly at his age 62 he never had great racket head speed and less now. So I strung one up with Nat Gut mains x round poly cross. He loved that. His backup had Ash Kev x syn gut and he thought the stringbed was too dead. I'm going to string up his backup racket with 16g Multifeel at or near 60lbs.

One friend, a 30 yr old former DII player, likes his 98 Radical 18x20s strung with Ash Kev x ZX 62/62, he hits very crisp flat shots.

 

[BenC]

ever try using zx/zxp MAINS with a synthetic gut or multifilament CROSS like the OP or naw?

I was trying various ZX mains with synthetic gut crosses and while they initially felt good, after a short while the stringbed would lock up and feel very stiff and dead. ZX doesn't like being in locked stringbeds, it seems ... it's softness comes from its ability to stretch but a locked stringbed reduces its ability to do so.

There's nothing wrong with stiff and dead stringbeds but it's the dramatic change in playing characteristics that really bugs me.

could not believe when I read it myself. still have doubt. 50 hours?!? excuse me?

I also had a ZX/poly hybrid that held its tension and resisted notching pretty well ... ZX loses a lot of tension initially (~25% according to my Gamma string tester) but eventually stabilizes unlike some old school polys that keep losing tension until there's none left. A controlled prestretch might yield good results there.

 

[TypeRx]

Eeewww...just tried Monogut ZXP mains at 52 lbs and OGSM 18 crosses at 54 lbs in a very spin friendly racket (Prince CTS graduate 14x18 pattern). Strung last night after my usual ZXP pre-stretch routine. Played for 45 min with it this morning and couldn't generate much spin at all plus their was not much snapback with the mains (had to adjust quite frequently after just a few mins of hitting). The stringbed was lively and VERY comfortable, but no spin. Also, the syn gut picked up a lot of ball fuzz right away, which is fine but just kind of annoys me. I could see the appeal to this hybrid if you hit very flat but won't try again in my usual sticks (Blade v7 16x19) unless someone twists my arm. Perhaps this setup works better with a thicker gauge syn gut but overall, the lack of spin friendliness simply doesn't work for me.

 

[d-quik]

mains at 52 lbs and OGSM 18 crosses at 54

arent crosses supposed to be at lower tensions since they are of shorter length than mains though? Typo or are you willfully going against the grain? Anyways i guess you are not going to tell us when this is breaking as it seems like you are unsatisfied and are looking to abandon this setup before breakage. Having thinner crosses are also going to reduce the durability of the mains though I still think the crosses will break first.

 

[TypeRx]

arent crosses supposed to be at lower tensions since they are of shorter length than mains though? Typo or are you willfully going against the grain? Anyways i guess you are not going to tell us when this is breaking as it seems like you are unsatisfied and are looking to abandon this setup before breakage. Having thinner crosses are also going to reduce the durability of the mains though I still think the crosses will break first.

When using syn gut crosses, I generally target for 54-56 lbs and have done this countless times with poly mains which I generally go for 48-50 lbs. Same with ZXP...it really is best strung between 40-52 lbs in my experience. So, my syn gut tension is not a typo. Your assertion that crosses should be lower than mains is definitely not universal. I have seen NO racket or string mfg specify that.

I definitely will not be breaking these strings because I am going to cut them out. I just don't see myself ever playing with this setup so why bother? Good news is that I will still make good use of the ZXP. I "harvest" all of my old ZXP and reuse it over and over and over as crosses.

Again, this setup with a thicker syn gut may work good for a flat hitter...but was not a spin friendly setup at all for me. I still think everyone should experiment and try different things. Play with tensions, strings, hybriding, etc. Using the same racket as a baseline it becomes real easy to find a string setup that just *feels* right for you.

 

[BenC]

My 2 cents ... agreed that different rackets will yield different results and experimentation is needed. Have a 95 sq in 16x18 and a 98 sq in 16x19 that are similar in static and swing weights, but strung the same string and tension result in different launch angles. Stringing the crosses 2 lb higher in the 16x18 seems to reduce the difference. All depends what kind of result you're looking for though.

When using syn gut crosses, I generally target for 54-56 lbs and have done this countless times with poly mains which I generally go for 48-50 lbs. Same with ZXP...it really is best strung between 40-52 lbs in my experience. So, my syn gut tension is not a typo. Your assertion that crosses should be lower than mains is definitely not universal. I have seen NO racket or string mfg specify that.

...

Again, this setup with a thicker syn gut may work good for a flat hitter...but was not a spin friendly setup at all for me. I still think everyone should experiment and try different things. Play with tensions, strings, hybriding, etc. Using the same racket as a baseline it becomes real easy to find a string setup that just *feels* right for you.

 

[Deleted member 369227]

After about 3 hours of play-testing Monogut ZX (25kg, slow-pull, 15% prestretch) in my Yonex DR 98 here are my impressions.

This is a very powerful string, on par with a full bed of natural gut (I am serious). Fortunately, its spin potential is also very good, comparable to polys, so I was able to control this power pretty well. I actually pushed back my opponent more than usual, with deep, fast and spinny balls. However, I am not sure that flat hitters would be able to use this string at all, it's literarily a rocket launcher.

But one aspect confuses me... The Monogut ZX definitely feels soft on impact, but it produces a very annoying pinging sound and lots of residual vibrations. I could actually feel that the whole racquet vibrates a lot after impact with the ball. After the match, my fingers, wrist and extensor carpi radialis brevis ("tennis elbow muscle") were slightly jarring. It was not pain, but slight discomfort. The last time I experienced this sensation was while I was using "Pure Drive", but ever since I switched to Yonex Ai/DR 98 never had the slightest problem with my joints and tendons, until these experiments with Monogut ZX.

Definitely a unique string. I will try it in hybrid and will experiment with slightly higher tensions, as well.

 

[d-quik]

The stringbed was lively and VERY comfortable, but no spin

spin potential is also very good, comparable to poly

I love contradictions

 

[weelie]

But one aspect confuses me... The Monogut ZX definitely feels soft on impact, but it produces a very annoying pinging sound and lots of residual vibrations.

Yes, having tried it once, I would not use ZX only, but works great as a hybrid.

 

[Deleted member 369227]

I love contradictions

Full bed vs hybrid comparison - not exactly apples vs oranges, but close to it

 

[Deleted member 369227]

Yes, having tried it once, I would not use ZX only, but works great as a hybrid.

Do you recommend ZX in mains or crosses?

 

[TypeRx]

Guys -- just to be clear, I have been using Monogut ZXP heavily for >2 years and find it to be a great string. Spin potential similar to many round polys but with the comfort/power nearly comparable to NG (but lacking the touch/playability of it). I like ZXP full bed although its performance can be variable from stringing to stringing and racket to racket. I like ZXP as a cross for shaped poly (although expect a VERY short lived main string life) and even more so as a cross for Kevlar.

I, like many here, primarily use ZXP in a Kevlar/ZXP hybrid. I was introduced to the concept of Kevlar mains and ZXP crosses (with tension differential) by travlerajm and have used successfully in multiple rackets. This setup has great spin potential, is SUPER comfortable (to me, a recovered GE sufferer), tempers power, and can last for very very long (I've hit the 50 hour mark with this hybrid but generally break or cut and replace after 30 hours or so).

ZXP when crossed with just about any string besides itself can last indefinitely. Seriously, it doesn't notch. If you are comfortable with it you can use multiple old segments over and over and over (I have used ZXP pieces>100 hours). ZXP seems to benefit tremendously from a very thorough pre-stretch (10-12% extended length post pre-stretch). I put together a tutorial on it which you can find in the forum (maybe here or the stringing technique one) if you seach. This avoids a massive tension drop after stringing. ZXP is finicky to string (cannot be tensioned too high, hand pull knots only, make sure grommets are smooth, pull tension slow, etc.) and also generates an annoying hollow ping sound if used without a dampener. So, it isn't perfect, but is simply awesome as a cross.

 

[mrravioli]

I have a set of ZX and will give a shot as cross for poly. I use full poly at 50-52 pounds. Any recommendations for tension?

 

[TypeRx]

I have a set of ZX and will give a shot as cross for poly. I use full poly at 50-52 pounds. Any recommendations for tension?

I would personally recommend going 2-4 lbs tighter than the poly. Realize the ZX is very lively so this plays into it you are using a stiff (dead) or lively (powerful) poly. Adjust accordingly. On the top end, you really can’t go higher than 60 lbs with ZXP. In my experience, anything higher than 53-55 lbs can be problematic (for breaking on the stringer during tensioning)

Don’t be upset if your mains only last a few hours.

Also, prestretch the ZX prior. And when your poly mains break, do not cut out the ZX Traditionally. Rather, remove the mains and then snip the ZX near the start or tie off. Unweave and use this 19’ (or whatever it is) in the future. Don’t “prestretch” again...this segment is ready to go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[d-quik]

10-12% extended length post pre-stretch

do you think i can get any extension from just 49 lbs of prestretch?

 

[TypeRx]

do you think i can get any extension from just 49 lbs of prestretch?

Yes, but it depends on the amount of time you pull at 49 lbs! I'd suggest an atypical pre-stretch process for this string rather than using the pre-stretch function on your stringer (if you have that feature). You need to also go much farther than just a the simple "tie to a door knob and pull to remove coil memory". Look at my method here: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...-stretch-ashaway-monogut-zx-or-zx-pro.644346/

You should be able to get ~22-24" pre-stretch from a 20' run.

 

[d-quik]

Look at my method here

um, what? :O it CANT be that simple. my word!

 

[TypeRx]

um, what? :O it CANT be that simple. my word!

It's definitely not as simple as a "typical" pre-stretch but at the same time isn't particularly hard. Takes just a few minutes once you have the technique down. Make sure to leave a 3"+ tail after you knot it on the post and bat (or whatever you use). Don't worry about wasted string as you will be getting so much additional from the stretch. Also, you have to remember to pull/lever gradually to avoid breaking the ZXP during the process.

It is an annoying/finnicky string but great once you get it stretched and strung up.