Solinco Prototype Playtest - String "A"

[TW Staff]

Hi Playtesters,

This thread is for those of you who receive the Solinco prototype marked "A".


Please post a full review by Friday July 27th.


If for some reason you do not post or if your review is clearly lacking effort and thought, you will be excluded from future string/racquet/shoe playtests.

**Hybrids are okay **

You must include the following in your review.

Your regular string set up
Confirm the prototype you received - A or B
Whether or not you used a full set or hybrid for the playtest
If hybrid, list the other string used and whether it was in mains or crosses
Tension used for playtest
Racquet brand and model used for test
Power level of test string or hybrid
Feel (crisp? mushy? soft? stiff? off center feedback?)
Tension maintenance (how long before it became too loose or unplayable?)
Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)
Spin
Compare to the string you use most often
Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension?)
General comments (please summarize likes and dislikes)

Please expand on your answers where appropriate, e.g., don't merely say that a string has good control. Tell us why.

Happy hitting!

TW Staff

 

[gtshark1]

Received mine today. I love living in California and having TW here. Thanks guys for the chance to playtest. Much appreciated!

 

[db10s]

Got mine today too. I think living in CA would help, but I got mine today also, and I got it shipped to MA since I'll be up here for a while. It is a gray and white string, not bad looking. It is textured with little diamonds "imprinted" on each side in a row. It feels like it might be triangular, but not with "sharp" edges like black widow or black code. I won't be stringing it since I'm out of town, so I'll try to get it strung tomorrow or Monday. It feels like it will generate good spin too. I'm tempted to get it strung in a Gamma system 35 I picked up from the Salvation Army today, but I won't since I have nothing to compare it to. Most likely it'll end up in a Dunlop HM 200G (prostock) leaded to 12.75 oz.

 

[Deleted member 232704]

Sorry for making this off topic but when would I receive the string set if I live in washington state and If I made it on the list?

 

[db10s]

Sorry for making this off topic but when would I receive the string set if I live in washington state and If I made it on the list?

Sometime this week... I think I got it early. It was postmarked 6/20

 

[Deleted member 232704]

Ah ok thanks.

 

[The Wreck]

Received mine today as well. Pretty pumped to give the string a try. Glad we have til end of July to review and test though, since I just strung up my racket last night!

 

[mad dog1]

got mine yesterday. happy birthday to me!

it is indeed a textured/structured string. the texture pattern reminds me alot of snakeskin. anyways, i hybrided it w/ Gosen OGSM 17 crosses at 55/57# strung on a constant pull machine w/ a modified JC/JET method in a Head TwinTube Radical Tour OS (zebra). will be trying it out later today.

the string is pretty stretchy and elastic when pulling tension. 55# may not be high enough. i'll find out soon enough.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Got mine yesterday and I almost cried when I saw the string. It looks like it'll shred my arm to pieces.

 

[mad dog1]

Got mine yesterday and I almost cried when I saw the string. It looks like it's shred my arm to pieces.

it doesn't appear to be a super stiff poly. i strung up some lux alu power last night which was MUCH stiffer w/ no stretch at all in comparison to this stretchy prototype string.

 

[mpournaras]

Can people please post some pictures of it strung up with you review?

 

[Up&comer]

Can people please post some pictures of it strung up with you review?

If I got into this one, I will try to post pictures.

 

[mad dog1]

got mine yesterday. happy birthday to me!

it is indeed a textured/structured string. the texture pattern reminds me alot of snakeskin. anyways, i hybrided it w/ Gosen OGSM 17 crosses at 55/57# strung on a constant pull machine w/ a modified JC/JET method in a Head TwinTube Radical Tour OS (zebra). will be trying it out later today.

the string is pretty stretchy and elastic when pulling tension. 55# may not be high enough. i'll find out soon enough.

sunday: i hit with this for about 90 mins this afternoon smacking groundstrokes and the initial impressions are really positive. i never know what to expect when it comes to textured/structured strings. this one was good in all the important areas so far. it's comfortable, offers better than average power, and really good side to side as well as depth control. spin is not stupendous, but again it's better than average. i got excellent pocketing. typical of poly strings, this one resists movement and readily snaps back. it wasn't until the end of the hitting session that i noticed a few strings were moving and staying. these seem very resistant to notching as i saw no evidence of the OGSM crosses leaving a notch in the mains. will continue to play with it to see how well it holds tension, maintains playability and durability.

monday: had a 2nd hit tonight for another hour and still finding this to be a great string. more of the same observations from yesterday. great directional control and nice pop w/ very good spin. i can hit low slices as easily as i can drive a heavy deep ball. hit a few serves and again, the control was right on. from the deuce court, i was aiming for the opposite corner and hit a serve that painted the line for an ace. i'm starting to see a little notching in the mains, but i'm quite certain i won't be breaking the mains because i'm seeing a good amount of wear in the crosses.

tuesday: had a 3rd hit for another 90 mins. the mains are starting to move around a little more now. but great spin still. easy pace and power. excellent control and comfort. even w/ the mains shifting around, balls haven't started to fly yet. a bit more notching in the mains but the crosses are beginning to wear thin now. really enjoying this playtest. great string so far. holding tension really well, too.

friday: 4th hit for 1 hour the mains are move all over the place. balls are starting to fly a little long due to dropping tension. crosses are worn down more than half way through in some areas. cut out the strings after this session due to deteriorating control.

restrung the same racquet w/ full poly this time i used the prototype string in the mains and iontec hexa 1.20 in the crosses. i raised tension 2#s settling for 57/57.5# on a CP machine.

after about 90 mins of hitting, it's still holding tension well. no measurable drop in tension using my tourna stringmeter compared to the readings i took right after it came off the stringer.

 

[Up&comer]

Mine came today. Looks very similar to ALU rough or Ruff code. The texture is very rough.

Can people please post some pictures of it strung up with you review?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78053054@N05/7441983192/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78053054@N05/7441968938/in/photostream/

There you go.

 

[RafatheChamp]

I got mine today, but can't play with them because I have a flare up of my tendonitis and my doctor said not to play until at least August. Sorry TW!

 

[Up&comer]

I got about 2 hours of hitting time. First impressions are unexpected. I don't want to go into detail just yet. I'll get some more hitting time and see how it changes over time.

 

[Doubles]

I got my set today. I can't wait to try it out.

 

[gtshark1]

Just finished stringing mine up. Pleasantly surprised at the ease of the labor. The weaving was pretty good. The stiffness and the outside either coating or texture made a nice weave.

I'm still a rookie on stringing but I had a good time with this one. Taking it out for a light test drive tomorrow.

 

[dangitaaa]

nice, it looks like alu power rough

 

[Doubles]

As I have had a bit of a twinge in my elbow recently, I decided to string both of my rackets in a hybrid with MCS. The prototype had a lot of stretch to it, and was highly textured. It reminded me of Genesis Typhoon only a little a bit stiffer. I'm not really sure what to think of it so far, but I look forward to trying it within the next few hours.

 

[wrxinsc]

I received mine today. Like others have said this is a highly pronounced texture string. it is grey in color with a thick coating.

pic 1

pic 2

Your regular string set up
Various Polys in the Mains and Wilson Nat Gut in the Crosses
Favored Poly is Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power Rough 16L

Confirm the prototype you received - A or B
A

Whether or not you used a full set or hybrid for the playtest
Hybrid

If hybrid, list the other string used and whether it was in mains or crosses
Playtest String Mains, Babolat Syn Gut in Crosses

Tension used for playtest
56/54

Racquet brand and model used for test
Volkl pb V1 mp (my son’s racquet, I had just strung up my racquets)

Power level of test string or hybrid
This was not a particularly powerful string for this racquet.

I’d say 6/10 where 10 is very powerful – let’s say compared to a full bed of natural gut.

Feel (crisp? mushy? soft? stiff? off center feedback?)
Interesting this. Not mushy, but also not stiff / crisp. Pretty soft for what must be a poly. I have played with TB before and didn’t really care for the feel. These strings do indeed offer that unique, strange to me, feel of TB stings but are softer. I never hit off center so can’t offer that feedback.

Tension maintenance (how long before it became too loose or unplayable?)
First reading off the stringer using racquetTune, assuming 1.30 as the diameter for the playtest string, was 52.8.

For the first session I hit heavy balls for two hours of hard hitting tennis with some dubs teammates and measured tension that evening as 49.0 for a 7.2% tension loss! Next play was longer, about three hours of casual singles and some dubs. These balls weren’t too heavy for that time period and measured tension afterwards was 48.1 for about an 8.9% tension loss. The last hitting before this review was a mixed doubles match lasting an hour or so with a ten-minute warm up. Latest reading of tension is 46.4 for a tension loss of about 12% in around 6 hours of play.

That is a very large tension loss in that time period from my experience. ALU (not exactly a tension holding stalwart) will hold steady with about a 4-5% tension loss for about 8 hours or so and then fall to 12-15% eventually until I can't keep playing with it. I don’t think these strings will hold up like that.

3/10 with a full bed of natural gut being a 10 for me.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)
Directional control was OK. Depth control was strangely off. I felt I could swing away with fresh strings at higher tensions, but as the string lost tension it required very clean balls to be able to control with a fast swing speed. I really did not feel confident in terms of depth control with this string except during the first hour or so of play. My normal slice strokes ended up in the net. Serve flat, slice and kick was fine as long as I got over the top of the ball. There wasn’t much forgiveness here for off center stuff (assuming I would every hit off center).

4/10 with ALU rough and natural gut being a 10 for me.

Spin
Not that great considering how heavy the texture is. One can spot the texture several feet away. Kick and slice serves offered nothing special. Topspin forehands and backhands were fine, but nothing special considering. Maybe given the visual evidence of such a shaped string I was expecting more. Maybe because I had to work so hard to control depth I couldn’t take full cuts. Mixed bag here with spin.

6/10 with ALU rough and natural gut being a 10 for me.


Compare to the string you use most often

4.75/10

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension?)
I play with poly and natural gut at relatively high tensions in a Volkl X8 normally. The playtest racquet is lighter and more powerful than my normal setup so I kept tensions relatively high. I think that if I used a much lower tension the stick would have been uncontrollable.

General comments (please summarize likes and dislikes)
Like: Softness for a poly, the visual of texture, and power rewarded with a clean hit with a markedly better ball pocketing than my normal setup
Dislike: Lack of spin, A bit of a trampoline feeling much like TB, lack of consistent control through its short ‘life’, and quickly fading tension.

 

[Up&comer]

TW, I have already finished up my playtest as I play around 4 hours a day during the summer. Would you prefer me (or anyone else finished early) to go ahead and post a review ASAP?

 

[wrxinsc]

If anyone has a way to measure gauge on this string that would be helpful so we can plug the correct factor into the racquet tune app to monitor tension.

 

[jim e]

If anyone has a way to measure gauge on this string that would be helpful so we can plug the correct factor into the racquet tune app to monitor tension.

According to the USRSA, the gauge of a string is the thickness of the string under tension.
It may be one gauge unstrung, but actually be a smaller gauge once under tension.I really do not know why it is listed as such, as the tension can be quite a variable, where unstrung it takes that variable out of it.

 

[wrxinsc]

^ That is a very good point you raise jim. (also my name, but not why I compliment you...)

i normally just plug in the gauge listed on the packaging or available online. In this case, if a forum member is measuring, we need some consistency for accuracy. I just don't have a tool that will measure ga. strung, or loose.

Alternatively, TW could jump in here and give us the 'published' gauge if available from the mnf.

Thanks!

 

[mad dog1]

TW, I have already finished up my playtest as I play around 4 hours a day during the summer. Would you prefer me (or anyone else finished early) to go ahead and post a review ASAP?

i don't think they really care if you do it now or later as long as you do it before 7/27. from the first post... Please post a full review by Friday July 27th.

 

[wrxinsc]

i don't think they really care if you do it now or later as long as you do it before 7/27. from the first post... Please post a full review by Friday July 27th.

^ yeah, this.

 

[Lex]

My regular setup: Weiss Canon Mosquito Bite 18g at 51#

ProtoType A

I tested this string as a full set....51 Lbs strung on Gamma STII with Wise head (constant pull)

Frame: Head YouTek Prestige Pro
Power level of test string: Mid-range
Feel: Somewhat crisp or even boardy
Tension maintenance: after about 4 hrs, the tension drop was noticeable
Control:It had decent control...although a little too much air under the ball. Volleys didn't feel as controllable as groundies.
Spin: Good spin, similar to RPM or Lux ALU Rough
Tension recommendations: I'd suggest low 50's on my frame...any higher would make the string bed feel too stiff
General comments:
I really didn't care for this string. The groundies felt good at first but then the struggle began with controlling depth vs too much spin. I never got comfortable with the volleys or 2nd serves. If this string was on the market, I likely wouldn't try it more than once. I prefer a much thinner gauge string. This string in a thinner gauge might be worth a try.

 

[NetMuncher]

Thanks TW

Your regular string set up
Kirschbaum Competition/ISO Speed Professional

Confirm the prototype you received - A or B
Prototype A

Whether or not you used a full set or hybrid for the playtest
I was originally going to string this up as a hybrid but noticed how elastic the string was when stringing the mains. So, I decided to try it as a full set.

Tension used for playtest
52/52

Racquet brand and model used for test
HEAD YOUTEK IG Prestige Mid

Power level of test string or hybrid
The string bed was too powerful - One of the most that I have yet to try.

Feel (crisp? mushy? soft? stiff? off center feedback?)
The string bed felt mushy almost dead. It felt as though the strings lost a quite a bit of tension right away. So much so that I calibrated my stringer – the machine calibrated fine.

Tension maintenance (how long before it became too loose or unplayable?)
I felt that it was unplayable right from the get go. I had a hard time keeping the ball in play with my normal strokes - I had to slow my strokes down quite a bit.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)
I was hitting the balls long on a consistent basis off both wings while hitting with my normal swing – moderate to heavy topspin.
Backhand slices were okay but I just lacked control.
I had pretty much the same results with serves and volleys – good power but lacked control.

After making adjustments to my swing it was okay but I really don’t want to change my swing to adjust to a string.

Spin
Nothing special, even with the pronounced texture.

Compare to the string you use most often
I get more spin with my normal setup due to the fact that I can take a bigger swipe at the ball with the confidence that I can keep the ball in play.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension?)
Due to the elasticity of this poly I would up the tension to gain control. I’m sure that this would change my initial testing of the string.


General comments (please summarize likes and dislikes)

Again, my non-complimentary comments regarding this string may be due to the fact that I strung it at too low of a tension.

This string is soft for a poly but there was no control benefits.
I would definitely string this at the same tension that I use for multi’s.

By the way, I played with this set for 5 matches.

 

[wao]

Your regular string set up
B5E/Sensation 48/51

Confirm the prototype you received - A or B
Prototype A

Whether or not you used a full set or hybrid for the playtest
Strung it as a hybrid with Sensation crosses

Tension used for playtest
48/51 my normal tension

Racquet brand and model used for test
HEAD YOUTEK IG Prestige Pro

Power level of test string or hybrid
The string bed was crisp and powerful to start. After about 4hrs even more power infact all most to much as I was changing my strokes.

Feel (crisp? mushy? soft? stiff? off center feedback?)
It is a soft copoly. It felt as though the strings lost a quite a bit of tension within the first 4hrs.

Tension maintenance (how long before it became too loose or unplayable?)
For the first couple of hrs it felt ok then after that I felt I had a hard time keeping the ball in play with my normal strokes - I had to add much more spin to keep the balls in play.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)
I was hitting the balls long on a consistent basis off both wings while hitting with my normal swing – moderate to heavy topspin off both sides. Backhand slices were okay but didn't get the results that I was expected with a textured string. I had pretty much the same results with serves and volleys – good power but lacked control.

After making adjustments to my swing it was okay but I really don’t want to change my swing to adjust to a string.

Spin
Nothing special, even with the pronounced texture.

Compare to the string you use most often
I get more spin and control with my normal setup.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension?)
Yes, based on what I my experience I would have strung it at the same tension or 2 lbs less than a syn gut or multi. I’m sure that this would change my initial impression of this string.


General comments (please summarize likes and dislikes)
Strung it in a Neos 1000 with no issues.Just like any copoly. Coil memory wasn't bad. Might try a full bed or increase the tension next time around. I have about 6 hours on the string and it is cutting through my crosses. Might get 1 or 2 more hours befor I pop or cut them out.

 

[mad dog1]

^^ maybe try the other half set at a higher tension. i had to bump up the tension 2# for my other half set.

 

[Doubles]

I've hit with the hybrid strung at 50/53 four about three hours now. I think it's a bit too powerful, and spin production seems a bit on the low compared to other textured polys side as other playtesters have said. I'll hit with this set until it breaks, and then try the hybrid again (Solinco Mains/MCS Crosses) but at 54/56 and see how that performs. After that I'll write my full review.

 

[mad dog1]

i like the string but like the others, i found the 1st hybrid to quickly become too powerful after it started losing some tension. nothing spectacular about the spin production. average to good for a poly. i was getting very good control initially prior to the tension drop so i strung up the 2nd half set in an all poly hybrid increasing the mains by 2#s. so far so good.

 

[wao]

^^ maybe try the other half set at a higher tension. i had to bump up the tension 2# for my other half set.

Strung it up yesterday at 52/55 and hitting tonight, Thursday and Friday and will update my comments accordingly.

 

[AV1]

Your regular string set up
Kirschbaum Competition/ISO Speed Professional

Confirm the prototype you received - A or B
Prototype A

Whether or not you used a full set or hybrid for the playtest
I was originally going to string this up as a hybrid but noticed how elastic the string was when stringing the mains. So, I decided to try it as a full set.

Tension used for playtest
52/52

Racquet brand and model used for test
HEAD YOUTEK IG Prestige Mid

Power level of test string or hybrid
The string bed was too powerful - One of the most that I have yet to try.

Feel (crisp? mushy? soft? stiff? off center feedback?)
The string bed felt mushy almost dead. It felt as though the strings lost a quite a bit of tension right away. So much so that I calibrated my stringer – the machine calibrated fine.

Tension maintenance (how long before it became too loose or unplayable?)
I felt that it was unplayable right from the get go. I had a hard time keeping the ball in play with my normal strokes - I had to slow my strokes down quite a bit.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)
I was hitting the balls long on a consistent basis off both wings while hitting with my normal swing – moderate to heavy topspin.
Backhand slices were okay but I just lacked control.
I had pretty much the same results with serves and volleys – good power but lacked control.

After making adjustments to my swing it was okay but I really don’t want to change my swing to adjust to a string.

Spin
Nothing special, even with the pronounced texture.

Compare to the string you use most often
I get more spin with my normal setup due to the fact that I can take a bigger swipe at the ball with the confidence that I can keep the ball in play.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension?)
Due to the elasticity of this poly I would up the tension to gain control. I’m sure that this would change my initial testing of the string.


General comments (please summarize likes and dislikes)

Again, my non-complimentary comments regarding this string may be due to the fact that I strung it at too low of a tension.

This string is soft for a poly but there was no control benefits.
I would definitely string this at the same tension that I use for multi’s.

By the way, I played with this set for 5 matches.

Your regular string set up
B5E/Sensation 48/51

Confirm the prototype you received - A or B
Prototype A

Whether or not you used a full set or hybrid for the playtest
Strung it as a hybrid with Sensation crosses

Tension used for playtest
48/51 my normal tension

Racquet brand and model used for test
HEAD YOUTEK IG Prestige Pro

Power level of test string or hybrid
The string bed was crisp and powerful to start. After about 4hrs even more power infact all most to much as I was changing my strokes.

Feel (crisp? mushy? soft? stiff? off center feedback?)
It is a soft copoly. It felt as though the strings lost a quite a bit of tension within the first 4hrs.

Tension maintenance (how long before it became too loose or unplayable?)
For the first couple of hrs it felt ok then after that I felt I had a hard time keeping the ball in play with my normal strokes - I had to add much more spin to keep the balls in play.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?)
I was hitting the balls long on a consistent basis off both wings while hitting with my normal swing – moderate to heavy topspin off both sides. Backhand slices were okay but didn't get the results that I was expected with a textured string. I had pretty much the same results with serves and volleys – good power but lacked control.

After making adjustments to my swing it was okay but I really don’t want to change my swing to adjust to a string.
Spin
Nothing special, even with the pronounced texture.

Compare to the string you use most often
I get more spin and control with my normal setup.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension?)
Yes, based on what I my experience I would have strung it at the same tension or 2 lbs less than a syn gut or multi. I’m sure that this would change my initial impression of this string.


General comments (please summarize likes and dislikes)
Strung it in a Neos 1000 with no issues.Just like any copoly. Coil memory wasn't bad. Might try a full bed or increase the tension next time around. I have about 6 hours on the string and it is cutting through my crosses. Might get 1 or 2 more hours befor I pop or cut them out.

You guys have very similar opinions on the string. In fact the wording is exactly the same in certain cases...

 

[jk175d]

Strung it up today in the mains at 47. I decided to go with gut crosses (54) even though I never have put gut in the crosses before. But my usual setup is gut mains/poly crosses so it will be a little less apples to oranges this way then if I had used a syn gut cross. And also I had half a set of Klip Legend lying around so what the hell...

I'll hit tomorrow and report.

 

[Up&comer]

You must include the following in your review.

Your regular string set up- Mantis Power Poly at 51/49

Confirm the prototype you received - A or B- I received A

Whether or not you used a full set or hybrid for the playtest- full set

Tension used for playtest- 51/49
Racquet brand and model used for test- Prince EXO3 Tour 16x18

Power level of test string or hybrid- I felt like it was a slightly higher powered poly. It wasn't in the league of PS Energy, but it certainly didn't feel like it was meant to be low powered.

Feel (crisp? mushy? soft? stiff? off center feedback?) It was definitely on the stiffer side. It wasn't incredibly stiff, but it was stiffer than the average poly.

Tension maintenance (how long before it became too loose or unplayable?) This wasn't very good. The string broke after 5 hours of hard hitting, but it felt like it had lost quite a bit of tension at that point. It didn't feel like it had gone completely dead when it broke, but it was on its way.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?) This is an interesting one. While it has a little bit of spring to it, I felt like it played better when I kept my swing speed up. If I didn't fully accelerate, though, I felt like I lost control more so than normal. I felt very confident take a big cut at the ball. Moderate shots were nothing special.

Spin- Not really anything special added by the texture. Spin was ok. It really wasn't any better than Power Poly.

Compare to the string you use most often- Well, during rallies with neutral baseline points, I definitely had more confidence with my Power Poly than the prototype. However, when it came to ripping a forehand, the prototype takes the cake. The prototype had a little less power, about the same amount of spin, nowhere near the feel, better control on big shots, and less control at lower swing speeds. The prototype felt like it got a little springy when I wasn't take a full cut at the ball.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension?)- The tension felt about right. I might have gone up a couple pounds if I had the opportunity.

General comments (please summarize likes and dislikes)- Like I previously mentioned, this string felt like it gave me control on big shots but got a little springy if I didn't take a full swing. The prototype was mediocre at net and with touch shots. Serves were good; good spin, good power, and I felt like I could hit my spots. It didn't have great feel.

I might buy some of this string for a big hitting baseliner if it wasn't too expensive. The only thing that stood out for me was control on big shots. It just didn't do it for me everywhere else.

 

[mad dog1]

Thanks TW!

1st Hybrid setup
Your regular string set up: Discho Iontec Hexa 1.20 copoly

Confirm the prototype you received - A or B: A

Whether or not you used a full set or hybrid for the playtest: Hybrid’d w Gosen OGSM17 crosses
If hybrid, list the other string used and whether it was in mains or crosses

Tension used for playtest: 55/57 strung on an electronic constant pull

Racquet brand and model used for test: Head TwinTube Radical Tour OS 18M x 19C

Power level of test string or hybrid: high

Feel (crisp? mushy? soft? stiff? off center feedback?): feel was middle of the road; not too crisp and not too soft; just a very stable and comfortable string bed. Sweetspot was huge with this hybrid.

Tension maintenance (how long before it became too loose or unplayable?): after about 5 hours of hitting, the stringbed had lost too much tension that balls were flying long.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?): for the first 4 hours, directional control and depth control were really good. Not quite as good as a full bed of Iontec Hexa 1.20, but still very good given that this hybrid had more pop than my regular setup. I hit a few serves and was able to hit the spots I was aiming at.

Spin: I expected the texture to provide more spin, but it didn’t. Topspin and slice spin levels were on par with other good poly strings.

Compare to the string you use most often: compared to a full bed of Iontec Hexa 1.20, this hybrid had more power at the expense of some control which didn’t come as a surprise as the string is very elastic during stringing for a poly. Comfort was very good. As long as my strokes were relaxed and smooth, the results were very good. If I was pressured and tried to rush my stroke, the ball would often sail long so keeping the racquet head speed up was really important for maintaining control.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension?) this is a softer co-poly that is quite elastic and stretches a lot during stringing. I would string this 2#s higher.

General comments (please summarize likes and dislikes): I liked the better than average power and pop I was getting even at the slight expense in control. Pocketing and feel were both very good. Durability in this hybrid was excellent as there was very little notching even after 5 hours of hitting. The crosses had worn down in sections of the string bed that they were close to breaking. Unfortunately I had to cut out the strings due to tension loss. i really enjoy playing with this string. not sure the texture does anything as it doesn't impart any additional spin. but the control and comfort are good enough for me to consider buying this string if this string was released and the price was right.

thanks for the opportunity to playtest this prototype string, TW!

 

[mad dog1]

2nd Hybrid setup
Your regular string set up: Discho Iontec Hexa 1.20 copoly

Confirm the prototype you received - A or B: A

Whether or not you used a full set or hybrid for the playtest: Hybrid’d w/ Discho Iontec Hexa 1.20 crosses
If hybrid, list the other string used and whether it was in mains or crosses

Tension used for playtest: 57/57.5 strung on an electronic constant pull

Racquet brand and model used for test: Head TwinTube Radical Tour OS 18M x 19C

Power level of test string or hybrid: at 2#s higher than my previous setup, power level as moderate more in line with the power levels i'm used to in a string.

Feel (crisp? mushy? soft? stiff? off center feedback?) even at 2#s higher, comfort was still good. Again, not too crisp or mushy.

Tension maintenance (how long before it became too loose or unplayable?): so far after 5 hours, the stringbed is still holding tension well.

Control (predictable trajectory? performance on different strokes and swing speeds?): Control is very good. I spent the first 2.5 hours rallying and the next 2 hours with a ball machine and the next half hour hitting w/ a friend who is a very solid player. during the time i spent w/ the ball machine where i was stroking the ball with long, smooth and fast swings, the control was very impressive. the ball would go where i was trying to hit it. i found that in rallying w/ various hitting partners that against flat ball hitters where i wasn't able to achieve a full stroke, my shots had a tendency to sail long.

Spin: spin levels are good for a poly, but not spectacular like some structured strings.

Compare to the string you use most often: compared to a full bed of Iontec Hexa 1.20, this hybrid wasn’t as controlled. I thought the higher tension would achieve the level of control I was seeking, but it was still a little off when it came to controlling depth. If I didn’t maintain high racquet speed, the balls would sail a bit long.

Tension recommendations (after hitting it, would you recommend a different tension?) 57# felt about right so I don’t believe I’d want to go any higher.

General comments (please summarize likes and dislikes: I liked the better than average power and pop I was getting even at the slight expense in control even at the higher tension. At the slightly higher tension, pocketing and feel weren’t quite as good. Hybriding with a copoly this time, the mains notched a bit more readily but after 2.5 hours aren’t exhibiting a ton of notching. I stand by my previous statement that if the price was right, I could consider purchasing and playing this string as it’s comfortable and offers better than average control and feel.

 

[Doubles]

7 hours into the play test the first hybrid broke. It played better during the latter portion of its life. Spin seemed to improve, and I had a bit more power on serves due to the drop in tension. With that said, I wasn't particularly impressed with its performance. I'll string the other hybrid up a few pounds tighter and see if that changes anything.

 

[jk175d]

I'll give a proper report later but I wanted to say that in my view many of you are going the wrong direction with your tension. Imo low and mid 50's is the worst place for modern polys, that is where they are the most trampoliney. My expectations were pretty low after reading the early reviews here but I was pleasantly surprised. I found really good spin and crisp feeling control, it felt like it really rewarded aggressive strokes. I strung up at 47 in the mains which seemed perfect. Crosses were Klip gut at 54. Alternatively I would have crossed with gosen sheep, which I think would be a good match too.

Those of you doing hybrids, try going DOWN into mid-upper 40s instead of up. Much more appropriate for this type of string.

 

[Up&comer]

I'll give a proper report later but I wanted to say that in my view many of you are going the wrong direction with your tension. Imo low and mid 50's is the worst place for modern polys, that is where they are the most trampoliney. My expectations were pretty low after reading the early reviews here but I was pleasantly surprised. I found really good spin and crisp feeling control, it felt like it really rewarded aggressive strokes. I strung up at 47 in the mains which seemed perfect. Crosses were Klip gut at 54. Alternatively I would have crossed with gosen sheep, which I think would be a good match too.

Those of you doing hybrids, try going DOWN into mid-upper 40s instead of up. Much more appropriate for this type of string.

So I should test the prototype at a different tension than what I've used for years so that I can have two variables at the same time?

 

[jk175d]

So I should test the prototype at a different tension than what I've used for years so that I can have two variables at the same time?

that's my advice, take it or leave it. You didn't like the string much at your regular tension, you've already got a comparison to that reference point, so what have you got to lose with the other half set?

Of course everyone is going to have their own tension preference, but it is still my belief that these modern polys are at their worse in the 50-56 range, and thrive in the 44-48 range.

 

[jk175d]

So I should test the prototype at a different tension than what I've used for years so that I can have two variables at the same time?

And by the way, I'm using the exact same frame as you, and at 51 you are close, so instead of going 2 or 3 higher which will just exasperate the negatives, why not try a couple lower instead?

 

[gtshark1]

So I should test the prototype at a different tension than what I've used for years so that I can have two variables at the same time?

I second your response. I go into the play test with the idea to compare to what I normally use. I thought this was part if the purpose.

I let a few convince me to drop down some tension on my last stringing and I don't like it. These are our racquets and strings. Do what plays best for you.

 

[jk175d]

I second your response. I go into the play test with the idea to compare to what I normally use. I thought this was part if the purpose.

I let a few convince me to drop down some tension on my last stringing and I don't like it. These are our racquets and strings. Do what plays best for you.

I won't argue that, certainly that is the case. But I was a little surprised that most respondents here so far have not been too favorable repeated this string. But seeing where everyone has been stringing tension-wise I'm not so surprised after all. Like I said, if you are only doing mains and you don't like the string at your regular tension, that experiment is over so what have you got to lose doing something different with the other half?

 

[gtshark1]

I won't argue that, certainly that is the case. But I was a little surprised that most respondents here so far have not been too favorable repeated this string. But seeing where everyone has been stringing tension-wise I'm not so surprised after all. Like I said, if you are only doing mains and you don't like the string at your regular tension, that experiment is over so what have you got to lose doing something different with the other half?

I understand your point. Good discussion. I have always used full bed so that's what I'd did with this test string to give it a comparable factor. I wish I would have done a hybrid so I could test, adjust, and test again as you mentioned. The ironic thing for me is though: I would have strung it higher as like I mentioned I got convinced to go down from my regular tension and I think I would have liked it more at my higher #.

Full review coming later. I will say I have enjoyed the string so far.

 

[mad dog1]

i thoroughly enjoyed this playtest. definitely beats the last few playtests of the wilson multi string and the luxilon gold poly string. those 2 were pretty awful for me. :mrgreen:

 

[Up&comer]

i thoroughly enjoyed this playtest. definitely beats the last few playtests of the wilson multi string and the luxilon gold poly string. those 2 were pretty awful for me. :mrgreen:

It's way better than that blue Wilson polylon stuff they sent out.

 

[Up&comer]

that's my advice, take it or leave it. You didn't like the string much at your regular tension, you've already got a comparison to that reference point, so what have you got to lose with the other half set?

Of course everyone is going to have their own tension preference, but it is still my belief that these modern polys are at their worse in the 50-56 range, and thrive in the 44-48 range.

What I'm saying is that if I change two variables at a time it wouldn't really be a worthwhile playtest as the differences I feel could be due to the change in tension. I used a full bed so no other half set.

Secondly, I'm well aware of polys behaving well in the low forties. When I used an apdgt I used to string at 40-42 with full poly. When I switched to the EXO3 16x18, the ball flew on me with such an open pattern and the ports. I slowly went up in tension until it felt comfortable.