Tennis Warehouse Playtest - Head Hawk Power 1.25!!

TW Staff

TW Staff

Administrator
HEAD HAWK POWER 1.25
PLAYTEST

APPLICATION PERIOD IS CLOSED
We have notified the selected playtesters

Due Date: DECEMBER 5

No hybrids

Comment on the following
Tension(s) used for playtest
Regular string set up
Racquet used for test
Control/Power of test string
Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?)
Spin
Playability Duration (did you notice changes in playability/feel during the test?)
Tension findings (would you use the same tension on the second try?)
List any additional thoughts (optional)​
 
Last edited:
Intrigued they chose the US to manufacture, intrigued by the color and intrigued by how much hype this seems to be getting already.

But who am I kidding, I'm always intrigued by new strings.
 
Very interested in this playtest - as are the several players (including college players) I string for!

I usually string it up and get several of my friends to hit with it ranging from 3.0 to 5.0 to see if any level has a significant feel for one aspect or the other of the string that players at the other level might not notice..!
 
Besides being interested in the string (heard Ruusuvuori and Wolf have already switched), I've been buying things with domestic value. Made in US clothes, shoes, boots, etc. Would love to try this one out.
 
Having more domestic made products would greatly help supply chain issues in the US. As an add-on, it seems like EU has been getting the good stuff a little bit early, so it's about time the US gets its fair share
 
jugheadfla said:
glad to be on this playtest, sucky thing is I know I'm going to play with it an love it and won't be able to get any more until next year! :cry:
Click to expand...
Feel you on this for sure
At least....TW's post says "will be released January 2023"
Only a few short months post-playtest

Coincidentally, I'm also in Tampa
 
TW Staff said:
(Psst: check our Wednesday Happy Hour specials over the next couple of weeks. You might see it for an incredible price)
Click to expand...
Happy hour reminds me of pre-covid times, also before I started at UT Austin. I'm not as old as others on this board but I miss HS tennis.
 
Just got my email for the Playtest, really excited! Anybody know if this is a pretty stiff string? I'm trying to gauge how low I should keep the tension. Definitely don't wanna blow out my wrist/elbow if it's pretty stiff lol
 
1HBHfanatic said:
-just a word of caution
-dont go too high on the tension on this one, and i guess too low (im play testing it now)
-its nice, but you can "overshot the landing" if you go too high in tension
-keep it at your normal lux.alu.power tension range, maybe a 1-2lbs higher if you feel adventurous
Click to expand...
Thanks. My usual tension is around 45/43. Depending on string, head size and string pattern, I’ll go up or down +2#s to -4#s.
 
Not my review but some initial thoughts. I had a two hour hitting session tonight. 2 doubles sets, 4 singles tie breakers. Wow. Just, wow. Went down in tension from my usual 48/46 to 46/44 at the behest of another playtester. Not the most spin production, but comfortable, predictable, and instills confidence. I was GOING for my shots big time today and loving the results. Volleys and drop shots, chef’s kiss. ALU esque without the harshness I’ve experienced with ALU. Looking forward to round 2 with this.
 
2ndServe said:
is there a format for the review?

Racket, pattern
Tension
Serves
Groundstrokes
Volleys
Returns
Feel
Misc
Click to expand...

Comment on the following.
  • Tension(s) used for playtest
  • Regular string set up
  • Racquet used for test
  • Control/Power of test string
  • Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?)
  • Spin
  • Playability Duration (did you notice changes in playability/feel during the test?)
  • Tension findings (would you use the same tension on the second try?)
  • List any additional thoughts (optional)
 
FoldingChair said:
Not my review but some initial thoughts. I had a two hour hitting session tonight. 2 doubles sets, 4 singles tie breakers. Wow. Just, wow. Went down in tension from my usual 48/46 to 46/44 at the behest of another playtester. Not the most spin production, but comfortable, predictable, and instills confidence. I was GOING for my shots big time today and loving the results. Volleys and drop shots, chef’s kiss. ALU esque without the harshness I’ve experienced with ALU. Looking forward to round 2 with this.
Click to expand...
-very similar finding myself
-i noticed my normal rally ball bouncing deeper in the court
-as the name implies it is a "power" poly,
-but not major power like a h.lynx, more of a control string
-a slightly stiffer offering than h.lyx.tour IMO
 
1HBHfanatic said:
-very similar finding myself
-i noticed my normal rally ball bouncing deeper in the court
-as the name implies it is a "power" poly,
-but not major power like a h.lynx, more of a control string
-a slightly stiffer offering than h.lyx.tour IMO
Click to expand...
Lol, lynx tour was pretty stiff imho, if this is stiffer i’ll pass
 
Was selected for this one as well, glad to hear initial reactions are it's comfortable. Enjoying playing with Head strings lately, got to test the Lynx Spin2 which was a fun one and like using FXP in some hybrids.
 
Laser Fiber's Native Tour poly advertised that it was made in the USA.
I will try this when I can get hold of it.
My All-American Hybrid will be HEAD HAWK POWER 1.25 crossed with Ashway Dynamite 16 Tough a braided ZYEX string.
 
I got mine yesterday and strung it today and played doubles with my team that played in the finals at 4.5 Nationals. My partner probably hit 30 winners so it kind of made my job easy and I had so few unforced errors. I wish I had recorded this match

TLDR this is the best poly I've used ever, we'll see how long it lasts. I can see why JJ Wolf and others switched to it.


  • Tension(s) used for playtest - 40 lbs main/39 lbs cross
  • Regular string set up - 42 / 40 Yonex pro Poly tour, Kirschbaum Super Smash Orange or Pros Pro Red Devil or black force or whatever is on sale
  • Racquet used for test: Wilson Blade SW104 18x19
  • Control/Power of test string- At 40lbs it had great power as with most polys but it also had really good control. The ball didn't come off too hot as it sometimes does at 40lbs
  • Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?) At 40lbs nothing feels stiff, very comfy, not muted, pretty crisp
  • Spin - Great spin I hit like 80% first serves in, topspin lobs were amazing
  • Playability Duration (did you notice changes in playability/feel during the test?) - Played 3 sets still felt great in the 3rd set, will find out more this weekend and after
  • Tension findings (would you use the same tension on the second try?) - 40/39lbs felt great
  • List any additional thoughts (optional) - I never hit so many first serve % in, and my topspin lobs were never better, just an amazing string and I hope it's offered soon or goes on sale, wish I had recorded this match. If I bought a reel I might go up 1 or 2 lbs but 40 feels really good.
 
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2ndServe said:
I got mine yesterday and strung it today and played doubles with my team that played in the finals at 4.5 Nationals. My partner probably hit 30 winners so it kind of made my job easy and I had so few unforced errors. I wish I had recorded this match

TLDR this is the best poly I've used ever, we'll see how long it lasts. I can see why JJ Wolf and others switched to it.


  • Tension(s) used for playtest - 40 lbs main/39 lbs cross
  • Regular string set up - 42 / 40 Yonex pro Poly tour, Kirschbaum Super Smash Orange or Pros Pro Red Devil or black force or whatever is on sale
  • Racquet used for test: Wilson Blade SW104 18x19
  • Control/Power of test string- At 40lbs it had great power as with most polys but it also had really good control. The ball didn't come off too hot as it sometimes does at 40lbs
  • Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?) At 40lbs nothing feels stiff, very comfy, not muted, pretty crisp
  • Spin - Great spin I hit like 80% first serves in, topspin lobs were amazing
  • Playability Duration (did you notice changes in playability/feel during the test?) - Played 3 sets still felt great in the 3rd set, will find out more this weekend and after
  • Tension findings (would you use the same tension on the second try?) - 40/39lbs felt great
  • List any additional thoughts (optional) - I never hit so many first serve % in, and my topspin lobs were never better, just an amazing string and I hope it's offered soon or goes on sale, wish I had recorded this match. If I bought a reel I might go up 1 or 2 lbs but 40 feel really good.
Click to expand...
I guess the most important element will be playability duration if it is going dethrone alu power.(It will be pricey as well)
 
Initial thoughts:
  • The string holds tension very well. With roughly a little over 4 hours of play on the strings, the DT only experienced a 8.8% loss of tension.
  • The string was incredibly easy to string, it feels rather slick making weaving a breeze. No issues with knots at all.
  • The string play-wise, as compared to current setup, offered:
    • A higher launch angle
    • Increased power
    • Ability to generate good spin
    • Super comfortable - off center shots feel more ok
    • Lower level of control when swinging hard
    • Hitting more balls out long than normal
    • Above average feel and touch
All in all, a great string, offering comfort, durability, and spin. I think control is there, just need to adjust from existing setup.
 
I've got the POWER ! Head Hawk Power !!
Good looking string! Kind of a gun metal blue / grey.
Not too much info on this one, but the info I could find is very positive. Let's see if the performance lives up to the hype! Looking forward to stringing this one up today!

p1.jpg
 
TennisJrDad said:
Initial thoughts:
  • The string holds tension very well. With roughly a little over 4 hours of play on the strings, the DT only experienced a 8.8% loss of tension.
  • The string was incredibly easy to string, it feels rather slick making weaving a breeze. No issues with knots at all.
  • The string play-wise, as compared to current setup, offered:
    • A higher launch angle
    • Increased power
    • Ability to generate good spin
    • Super comfortable - off center shots feel more ok
    • Lower level of control when swinging hard
    • Hitting more balls out long than normal
    • Above average feel and touch
All in all, a great string, offering comfort, durability, and spin. I think control is there, just need to adjust from existing setup.
Click to expand...

Sorry if I missed it earlier in the thread, but what’s your current setup? Would be helpful to know for your quick take.
 
Still waiting for mine. Expected to arrive tomorrow

Edit: Delayed because of unforseen circumstances. Why do the tennis gods hate me?!?
 
Last edited:
Just strung up my TF40 18x20 with Head Hawk Power. The grayish teal colored string looks awesome and easy to string, Since it is a “power” string, I strung it about two pounds higher than my normal 48lbs.

This string feels awesome. I was worried that it might feel harsher than the Lynx Tour, but it wasn’t the case at all. If anything, it feels closer to my current favorite string, which is RPM Blast, than the Lynx Tour,

Can’t wait to play a few sets with this string and write up the summary.
 
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