Tennis Warehouse Playtest - Solinco Confidential 1.25
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I'm using the camera in my phone, a Samsung Note 8. Because I'm on android and racquet tune is supposedly not very functional on this platform, I don't have that app.
That being said, tension loss has increased a little bit - I can tell because the ping is now not as different from the Ultra Cable as it was when fresh.
I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the string!
AJvR
Rookie
For android I find the following app works nice and easy to measure tension loss.
Home | TennisTension
www.tennistension.app
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Tied it up x2 piece at 43#
Got some rallying, live ball and a set of doubles. Now time for a nap
A comfy low powered string. Or maybe the lack of power was fr thee racquet.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Why do you use leather power pads on all Poly setup ? I thought those were just to help gut strings last little longer
djNEiGht
Legend
A couple reasons.
Enlarges the sweet spot and adds a tad of dampening
mikeyfrijoles
New User
I haven't received my strings yet... Hopefully today!
mikeyfrijoles
New User
I received the congratulations email just not tracking number. Thank You
SteveI
Legend
They don't send that out. If you are set up on ups notifications you will get a tracking number and date of delivery
McLovin
Legend
No worries, I'll do it. I always do the RacquetTune comparison over time for my string reviews.
badmice2
Professional
So here my initial feedback from a couple of hours of hitting + 2 sets....
As a setup, I've been playing with MSV focus hex for the last 10 years, and want to think that I have it dial in with how I want my strings job to response at-will. I've tried other strings off-and-on for play test just to see if I'm missing things.
Having said that, first initial reaction was the strings played stiff. Perhaps I've grown accustom to playing thinner gauge - 1.18 mm or thinner, the string bed felt really tight. My normal swing where my ball will reach no-man's-land or deeper were falling short around the service line. It took some time to re-calibrate my stroke to find the depth that I was looking for. Spin potential is roughly the same as other textured poly I've played with - namely Focus hex, Black Code, ALU Rough, Tour Bite, I didnt feel like I had to do anything extra or under to get consistent net clearance, The height which the ball clear remains consistence to my norm, ~1-2 feet over the net. Once the strings loosened up, the recoil from the strings started to take notice and the power was much more pronounced. I was able to find depth and ball placement much easier. However through the 2 sets I played, I did find myself having to swing out more than normal to keep ball depth even-though the strings loosened up, which was especially true with my serve. I did like the control I was getting with volleys, ball guidance was fairly precise. Lastly, I walked off the court with a little bit of sore elbow; not sure if it's the string gauge talking or the added effort with the swing. I will continue through with more feedback as I have a match this Wed.
The grip tape definitely reminds me of Wilson Pro. It's stayed tacky so far. It is also spongy for my taste and seems to have added some size.
As a setup, I've been playing with MSV focus hex for the last 10 years, and want to think that I have it dial in with how I want my strings job to response at-will. I've tried other strings off-and-on for play test just to see if I'm missing things.
Having said that, first initial reaction was the strings played stiff. Perhaps I've grown accustom to playing thinner gauge - 1.18 mm or thinner, the string bed felt really tight. My normal swing where my ball will reach no-man's-land or deeper were falling short around the service line. It took some time to re-calibrate my stroke to find the depth that I was looking for. Spin potential is roughly the same as other textured poly I've played with - namely Focus hex, Black Code, ALU Rough, Tour Bite, I didnt feel like I had to do anything extra or under to get consistent net clearance, The height which the ball clear remains consistence to my norm, ~1-2 feet over the net. Once the strings loosened up, the recoil from the strings started to take notice and the power was much more pronounced. I was able to find depth and ball placement much easier. However through the 2 sets I played, I did find myself having to swing out more than normal to keep ball depth even-though the strings loosened up, which was especially true with my serve. I did like the control I was getting with volleys, ball guidance was fairly precise. Lastly, I walked off the court with a little bit of sore elbow; not sure if it's the string gauge talking or the added effort with the swing. I will continue through with more feedback as I have a match this Wed.
The grip tape definitely reminds me of Wilson Pro. It's stayed tacky so far. It is also spongy for my taste and seems to have added some size.
djNEiGht
Legend
cheers
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
"power" pads are nothing more then superstitious gimmicks. If you want more comfort just string at lower tension or use less stiff racquet.
djNEiGht
Legend
Oh I also do it because a couple pros do it
g4driver
Legend
Strung on an Alpha Ghost yesterday. 52M/50X on a 2016 Pure Aero Plus (27.5-inch frame ). One pack weighed 20 grams with the plastic holder removed. Felt like I was stringing Black Widow, very sharp edges like BW. Feels more edged than Hyper G and Revolution to me. I have reels of Hyper G, Revolution so string both frequently. Initial tension on RacquetTune was 50lbs=, but today RacquetTune will not list any tension at all. I deleted the app and reinstalled, but I keep getting the same message. Must select frame and string, even though the frame and string are selected. Anyone else getting that message and no tension? Bueller? Bueller?
Hit on a ball machine for one hour. Easy access to spin, but strings felt less powerful and more muted than my setup for the past seven years, Volkl Cyclone Tour ( VCT) 1.30mm. I strung these string lower at 52M/50X as VCT has more power and works better at a higher tension in a PA+ with a lot of power in the frame itself. These strings are much more muted compared to VCT which feels much crisper. Will hit again tomorrow with 4.0 guys, and Thursday. No pain in my elbow whatsoever.
The overgrip is diagonally cut on one end with two corners on the other end like most overgrips. It seems similar to Wilson Pro Overgrip, but the thin protective covering is easier to remove off of Wilson's Pro Overgrip due to the extra part designed to remove the protective covering. That small little extra effort wasn't on the Solinco Overgrip. Not sure why companies can't follow Wilson's lead on overgrip covering and make it simple to remove the covering. Tournagrip makes no diagonal cut which I find annoying personally. Unlike the rest of the world, I install the part with two corners on the base of the handle by starting with one corner at a slightly downward angle about 1/4 inch from the bottom of the buttcap, then wrap down to the buttcap for one turn, then back up the handle finishing use the diagonally cut end at the top of the handle with the sticky tab. It is the simplest way to install an overgrip IMO. Taught this technique to multiple people who now use it. The sticky tab holds the overgrip in place while you pick up the finishing tape and the tab is the perfect cut to finish the overgrip install. Much prefer finishing the overgrip install with a diagonal sticky tab rather than finishing with a corner piece of an overgrip that has to be tucked under or cut to fit.
IMO no need to change overgrips when Wilson Pro Overgrip comes in a 50 Pack and it easier to install than this Solinco one. That is the feedback I would offer Solinco on this overgrip.
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badmice2
Professional
Update #3
5 days has lapsed since the racket was strung. Total on court hours are ~6 hrs - 4 sets of doubles.
A worthy note, I did get a reading through RacketTune a few hrs after the racket was initially strung, reading showed ~47 lbs. Reading a/o tonight is showing 43 lbs. Drop off is close to 9%.
Played my match tonight in cold Norcal winter night. Strings felt like it settled in a bit more. The ball off the racket definitely feels "flatter" than I'm use to, and I would attribute that to the gauge. Nonetheless string felt relatively crisp, i was able to get good control off flat serves, flat forehand, and guided serve returns. Spin effect on kick and twist serves seems to come off the strings nicely. Shot depth was much more predictable, i was able to commend shot location with relative ease. With the tension drop, arm comfort felt much better, even with off center mishits. I am curious to whether the tension drop has tapered. To @Injured Again point, there are noticeable notching around the sweet spots - perhaps 15% (+/-5). The notch "click" was obvious when i moved crosses back in place.
Grip tape have stayed tacky so far. It's holding up surprising better than Wilson Pros IMO. I do wish it was less spongy.
5 days has lapsed since the racket was strung. Total on court hours are ~6 hrs - 4 sets of doubles.
A worthy note, I did get a reading through RacketTune a few hrs after the racket was initially strung, reading showed ~47 lbs. Reading a/o tonight is showing 43 lbs. Drop off is close to 9%.
Played my match tonight in cold Norcal winter night. Strings felt like it settled in a bit more. The ball off the racket definitely feels "flatter" than I'm use to, and I would attribute that to the gauge. Nonetheless string felt relatively crisp, i was able to get good control off flat serves, flat forehand, and guided serve returns. Spin effect on kick and twist serves seems to come off the strings nicely. Shot depth was much more predictable, i was able to commend shot location with relative ease. With the tension drop, arm comfort felt much better, even with off center mishits. I am curious to whether the tension drop has tapered. To @Injured Again point, there are noticeable notching around the sweet spots - perhaps 15% (+/-5). The notch "click" was obvious when i moved crosses back in place.
Grip tape have stayed tacky so far. It's holding up surprising better than Wilson Pros IMO. I do wish it was less spongy.
McLovin
Legend
lol. I struggled for about 5 minutes trying to remove the plastic covering as well. Nice feeling grip, but man that was a PITA. Can't imagine doing it in the middle of a match. I'd need 2-3 changeovers...
haqq777
Legend
Hey McLovin, if you get a chance can you update on your experience with overgrip here? I switched to Tecnifibre Pro Contact after our last exchange (long time Wilson Pro user and I know you used Yonex Supergrap). If this performs better than that, and is cheaper, perhaps I'll switch again.
McLovin
Legend
Will do after this weekend. I'm still liking the Pro Contact, although I haven't given it a good sweat yet as I was out for 2 months w/ a torn MCL, and now I've gone indoors for the next few months.
JBH
Rookie
- Tension(s) used for playtest - 52 mains and cross
- Regular string set up & tension - Blast 17g or Alu Power Soft 16l
- Racquet used for test - Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 3rd gen
- Power/Control of test string - Power level was moderately higher than the Lux string and significantly higher than the Blast. Directional and trajectory/launch angle control were good but not exceptional. Confidential is not a ‘loopy’ shot shape string.
- Feel - Crisp and moderately lively feeling. There was a very low shock level for a relatively stiff/crisp string. This could like be a good solution for one of the newer low-RA frames where the user is looking for a less muted overall feedback level.
- Spin - Moderate. This is not a hyper spin shaped string, which the OEM’s seem to be moving away from (or at least giving alternatives to). The newer designs produce a flatter overall trajectory and more consistent launch angles.
- Durability - I do not see notching. There is an unusual ‘scuffing’ appearance, mostly in the impact zone, that appears to be the edges being rubbed down.
- Playability Duration - 8 hours, including 2 hours on the machine. Over this time, tension dropped to ~44lbs. per RacquetTune. As tension dropped, power increased linearly (subjectively). This behavior was no where near as controlled as either Blast or Alu Soft.
- Tension Recommendations - For me in this frame, a higher tension would be required for adequate control, but 52 is usually my max.
- List any additional thoughts - Confidential has the flatter trajectory that offensively biased frames like the Pure Strike require. It has a crisp feel with a touch of spring that will appeal to many. The down side is a higher power level that increases with use.
McLovin
Legend
JBH
Rookie
While the string is a sharply edged model capable of producing good slices, I did cut it out after the play period.
mikeyfrijoles
New User
Just strung it on my trust Gamma X-2 46lbs (Cheap but effective machine) Initial impression are very sharp sides and easy to string... String bed feels stiff but does have some give to it. Will be interested to see how it plays tonight... I do like the neutral color of the string it will fit most racquets.
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
Are they going to produce this string in 1.15 18 gauge?
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Yes, that's what I heard they will. but not so sure if that is such a good idea. because even with 17 G, this string has ton of power and massive spin. and ball comes of the string very hot. so I am afraid if I use such a thin 18 G, then I may not be able to control the power and launch angle.
therecanbeonlyone
Semi-Pro
I strung up my test strings in my Angell TC97 18x20 at 42/40 on a lockout machine. So far so good on the playing characteristics during 3 sets last night. I’ll provide a full update after a full test period.
Some stats first. The overgrip was 7 grams. Strings and small dampener added another 19 grams. Fully dressed my Angell is 359 grams.
Looking forward to the test!
Some stats first. The overgrip was 7 grams. Strings and small dampener added another 19 grams. Fully dressed my Angell is 359 grams.
Looking forward to the test!
deaner2211
Semi-Pro
How do you miss hit with a 104 square inch racket?
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
I use hyper G 1.15 right now mostly in tighter string pattern racquets
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
this confidential packs more power than Hyper G and it is very springy especially in the beginning and the ball comes off hot off the string bed. But it does settle in though after about 2 hours of hitting. I think Best attributes of Confidential comes out during 2-6 hours of play time.
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
Sounds good to me, I want a bit more pop and spin. I'm already stringing down at 45 lbs on a lockout, if I go down any further it feels a bit mushy and has a gross sound even with a dampener.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
You will love the Thunderous sound that comes off the string bed when you hit the ball. and you will go insane over the 5000 RPM spin and monster power.
Faris
Professional
Tension used for playtest:
50 pounds
Regular string set up & tension:
Volkl Cyclone 17 at 52 lbs. My most recent setup was Solinco Hyper-G 17 strung at 52 lbs. Lately have tried a lot of different strings as well. I love experimenting.
Racquet used for test:
Yonex Ezone 98 with leather grip, overgrip, and 4 grams in hoop.
Power:
Not low powered. I would rate it as moderate power. I feel I would not have to string lower than usual to get power out of it, like majority of polyester strings.
Control:
I felt that this Solinco Confidential is more of a point and shoot kind of string. Fantastic for somewhat of a flatter hitter like myself but I am not sure a strong all topspin kind of guy would benefit as much.
For control, I was hitting long at first but once I got used to it a little bit, I started hitting good and deep. I don't have uber loopy strokes to begin with and so I had ease in controlling the ball with a more linear swing and takeback, like I usually do.
Launch angle off string bed was lower than Hyper-G. Understandable since Hyper-G is a more pronounced shape and grabs the ball better. Serving control was good although the more pronounced shaped strings give me much better ball bite for that spin and kick.
Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?):
The feel is crisp yet comfortable. Stringbed felt a bit lively to me. Overall it was a comfortable feeling stringbed though. No jarring sensations. None of that cheapy brassy sort of feedback as well.
Spin:
I felt the string is lacking here. Even though I don't consider myself a heavy spin player, I think this string does not have spin potential like Hyper-G. The ball goes at a flatter lower trajectory and string will be most suited to flatter hitters. I did not feel that string held onto the ball or grabbed the ball necessary for monster spin.
Durability:
Very good. I don't see any notching on my stringbed. This string is not breaking anytime soon.
Playability Duration:
I am on the 10 hour mark and string is playing consistent. I had an initial tension drop once removed from stringer, but after that I did not feel string dropped tension too much. Getting consistently hit ball so far.
Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? Explain answer):
I will string it a bit tighter. Maybe a couple of pounds or so. Was not expecting as lively a string bed and given that comfort is very good, I don't think it will hurt. I think it is a very comfortable string so easily doable with better control results.
List any additional thoughts (optional):
I think this is a very good offering by Solinco that is arm friendly and suits flatter type of players more. I think it will make for a good hybrid string too using it is a cross. Overall, I will definitely recommend it.
BONUS QUESTION:
Would you use the included overgrip? Why or why not?
While I liked the overgrip, it was hard to peel off the plastic and time consuming. It also felt a bit thicker and spongy than my usual Wilson Pro. Lasted about the same time so almost same durability. Unless it is on sale and I can bug in bulk, I will pass on it. Thank you for sending it.
A huge shoutout to @TW Staff. You guys at Tennis Warehouse are amazing and always giving us these great opportunities to try out new things. It is much appreciated.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
The same way Fed shanks balls with a 97 square inch racquet. He, like I, play competition that pushes us to and sometimes beyond our limits.
You never mis-hit?
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Solinco will probably produce this new string in their same variety of gauges, so a 1.20 and 1.15 are pretty likely. I think it needs to be available in those gauges. It doesn't have the bite on the ball that Hyper-G does, and seems to share the characteristic with Tour Bite in that the edges get rounded with use. Hyper-G seems to retain its edges better. Maybe that's because Hyper-G's flat surface wears from the ball contact, which constantly refreshes the edge, versus the Confidential and Tour Bite, which don't wear as much and so the edges get dulled.
I also prefer thinner gauges in a dense string pattern racquet just to keep the swingweight down.
Tennisist
Professional
Solinco Confidential 1.25
- Appearance
Poly, gunmetal color, low sheen, pentagonal profile.
Visually this string looks indistinguishable from Wilson Revolve: same gunmetal gray color, same pentagonal profile. But in your hand, there is a difference: Solinco's edges are significantly sharper than Wilson's.
- Tension(s) used for playtest: 50-46 Mains / 48-44 Crosses -- proportional stringing.
I was aiming for DT 33, and this is what I got. This is my typical setup. Note: crosses are Isospeed Baseline 1.25 (this is my typical cross). I am very familiar with this setup and this tension. - Regular string set up & tension: Poly mains at 49-46 / Isospeed Baseline crosses at 48-44. DT 33 right after stringing.
- Racquet used for test: Solinco Tour 8 (98, 16x19, RA unknown)
This is my doubles racquets, as it is now the doubles season in New England. The string matches the racquet is color-scheme. They both use that gunmetal tint. This racquet does not have any particular dampening to it, so it conveys the sensations very cleanly, without obscuring infusions or subtractions.
- Power/Control of test string: power was very low
This is by far the most low-powered string I have experienced in many years. For comparison, it is lower power than Prince XC (Extra Control), the string that held that laurel for me until now. - Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): stiff.
This was the stiffest string I have experienced in many years... No pocketing of any kind. Feels like steel. On the second day of hitting, it developed a very metallic twang, which even a worm dampener could not neutralize. - Spin: super
The edges appear indestructible. The bite on the ball is the highest of the polys I know. For comparison, the bite is better or on-par with Yonex Poly Tour Spin ( the spinniest string I've encountered thus far ). - Durability: extremely high
- Playability Duration: 0 or ∞, depending how you view it.
- Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time - why?)
I would recommend stringing it at least 10 lbs lower. 40 at the most, maybe even 36. At my usual tension, DT 33, it provided no power and no feel. Felt like steel. - Additional thoughts:
There was something very unusual about this string. I strung it at 50/48 => DT 33.40 right after stringing. This is what I usually do. Next day, I always find DT=31, which is my golden zone, which drops further to DT=30 after the first day of intense hitting (~2 hour singles match), then it drops to 29 and -- depending on the longevity of a particular string -- stays there for weeks and months.
Not with this one. The next day ( 24 hours just sitting ) DT was 33.20 ( it did not drop at all overnight !). Next reading after a singles match the day after was 32.40 (!). Now a week later, and 1 additional doubles match, it still measures 32.00.
My guess is this string is going to live on Mt. Olympus of stiffness rankings. I've never experienced anything before quite so firm.
In addition, I feel it is pre-stretched. Otherwise, I cannot explain the tension stability behavior I am seeing.
This is why I am recommending to string it in the 30-40 lbs range -- to be anywhere near comparable to conventional polys.
Obviously, for people looking for ultimate control, this will be the ultimate string. The edges appear indestructible, and the bite on the ball is tremendous.
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McLovin
Legend
Interesting as this is exactly what I felt after my brief 2 hits. And after reading a few of the early reviews I was beginning to think there was something wrong w/ me.
I'm hitting against a college kid this morning who hits the crap out of the ball, so hopefully I'll get a better idea. But right now I'm thinking this string isn't for me as I cannot generate as much power as others.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
It could be a couple of things. For me, the ball speed coming off the strings is low when I try to hit a heavier topspin shot like in the second video I posted. It may be that both you and @Tennisist are heavy spin players and are experiencing that same thing. When I try to hit in that way, Ultra Cable generates more ball speed so in that sense it is more powerful even though they are pretty comparable in power when hitting more flat and through the ball.
I think there's also something about matching a string's elasticity curve to the recoil weight of the racquet, and that combination is really what makes a racquet feel predictable to each of us. I got the impression that was a pretty stiff string when stringing it up but the higher recoil weight of my racquet minimizes the impact of the high inherent stiffness of the string. It may be that with a lower recoil weight, like might be used for a player who hits with more spin, this string doesn't work as well. So you then get lower ballspeed due to the swingpath, plus the relatively stiff string and low recoil weight, resulting in what feels like a very low powered and harsh string.
Would love to see hitting videos from the other playtesters if you are willing to do so.
Tennisist
Professional
That observation is correct: I play heavy topspin from both sides. I practically never hit flat. I do prefer racquets which are fast and whippy, and Tour 8 is one of those. The only flat shot I am using is a flat serve. Even on those flat serves, the string did not impress me: the ball did not catapult off the racquet like it would with a more conventional string. There was no speed ...
I will concede this: people who hit flat and with a heavy racquet may get a different impression. The issues of bite or feel for them may be irrelevant.
I will concede this: people who hit flat and with a heavy racquet may get a different impression. The issues of bite or feel for them may be irrelevant.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
This shows why this playtest program by Tennis Warehouse is so valuable. They pick enough players and are bound to get a variety of styles and racquets, and what you say is going to be very relevant to others who also hit like you do.
So for you, I am guessing this string is probably not very linear in how much ball speed you get when you hit a flatter shot like a volley or first serve compared to your spinny groundstrokes even though it already feels low powered on your flatter shots. It probably feels like you lose a disproportionate amount of ball speed when trying to spin it so it is even more lower powered on the groundies than the low powered feeling on the serve?
This is good - it makes me think about matching players and strings in a way I hadn't really thought of in the past and will help me make better suggestions in the future.
McLovin
Legend
Well, I hate to be the one to ruin your theory, but I hit fairly flat off both sides, and use the VCORE 98+ w/ some weight in the handle (~ 10g). It already has a high swingweight stock (340), so I'm guessing adding weight, even to the handle, didn't help.
I just got off the court hitting against a mid-4.5. Barely won the set 6-4. Many of my shots landed short, lacking power & bite. Feel was akin to a 2x4.
In the 2nd set I switched back to my regular setup (Native Tour), and won it 6-0 in 15 min. Shots had more depth & power. And feel was much softer.
Now...I'm not knocking the string, just saying that for me, its not doing it. I know a few younger guys who swing really hard, using Pure Drives, and they'd likely love this string. But i don't have the racquet head speed to overcome the low power of this string. Probably should have strung it at 45 instead of 48, so after my next hit (this weekend), I'm going to do the 'stand on the stringbed' and 'set a 50lb weight on it overnight' trick to see if I can't get it to drop a few extra lbs.
I just got off the court hitting against a mid-4.5. Barely won the set 6-4. Many of my shots landed short, lacking power & bite. Feel was akin to a 2x4.
In the 2nd set I switched back to my regular setup (Native Tour), and won it 6-0 in 15 min. Shots had more depth & power. And feel was much softer.
Now...I'm not knocking the string, just saying that for me, its not doing it. I know a few younger guys who swing really hard, using Pure Drives, and they'd likely love this string. But i don't have the racquet head speed to overcome the low power of this string. Probably should have strung it at 45 instead of 48, so after my next hit (this weekend), I'm going to do the 'stand on the stringbed' and 'set a 50lb weight on it overnight' trick to see if I can't get it to drop a few extra lbs.
SteveI
Legend
Native Tour is a poly with a nice balance of power and control. This string sounds like a shaped Lux 4G.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I'm sure there's a lot more to it than just whether or not you're a heavy spin player off the ground but that was the first thing that came to my mind based on my experiences.
How do you feel about the other three Solinco strings (Hyper-G, Tour Bite, and Revolution)? I know a couple of people who have tried them and don't like them a bit because they all feel harsh and low powered, though one of them is using 4G and says it's a much softer and more powerful string than any of those Solinco offerings. I'm not sure many people would agree with that but what I think is happening is that the 4G just feels and responds like he is expecting for his range of swing speeds and so that familiarity gives him confidence to swing harder. I personally like how the Solinco strings feel and that's probably why the Confidential feels pretty sweet to me.
joah310
Professional
I finally was able to go out and hit with this string! Here's my first impression after using it for a couple of hours. Just so you know it has been sitting in my racket for almost a week when I took it out. This is normal practice for me as I like to let the string settle a little before I use it. I strung this up in my Head Youtek IG Speed MP 18/20 at 54#. My perferred setup is RPM Blast Rough 16 at 55#. Stringing this up wasn't much of a problem on my DW stringer. I couldn't tell if it was square shaped or a pentagon. In my opinion, it was a very powerful string. Spin was good and great punch for my serve and ground strokes, but the power was a bit too much for my taste. It gave off a muted more dampened feel. The string felt comfortable at this tension and didn't give me any problems. I would probably string it a little higher next time, but overall, very nice string, I would probably have to play around with tension a little more before settling with it though. I havent gotten into the low tensions I see many people using, and maybe it would be better suited for this string. I have only tried it with rpm blast in a Graphene xt radical pro at 45# and it became a rocket launcher. Perhaps I am missing something? Going back to the string, there is no notching yet and it had very good snapback. I would like a thinner guage though, but as for solinco strings, I think I like tour bite more so far. As for the included grip, It was pretty thin, tacky and pretty durable, but I enjoy yonex ogs better. But honestly anythings better than the cheap pile of Babolat My Overgips that my family uses. But overall I like my TW leather without anything over it. But it is a very nice grip, just a bit too squishy for me, but the tackyness was spot on.
McLovin
Legend
Its been a while since I've used either Tour Bite or Hyper-G, but from what I remembered, Tour Bite was 'ok' (used 1.15mm), and I didn't like Hyper-G at all. I think a lot of that had to do w/ me using a gut/poly mix at the time, and I was so used to that softer feel. But I started experimenting w/ full poly on clay, which is what led me to try these out. Many people I string for use & love both Tour Bite & Hyper-G, but I've not gelled w/ the 'plastic' feel (odd description I know, since all polys are, essentially, plastic).
I suspect this is why I was one of the few who actually liked RPM Power (was also part of that playtest), when most were panning it.
To your earlier point about matching players & strings, I'd throw the racquet into that equation as well. This playtest has really enlightened me about matching all 3, because if I had demoed my VCORE 98 + w/ Confidential, I probably would have not liked the frame, not realizing it was actually the string and/or tension that was causing the negative view.
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Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Tennis Warehouse seems to have gotten a really good core group of string playtesters that bring a variety of experience and equipment to form their impressions. A lot of times, it's the outliers that catch my eye. What is it in the way they play, their equipment, or their experience that makes their impression different than mines or the other playtesters? Besides offering something to the other playtesters to think about, it's also helpful to everyone else following along, and with enough examples we'll be able to figure out better what makes any one particular bit of equipment more suitable for one player than another.
Totally agree with you on the entire package of playing styles, frame, and strings influencing the overall experience.
