liftordie
Hall of Fame
I get way better spin and control with Hyper-G 16g in my Pure Aero's. With really good feel!
Soft version is bul l sh it.
Tennis Warehouse playtest: Solinco Hyper-G Soft!
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
Soft version is bul l sh it.
Here is my official review. I have used Hyper-G 17g on a regular basis for 2 to 3 yrs. I absolutely love this string and have been on a lot of playtest, but no string has been able to beat Hyper-G. I was really excited to try Hyper-G Soft 17g.
SOLINCO HYPER-G Soft Playtest
• Gauge: 17
• Tension used for playtest: 42pds
• Regular string set up & tension: 44-46 pds (Lately I have been going lower)
• Racquet used for test: Blade 18x20 v7/Blade Pro 18x20
• Power/Control of test string: Power: 5.5/ Control 8
Power was about a 5 to 6 for me and less than regular Hyper-G. But the dwell time and comfort are better with Hyper-G Soft. At first, I had to adjust to the dwell time of the string. For control maybe an 8. I would say that after 2hrs it sets in and control is better. I could hit the same ball as regular Hyper-G, but I didn’t feel like I was sacrificing a lot with Hyper-G Soft. Felt my control maybe was a little bit better.
• Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?) Feel: 7
Hyper-G Soft felt flexible at the first ball. Noticed the launch was higher compared to my usual Hyper-G 17. I started to spray and found not as much control the first couple of hours. Once the strings set it was easier to get control without much effort. Dwell time was greater, and I felt the same ball that I usually hit with Hyper-G. With this string being softer its also easier to string with and glides like a dream on cross weaves.
• Spin: 9
I felt spin was a little better due to the dwell time. It held on for a split second longer when making contact. Slice was very smooth as were topspin shots. Kick serves were where this string shines on court. I felt it allowed the ball to sit in the string bed longer.
• Durability: 4
This string does start to cut faster because of the softness. Not a bad tradeoff but more an observation in comparison to regular Hyper-G 17. I am not hitting as much as I usually do because of work so I didn't pop in the usual 1 to 2 week period. I would say I have maybe played 10 to 12 hours over the last month and this string has 2 more hours tops before it breaks. If I was hitting with my usual schedule the string would last a week tops. I am noticing more string bed movement now that it is getting ready to break.
• Playability Duration (did you notice changes to the feel & response over time?):
For me this string played better the second and third time on court. I play with regular Hyper-G until it breaks which is usually about 2 weeks depending on how often I play. Hyper-G Soft will pop sooner, and I can feel it pocketing more but I like the tradeoff in feel. This biggest change is the pocketing over time, it is more noticeable the more you play. I didn't feel like I needed to adjust my shots overtime as this string loses tension.
• Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? Why?)
I have been going lower and lower with Hyper-G from 48 to 44. But I really wanted to see what 42pds in a soft version would do and feel like. I think I would like to go even lower and see if I have control and pace. Sub 40's is where my next tension test will be. Overall, I liked Hyper-G Soft at 42pds. It is a soft string with about the same control and a little less power. But if your elbow needs a break then this is a great alternative if you use regular Hyper-G.
• List any additional thoughts (optional)
I have been using Hyper-G 17 for the past 2-3 years. I didn’t like confidential and I usually don’t mesh with softer strings. Hyper-G Soft is a pleasant surprise and I think it does offer an alternative for the future. Sometimes Hyper-G can feel a bite harsh the first couple days and with soft I had the same response with more pocketing. I have been going lower with tension and this string did not disappoint when using a lower tension. I liked the string so much I had to try it on my Blade Pro 18x20 at the same tension. Overall, I felt even better kick on my serves with the Pro than my V7 Blade. Spin was good and pocketing was the same. Could not be happier with the playtest. Hyper-G Soft could be an option for me to use in the winter and cooler temps. I really like the feel I got back in return of power. I think this is a close 2nd to my regular Hyper-G 17g.
Thank You to @TW Staff and to Solinco!! Great product and awesome playtest!!
Pics below.
SOLINCO HYPER-G Soft Playtest
• Gauge: 17
• Tension used for playtest: 42pds
• Regular string set up & tension: 44-46 pds (Lately I have been going lower)
• Racquet used for test: Blade 18x20 v7/Blade Pro 18x20
• Power/Control of test string: Power: 5.5/ Control 8
Power was about a 5 to 6 for me and less than regular Hyper-G. But the dwell time and comfort are better with Hyper-G Soft. At first, I had to adjust to the dwell time of the string. For control maybe an 8. I would say that after 2hrs it sets in and control is better. I could hit the same ball as regular Hyper-G, but I didn’t feel like I was sacrificing a lot with Hyper-G Soft. Felt my control maybe was a little bit better.
• Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?) Feel: 7
Hyper-G Soft felt flexible at the first ball. Noticed the launch was higher compared to my usual Hyper-G 17. I started to spray and found not as much control the first couple of hours. Once the strings set it was easier to get control without much effort. Dwell time was greater, and I felt the same ball that I usually hit with Hyper-G. With this string being softer its also easier to string with and glides like a dream on cross weaves.
• Spin: 9
I felt spin was a little better due to the dwell time. It held on for a split second longer when making contact. Slice was very smooth as were topspin shots. Kick serves were where this string shines on court. I felt it allowed the ball to sit in the string bed longer.
• Durability: 4
This string does start to cut faster because of the softness. Not a bad tradeoff but more an observation in comparison to regular Hyper-G 17. I am not hitting as much as I usually do because of work so I didn't pop in the usual 1 to 2 week period. I would say I have maybe played 10 to 12 hours over the last month and this string has 2 more hours tops before it breaks. If I was hitting with my usual schedule the string would last a week tops. I am noticing more string bed movement now that it is getting ready to break.
• Playability Duration (did you notice changes to the feel & response over time?):
For me this string played better the second and third time on court. I play with regular Hyper-G until it breaks which is usually about 2 weeks depending on how often I play. Hyper-G Soft will pop sooner, and I can feel it pocketing more but I like the tradeoff in feel. This biggest change is the pocketing over time, it is more noticeable the more you play. I didn't feel like I needed to adjust my shots overtime as this string loses tension.
• Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? Why?)
I have been going lower and lower with Hyper-G from 48 to 44. But I really wanted to see what 42pds in a soft version would do and feel like. I think I would like to go even lower and see if I have control and pace. Sub 40's is where my next tension test will be. Overall, I liked Hyper-G Soft at 42pds. It is a soft string with about the same control and a little less power. But if your elbow needs a break then this is a great alternative if you use regular Hyper-G.
• List any additional thoughts (optional)
I have been using Hyper-G 17 for the past 2-3 years. I didn’t like confidential and I usually don’t mesh with softer strings. Hyper-G Soft is a pleasant surprise and I think it does offer an alternative for the future. Sometimes Hyper-G can feel a bite harsh the first couple days and with soft I had the same response with more pocketing. I have been going lower with tension and this string did not disappoint when using a lower tension. I liked the string so much I had to try it on my Blade Pro 18x20 at the same tension. Overall, I felt even better kick on my serves with the Pro than my V7 Blade. Spin was good and pocketing was the same. Could not be happier with the playtest. Hyper-G Soft could be an option for me to use in the winter and cooler temps. I really like the feel I got back in return of power. I think this is a close 2nd to my regular Hyper-G 17g.
Thank You to @TW Staff and to Solinco!! Great product and awesome playtest!!
Pics below.
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!<-_->!
Hall of Fame
- Gauge received: 1.20
- Tension used for playtest: 55lbs strung on a lockout machine
- Regular string set up & tension: Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25, 52lbs
- Racquet used for test: Yonex EZone 98 2020
- Power/Control of test string: The string started out rather low power. Balls were landing consistently short and actually had some trouble getting the ball over the net. This could be due to the tension, but I think it may also be partly the nature of the string right off the machine. As the playtest went on and the strings settled in, I found the power level quite adequate. Was able to dial in the depth and net clearance more. Found balls would spray occasionally as well once the strings settled. Overall though, I'd say the strings had plenty of power and would not label this one as a low powered string. With that said, control is still adequate and sufficient for 80% of the time. For the remainder, there are definitely instances where balls sprayed.
- Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): The feel is slightly muted and started off as a somewhat firm string. As it settled, the strings remained muted, but became a comfortable stiff. Never had arm issues with it. Back to the topic of muted, I'd say it's not as muted as a Poly Tour Pro or even RPM Blast, but it still doesn't give you a super connected feel. It's adequate, but not a cornerstone of this string.
- Spin: Good spin though I had higher expectations based on previous experiences with regular Hyper-G. Based on the visuals of how my balls were bouncing and the arch I had on it, it wasn't nearly as much spin as I was expecting. It is better than a round poly, and I'd rate it better than RPM Blast as well.
- Durability: This was definitely one of its strengths, especially since it's a 1.20 string. I have minimal notching after around 12-15 hours of play. Compared to other polys I've played in the past, string are typically 1/4 to 1/3 of the way notched through after this amount of play.
- Playability Duration (did you notice changes to the feel & response over time?): After 4 weeks, I would say there's some degradation in playability. The first week, the string bed was too stiff/lower powered. Weeks 2 and 3, after it settled, was very nice. Good blend of power and control. At the 4th week, could start to feel the strings bagging out and balls spraying more. That said, 4 weeks is quite good.
- Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? Why?): I would string it a couple of pounds lower next time to try to reduce the initial stiffness. However, my concern there would be that by the 3rd week, the strings may become too powerful.
- List any additional thoughts (optional): Between Hyper-G and Hyper-G Soft, I think I'd lean towards regular Hyper-G. While I do like the extra comfort of Hyper-G Soft, I like the playability of Hyper-G more. I'd probably want to experiment more with gauge and tension before settling on Soft over the regular, but I think this is a nice addition for those who like Hyper-G and are looking for a little bit of extra bit of comfort. Just know that the Soft version sacrifices a little bit of the playability of Hyper-G imo.
jwocky
Rookie
Thank you to the @TW Staff and Solinco for this opportunity to playtest the HyperG Soft 1.30mm/16g.
HyperG Soft 1.30mm/16g – retail package
Tension(s) used for playtest
Full Bed
24.1M/24.1X in kg
53.0M/53.0X in lb
Regular string set up
Recently: 1.30mm Tourna BH Silver 7 Tour Mains/ Kirschbaum Super Smash Orange 1.28mm in my Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 (18x20, 365g, 31cm) at 23 kg M/X (~50.6 lbs)
Previously: 1.25mm in the 22.5-23.0kg range with Kirschbaum Pro Line Evolution
Racquet used for test
Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 Tour (16x18) weighted to 365gm (12.9oz), balance 310mm (10 HL)
Overall Rating of test string
8
This was an enjoyable play test and I would definitely buy Hyper G Soft during a sale. A thinner gauge may be a preference for some, but the 1.30mm worked out great for me.
Power/Control of test string
9
Better than average ball pocketing feel and power, which increased with play test duration and I would string this at a higher reference tension next time around. The power level seemed to have stages and would plateau. Hitting on consecutive days for a few hours would make the spring bed feel springy, but a couple of days break apart would generate a more predictable response.
There was ample string grab even at 1.30mm and launch angle predictability and control on cross court shots - short dippers into the service box line are when pulled wide or tops spin lobs during doubles. Down the line shots of both wings felt great.
Feel (Comfortable? Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? etc.,)
8
The string bed was comfortable with a hardware store rubber grommet and even without one. The feel is definitely a sharp contrast and muted/mushy relative to the Tourna BHS7T/Kirschbaum Super Smash hybrid I have been using.
Spin
8
For me the level of spin was consistent and this predictability helped confidence that I could commit to this string and gauge long term (except perhaps for some misgivings about the lack of crispness). As the power level increased with hours of play, I did have to modulate my strokes a bit for launch angle to keep the ball in, but the spin one can generate counteracted this.
Durability
9
In the 1.30mm I would not have to be concerned about breaking the string mid-match even after 12 hours.
Playability Duration
8
After a short break in of 20 minutes of singles co-operative hitting, HGS 1.30mm felt very good. There was a period after 4 hr singles, 6hr doubles when the string bed seemed springy and the balls started landing a foot past the baseline instead of two feet inside. This necessarily led me to be a bit more deliberate with my swing path and/or racquet head speed to bring the ball down. This was not really a negative. In this softer state I did have to be more careful while serving to not hit long. I have 6hr singles and 12hr doubles and going to replace with a test set of TierOne Black Knight (1.28mm). This was not a short-lived string for me.
Tension findings (if you installed this string again, would you select the same tension? Explain answer.)
Increase to 25kg/55lb to extend the control factor during the later “middle” hours with the string bed.
List any additional thoughts (optional)
The Solinco HGS level of spin is less than WC Ultra Cable, but it is definitely more consistent and for a longer duration in a full bed. I would be curious to try out with a round string in the cross, which is my normal preference with a shaped/profiled main string. For the time being, I still prefer the Tourna BHS7T/Kirschbaum SuperSmash hybrid I have been using. This is not a knock on Hyper G Soft as I can see myself trying it out again.
HyperG Soft 1.30mm/16g – retail package
Tension(s) used for playtest
Full Bed
24.1M/24.1X in kg
53.0M/53.0X in lb
Regular string set up
Recently: 1.30mm Tourna BH Silver 7 Tour Mains/ Kirschbaum Super Smash Orange 1.28mm in my Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 (18x20, 365g, 31cm) at 23 kg M/X (~50.6 lbs)
Previously: 1.25mm in the 22.5-23.0kg range with Kirschbaum Pro Line Evolution
Racquet used for test
Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 Tour (16x18) weighted to 365gm (12.9oz), balance 310mm (10 HL)
Overall Rating of test string
8
This was an enjoyable play test and I would definitely buy Hyper G Soft during a sale. A thinner gauge may be a preference for some, but the 1.30mm worked out great for me.
Power/Control of test string
9
Better than average ball pocketing feel and power, which increased with play test duration and I would string this at a higher reference tension next time around. The power level seemed to have stages and would plateau. Hitting on consecutive days for a few hours would make the spring bed feel springy, but a couple of days break apart would generate a more predictable response.
There was ample string grab even at 1.30mm and launch angle predictability and control on cross court shots - short dippers into the service box line are when pulled wide or tops spin lobs during doubles. Down the line shots of both wings felt great.
Feel (Comfortable? Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? etc.,)
8
The string bed was comfortable with a hardware store rubber grommet and even without one. The feel is definitely a sharp contrast and muted/mushy relative to the Tourna BHS7T/Kirschbaum Super Smash hybrid I have been using.
Spin
8
For me the level of spin was consistent and this predictability helped confidence that I could commit to this string and gauge long term (except perhaps for some misgivings about the lack of crispness). As the power level increased with hours of play, I did have to modulate my strokes a bit for launch angle to keep the ball in, but the spin one can generate counteracted this.
Durability
9
In the 1.30mm I would not have to be concerned about breaking the string mid-match even after 12 hours.
Playability Duration
8
After a short break in of 20 minutes of singles co-operative hitting, HGS 1.30mm felt very good. There was a period after 4 hr singles, 6hr doubles when the string bed seemed springy and the balls started landing a foot past the baseline instead of two feet inside. This necessarily led me to be a bit more deliberate with my swing path and/or racquet head speed to bring the ball down. This was not really a negative. In this softer state I did have to be more careful while serving to not hit long. I have 6hr singles and 12hr doubles and going to replace with a test set of TierOne Black Knight (1.28mm). This was not a short-lived string for me.
Tension findings (if you installed this string again, would you select the same tension? Explain answer.)
Increase to 25kg/55lb to extend the control factor during the later “middle” hours with the string bed.
List any additional thoughts (optional)
The Solinco HGS level of spin is less than WC Ultra Cable, but it is definitely more consistent and for a longer duration in a full bed. I would be curious to try out with a round string in the cross, which is my normal preference with a shaped/profiled main string. For the time being, I still prefer the Tourna BHS7T/Kirschbaum SuperSmash hybrid I have been using. This is not a knock on Hyper G Soft as I can see myself trying it out again.
fullwesternforehand
Rookie
- Gauge received
- 16g
- Tension used for playtest
- 53 pounds
- Regular string set up & tension
- Solinco Hyper G at 53
- Racquet used for test
- Babolat Pure Aero
- Power/Control of test string
- The power was not as much as you would think for it being a softer string. I would say it is more towards the mushy control side, which is not exactly a good feeling as it did feel unpredictable and not very point-and-shoot. I think stringing it higher will do away with some of the mushyness since i am comparing it to regular hyper g at 53.
- Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?)
- Feel was absolutely the best part of this string. For those wondering compared to regular hyper g, it is in fact VERY similar. My best comparison is imagine the regular hyper g but stringing it 8 pounds less and already broken in and settled. It was very comfortable and not stiff whatsoever. However, I would still string it in low to mid 50's as it is not as soft as a syn gut or a multi.
- Spin
- Spin was better than average, as it is fairly slick and shaped. It is way better than a round poly, but I would not say that spin is as strong as an RPM blast or rough string. Spin is higher than your average poly, but not the selling point in my opinion.
- Durability
- I am not usually a string breaker, but around the 13th hour I broke it. I noticed notching slightly more than average, but such is the case with softer polys for me. Volkl Vstar is a good comparison in terms of breakage
- Playability Duration (did you notice changes to the feel & response over time?)
- The playability was pretty consistent throughout the playtest. I would not say the playability died off or declined very much. It isn't like Luxilon 4g that stays the same from beginning to end. It is a same soft mushyness all throughout until it breaks
- Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? Why?)
- Due to it being softer, I would string 3 pounds higher just to take away some mushyness, but that would be my own personal liking.
- List any additional thoughts (optional)
Here is my official review. I have used Hyper-G 17g on a regular basis for 2 to 3 yrs. I absolutely love this string and have been on a lot of playtest, but no string has been able to beat Hyper-G. I was really excited to try Hyper-G Soft 17g.
SOLINCO HYPER-G Soft Playtest
• Gauge: 17
• Tension used for playtest: 42pds
• Regular string set up & tension: 44-46 pds (Lately I have been going lower)
• Racquet used for test: Blade 18x20 v7/Blade Pro 18x20
• Power/Control of test string: Power: 5.5/ Control 8
Power was about a 5 to 6 for me and less than regular Hyper-G. But the dwell time and comfort are better with Hyper-G Soft. At first, I had to adjust to the dwell time of the string. For control maybe an 8. I would say that after 2hrs it sets in and control is better. I could hit the same ball as regular Hyper-G, but I didn’t feel like I was sacrificing a lot with Hyper-G Soft. Felt my control maybe was a little bit better.
• Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?) Feel: 7
Hyper-G Soft felt flexible at the first ball. Noticed the launch was higher compared to my usual Hyper-G 17. I started to spray and found not as much control the first couple of hours. Once the strings set it was easier to get control without much effort. Dwell time was greater, and I felt the same ball that I usually hit with Hyper-G. With this string being softer its also easier to string with and glides like a dream on cross weaves.
• Spin: 9
I felt spin was a little better due to the dwell time. It held on for a split second longer when making contact. Slice was very smooth as were topspin shots. Kick serves were where this string shines on court. I felt it allowed the ball to sit in the string bed longer.
• Durability: 4
This string does start to cut faster because of the softness. Not a bad tradeoff but more an observation in comparison to regular Hyper-G 17. I am not hitting as much as I usually do because of work so I didn't pop in the usual 1 to 2 week period. I would say I have maybe played 10 to 12 hours over the last month and this string has 2 more hours tops before it breaks. If I was hitting with my usual schedule the string would last a week tops. I am noticing more string bed movement now that it is getting ready to break.
• Playability Duration (did you notice changes to the feel & response over time?):
For me this string played better the second and third time on court. I play with regular Hyper-G until it breaks which is usually about 2 weeks depending on how often I play. Hyper-G Soft will pop sooner, and I can feel it pocketing more but I like the tradeoff in feel. This biggest change is the pocketing over time, it is more noticeable the more you play. I didn't feel like I needed to adjust my shots overtime as this string loses tension.
• Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? Why?)
I have been going lower and lower with Hyper-G from 48 to 44. But I really wanted to see what 42pds in a soft version would do and feel like. I think I would like to go even lower and see if I have control and pace. Sub 40's is where my next tension test will be. Overall, I liked Hyper-G Soft at 42pds. It is a soft string with about the same control and a little less power. But if your elbow needs a break then this is a great alternative if you use regular Hyper-G.
• List any additional thoughts (optional)
I have been using Hyper-G 17 for the past 2-3 years. I didn’t like confidential and I usually don’t mesh with softer strings. Hyper-G Soft is a pleasant surprise and I think it does offer an alternative for the future. Sometimes Hyper-G can feel a bite harsh the first couple days and with soft I had the same response with more pocketing. I have been going lower with tension and this string did not disappoint when using a lower tension. I liked the string so much I had to try it on my Blade Pro 18x20 at the same tension. Overall, I felt even better kick on my serves with the Pro than my V7 Blade. Spin was good and pocketing was the same. Could not be happier with the playtest. Hyper-G Soft could be an option for me to use in the winter and cooler temps. I really like the feel I got back in return of power. I think this is a close 2nd to my regular Hyper-G 17g.
Thank You to @TW Staff and to Solinco!! Great product and awesome playtest!!
Pics below.
As promised, here is an update to the Hyper-G Soft 17g @ 42pds. strung on my Blade 18x20 v7 which was the main stick used for this playtest.
Hit today and broke strings. I have about 14hrs on the strings total, this string does break faster than regular Hyper-G 17. But the trade off for comfort is a good one. I will be trying more Hyper-G soft and maybe will have it on one stick for matches. Again, thanks @TW Staff and Solinco for the playtest.
Anybody still using Hyper G soft? A lot of hype before the release but seems the conversation died pretty soon after the release... Still waiting for the written review on TW, not many other reviews available except TW and Tennisnerd... Is it a Covid effect or did the string not deliver as expected? Have ordered a couple of sets (1.2mm) but looks like tennis is shutting down so will be a while before I can test it myself.
RF_PRO_STAFF
Professional
I have this feeling too. The hype was pretty big and it seems like it's a pretty nice string from the reviews I read but it's not amazing for most people either. I ordered a set too but I can't play at my own club due to lockdown as well. Will get Hyper G Soft strung in one of my VCORE 95 rackets when we are allowed to play again. Still very curious. Never played with regular Hyper G before though.
jugheadfla
Semi-Pro
I just used it last week at 52lbs 16L in my G360+ Prestige pro. It felt just as stiff as regular HG for the first set but then it softened up and played really nice. To me, similar to HG, the ball pocketing is much less then softer strings, but it still had very good control and good spin. Seems to be a good fit for this racquet so I plan on trying it again soon.
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djNEiGht
Legend
I got a couple sets to do a follow up test. My TW play test was strung on a machine I had problems with so will give it another fair shake as I got my replacement machine in.
Just strung up hybrid of hyperg soft 16L mains/ SPPP 17L crosses @33/32 in my vcore pro 97 310g extended 1/4” and weighted to 350g. Control is amazing for feeding balls when coaching but I felt like I still needed a touch more power. (I like rocket launchers). My regular setup is VCT 16g mains with same crosses at about 38/36...VCT is soft/powerful but feels HEAVY as if it’s natural gut coated with lead tape. Also been using dunlop black widow 16g mains w same crosses at 36/34 which felt the best...great bite/softness but not quite as powerful or as great ball pocketing as VCT. Next setup to try is hyperG soft 16L w YPTP or SPPP cross @32/30. The feel of hyperG soft is definitely wonderful. I would describe it as a mix of cyclone and V square. For the record, I’ve tried regular hyperG and did not like it as I could not generate any power resulting in every ball landing inside service line. I am 4.5 hard hitting aggressive baseliner (I like to pretend i’m a big hitter banger when it’s actually the strings that do most of the work)
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Hyper-G isn't my go-to string but if it were, I would use Hyper-G Soft in its place without question. I don't see a lot of reason to use regular Hyper-G when HGS is so close in playability and tension maintenance, with possibly slightly better performance, and offers more positive feedback.
jugheadfla
Semi-Pro
Agreed, would see no reason to go back to regular HG at this point
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
I used VS/HyperG hybrids for six months before trying a VS/HyperG Soft hybrid and have switched to it since. HyperG Soft plays very similar to HyperG, but has better comfort. Since comfort is the only improvement I wanted over HyperG, it was an easy decision. I string VS/HGS at 47/44 on a Pure Strike Tour and get about 15-18 hours out of the strings before I break the gut or cut out the strings.
Just as others feel there's no reason to use regular hyper g, I'd say there's also no reason to use Hyper G Soft if you don't need the comfort or a thicker gauge. The two are very similar.
Hyper G regular performs better in thinner gauges than the soft, and is better in most regards though not by too much.
17 Gauge hyper g is where things start bothering me, and I didn't love the soft in comparison. 18g standard hyper g was superior imo to 17 gauge and (what I would guess) thinner gauges of hyper g soft.
Hyper G soft 16/16L is probably where this is shining for people because the difference in stiffness is pretty dramatic but with little differences in performance.
Hyper G regular performs better in thinner gauges than the soft, and is better in most regards though not by too much.
17 Gauge hyper g is where things start bothering me, and I didn't love the soft in comparison. 18g standard hyper g was superior imo to 17 gauge and (what I would guess) thinner gauges of hyper g soft.
Hyper G soft 16/16L is probably where this is shining for people because the difference in stiffness is pretty dramatic but with little differences in performance.
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In what way would you say regular hyperG performs better than HGS?
The people that enjoy reg hyperG seem to like it more because they enjoy the firmness.
I took another day to try out Hyper G soft 17. I have now tried it at 45 and 55 lbs in an 18x20 blade v7. This second outing was only once and it was strung a bit too tight given my opponent, but I just don't like this string compared to regular hyper g in any aspect. Originally I had said the two were close but at this higher tension (and getting back to strength myself) I found hyper g soft to be quite a bit worse in comparison to hyper g.
I don't like the feel, I prefer the tension loss regular hyper g goes through and every measurable performance aspect seems to be less than regular hyper g. Hyper G soft IMO for 17 gauge and up at least is not worth it. I really wanted to love this string as I had been much weaker coming off surgery, and was desperately looking for something with good tension maintenance that is soft and similar to hyper g. This just doesn't perform for me as I get more or equal spin with round strings.
Going to give it another try tomorrow as today was what usually falls into the "break in" period, but based on my last test the feel and characteristics stayed relatively similar through the string's life.
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Seemingly small differences in string characteristics for average club players can make a world of difference at more advance levels. From what i gather most TT participants play at roughly 3.0 to 4.0 level, while strings like hyper g, alu power, hawk etc... are designed for more advanced players who value predictability of string bed first and foremost. As nice as VCT and HGS might be to most players, you are very unlikely to see 5.5 players using such strings, not to mention touring pros. A few old 5.0s such as myself will use them because of arm issues, but that's about it.
Agreed. Predictability isn't bad compared to the standard though. It just isn't as good (except for being much softer in 16/16L).
Think this string was very hopeful for some of us because there aren't many performant soft strings that have decent tension maintenance. It seems like no big brand is releasing them. Have started peeping into some of the smaller guys and Grapple Snake Tour Sniper was solid, and I haven't tried Tier One's black knight, but it sounds promising.
Any recommendations on performant softer strings? Really liked standard Lynx. Would be my go to but tension loss is pretty great and goes dead harshly. Hyper G 18 has been great too but prefer the more consistent string bed and predictability of rounder strings.... No issues with the Hyper G but with rounder strings you can just rip return winners all day...
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jugheadfla
Semi-Pro
I have to say that I found that Toroline's Cavier fit well into the category you are describing. It was comfortable but rather crisp and didn't seem mushy at all. It also has above average tension maintenance in my experience. It's worth a try and I have yet to see anywhere where someone didn't enjoy playing with it. I think another option is Lynx Tour. My recent go to was Lynx Edge, but like lynx the tension maintenance was poor and it would get launchy rather quick. So I tried Lynx Tour which I know is stiffer than regular Lynx but in my experience it wasn't uncomfortable at all and seemed to have much more control and spin than Edge. It also lasted me almost 2 weeks playing 4 times a week where Edge would barely last a week. I'm considering buying a reel of both of these strings, and you can even get a mini reel of Cavier if you like it.
Just for reference, I am using the Champagne Lynx tour, haven't tried the grey/silver yet.
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JOSHL
Hall of Fame
What gauge Lynx tour? Just got done hitting the 16g for the first time and really enjoyed it.
djNEiGht
Legend
what tension and racquet? I did not like it at first in the Prestige Mid...but it kind of grew on me. Not so much as I'd be in a hurry to get more (i still have few anyways) but I would be keen to try the orange version that was in a lot of the demos
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
I find Hyper Soft 18 to be very similar to HyperG 18 in power/control and spin generation while being much more comfortable and possibly lasting at least five hours more than HyperG before it goes dead. If you are over 50 with aging tendons, it is an easy decision to switch to HyperG Soft. I don’t see any downside to switching so far.
what racquet/tension do you use and what is your level/playstyle?
jugheadfla
Semi-Pro
17g at 52lbs in a 360+ Prestige Pro
jugheadfla
Semi-Pro
I'm not sure what string was in those demos because as far as I know Head doesn't make any orange strings. Maybe it was Poly Tour Rev?
g4driver
Legend
I would agree with this statement from you. HG 1.25mm and HGS 1.25mm feel very different to my elbow in my PA+ frames. I don't use strings thinner than 1.25mm other than Ghostwire as it comes in 1.27mm and 1.22mm. I try to use crosses the same gauge or within .05mm thinner when doing poly/poly hybrids. The PA(PA+) has a uber open 16x19 pattern and thinner strings don't work for me in that frame. I am even considering going to 1.30mm HGS/GW 1.27mm and Firewire 1.30mm/GW 1.27mm.
HG 1.25mm/GW 1.22mm works for me in a PA, but I can't hit with it four days in a row without feeling it in my elbow.
TW's written reviews are nice, but the best review is when you hit with the strings yourself. Plenty of reputable posters on this thread who have hit with HG and HGS to get an idea of where HGS sits compared to HG.
I have had HGS 1.25mm / GW 1.22mm in one of my four PA+ frames since this playtest ended. Currently on my third frame of HGS/GW. I have Tier One's Firewire 1.25mm/GW 1.22mm in another, VCT 1.30mm in a third, and HDMX 1.35 mm / YPTA in a 4th frame for a cold-weather only (40F and below only as we have zero indoor courts in Charleston SC. Our Spring leagues to start in late January with "scheduled start" times 730 pm for the men. It sucks playing when the temps are below 40F with poly strings.
VCT 1.30mm user for 8+ years and I can hit with HGS/GW, FW/GW or VCT with not much variation in my game. Those three setups are very similar. FW/GW being the stiffest, VCT being the least stiff. Before our leagues start, I will string two frames with HGS/GW, keep VCT 1.30mm in the other and keep the HDMX/YPTA for the inevitable cold weather matches that will happen. FW/GW is a bit stiff considering I am hitting in the low 40s on occasion. It's nice when the temps are 60 and up, but our 18+ , and 40+ leagues are outdoor only at night and start in January.
Had my second outing today again with Hyper G Soft 17 at 55 lbs (when strung yesterday) in the blade against my regular 4.5 all around hitting partner. Settled in nicely. I'd definitely have some more elbow pain with same gauge standard G from yesterday, but feeling better than expected. No complaints, but still doesn't have the magic of the original.
Lynx Tour I believe
Lynx Tour I believe
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jugheadfla
Semi-Pro
If it is in fact Lynx Tour I would be so happy. It would look amazing in the 360+ PP!
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Yes it is rumored to be an orange Lynx tour string, I am also very excited. Hopefully it comes out in January with the new radicals.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
50lbs in a Clash 100. Liked it from the first hit, which is unusual for me.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
Pure Strike Tour (G3) with VS17/HG Soft18 at 47/44 or 48/44 lbs tension. I’m a 4.5 all-court player who plays about 50% singles, 40% doubles and 10% lessons/drills - play almost daily between 500-600 hours a year. I used VS/HG for about six months at 48/44 before switching to VS/HGS two months ago.
I also tested VS17 mains/poly 18 crosses with ALU Power (great for 5-6 hours, lasts 8 hours), Tour Bite Soft (too much power and not enough spin compared to HG), Cyclone (great spin/control for ground strokes, less power on serves, lasts only 10 hours) and Cyclone Tour (lower power, less spin than HG, lasts 10-12 hours). Not only do I like playing with HG and HGS hybrids better, but they are the only strings so far that don’t feel harsh/erratic and ‘go dead’ in less than 15 hours so far among the thin poly crosses I’ve tried this year. The only other cross I can see myself using is ALU Power, but it seems to have the shortest lifetime which rules it out for me. I usually break the gut around 15 hours and except for HG Soft, I have to cut out the strings in most cases because the other poly crosses ‘go dead’ before I break the gut. I’m in my early fifties with a sensitive elbow and since I play every day, I‘m diligent about cutting out the strings as soon as I feel that they are getting harsh and erratic.
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Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I'm not sure how what you wrote relates to my response that you quoted. In any case, no one disputes that what requirements a pro would have will differ significantly from a club player. Even so, if you acknowledge that most TT participants are at the 3.0 to 4.0 level (which by the way I am not), then why even bring up what a 5.5 player would use when it isn't applicable to players who you don't believe are reading what you write on this forum?
Think you mentioned you did not see reasons to use hg vs hgs, that’s all. Guess i had a few min to kill and share my 2 cents.
g4driver
Legend
There are plenty of well-respected TT participants on this forum who are 4.5C and 5.0C rated players.
You happened to have quoted one of them in post @236, @Injured Again. And yes, there are a lot of TT posters who think they are 4.5C and 5.0C players What percentage of rec players are 5.5? I would guess less than 0.5%. I had a 5.0 player in his early thirties request HGS 1.25mm for his Volk C10 Pros less than a month ago. It's pretty rare to have a 5.5 client for me personally. What a touring pro or 5.5 uses is something I don't care about. Why would I care? I simply want to provide the best stringing service to my clients whether they are a 3.0 or a 5.5 and everyone in between.
5.5 player: Do you have Alu Power?
Me: Yes in 1.25mm and 1.25mm Alu Power Rough
5.5 player: Can you string my PD's at 50lbs with Alu Power?
Me: Yes. Want them back today or tomorrow?
5.5 player: No rush. I have 10 of them
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I believe it’s actually the opposite...the lower level players would be less likely to be able to tell the difference between strings whereas the higher level players would be able to differentiate. I am a 4.5 similar to @Injured Again and I’d classify us as connoisseurs of strings.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I re-read my response back to you and apologize for the aggressive tone in that post.
Over the past year or so, it's become more apparent to me, as a soon to be 60 year old 4.5, that many of the newer, high end strings that have become available and are purported to be used by pro players, are kind of like you describe in that they are highly consistent and predictable across a wide range of swing speeds and trajectories. This predictability comes with some downsides for recreational players, who are the vast majority of the market. At the higher end of recreational players, who may have consistency of swing to be able to use heavy spins but don't have the racquet head speed of college/pro players, and need help from the string. At the middle and lower end are players that use poly because they like the durability or the fact that the strings don't move around, but don't have the stroke mechanics to take advantage of poly strings. These newer strings, like PT Rev and Lynx Tour (which was Experimental) are softer to help ease impact related injuries, and provide slightly better grip than round strings for spin generation, while being very consistent and predictable for the highest end players.
HG and HGS aren't in that category, though there are still many pros that use them (like Querrey and Brady). When someone uses a string like this, they are by default accepting the downsides which are more sensitivity to incoming spin, greater changes in launch angle depending on the amount of spin the player is trying to impart, and changes in launch angle and performance as edges wear. That effect is present in both strings to basically the same degree, and I believe the majority of players who participated in that test agreed that consistency of response between HG and HGS was pretty much equal between the two strings.
So to me it seems if there is a preference for one or the other, it comes down more to feel than performance, and to me HGS provides a little more positive feedback than the relatively muted HG, and in that way is more similar to PT Rev and Lynx Tour.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
By the way, as my wife and I were sitting down to a very nice dinner that she made, I said she was a food connoisseur and that someone earlier called me a string connoisseur. She looked over at my overflowing heap of string reels and packets and said "I don't think so... You kind of go through strings like you go through food. Whatever you have never seems to be enough and it doesn't seem to matter what you eat as long as it's edible..."
Can't say she's wrong.
By the way, as my wife and I were sitting down to a very nice dinner that she made, I said she was a food connoisseur and that someone earlier called me a string connoisseur. She looked over at my overflowing heap of string reels and packets and said "I don't think so... You kind of go through strings like you go through food. Whatever you have never seems to be enough and it doesn't seem to matter what you eat as long as it's edible..."
Can't say she's wrong.
That’s why I keep buying and demoing racquets too!!!!! It’s never enough!
MisterP
Hall of Fame
It is 100% orange Lynx Tour. I asked Michelle about it on the TW podcast and she said it should go on sale sometime in January. They have Lynx Tour in gray as well, which plays very nice.
g4driver
Legend
bring that demo frame with that worn out 6 month old Hyoer G tonight unless we are playing together, then and only then are you allowed to use the 2021 Gray Radical MP with Lynx Tour in Moneyball.
MisterP
Hall of Fame
Oops. I guess I should have read this message before Moneyball.
Thanks @g4driver for the reply. I tried VCT 16g in my Clash 98 @22kg (a lot thanks to your comments in other threads ). A little to much power so next time I will try 23kg. Really liked the soft response, due to some elbow problems in the past I'm trying to stick with soft polys. Also have some Hyper G Soft to try, would you recommend same string tension as for VCT based on your experience?
g4driver
Legend
For HGS, I would drop the tension at least 1 kg or 2 lbs compared to VCT. I use VCT 1.30mm and HGS 1.25mm or Tier One FireWire 1.25mm
Bit late to the party here, but as i hadn't found any info on this setup (racquet string combo) thought i'd mention it.
I strung my Yonex Ezone 100 up with Hyper g soft 18/1.15 @ 54lbs.
Normally I use 16 or 17 in reg hyper g somewhere between 52/54lbs which i like, but wanted to try soft and they didnt have it in 17.
I'd say im an all court player, hit with heavy topspin, good serve, love being at the net, OHBH. I dont have a ranking as i play in Aus but i'd say I'm an honest 5.0
I played 3 sets against a guy who I typically beat but we have good rallies with some tight sets.
Not this time, took me 30 mins to get used to it, then we started playing and I was absolutely ripping through the ball, best tennis i've played and beat him 6-1 6-1 6-3
There was quite a strong wind to play with or against, neither posed a problem for me.
Groundstrokes were fantastic both sides, topspin was unreal, with great slice off both sides. Ball pocketing felt unreal, i was really able to swing through the ball and place it effectively.
Volleys were on point too.
Serves were great, I've been recovering from tendonitis in my rotator cuff and as a result slightly improved my technique, I was hitting big consistent first serves, and great kick second serves with maybe 2 or 3 double faults in 3 sets.
Now, given i changed 2 variables going from regular to soft and to a thinner gauge, I'm not sure which made more difference, i'll prob try 17g next to see. I'd also like to try PTP in this frame as i liked it in my old DR100.
Anyway, best string set up i've come across, stoked. Will try stringing at 50lbs next maybe just to see but 54 felt great.
Cheers
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I strung my Yonex Ezone 100 up with Hyper g soft 18/1.15 @ 54lbs.
Normally I use 16 or 17 in reg hyper g somewhere between 52/54lbs which i like, but wanted to try soft and they didnt have it in 17.
I'd say im an all court player, hit with heavy topspin, good serve, love being at the net, OHBH. I dont have a ranking as i play in Aus but i'd say I'm an honest 5.0
I played 3 sets against a guy who I typically beat but we have good rallies with some tight sets.
Not this time, took me 30 mins to get used to it, then we started playing and I was absolutely ripping through the ball, best tennis i've played and beat him 6-1 6-1 6-3
There was quite a strong wind to play with or against, neither posed a problem for me.
Groundstrokes were fantastic both sides, topspin was unreal, with great slice off both sides. Ball pocketing felt unreal, i was really able to swing through the ball and place it effectively.
Volleys were on point too.
Serves were great, I've been recovering from tendonitis in my rotator cuff and as a result slightly improved my technique, I was hitting big consistent first serves, and great kick second serves with maybe 2 or 3 double faults in 3 sets.
Now, given i changed 2 variables going from regular to soft and to a thinner gauge, I'm not sure which made more difference, i'll prob try 17g next to see. I'd also like to try PTP in this frame as i liked it in my old DR100.
Anyway, best string set up i've come across, stoked. Will try stringing at 50lbs next maybe just to see but 54 felt great.
Cheers
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