Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Yonex Poly Tour Pro (blue) 1.25 & 1.15

[Injured Again]

That would just launch the ball to the moon....

Just to add some context, I'm using an SW104, which is 18X19 and 104 square inches. My first stringjob used my regular stringing tensions, which are 51 pounds in the center eight mains, decreasing to 38 pounds on the outer mains, and 46 pounds in the center five crosses, decreasing to 32 pounds at the top and bottom cross. The effective stringbed stiffness is probably equivalent to a consistent tension of maybe 45-46 pounds on both mains and crosses. I had no control issues with the string up to the point where it broke. It felt very predictable right until the end. With this second string set, I'm going to go down 5% to see if I can get a bit higher launch angle and a bit more spin capability. The launch angle and spin capability was really what interested me for this test. Since I'm a fan of sharply shaped polys, I have always wondered whether a thinner, round poly string could give me the same bite on the ball, especially since after a few hours, my preferred 17 gauge Silver 7 Tour has worn to a smooth and round shape anyway. At least in this first test, the PTP doesn't grip the ball as well, even when it was new and S7T is old and worn into basically a round string shape. But S7T is inherently more powerful and I have learned to control that so this next try with 1.15 PTP at lower tensions will be very interesting to me.

 

[Thiem's 1HB]

I have tried it, and I liked it. Not with this string, but with other polys. It is now my default setup to use 1.10-1.15 poly in the crosses. It makes the whole stringbed "alive".

I haven't tried a thinner cross mostly because I'm too lazy to string two piece unless I have to, but there have been many testimonials that a thinner cross does help. It makes sense because the mains have to bend less so the inter-string pressure decreases because the pressure is dependent on the tension on the string working against the angle of the bend. Also, as the mains are displaced, they have to "climb" up the slope created by the cross string as it is bent by the next main string. That slope is less with a thinner cross. The mains being more free to move is what is the basis of spaghetti stringing which really can create some crazy amounts of spin.

I've actually got 1.25 and 1.20 in the yellow PTP. I'm going to try combining them up with the next restring too see what it's like, though I have to admit that I've been perfectly happy with 1.25 full bed. I suspect using a thinner cross might be very much racquet dependant but we shall see...

 

[taydbear7]

Background: I played in high school but took a 15-year hiatus and started playing again two years ago. I'm more of a defensive player but will chip and charge whenever possible. Playing at the net is my biggest strength both in doubles and singles. I’m usually a flat ball hitter.

Which gauge did you test?: 115

Tension(s) used for playtest: 50

Regular string set up & tension: I usually do hybrid of Luxilon ALU 16g @ 53 and Tecnifibre NRG2 16g @50. Sometimes I will do a full bed of Hyper G 16g @55. I’ve been testing a lot of strings the past couple of years that include Solinco Hyper G, Gosen, Dunlop Black Widow, Tecnifibre Ice Code. Mayami Big Twist, Ytex, and Luxilon ALU Power.

Racquet used for test: Diadem Elevate Tour 16x20

Power/Control of test string: It's very low power. You will have to generate your own power. I feel like I must swing extra hard to get depth on the ball. The power on the serve wasn't where it was with my usually string setup. I have to say that I did get an extra kick on the kick serve which was nice and unexpected. I didn’t get the extra pop that I usually get on volleys which is usually my forte. I will say control is probably my favorite thing about this string. I feel like I’m hitting the same spot on the court consistently on the groundstrokes. Rarely does the ball fly off the racquet. On occasion it will fly off my backhand because that part of my game is very weak at the moment. I couldn't feel he ball pocketing as well as say a Hyper G.

Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): It’s not stiff I can say that for sure. I would say they are very comfortable. It reminds me of YTex strings but not as soft as Tecnifibre Ice Code.

Spin: Regarding the slice on my backhand, I didn’t get the extra spin that I usually do with my other strings. There was a couple times my slice (backspin) was on point during the return that my opponents couldn't run them down. I’m usually a flat hitter so the spin is decent I will say the few times I went for it. I will say a few times the return of serve caught the server off guard when it went off the racquet it looked like it was going to fly long but it came a few feet inside the baseline.

Durability: I would say pretty good single it’s holding up so far. The minor grip would be the strings is already moving and I have to adjust them back. Like I said earlier, I’m not an aggressive baseline player so the durability will probably be great for someone who chips and charge like me.

Playability Duration: I’ve played 3 matches and 1 hitting this session with the string and I have to say it’s been consistent. The ball is hitting at the same spot on the court every single time.

Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? Explain answer): I would probably string it a little tighter. I noticed the strings moved quite a bit and I had to adjust them back occasionally.

List any additional thoughts (optional): I would say this strength would probably do well a Prince 93P. I might have to give it a shot. I think this string does every well but there is really nothing that make it stands out. Thanks TW and staff for allowing me to try this out. This is my first experience with Yonex of any kind and I will certainly look into their other products.

 

[McLovin]

Glad to see the deadline has been extended to May 13th. I hope to get out for some fairly regular hitting in the coming weeks. Now that the weather is getting better I can frequent a few semi-private outdoor courts near my house.

Only drawback is one of my regular hitting partners is enforcing a strict 'no touching of the tennis balls' rule, so there is no serving. We pick the ball up w/ the racquet, then feed it in & hit. A bit of a pain, but I'm not going to criticize him given all we're seeing in Italy & NYC...

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Have two pairs of balls, preferably different numbers or models - or put an 'x' or whatever on two of them; you only serve/touch your two designated balls, and your hitting partner only serves/touches his two.
If you're going to stay covid safe, keep your hands off each other's balls #safetennis

 

[SteveI]

Glad to see the deadline has been extended to May 13th. I hope to get out for some fairly regular hitting in the coming weeks. Now that the weather is getting better I can frequent a few semi-private outdoor courts near my house.

Only drawback is one of my regular hitting partners is enforcing a strict 'no touching of the tennis balls' rule, so there is no serving. We pick the ball up w/ the racquet, then feed it in & hit. A bit of a pain, but I'm not going to criticize him given all we're seeing in Italy & NYC...

I am sure I am not making the deadline. No one around to hit at my level... all the public courts are now full since the clubs are closed. Ever think that maybe the impact of the ball on the strings is expressing fuzz and other things into the air... right at head and eye level? The longer you keep your head in the strike zone... etc. Using the two sets of balls is a nice idea. I hear the virus can live on surfaces for 15 days... yikes

Just a thought.. I love tennis.. but I can do without it for a while. I have been playing for 51 years... and it is only March. Lots of season to go.

 

[McLovin]

Have two pairs of balls, preferably different numbers or models - or put an 'x' or whatever on two of them; you only serve/touch your two designated balls, and your hitting partner only serves/touches his two.
If you're going to stay covid safe, keep your hands off each other's balls #safetennis

It’s a good idea, but I imagine he’ll worry about transfer from my hand -> ball -> his strings. Then he touches his strings w/ his hands (e.g., unconsciously straightening them). Now it’s on his hands.

Honestly I don’t know if that is possible, but he’s extremely cautious. But, better that than being careless.

 

[SteveI]

I think tennis singles... is pretty safe. I see kids playing basketball .. soccer and street hockey... not so safe

 

[samprasbackhand]

Was also selected for this playtest but haven't even had a chance to pick up my racket from the shop. Not even sure if I'll make the review deadline given the situation

 

[!<-_->!]

Public courts are officially closed down. Also don't expect to meet the deadline.

 

[mhkeuns]

It's best to be safe and be away from tennis & parks for a while. Hopefully a short while, though. I'm going nuts not being able to play.

 

[SteveI]

Public courts are officially closed down. Also don't expect to meet the deadline.

Public courts are officially closed down. Also don't expect to meet the deadline.

Same here... not going to happen. I am sure TW understands.. I am in NY State... no way this is getting better for a while.

 

[SteveI]

It's best to be safe and be away from tennis & parks for a while. Hopefully a shorty while, though. I'm going nuts not being able to play.

I am hiking solo.. early in the day to avoid folks and riding my bike. Have been doing drops and some serving .. again.. very early in the day. Most of the kids that are out of school are doing lessons in AM. The afternoons are busy in the parks. Work on my yard in afternoons.

 

[chinny562]

Public courts are officially closed down. Also don't expect to meet the deadline.

Yeah I don't think I could be able to play test any time soon either.. A bit bum but it is what it is.. Finally chosen to play test an item by tw staff and this happened. Poo..

 

[djNEiGht]

crossing fingers for you guys in the test that May 13 gives you enough time.

 

[taydbear7]

I've been lucky enough that one of the facility is still open. Its a first come basis. You have to get there right after work because the lights does not come on when the sun goes down. They are starting to shut them down other public facility though. One public park put up chains and locks and one facility just closed on April 3rd following the announcement from USTA. Also there is a neighborhood down the road that has two courts but you need an access code to get in but two of the guys on the team live in the neighborhood so I've been able to play there too.

 

[Injured Again]

I've gotten an invitation to hit on a private court, so I strung up my SW104 with a second sample pack of PTP Blue 1.15. This time, I dropped the tensions about 5% from where I normally strung and where I tested the PTP the first go-around.

So instead of center mains at 51 pounds and center crosses at 46 pounds, I'm using 48/43.

I haven't hit a ball for a few weeks now so I'm not sure how well I'm going to be able to test, but I wanted to try and get some impressions with a lower reference tension before May 13th.

 

[ezekiel114]

crossing fingers for you guys in the test that May 13 gives you enough time.

call me a pessimist. i don't think i'll be able to get to a court by may 13th. i have a feeling in a couple of weeks, they'll extend it until mid May or worse...

 

[TW Staff]

call me a pessimist. i don't think i'll be able to get to a court by may 13th. i have a feeling in a couple of weeks, they'll extend it until mid May or worse...

The deadline is now May 31, after which the thread will no longer be actively maintained on top of the forum. Given that safety is the highest priority, there will obviously be no penalty for not submitting a review.

 

[taydbear7]

We're all in this together.

 

[McLovin]

call me a pessimist. i don't think i'll be able to get to a court by may 13th. i have a feeling in a couple of hours, they'll extend it until mid May or worse...

Fixed it for you

I still have access to a semi-private court, however, finding people to hit with is hard. I may simply string up the blue & yellow YPTP and go hit against my ball machine. At least I'll be able to give some empirical data on tension, as well as whether there is any discernible difference in feel.

 

[chinny562]

The deadline is now May 31, after which the thread will no longer be actively maintained on top of the forum. Given that safety is the highest priority, there will obviously be no penalty for not submitting a review.

Thank gosh..! I feel so horrible for getting the strings and not being able to playtest it. Thank you TW Staff!

 

[JOSHL]

Ok since I am not sure when I will be able to get on the courts again I will leave a very simple and brief review because I barely got to hit with it.

Which guage did you test? 1.25

Tension used for playtest: 50 pounds strung on 3-10-2020

Regular string set up & tension: Don't really have one but I have another racquet strung with a hybrid, poly main(PP hexaspin twist 17g) and multi cross(PP Gutex ultra).

Racquet used for test: Wilson Pro Staff 95S

Power/Control for Test String: Low power, especially right off the stringer. Control was good-above average. The power increased a bit after an hour or so of hitting.

Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): It's not a super stiff string by any means, but compared to my hybrid set up it was not as plush feeling. I would say it is a muted string that lies somewhere between crisp and stiff. Hits outside of the sweet spot were pretty harsh freshly strung but again the string played softer and in my opinion much better after about an hour or so.

Spin: Spin was average, typical for a smooth round poly. The slick coating wore off pretty quick, but I play on dirty @$$ public courts so...

Durability: Durability was about what you would expect in an open spin effect frame, I did not break the string but only got maybe a couple hours of hitting in. The string is maybe 50-60% notched in the sweet spot area.

Playability Duration: As I already mentioned I think this string played a lot better after an hour of hitting. Because it's a poly in a spin effect frame I don't expect that to last so I really cannot comment on playability duration. It played great for the 2nd hour of my 2 hour experience.

Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? Explain answer): I would probably try to sting lower to get that feel I got after the first hour of hitting, so maybe 47lbs next time.

List any additional thoughts (optional): I desperately wish I could have spent more time with this string. I love the color but all in all I would say that it's your garden variety smooth round poly. And for the price point of this string there are many many cheaper alternatives that play the same or better.

Thank you Tennis Warehouse, Talk Tennis and Yonex for letting me jump in on this!

Wash your hands!

 

[Thiem's 1HB]

There's a review of the blue version in last month's ERSA Pro Stringer Mag:

Pro Stringer 2 - 2020 | PDF | Athletic Sports | Racquet Sports

Racquet sports magazine covering tennis, badminton and squash. New products, industry news, technical articles and product tests.

www.scribd.com

 

[SteveI]

There's a review of the blue version in last month's ERSA Pro Stringer Mag:

Pro Stringer 2 - 2020 | PDF | Athletic Sports | Racquet Sports

Racquet sports magazine covering tennis, badminton and squash. New products, industry news, technical articles and product tests.

www.scribd.com

Thanks.. cool!! Nice read..

 

[Injured Again]

I just wanted to provide a quick update. Since stringing up my racquet with the second set of PTP 1.15, I've hit twice and these have been the only two times I have played since mid-March. Because of the lack of practice, I'm concentrating more on good technique to generate moderate ball speed and spin, essentially just trying to be a ball machine.

PTP is excellent for this. It's consistent in response, comfortable on mis-hits, and not excessively muted so there is clear feedback on how good contact was. The 6-7% lower tension has not resulted in any control issues. It has been so long that I don't remember what the higher tension felt like, but where it is now feels perfect.

I am actually wondering if, because of the long layoff, that my preferences will have changed now that I am starting to play again. I'm going to restring my other racquet with S7T, my prefered string, at my normal tension to have a reference to compare against. I do remember that when I travelled for a month and returned back to playing, it felt like my racquets were all very harsh feeling and it took some time to get used to that. This may be the same this go around, iinly I now am starting up with a cushioned and comfortable string that still have really good control. It will be interesting how my preferences progress as I play more.

 

[McLovin]

Yeah, I *may* be hitting this weekend (outdoor clay is opening), so I strung up my YPTP blue in anticipation of getting a hit in...weather permitting (its been raining a lot lately).

 

[SteveI]

Rain...rain and more rain. WNY...not many are playing and we have not hit our peak. Going in the wrong direction. Highest rate of hospitalization in upstate NY. Not going to make the deadline. Not going to post a review based on hitting on a wall..doing drops and serving. Sorry gang !

 

[SteveI]

I just wanted to provide a quick update. Since stringing up my racquet with the second set of PTP 1.15, I've hit twice and these have been the only two times I have played since mid-March. Because of the lack of practice, I'm concentrating more on good technique to generate moderate ball speed and spin, essentially just trying to be a ball machine.

PTP is excellent for this. It's consistent in response, comfortable on mis-hits, and not excessively muted so there is clear feedback on how good contact was. The 6-7% lower tension has not resulted in any control issues. It has been so long that I don't remember what the higher tension felt like, but where it is now feels perfect.

I am actually wondering if, because of the long layoff, that my preferences will have changed now that I am starting to play again. I'm going to restring my other racquet with S7T, my prefered string, at my normal tension to have a reference to compare against. I do remember that when I travelled for a month and returned back to playing, it felt like my racquets were all very harsh feeling and it took some time to get used to that. This may be the same this go around, iinly I now am starting up with a cushioned and comfortable string that still have really good control. It will be interesting how my preferences progress as I play more.

Glad to hear our super reviewer has some feedback for us to give us hope! Nice work as always! You the man!!!

Don't post video...the tennis police might track you down!!!

 

[McLovin]

I'm going to restring my other racquet with S7T, my prefered string, at my normal tension to have a reference to compare against.

Too funny. Since clay is opening up, I was going to restring one of mine w/ S7T as well. I haven't hit w/ my preferred string on the clay (Native Tour), and I remember really enjoying S7T last summer. Will be interesting to see how we align on the comparison...assuming we can both get out.

Also, like you, I haven't hit since March, so it will be interesting to see if my preference has changed at all.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-im not part of the playtest, but i got a chance to string this up before the "big sick"
-this was a low tension experiment on this racquet
-this y.ptp string is perfect for this racquet
-18g 1.20mm at "27lbs" lowest tension ive tried so far
-here are some pics
-this racquet and string color, just go together

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[gutfeeling]

I just wanted to provide a quick update. Since stringing up my racquet with the second set of PTP 1.15, I've hit twice and these have been the only two times I have played since mid-March. Because of the lack of practice, I'm concentrating more on good technique to generate moderate ball speed and spin, essentially just trying to be a ball machine.

PTP is excellent for this. It's consistent in response, comfortable on mis-hits, and not excessively muted so there is clear feedback on how good contact was. The 6-7% lower tension has not resulted in any control issues. It has been so long that I don't remember what the higher tension felt like, but where it is now feels perfect.

I am actually wondering if, because of the long layoff, that my preferences will have changed now that I am starting to play again. I'm going to restring my other racquet with S7T, my prefered string, at my normal tension to have a reference to compare against. I do remember that when I travelled for a month and returned back to playing, it felt like my racquets were all very harsh feeling and it took some time to get used to that. This may be the same this go around, iinly I now am starting up with a cushioned and comfortable string that still have really good control. It will be interesting how my preferences progress as I play more.

This is the experience I have when I switch between tour bite and poly tour pro. Tour bite murders the ball with action at the expense of my arm, especially as it ages/stiffens. Poly tour pro is more plush and linear/consistent throughout its life, at the expense of some action on the ball. I have to keep the tension low with tour bite, but can play higher with poly tour pro without discomfort. Another plus for poly tour pro is the incredible pricing for reels if you know where to look.

 

[Injured Again]

Glad to hear our super reviewer has some feedback for us to give us hope! Nice work as always! You the man!!!

Don't post video...the tennis police might track you down!!!

Sorry to hear things are not headed in the right direction in New York state. Things have also gotten a bit worse in our state but more recreation is being allowed to re-open. Golf is on that list, due to intense lobbying, but tennis is not. However, a set of very nice courts has opened up with a sign stating that these will officially remain open unless overcrowding exists, in which case they will be shut down again. Our weather also looks like it's going to get better so I feel pretty confident I'll be able to get a full double-review in.

My first set of PTP lasted 4-5 hours. At about 2 1/2 hours of this easy hitting, there's a small amount of notching. The wear rate is about half of what I experienced when I was playing consistently but that was indoors and all of my hitting now is outdoors where I thought the dust and grit would wear the strings faster. Will be hitting again tomorrow morning with my son who has only played once since mid-March so it will be another easy outdoor session.

 

[Injured Again]

Also, like you, I haven't hit since March, so it will be interesting to see if my preference has changed at all.

Every time I've spent a few weeks not playing tennis, I always seem to come back and play decently at first, trying just to simplify everything and to make good contact with good timing. After a couple of sessions, I then try to go back to my normal style, hit more spin and harder, and then my level of play drops again. There is a lesson there that maybe I'm too stubborn to realize. But also in there is the time when I start to get used to what feels like a harsh stringbed when first coming back, and then that is what I think I prefer from that point going forward. At age 58, that game I try to play when I first start back up will be the only game I have in a few years so I'm really going to take the opportunity now to figure out what is going on between my ears. I'm very interested to see how your progression is also.

 

[jwocky]

Rain...rain and more rain. WNY...not many are playing and we have not hit our peak. Going in the wrong direction. Highest rate of hospitalization in upstate NY. Not going to make the deadline. Not going to post a review based on hitting on a wall..doing drops and serving. Sorry gang !

Many immediate and extended family as well as friends on the frontlines.

Stay well everyone at TTW and TW. We need to exercise self-discipline and be patient. We can still work on fitness - physical, intellectual, mental, spiritual , etc., learn new skills/languages during this time.

 

[SteveI]

Many immediate and extended family as well as friends on the frontlines.

Stay well everyone at TTW and TW. We need to exercise self-discipline and be patient. We can still work on fitness - physical, intellectual, mental, spiritual , etc., learn new skills/languages during this time.

Thanks so much...

 

[taydbear7]

I wanted to give an update. So yesterday I busted out the racquet with this string. When I did a test run I didn't do any modification to the racquet. Yesterday I added to lead to the 3 and 9 to add stability and it made a world of difference. Earlier in the match I was playing with a Wilson Ultra strung with gut/poly. The second set I decided to play with the Diadem with Yonex string and noticed the extra bit on crosscourt forehand and even some nice spin. A few times I thought the ball would sail long only to have it dropped in. My opponent told me he noticed the extra spin with Yonex.

 

[Injured Again]

Hit for a little more than an hour yesterday with my son on some open outdoor courts. Tried to play close attention to the response difference between the PTP 1.15 and the 17 gauge S7T and the major differences all occur at the higher end of my swing speed capabilities. I started out with the PTP for the first 30 minutes and it was great for friendly, 80% rally pace, down-the-middle hitting. Switching to the freshly strung S7T was exactly as I expected. Much crisper response, higher launch angle, and more spin with the same stroke trajectory, but also a much harsher impact on mis-hits. I switched back and forth every few minutes, gradually ramping up how hard I hit the ball. Nearing the end of our time, it was pretty clear that the PTP had an almost too-cushioned, kind of mushy response on my hardest groundstrokes and made it feel like I didn't have nearly the same level of either directional or distance accuracy as I do with S7T. I don't recall this same sensation with my previous PTP string job that was done at my normal tensions that are about 6-7% higher than I used this time.

I finished up with the S7T and had a great last few minutes of hitting, which reaffirms why this is my string of choice. It almost felt like I was getting back to near my pre-COVID levels of ball striking, though the movement will take some time to come back. My realization is that I currently seem to choose string based on how well it performs when I hit very aggressively, and am willing to compromise other attributes like comfort when hitting normal rally shots as long as the ball responds predictably and consistently like I'm expecting. For me, that "wow" moment is hitting four or five rally shots, then taking a big rip at one and hitting it cleanly into a corner. The S7T gives me belief I can do that more than when I'm using PTP at this lowered tension.

As far as the PTP, I almost feel like I need a third set to try it again at my normal tensions. I really do like it and feel it is among the best of the round strings I've tried in the last year. Wear on the cross string surfaces and notching of the mains are both noticeable with just under three hours of outdoor hitting, but playability seems to be unchanged and still very consistent. We're going through a few day rainy period but next week the weather will be warming up considerably above where we have been, with one day reaching the upper 70's F.

 

[gutfeeling]

Hit for a little more than an hour yesterday with my son on some open outdoor courts. Tried to play close attention to the response difference between the PTP 1.15 and the 17 gauge S7T and the major differences all occur at the higher end of my swing speed capabilities. I started out with the PTP for the first 30 minutes and it was great for friendly, 80% rally pace, down-the-middle hitting. Switching to the freshly strung S7T was exactly as I expected. Much crisper response, higher launch angle, and more spin with the same stroke trajectory, but also a much harsher impact on mis-hits. I switched back and forth every few minutes, gradually ramping up how hard I hit the ball. Nearing the end of our time, it was pretty clear that the PTP had an almost too-cushioned, kind of mushy response on my hardest groundstrokes and made it feel like I didn't have nearly the same level of either directional or distance accuracy as I do with S7T. I don't recall this same sensation with my previous PTP string job that was done at my normal tensions that are about 6-7% higher than I used this time.

I finished up with the S7T and had a great last few minutes of hitting, which reaffirms why this is my string of choice. It almost felt like I was getting back to near my pre-COVID levels of ball striking, though the movement will take some time to come back. My realization is that I currently seem to choose string based on how well it performs when I hit very aggressively, and am willing to compromise other attributes like comfort when hitting normal rally shots as long as the ball responds predictably and consistently like I'm expecting. For me, that "wow" moment is hitting four or five rally shots, then taking a big rip at one and hitting it cleanly into a corner. The S7T gives me belief I can do that more than when I'm using PTP at this lowered tension.

As far as the PTP, I almost feel like I need a third set to try it again at my normal tensions. I really do like it and feel it is among the best of the round strings I've tried in the last year. Wear on the cross string surfaces and notching of the mains are both noticeable with just under three hours of outdoor hitting, but playability seems to be unchanged and still very consistent. We're going through a few day rainy period but next week the weather will be warming up considerably above where we have been, with one day reaching the upper 70's F.

I’ve never hit the 1.15. The 1.20 or 1.25 may give you the response you are looking for. The 1.25 is a little softer than the 1.20. The 1.20 puts a little more action on the ball. Both are very controlled/linear in response, with the 1.25 being the less powerful of the two.

 

[Injured Again]

I’ve never hit the 1.15. The 1.20 or 1.25 may give you the response you are looking for. The 1.25 is a little softer than the 1.20. The 1.20 puts a little more action on the ball.

I still am in love with shaped poly strings but my evolution over the past several months has been to thinner and thinner gauges. When I switched to the 18X19 SW104 from the Overdrive 110 16X19, the one attribute that changed the most was the lowered launch angle. Because I was using an OS racquet, all I had were 1.30 and thicker strings and that's what I initially put into the SW104. I just found over time that thinner strings not only give me back some of that higher launch angle, but that I much preferred to put weight on the frame at 3 and 9 o'clock using lead tape, and using thinner strings.

Previously, I had tested Diadem and Dunlop round strings for TW, as well as trying Evolution, all in 1.25 thickness. This was my first opportunity to try a really thin, round string and I was really curious if the added spin I could get would get me closer to what I experience with a thin shaped poly string. So far, the answer is "no". However, the PTP 1.15 is so light I had to add a little bit more weight to 3 and 9 o'clock and I believe I can feel, and prefer, the added stability from the weight being concentrated there rather than being spread out over the entire stringbed.

You know, after I get there, it seems so obvious I wonder why it took me so long to figure some of this stuff out.

 

[Injured Again]

Had about another 80 minutes of hitting with PTP 1.15 on an outdoor court in cool morning conditions. Getting more back into playing as I did pre-pandemic and am noticing more that at the upper end of my swing speed capabilities, the string feels a bit imprecise as there's just a bit too much elasticity. The launch angle is lower and the ability to pick up a low ball with a lot of topspin is missing, but otherwise it continues to be a very comfortable, consistent, predictable string at the lower tensions I used this second time.

It looks like notching increased significantly with this last hit. We used a new can of US Open balls that are very hard and a bit heavy feeling and that probably contributed to the wear. The mains are remaining out of position and I'd expect the string to break the next time out, which should be either later today or tomorrow morning.

 

[Thiem's 1HB]

A comment about whether the blue plays any differently to the yellow. In my view, it does - its slightly crisper feeling than the yellow. Not by a huge amount but slightly. The yellow feels smoother on contact with the ball. Both versions are good strings though.

 

[sanister]

A comment about whether the blue plays any differently to the yellow. In my view, it does - its slightly crisper feeling than the yellow. Not by a huge amount but slightly. The yellow feels smoother on contact with the ball. Both versions are good strings though.

That is weird.YPTP yellow is my main string and I use it a lot. I could not tell any difference with blue.Same racquet same tension.And I usually pick up nuances very quickly.Did you try both in same gauges?

 

[Thiem's 1HB]

That is weird.YPTP yellow is my main string and I use it a lot. I could not tell any difference with blue.Same racquet same tension.And I usually pick up nuances very quickly.Did you try both in same gauges?

Yeah, it was the same gauge -1.25mm, as that's the gauge I use in yellow. I suppose the circumstances were different though - I hit with the blue a couple of hours off the stringer so maybe that made it feel slightly more crisp? I was also using a hitting wall rather than a tennis court (they're closed where I am). I'll try it again this week to see whether my view is any different.

 

[mhkeuns]

From my brief experience, the soft feel was the stand out factor. The control was nice, but power & spin was average.

Just waiting for the courts to reopen.

 

[Injured Again]

My second set of PTP 1.15 broke today, and I'm hoping to post a full review by tomorrow morning. I really enjoyed this playtest, even though it's unlikely I'll be switching to this string, but it is a very, very nice string.

 

[gutfeeling]

Has anyone done a hybrid with 1.20 in the mains and 1.25 in the crosses? Seems like it would be a good attempt at getting the bite and spin from the 1.20 and the softness and stringed longevity from the 1.25. In my experience the yellow version of the 1.20 is stiffer and more spin friendly than the yellow 1.25.

 

[McLovin]

Has anyone done a hybrid with 1.20 in the mains and 1.25 in the crosses? Seems like it would be a good attempt at getting the bite and spin from the 1.20 and the softness and stringed longevity from the 1.25. In my experience the yellow version of the 1.20 is stiffer and more spin friendly than the yellow 1.25.

I know @downs_chris used to do this all the time. Not sure if he still does, though.

 

[mhkeuns]

Really am impressed with the string. It held the tension super well even after spending almost two months in the bag. It felt fresh and plush to hit. As I got warmed up and felt comfortable playing aggressively, I tried putting more into the ball to see how the string reacted. I feel that this string gives you in return what you exactly put into the shot meaning the string's predictable responses with encourage the aggressive players to play their aggressive tennis and the counter the strikers to counter with accuracy and confidence. The best thing about this string is its feel and predictable responses it provides. Though it does not seem to provide any extra spin, the string did encourage me to play more aggressively that resulted in more pace and spin in my game.

 

[Injured Again]

A few days ago, I broke my second set of Poly Tour Pro 1.15. I was playing hard and got a short ball on my forehand a couple of steps inside the baseline. I tried to rip a forehand down the line with as much spin and speed as I could hit. I thought I had accidentally hit the ball higher on the stringbed than where it broke.

Interesting but this is the first time that I actually heard both strings break. They happened in very rapid succession, so I heard a "snap snap". That's never happened before.

A couple of post-mortem thoughts. I pulled out my other racquet with Silver 7 Tour and noticed what seemed like 10-15% more spin for the same swingpath. Also a lot more harshness when I mis-hit. The sudden change in spin from my end was causing some timing problems for my opponent, but S7T wasn't as forgiving if I didn't catch the ball cleanly. S7T allows me to play more forcefully when on offense, is roughly equal when in a neutral rally ball situation, but is worse than PTP when I'm on the move or having to play hard defense.

I later restrung this same racquet with Isospeed Baseline Spin 1.20 to see how it compared to PTP 1.15. The answer is that there is no comparison. PTP feels more precise and controlled with equal comfort to Baseline Spin, with more spin capability and a higher launch angle. Baseline Spin feels mushy and the stringbed as a whole feels imprecise and a bit unpredictable. The PTP is a much better string overall.

Review to follow. I had to separate these posts as I was running into the 10,000 character limit on my review.