Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Yonex POLYTOUR REV string!

VacationTennis

Semi-Pro
Gauge received 17G 1.20

Tension(s) used for playtest 40lbs

Regular string set up & tension Poly Tour Pro 1.20 at 45 lbs

Racquet used for test Yonex Ai98

Power/Control of test string
I was hoping this string would be a sharp poly tour pro. It wasn’t. When I took it out of the package the night before I could tell it was a very high performance string and had flashbacks of Poly Tour Spin G, a crazy stiff string. I decided to string it 5 lbs lower than the PTP that was in my other Ai98. It wasn’t very edgy in the fingers, but very slick making it easy to string.

My first outing was at 6am on a 27 degree morning, indoors at least. I had hoped 40 lbs would help make up for a slower, colder start.

Initial power at 40 lbs was medium low, and control higher than expected for 40 lbs. Launch angle lower than expected, medium low.

Balls were launching pretty good from the baseline but always diving back in. As I gained confidence in this new string and started to take full cuts, everything was going in, just on the later and deeper side of things keeping opponents back.

Serve power was impressive for a stiffer poly. I wasn’t complaining for that early in the morning given the level of this string.

Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?)
Feel was pleasantly muted, but still some stretch to be felt at 40 lbs. More stretch than expected for cold weather and cold strings. Nowhere near as pocketey as PTP, but you had a sense of where the ball was.

It’s a serious string though, not a comfort string at all. Reminds me of a less sharp Confidential.

Ai98 worked well softening the off centers, and I needed it.

Spin
Not bitey and not felt shredding but audibly snapping back crisply and clean and visually spinning the ball heavy. Balls diving late and always going back in the court. No issues going long for low tension, and no issues going too short like a sharp Volkl Cyclone would.

It didn’t feel like a spin string. I think you really have to put it to work to see big spin from it.

Playability Duration
After 5 hours I thought the tension maint was better than average for starting so low at 40 lbs where things can usually get floppy after a few hours.. I wasn’t having any issues keeping the ball in the court depth wise, but was losing control going wide. Strings were starting to move around at 5 hours.

Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? - why?)
I personally would have strung it 5 lbs lower to get more comfort out of it. I think it could handle it and still have some control.

I played in a wide range of conditions from cold indoors to 70 degree outside and though it held together nicely at low tension.

List any additional thoughts
This string dominated from far behind the baseline and allowed me to take big wild cuts. The combination of a stiff string at low tension had me hitting winners from way far back - right where I like to be.

However, it wasn’t forgiving enough for my arm at current form and temp, so I had to end it at 5 hours.

I think it’s a big string for high performance players, and shouldn’t be taken lightly unless you are super confident in your strokes and ability.

P1055783.jpg
 

dtkim

New User
Yonex Polytour Rev String Playtest:
This was one of most colorful string I ever put on my tennis racquet. The best description of a color that I could match is “bright fluorescent attack orange neon.” It is also a most roundest shaped string I ever used. It has more rounder edges than Head Lynx Tour. I have been enjoying play testing Yonex Polytour Rev (YPtR) for over three weeks (+20 hours of heavy hitting) until the main string broke, and here are my playtest report:

Gauge received: YPtR 1.25mm / 16Lg string.

Tension(s) used for playtest: 16Lg full set with 53/51 lbs (main/cross).

Regular string set up & tension: I have been using Ashaway Kevlar 16 main, 55 lbs and Prince Tour XC 15L cross, 53 lbs setup for over a year. Recently, I am experimenting with 16/15L shaped poly main, ~53 lbs and 17/16 round poly cross, ~51 lbs. I have been using mostly Kirschbaum, Volkl, Weiss Cannon, and Tier One brand strings. My latest setup is Head Lynx Tours with 16g main and 17g cross (53/51).

Racquet used for test: Heavily customized Head Prestige Tour 600 (18 x 20).

Power/Control of test string: Playtest setup provided me with an above average power and control compared with the most co-poly strings that I have experienced with. The power was similar to Kirschbaum’s Pro Line II, and it provided me with similar control like Kirschbaum’s Pro Line Evolution.

Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): Playtest setup provided me with a more muted and comfortable feel during the ball impacts at the net, baseline, and serves compared to my current Head Lynx Tour setup.

Spin: I had no problem generating spin with YPtR. It provide me with a tad bit less spin than my current Head Lynx Tour setup.

Durability: For a less stiff co-poly, the string material durability was the above average when compared with other co-poly strings that I have experienced with before. I play tested 1.25mm YPtR string over 20 hours of hard-hitting sessions before it finally broke.

Playability Duration: Playtest setup provided a good playability until it broke. Even with many deep notches all over the main strings toward the end of the string life, the YPtR performed well, and I was very satisfied.

Tension Recommendations ( would you string it differently next time? – why?): Playtest setup at 53 lbs main/51 lbs Cross were very comfortable for me. I may vary the tension within +/- 2 lbs based on the racquet head sizes. For the mid-size, between 53/51 and 51/49. For the oversize, between 55/53 and 53/51.

List any additional thoughts ( optional): The Yonex Polytour Rev (YPtR) string is a shaped string that is very close to a round string. The YPtR string color is unique and it goes well with my Head Prestige Tour 600 racquet. The slippery coating on YPtR string provided an additional benefits when weaving the crosses during the stringing, and it did not provide any difficulties when tying the knots. After the stringing, I was not able to detect roughness on the surfaces of the YPtR string beds compared to the other freshly strung shaped string beds when I ran my fingers over them.

The YPtR string provided many string characteristics that are similar to some of the upper-end co-poly strings that I have used previously. The YPtR is less stiffer than most of the co-polys; however, the control, playability, and durability were above average, and I would like to recommend others to try.

Lastly, special thank you to @TW Staff and Yonex Company for the Yonex Polytour Rev string playtest opportunity and another very positive experience.
 

lidoazndiabloboi

Hall of Fame
Gauge received: 1.25mm 16L
Tension(s) used for playtest: 52lbs
Regular string set up & tension: Head Lynx Tour 17g @52lbs
Racquet used for test: Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Laver Cup 2018

Power/Control of test string: The first thing I notice with this string is the power level is extremely low. With my normal swing, I would be constantly double bouncing the ball back to my hitting partner. It resulted in me having to angle my shots at a higher trajectory or having to swing harder than I normally would like. But because of the lack of power, it made controlling the direction of my shots easier. My shots would not surprisingly launch out of the court.

Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): The stringbed was very tight. At 52lbs, the stringbed tightness felt like it was in the higher 50’s. The strings were not stiff and uncomfortable, but they felt as if the ball could barely pocket into the strings. Even though the stringbed was very tight, up at net, it was very comfortable hitting volleys. Drop volleys were more tough as the ball did not dwell on the strings for very long, resulting in some adjustment needed.

Spin: Spin was very average for me. I felt the strings were able to grab the ball, so it I could give the ball margin over the net, yet when the ball hit the ground, it did not kick up at the opponent resulting in shots that would be below the opponents shoulders.

Playability Duration: Through the first 4-5 sessions of using this string, it played relatively the same for me, very low powered and not much spin. By the 6th session, I started to feel the tension drop down more, and more, resulting in a much easier stringbed to use. As the tension kept dropping, the ball pocketed more in the stringbed and I was able to get slightly more power, but spin was still a struggle for me. Durability wise, there has not been much wear to the strings. I believe with such a tight stringbed, I was having a hard time spinning the ball, resulting in less string movement and wear.

Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? - why?): The next time I try these strings out, I would definitely go much lower in tension, probably trying 45lbs to see where that gets me. I would also try dropping the cross string by 3 lbs to hopefully get more movement in the mains to help spin the ball.

List any additional thoughts (optional): I believe this can be a very good control oriented string for big hitters, as long as they find the optimal tensions and setup. It is good to see the companies continue the trend of developing softer monofilament strings. And also this is a very easy string to string.

Thank you to @TW Staff and Yonex for allowing me to playtest this string. I had a blast and look forward to the next playtest.


 

RF_PRO_STAFF

Hall of Fame
Gauge received: 1.25mm 16L
Tension(s) used for playtest: 52lbs
Regular string set up & tension: Head Lynx Tour 17g @52lbs
Racquet used for test: Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Laver Cup 2018

Power/Control of test string: The first thing I notice with this string is the power level is extremely low. With my normal swing, I would be constantly double bouncing the ball back to my hitting partner. It resulted in me having to angle my shots at a higher trajectory or having to swing harder than I normally would like. But because of the lack of power, it made controlling the direction of my shots easier. My shots would not surprisingly launch out of the court.

Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): The stringbed was very tight. At 52lbs, the stringbed tightness felt like it was in the higher 50’s. The strings were not stiff and uncomfortable, but they felt as if the ball could barely pocket into the strings. Even though the stringbed was very tight, up at net, it was very comfortable hitting volleys. Drop volleys were more tough as the ball did not dwell on the strings for very long, resulting in some adjustment needed.

Spin: Spin was very average for me. I felt the strings were able to grab the ball, so it I could give the ball margin over the net, yet when the ball hit the ground, it did not kick up at the opponent resulting in shots that would be below the opponents shoulders.

Playability Duration: Through the first 4-5 sessions of using this string, it played relatively the same for me, very low powered and not much spin. By the 6th session, I started to feel the tension drop down more, and more, resulting in a much easier stringbed to use. As the tension kept dropping, the ball pocketed more in the stringbed and I was able to get slightly more power, but spin was still a struggle for me. Durability wise, there has not been much wear to the strings. I believe with such a tight stringbed, I was having a hard time spinning the ball, resulting in less string movement and wear.

Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? - why?): The next time I try these strings out, I would definitely go much lower in tension, probably trying 45lbs to see where that gets me. I would also try dropping the cross string by 3 lbs to hopefully get more movement in the mains to help spin the ball.

List any additional thoughts (optional): I believe this can be a very good control oriented string for big hitters, as long as they find the optimal tensions and setup. It is good to see the companies continue the trend of developing softer monofilament strings. And also this is a very easy string to string.

Thank you to @TW Staff and Yonex for allowing me to playtest this string. I had a blast and look forward to the next playtest.


Off topic but man that Laver Cup Pro Staff looks good with the leather grip on it.
 

snoflewis

Legend
Gauge received: 1.30mm, 16g

Tension(s) used for playtest: 50lbs on an electric constant pull

Regular string set up & tension: tier 1 black knight 1.28mm mains, tier 1 ghost wire 1.27mm crosses at 50 lbs

Racquet used for test: 2019 Babolat Pure Aero

Power/Control of test string: the power level is lower than expected given my experience with YPTP, but the control was very good. this yielded a consistent, predictable response in the pure aero as i tend to favor dead, low powered strings in the racket. directional control was solid as expected from a string that is low powered and predictable in response. the trajectory was pretty much identical to a round string. there weren't any surprises with the launch angle with the shaped string, but the string itself is also as round as it can get for a shaped string.

Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): the feel was firm and muted for me. the stringbed itself felt a bit firmer than any other setup i've tried in my racket at 50 lbs. not quite sure if this is solely due to tension, but this resulted in the string not pocketing the ball as much as i would have liked. despite this, i didn't notice any comfort issues throughout the playtest.

Spin: this was a bit of a letdown. for a string that emphasizes "bite", there didnt seem to be much. first, the string is very round for a shaped string, so there it doesnt seem to benefit much from the shape. secondly, it doesnt pocket the ball enough to allow the ball to roll off the racket when needed. all in all, spin was average and nothing to write home about.

Playability Duration: i got just under 6 hours of play until a center main broke. playability was consistent for the first ~5 hours before the strings started to give out. playability was relatively good during the first five hours with no significant changes throughout. the last hour required a bit of an adjustment as all polys do when dead, but this one was a bit tougher than my usual setup because playability dropped drastically. all in all, i'd say 6 hours is pretty good. for reference, TF ice code 1.25mm lasted 4.5 hours and was moving around from the 2nd hour.

Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? - why?): i would string 2-3 pounds lower than usual due to the stiffer stringbed and to allow it to pocket hte ball a little better. may also consider dropping just the tension in the crosses to help with this.

List any additional thoughts (optional): all in all, this was a low powered, middle of the road poly that doesn't do anything great in particular. with such a variety of polys on the market, i'm not sure this would be my pick in any situation, but it's always nice to see more variety offered to the buyer. thanks TW and Yonex for the opportunity!
 

jwocky

Rookie
Posting a playtest review this evening. Just an alert to all: a saved draft in the message box does not seem to keep for more than a day, or it could be my user error.
 

SonRK

Semi-Pro
Made it to the review date! Thank you so much for TW and Yonex for this playtest. It got cold in the East Coast (NJ) so I had to divide my playtime during some indoor sessions I could squeeze in:

Player Info: USTA 3.5M (ongoing team I captain) / UTR6 (based off league I played this past summer)

Gauge received: 1.20mm/17g

Tension(s) used for playtest: 45lbs on electronic constant pull (Was going to use it immediately off the stringer so I didn't string it at my normal 48lbs). Read 44lbs on RacquetTune app

Regular string set up & tension: Babolat Tonic 16g mains / Yonex Polytour Air 16lg crosses @ 48lbs

Racquet used for test: WIlson Clash 100 with 4g of lead tape added to 3 and 9

Power/Control of test string: Power level obviously cannot compare to that of a Nat Gut main combo that I usually use, but that being said, I have tried a full bed of Polytour Air, Hyper G, Hyper G Soft, and Isospeed Cream in the last few months and this string was the lowest of all those that I mentioned. Consistency is something I definitely got out of this string, so I would rate control very high for this playtest.

Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): I've been trying out a lot of soft strings, so this one definitely felt "stiff and muted" compared to the ones listed above. I didn't get any elbow pain except for one weird outstretched mishit I did with my arm fully extended. That one hit was very jarring!

Spin: Spin was nothing that impressive. I even felt like Yonex Polytour Air gave me better spin (but that could be due to the launch angle). It's no Hyper G, that's for sure!

Playability Duration: I cut it off at 8 hours to prevent any arm injury.

Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? - why?): I would like to get a higher launch angle / touch more power out of it, so I would probably try it at 43lbs.

List any additional thoughts (optional): At my lower levels, when I was "on" this string felt very good and consistent. I didn't have fear of hitting too deep, and had adequate spin (but nothing too special). I think if someone is looking for a semi-comfortable, consistent, low powered poly, then this is definitely in their wheelhouse.
 

jwocky

Rookie
Thank you to the @TW Staff and Yonex for this play test of Poly Tour Rev.

Yonex Poly Tour Rev (Bright Orange/1.30mm)

Yonex-Poly-Tour-Rev.png


Tension(s) used for playtest

23.5M/23.5X in kg (~52M/52X in lb) - in recent months I had been using 24kg but reduced it slightly for the colder weather. The play test tension is one I use consistently.

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 305mm (12 HL). I have been playing around with balance points and am back at 12HL.

Stringing
The shape is barely perceptble by touch, but playing with lighting does show visually discernible edges. To the touch, Poly Tour Rev is firm yet supple and easy to handle similar to other Yonex string Poly Tour Spin and Fire with which, I believe it shares the silicone oil infused filament technology.

Overall Rating of test string
9
Yes, I would buy a reel of 1.30mm in this string because it played great, was comfortable in the heavier gauge. (Bonus: the bright "construction cone" orange seemed to distract/captivate opponents ;))

Power/Control of test string
8
The temperature conditions were variable from 38F - 61F during the playtest and the racquet used, the string felt just right to me. Given the gauge, tension and generally low temperatures for most of the play test, I found ample power and control. Toward the end of the play test (16th-18th hrs) there were a few times when a normal swing generated more depth than I desired, so I will restring YPT Rev 1.30mm higher by 1kg (~2 lbs) during Spring to mid-Fall.

From the baseline the best control was when strokes were full with sufficient (>70%) racquet head speed. The string bed just felt great on serves, volleys and overheads.

Feel (Comfortable? Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? etc.,)
8
This was a firm yet very comfortable string, more muted than crisp. Toward the end of the play test (16-18 hrs) the string bed there was too much pocketing (mushy for me), but I think a reference tension adjustment should fix this.

Spin
8
I had slightly more spin than with round strings on baseline rallies, cross court short dipping shots, forehand and backhand slices. I had confidence in the string bed's ability to generate consistent results so the feedback cycle was very positive. Given the string is essentially round this is not surprising, and the reward for controlled racquet head speed/swing path/racquet face angle of attack was deep balls with good power behind them that landed in uncomfortable positions for my opponents.

Durability
10
The string is in very good shape after 18 hours of doubles.

Playability Duration
9
The playability during the first 14 hours was excellent. By hours 17/18 (with outdoor playing temp 55F), the string bed offered more ball pocketing than I seek in a string bed. However, the string bed's softness and power level at hour 18 may work in 40F outdoor playing conditions because the bed did feel firmer two days ago (35F).

Tension findings (if you installed this string again, would you select the same tension? Explain answer.)
Yes, I would string Yonex PolyTour Rev higher by 1-1.5 kg in warmer weather.

List any additional thoughts (optional)
Overall I continue to be impressed by how Yonex strings play - from their multifilaments (Rexis and Tour Super Pro 850) to their fusion Poly Tour Air to their SIF mono-filaments (Spin, Fire and now Rev).

Look forward to buying a reel.

Thank you @TW Staff and Yonex!
 
Gauge received: 16G 1.30mm
Tension(s) used for playtest: 53 pounds
Regular string set up & tension: Solinco Hyper G at 50-53
Racquet used for test: Babolat Pure Aero
Power/Control of test string: This string was very low powered, and was not a powerful string whatsoever. It was for sure a more control orientated string, but in my opinion not a very good one. More to come later
Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): The string was just firm and muted, there was really nothing else to it. As far as comfort, it was average for a control orientated poly, but not a soft string at all. It had close to no feel, adn was a very "boring" string. Average control, muted poly would be my best description.
Spin: The string was slightly slick, but for a string advertised as BITE, it was surprisingly not very grippy. I would have expected more spin, but overall it was average/slightly above average.
Playability Duration: I played about a solid 10 hours, and playability was pretty consistent throughout, mainly because there was nothing to "die" out throughout the playtest.
Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? - why?): I would string it lower, possibly mid 40s to have more power and kill some of the mutedness a bit.
List any additional thoughts (optional) : I hate to say it, but apart from the bright orange color there is nothing special about this string. It was your average muted/low powered/ run-of-the-mill poly. I would not pay more than 12 bucks for a set, as I feel like it is a cross between solinco tour bite and solinco revolution, but with the worst qualities of both. While not a bad string, I just feel for the marketing hype around the BITE and color there would be more to be excited about.

As always, thank you to TW and Yonex for the chance to be a part of the playtests. Hope to try out the new vcores soon!!
 

SonRK

Semi-Pro
I did want to add that the good thing about this string is that it did indeed play pretty consistently from the first hour, up until I cut it off. That's actually pretty valuable for grooving strokes/practicing. With my usual setup, strings die and it starts launching a bit
 

CosmosMpower

Hall of Fame
Just strung up the set of 1.30 that came with my Vcore 95 playtest. Wow easiest 16 gauge poly to string, super slick. Will see how it plays soon.
 

Carf

New User
Hello, just wondering if any of the playtester has a UTR 7.5+ or NTRP 4.5 Men or NTRP 5 Women? I would really appreciate your opinion on this string.
We are looking for a string upgrade for my daughter, she is currently using Yonex Poly Tour Fire, and at the moment we are very happy and down to RPM Blast or Solinco Confidential as her next string. Can’t wait to give Yonex PT Rev a try when it become available in our country, could be a nice upgrade from PT Fire
 
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Injured Again

Hall of Fame
Hello, just wondering if any of the playtester has a UTR 7.5+ or NTRP 4.5 Men or NTRP 5 Women? I would really appreciate your opinion on this string.
We are looking for a string upgrade for my daughter, she is currently using Yonex Poly Tour Fire, and at the moment we are very happy and down to RPM Blast or Solinco Confidential as her next string. Can’t wait to give Yonex PT Rev a try when it become available in our country, could be a nice upgrade from PT Fire

No experience with PT Fire but participated on both the PT Rev and Confidential playtests. Outside of the differences in feel, PT Rev is going to offer a more consistent response across the range of swing speeds and swing trajectories, and Confidential is going to allow greater spin capability. Both are very good strings that emphasize slightly different aspects. If your daughter's game relies on creating heavy spin and she needs some help from the string to do so, Confidential seems like it would be a better choice. If your daughter primarily hits with a flatter trajectory through the ball or is capable of generating very high levels of racquet head speed, PT Rev would seem to be a better choice.
 

Carf

New User
No experience with PT Fire but participated on both the PT Rev and Confidential playtests. Outside of the differences in feel, PT Rev is going to offer a more consistent response across the range of swing speeds and swing trajectories, and Confidential is going to allow greater spin capability. Both are very good strings that emphasize slightly different aspects. If your daughter's game relies on creating heavy spin and she needs some help from the string to do so, Confidential seems like it would be a better choice. If your daughter primarily hits with a flatter trajectory through the ball or is capable of generating very high levels of racquet head speed, PT Rev would seem to be a better choice.
Thank you so much for your feedback! She can play both heavy spin and flat shots, she mixes it up a little bit. Saying that she loves striking the ball(flat) when she can and has a very good racket head speed.
She is loving the Confidential at the moment, but can’t wait to try PT Rev when it becomes available.
RPM Blast is a little bit too stiff for her at the moment, great string but only for 6-10 hours until she can feel some pressure on her elbow...too expensive and high maintenance imo
 

Injured Again

Hall of Fame
@Carf It will depend on whether the loss of a bit of heavy spin capability will be made up for by more consistent and linear response. No matter what she chooses, let us know what she ends up using and what her reasons were for choosing the string.
 

Mischko

Professional
@Carf

Hi, if she played with Poly Tour Fire for a longer while, she might have a bit flatter shots, it is a string that noticeably lacks spin, is great for super hard hitting, is nicely internally dampened, so it is not stiff, while being firm and totally not mushy. Nice string, but the problem is the noticeable lack of snap back and spin. That is likely why Yonex is now giving us Poly Tour Rev, and I am looking forward to trying it.

Snap back is when mains slide on the crosses, it is crucial to give spin but also zip and power, and also forgiveness. For example, RPM Blast that you mention, is made of stiff material, a requirement for total spin strings, coated with silicone which makes them exceptionally slippery, and gives excellent snap back - for the first 20ish minutes, until the silicone coating wears off. Then mains and crosses lock in, and you get a stiff and boardy stringbed, because there's no snap back. Until they eventually loosen, just through hitting and being tensioned on the frame, and then you again get some snap back, but nowhere near like when new. That whole dance works for pro players like Rafa and Stan who change racquets every 20 minutes, but not for me. Plus, RPM Blast used to be 4,99 and then it slowly went towards 19,99.

Please have her try Head Hawk Touch 1.25. It is probably the best overall string for advanced players. New Head Lynx Tour 1.25 is also excellent, it is hexagonal but has barely noticeable edges, should be compared to Solinco Confidential and new Poly Tour Rev. Both Hawk Touch and Lynx Tour are very linear, and have a wide span of swing speeds and launch angles and spins, in the sweet spot and out, and all of that is crucial. Confidential for example, has edges, and although it is a great string, I like it, and I string it for a couple of friends, but it can sometimes grip a ball and sometimes not, depending on how you hit it. That makes it too unpredictable for most advanced players who usually prefer round strings, or very slightly rough, because they behave linearly. When you want a specific loop and bend at a specific speed you can reliably get it.

Hawk Touch is a bit specific, it has a soft core, and you can really feel the softness and pocketing, kind of like a good hybrid (many top players play with natural gut/copoly hybrids). Through several heating cycles its outside mantle is hard and slick, so it has perfect snap back, not too much and not too little, something difficult to get with a hybrid (and there's the price of natural gut). And what is even better it stays like that all the way to the end, eventually getting slightly thinner on the crosses and slightly etched in the mains, but not much because of the hard and slick outside mantle. All of that is a result of reliable snap back, never launching the ball weirdly or being too loose, all the way to the end. Excellent tension maintenance, among the top 5 strings, just like Confidential. Dark red is slightly better, anthracite is only very slightly more muted and weaker, a common thing with black pigment in the material mix. But most people wouldn't even feel the difference. It is a string a lot of Head pro players use. Here in EU we can find it at 55-70€ for 120m, that is 10 or 11 stringings. I think it is actually a very good price considering the quality and the level of technological refinement. I'd skip the single package, it is too expensive.

Lynx Tour is new, has barely perceptible edges but provides a lot of spin, but is also very well measured, not too much, not too little. A control string, very linear response of the stringbed, and a nice pocketing feel when you really hit it. Not too stiff, for advanced hitters, unlike many other spin strings. Its snap back lasts until the string breaks, it is the most "same" string I know of throughout its life. And the strings don't etch, crosses don't saw into mains and to me it is always the crosses that get thinner through mains sliding on them. Technology is really going forward in copoly strings. Head seem to have decided they won't weaken the material with pigments, so they first launched the natural colour, called "champagne", and now they also have grey and bright orange, I haven't tried those.

All of the strings mentioned last similarly, between 2 and 4 hours for me, I am not a top spin player, just ordinary hard hitter. Poly Tour Fire and RPM Blast last maybe slightly more, but that is because of their downside - lack of snap back.
 
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CBinRVA

New User
Made it to the review date! Thank you so much for TW and Yonex for this playtest. It got cold in the East Coast (NJ) so I had to divide my playtime during some indoor sessions I could squeeze in:

Player Info: USTA 3.5M (ongoing team I captain) / UTR6 (based off league I played this past summer)

Gauge received: 1.20mm/17g

Tension(s) used for playtest: 45lbs on electronic constant pull (Was going to use it immediately off the stringer so I didn't string it at my normal 48lbs). Read 44lbs on RacquetTune app

Regular string set up & tension: Babolat Tonic 16g mains / Yonex Polytour Air 16lg crosses @ 48lbs

Racquet used for test: WIlson Clash 100 with 4g of lead tape added to 3 and 9

Power/Control of test string: Power level obviously cannot compare to that of a Nat Gut main combo that I usually use, but that being said, I have tried a full bed of Polytour Air, Hyper G, Hyper G Soft, and Isospeed Cream in the last few months and this string was the lowest of all those that I mentioned. Consistency is something I definitely got out of this string, so I would rate control very high for this playtest.

Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): I've been trying out a lot of soft strings, so this one definitely felt "stiff and muted" compared to the ones listed above. I didn't get any elbow pain except for one weird outstretched mishit I did with my arm fully extended. That one hit was very jarring!

Spin: Spin was nothing that impressive. I even felt like Yonex Polytour Air gave me better spin (but that could be due to the launch angle). It's no Hyper G, that's for sure!

Playability Duration: I cut it off at 8 hours to prevent any arm injury.

Tension Recommendations (would you string it differently next time? - why?): I would like to get a higher launch angle / touch more power out of it, so I would probably try it at 43lbs.

List any additional thoughts (optional): At my lower levels, when I was "on" this string felt very good and consistent. I didn't have fear of hitting too deep, and had adequate spin (but nothing too special). I think if someone is looking for a semi-comfortable, consistent, low powered poly, then this is definitely in their wheelhouse.
Good review. How do you think the REV would do as a cross with your Tonic setup? What tension do you think would work with the Nat Gut ?
 

SonRK

Semi-Pro
Good review. How do you think the REV would do as a cross with your Tonic setup? What tension do you think would work with the Nat Gut ?

I think this would be a very strong poly as a cross in my usual hybrid to maximize a consistent feel day in and day out. I say that because during the 8 hours, it showed minimal change in playability (while something like Hyper G changes and you have to adjust). Therefore with Nat Gut's tension maintenance, it would play good.

I don't know how it would perform past the 8 hour mark, as that's when I cut out REV, but that being said, we know that the mains usually amount for about 80% of the feel (just a number I always hear tossed around). I also normally string my mains and crosses the same tension, but since this is low powered, I would probably go 3 lbs lower so it matches the usual power/launch angle of my normal setup, and comfort.

Lastly, this is not a round poly, so I imagine the shape might cut into the Nat Gut and cause a durability decrease. I personally try to go round polys only if I can help it. Helps keep it to around 12-16 hours of play time before popping.
 

mpournaras

Hall of Fame
Posting a playtest review this evening. Just an alert to all: a saved draft in the message box does not seem to keep for more than a day, or it could be my user error.
Correct. That was my downfall with the Pure Drive VS test. Pretty sure it got be blacklisted from tests because it never posted
 

Visionary

Hall of Fame
This orange Yonex string is new to me but the Red Fire 1.25 mm is one I know the best. Yonex Fire 1.25 is the best string I have ever played with and all my students love it as it gives them power and comfort.

My biggest problem is that there is a sever shortage of Yonnex Fire 1.25 on mainland China where I am teaching, and I have been unable to purchase this string here. I understand now that buying from tennis warehouse is tricky from mainland China, and so I am at odds what to do.

Are any of you on mainland China or deal with the nation at all?
 

Sardines

Hall of Fame
Hello, just wondering if any of the playtester has a UTR 7.5+ or NTRP 4.5 Men or NTRP 5 Women? I would really appreciate your opinion on this string.
We are looking for a string upgrade for my daughter, she is currently using Yonex Poly Tour Fire, and at the moment we are very happy and down to RPM Blast or Solinco Confidential as her next string. Can’t wait to give Yonex PT Rev a try when it become available in our country, could be a nice upgrade from PT Fire
Thank you so much for your feedback! She can play both heavy spin and flat shots, she mixes it up a little bit. Saying that she loves striking the ball(flat) when she can and has a very good racket head speed.
She is loving the Confidential at the moment, but can’t wait to try PT Rev when it becomes available.
RPM Blast is a little bit too stiff for her at the moment, great string but only for 6-10 hours until she can feel some pressure on her elbow...too expensive and high maintenance imo
Late to the party, but I'm quite familiar with PTF. Does she like PTF unless it breaks or for about 5-6 hours? I think PTF has decent pocketing feel and is comfortable. If she is looking for more bite with the same stroke, then I suggest trying the PTR with PTF cross.
Since many have covered the PTR, I'll just say it's just a shaped string that is more controlled but nothing spectacular. Feel is muted, bite is mid range and I feel it's low powered like the Strike. With PTF as a cross, I think it does a decent job of spin and is controlled enough for flat shots, as a main string, and a bit more pocketing, which I suspect is why your kid likes PTF. I normally use Volkl Cyclone 18L with PTF 1.20mm
I also tested the Volkl V-Square 19g with PTF cross. Do not try it full bed cos I didn't get more than 1.5 hrs from it before it snapped in the center! V-Square is a very elastic string, but controlled and with PTF, the durability is quite liveable at 4hrs. The thicker versions are even less powerful and the square profile allows good grip to put good spin on the ball. Playsight saw a 30-60rpm increase even on the flatter shots. I also tested Volkl V-Torque Tour 19g with PTF and the feel is better the V-Square and , but it loses tension as fast, if not faster. And it does become stiffer as it ages.
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
This string caught me by surprise. I tested 1.25 orange. Medium power level, tons of pop, feel is somewhat connected (rewards sweetspot) and muted in the same time (i like it), plays on the soft side but it rewards you with byte and spin when you ask it….. great control easy to go for flat shots too. It reminded me of extreme tours behaviour….. control with plenty of spin potential when asked. I will definitely continue testing it.
 
This string caught me by surprise. I tested 1.25 orange. Medium power level, tons of pop, feel is somewhat connected (rewards sweetspot) and muted in the same time (i like it), plays on the soft side but it rewards you with byte and spin when you ask it….. great control easy to go for flat shots too. It reminded me of extreme tours behaviour….. control with plenty of spin potential when asked. I will definitely continue testing it.

Haha- great review "This string caught me by surprise".

I'm playing with it off and on and switching it into my usual rotation of Kirschbaum PL2 and Evo. I think you'll find it a tough string to break and plays pretty well for a long time!
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
Haha- great review "This string caught me by surprise".

I'm playing with it off and on and switching it into my usual rotation of Kirschbaum PL2 and Evo. I think you'll find it a tough string to break and plays pretty well for a long time!
After marks negative review i had it almost 6 months on my closet and never give it a try until yesterday. That’s why….. imagine coming to a playtest with mostly meh views on this string and getting pleasantly surprised and on the other hand trying a string with great perception (tour sniper for example) and feeling just ok.

I like the slippery response of rev. It gives so much pop. It has the same addictive feel of rpm blast when it’s fresh. Let’s see how long it lasts cause RPM is off after 1-2 weeks of play unfortunately….

It’s easily the best yonex string i ve tested among PTP, PTS, Fire and strike. For sure the most lively.

Other colors of Rev play similar ?
 
Haven’t played with anything but the orange. Purple is on my bucket list though.

After marks negative review i had it almost 6 months on my closet and never give it a try until yesterday. That’s why….. imagine coming to a playtest with mostly meh views on this string and getting pleasantly surprised and on the other hand trying a string with great perception (tour sniper for example) and feeling just ok.

I like the slippery response of rev. It gives so much pop. It has the same addictive feel of rpm blast when it’s fresh. Let’s see how long it lasts cause RPM is off after 1-2 weeks of play unfortunately….

It’s easily the best yonex string i ve tested among PTP, PTS, Fire and strike. For sure the most lively.

Other colors of Rev play similar ?
 

Blade_X

Professional
I play tested again rev orange. Such an awesome string. Rev is not a rev string and yonex did a mistake by marketing it like that. As a solinco alternative. It doesn’t have the byte and extreme launch of solinco strings. This plays more like a round poly …… it’s so light on impact, muted in a good way without taking away feedback, zero vibrations and great SnapBack. It gave me confidence to relax my follow through and flatten out even low bouncing balls. It’s such an effortless string to play with…. pop and power without much effort. Very easy to change directions without the artificial byte of mainstream shaped polys. So smooth…..

1) does purple has better feel than orange ?
2) how is it on tension maintenance?
 

TennisJrDad

Professional
FYI ...
Screenshot-2023-03-20-145033.png


I play tested again rev orange. Such an awesome string. Rev is not a rev string and yonex did a mistake by marketing it like that. As a solinco alternative. It doesn’t have the byte and extreme launch of solinco strings. This plays more like a round poly …… it’s so light on impact, muted in a good way without taking away feedback, zero vibrations and great SnapBack. It gave me confidence to relax my follow through and flatten out even low bouncing balls. It’s such an effortless string to play with…. pop and power without much effort. Very easy to change directions without the artificial byte of mainstream shaped polys. So smooth…..

1) does purple has better feel than orange ?
2) how is it on tension maintenance?
 

Blade_X

Professional
I just played purple along with orange. I wouldn’t say that they play similar. Purple has a little bit more power/pop but orange has more byte and feels more crunchy….. as a result that made a huge difference at least to me. It enhances feel and provides a lot better control. Just rub those 2 colors with your hand and you ll see that orange feels more shaped while purple is smoother like a round poly…….I prefer orange…. i couldn’t miss. I am also on my second week with it and it plays almost the same…… maybe it has become a tad stiffer.
 

WNB93

Semi-Pro
Has anyone tried 1.20 to compare it with 1.25 ?
I have...
Softer, more power. Basically everything a thinner gauge should do.
Overall, I prefer it. I prefer every string in 1.20 anyway.

P.S.: Yonex claims there's no difference in playability when it comes to colour.
 
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