TRU PRO Official
Rookie
Our opinion is that most polys play best at around 50lbs although the tendency of young high level players is to string somewhere in the mid 40s. For a
multifilament string on the other hand a 55-58 range sounds about right.
TRU PRO (formerly Tier One Sports)
- Thread starter Jacobthebest1
- Start date
Our opinion is that most polys play best at around 50lbs although the tendency of young high level players is to string somewhere in the mid 40s. For a
multifilament string on the other hand a 55-58 range sounds about right.
Martves613
Rookie
I would say it depends mostly on the racket. I can´t imagine playing with tweener style racket (Babolat PA, PD and so on) with tension below 50 lbs. String might play best at 50 lbs, but some frames just does not allow that
.TheFlash26
New User
What is your frame and usual string choice for 58 and 55?
Yonex VCore Dual G 97 330- Lux gut mains and YTex Quadro Twist crosses
TheFlash26
New User
Yeah, "mid tension" does mean very different numbers to different people depending on what type of string they're used to. 20 years ago, I played syn gut at 65 lbs in a 100 square inch racquet. That was the upper number of the recommended range. Now that I'm mostly playing full bed poly and poly/poly hybrids I think of 40-46 as "low", and 47-53 as "mid". Anything above that I'd consider "high". Regardless of type of string, I know that I'm enjoying the comfort and ball-pocketing of low-tension string beds. Maybe your gut mains give you that sensation even at 58/55...I don't have a lot of experience with natural gut.
Have you tried the Quadro Twist in a full bed?
No, I have not tried a full bed of Quadro Twist, as of yet. With gut you need to string at about 55# minimum for the lowest tension. IMO. If you go lower the ball just launches too long. Then you start trying to adjust your swing, it is never a good end result doing that.
TheFlash26
New User
Short update:
Played my best tennis in a while yesterday...crushing forehand returns that kept my opponent off balance and biting serves that set up my forehand nicely. The Firewire Boost has settled in at right around 42 lbs and is playing great! The feel was improved from the first time I hit it. I started really noticing the spin during this second hit...the ball was jumping off the court on serves and forehands and was nice on slice as well. I felt like I had great control on my shots but I'm attributing that to better footwork than I had with the first hit with the strings. Comfort is even better now that the string bed has settled at a lower tension and the tension stayed really stable and is reading at 41.6 after 3.5 hours of play time (strung at 47). I'm curious to see how long it stays above 40 lbs.
Here are some highlights (and some unforced errors) from the two sets. I'm in the red shorts:
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I'm coming from using Silver 7 Tour which is a pretty lively feeling and powerful string for a poly. I think that Black Knight has an impact feel that is not that crisp, and combined with what feels like a long dwell time and lower launch angle, enhances the impression that it is low powered.
I did end up playing more with this racquet on a hot, sunny day on an outdoor court and I think familiarity is helping. The launch angle is generally lower than I'm used to, and it is especially lower when I try to put a lot (for me) of topspin on the ball. I still have to swing faster than normal to get the same depth but tension has dropped enough by now that there's a bit extra launch angle and ball speed, and that confirms that I strung this too tight. I'm at about five hours and notching has accelerated. I think it probably won't last another two hours. Control is enhanced with this string. The ball comes off with really good consistency and it behaves like the better round poly strings that I've used. These attributes seem to be consistent among the newer, lightly shaped strings designed for use by pro players who have super high levels of RHS, but for a recreational hack like me, I need more help from the strings than Black Knight gives me.
ChrisG
Professional
I’m actually playing with silver 7 thanks to your thread lol. I use it on my I Prestige mp @20kg and really enjoying it . It is however too lively for my Angell so that’s why I’m thinking about going back to black knight on it. I believe BK rewards good mechanics in a not too low powered frame. It’s a no nonsense string, with great feedback
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
Guys, I gotta tell you, black knight+ghostwire is just everything a poly stringbed should be. Totally mint.
What tensions are you using for each one?
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
And gauges!
FrankyRelax
Professional
I just switched to the BK/gw hybrid. I'm sticking with this for a while. Strung it up at 46/43 and I'm gonna go up a couple pounds. I use gw in the crosses 1.10 and BK mains at 1.18. It's a very comfy setup in my vcore 98+'s
Also +1 for gw being possibly the greatest poly cross of all time. (in my humble opinion)
Also +1 for gw being possibly the greatest poly cross of all time. (in my humble opinion)
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
Its only i dont understand why he is constantly serving to your stronger forehand but very little to your weaker backhand?
williamthurman
New User
I've tried BK/GW (1.23/1.27) at 53/51 lbs in vcore95s, very impressed by the control, it does get a bit mushy after 6-8 hours but you can swing very confidently with it before and it is still quite comfy. My favorite set up for now compared to Boost, will drop a few pounds next time to get a bit more power
ls206
Hall of Fame
I come across this all the time. There was a period due to injury that I could only hit a slice backhand (a shot I rarely used and so it was terrible). However, opponents would consistently serve to my forehand. When they eventually served to my backhand and got an easy point I would think “OK.. lots of BH returns incoming”. Nope.. back to serving to the forehand. Decent players too.
TheFlash26
New User
He's working on his serve motion right now and wasn't getting it to my weaker shot. Don't let that day fool you though... He's a good counter puncher and has beat me plenty of times.
TheFlash26
New User
Firewire Boost 8(ish) hour update
Racquet: Prince Phantom Pro 93p 18x20
String: Firewire Boost 17g at 47lbs
Feel: Some of the original crispness is gone now that the tension has dropped to around 40 lbs but it does not feel mushy. The feel is solid...not too muted...not too lively.
Power: I'm hitting a fairly low-powered, flexible racquet and I'm not struggling for power on groundstrokes when I want to hit out. Flat serves have some nice pop on them as well.
Spin: This string really gives the ball some bite. My opponent today watched two balls hit the baseline and go by thinking they were going to be long. My spin serves have a lot of movement and backhand slices stay nice and low. I didn't notice the spin of this string setup in my first hit off the stringer, but once the tension dropped a little I can really tell that the string is doing some work on the ball.
Control: I think this string has very good directional control and the spin potential gives great depth control as well. I like that I feel under control with a string setup that has some power to it.
Comfort: I've hit every day for the past six days (helping coach some high school singles players early in their season) and I'm having 0 arm issues. For a full poly setup I give this top marks for comfort.
Tension maintanence:
RacquetTune readings
Off the stringer: 46.6
2 hours: 41.9
5 hours: 40.3
8 hours: 39.4
Since I am loving how it's playing at around 40-41 pounds I think I would string it up at 47 again and let it drop into that sweet spot zone. It's staying pretty steady over quite a few hours of decent hitting. I'm going to keep playing it until it drops off the cliff. I usually cut out my strings before I break one, so we'll see how long this goes.
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
AggieJason
Semi-Pro
I play with a full-bed of BK in my PD107 and it's great.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
I found my replacement for TiMO thanks to @Shangri La who asked if I had tried Lux ALU 1.15. I had not and promised to once I strung. I kept my promise and am I glad I did. Luxilon ALU 1.15 is a fantastic replacement for TiMO in my frames. It is a bit more plush than TiMO and takes a bit of adjustment, but I promise it is only a bit. As much as I've fought it, there really is a difference with Luxilon. I highly recommend it to anyone who liked/loved/worshiped TiMO.
I will order some ALU 1.15 here soon. Are you talking about ALU Power 1.115?I found my replacement for TiMO thanks to @Shangri La who asked if I had tried Lux ALU 1.15. I had not and promised to once I strung. I kept my promise and am I glad I did. Luxilon ALU 1.15 is a fantastic replacement for TiMO in my frames. It is a bit more plush than TiMO and takes a bit of adjustment, but I promise it is only a bit. As much as I've fought it, there really is a difference with Luxilon. I highly recommend it to anyone who liked/loved/worshiped TiMO.
TY for the update and recommendation.
Last edited:
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
Indeed I am and you're very welcome, that's truly what the boards are for.
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Try Tour Status
What tension(s)?
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Hmm not sure yet. Maybe 45/45.
djNEiGht
Legend
I'm trying BK/GW now. hope to get more info as I continue hitting with it. maybe need to dial in the tension but it does seem a bit launchy...
In 16x19 racquet?
t_pac
Semi-Pro
I'm thinking about bringing my TT310 out of retirement, might give this combo a try.
djNEiGht
Legend
t_pac
Semi-Pro
Used same gauges at 46/44 in my Prince TT310 O3 this morning, loved it.
Also not sure why I stopped using this frame (think I'd struggled to find the right string setup). Just so good, forehand was absolutely lethal!
I think finding the right string set up makes some racquets play totally different. Hate it with one string and tension and love it with another setup.
t_pac
Semi-Pro
I'd say spin is pretty much the same, a little more control with full bed BK (stiffer string) but improved comfort and feel from adding the GW crosses.
Both great options.
tennisnoob1949
Semi-Pro
I’ve now tried Black Knight and Strike Force Rip.
My impressions of Black Knight were similar to a lot of what has been said here. Low powered, very plush, lower launch angle than other strings with similar stiffness (gets a little higher over time though), very good tension maintenance, extremely good directional and length control and above average spin (though not off the charts). I really wnjoyed playing with this. On a side note - I had a friend of mine hit with my racquet when his strings broke. He gets crazy amounts of spin with any string as it were, but with BK he was hitting crazy spin and crazy angles with this string - he said he really liked it.
Strike Force Rip was not for me - almost multi like in power and feel, but with excellent spin. I could not gel with the rather high level of power it provides.
Tour status remains from the sample pack. Will string it up when my current ones are no longer usable and will report back.
My impressions of Black Knight were similar to a lot of what has been said here. Low powered, very plush, lower launch angle than other strings with similar stiffness (gets a little higher over time though), very good tension maintenance, extremely good directional and length control and above average spin (though not off the charts). I really wnjoyed playing with this. On a side note - I had a friend of mine hit with my racquet when his strings broke. He gets crazy amounts of spin with any string as it were, but with BK he was hitting crazy spin and crazy angles with this string - he said he really liked it.
Strike Force Rip was not for me - almost multi like in power and feel, but with excellent spin. I could not gel with the rather high level of power it provides.
Tour status remains from the sample pack. Will string it up when my current ones are no longer usable and will report back.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
If anyone is interested, you can receive 30% off using code N-IGXQK when purchasing direct at their official US site.
Full disclosure, they sent me this referral code (30% off for you and then I get 30% off my next order) but I am fully stocked up on strings so not sure I'll be ordering anytime soon. I have no affiliation with Tier One other than I have used their strings in the past (paid for everything) and have been quite happy.
I think the discount works on just about anything on their site and applies to a full order, not just one item. Now is the perfect time to buy a reel of Firewire or Ghost! $100 for a 660 ft reel of these quality strings is insanely cheap ($6/set).
Full disclosure, they sent me this referral code (30% off for you and then I get 30% off my next order) but I am fully stocked up on strings so not sure I'll be ordering anytime soon. I have no affiliation with Tier One other than I have used their strings in the past (paid for everything) and have been quite happy.
I think the discount works on just about anything on their site and applies to a full order, not just one item. Now is the perfect time to buy a reel of Firewire or Ghost! $100 for a 660 ft reel of these quality strings is insanely cheap ($6/set).
I play an 18x20. I am really liking my initial demo of the 18g Black Knight. Most consistent response from a thin stringbed from all the other strings I've tried. Spin is good, and the little bit of extra power on off center hits is always welcome.
My question is, what differences would I experience with 17g full-bed firewire? In a perfect world I would like a little more spin so I could shape shots eaiser, but the consistent no-nonsense response from black knight may trump that.
I plan on doing one last round of demos and then settle in for the long haul. 18g BK, 17g BK, and 17g Firewire.
Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
My question is, what differences would I experience with 17g full-bed firewire? In a perfect world I would like a little more spin so I could shape shots eaiser, but the consistent no-nonsense response from black knight may trump that.
I plan on doing one last round of demos and then settle in for the long haul. 18g BK, 17g BK, and 17g Firewire.
Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
Matto
New User
I think what you said about BK is what I like about it. It is just a no nonsense string. Very predictable.
While FireWire can provide more spin. I felt like at times the ball was just launched in a unpredictable manner. I had this issue with other trianglular shaped strings. Maybe over time I could have figured it out. I just didn't have the time or patience to figure it out.
TRU PRO Official
Rookie
Based on your description, you might find your sweet spot with FireWire BOOST!
LocNetMonster
Professional
My experience is nearly the same in terms of unpredictability. What I have figured out, having tried other triangle-shaped strings, is you can't have them in both the main and crosses. IMHO, they are AWESOME in the mains with a slick poly cross like GW, Strike Force RIP or Mayami's Magic Twist; alright in crosses (done it a couple of times) but not overly impressed; and in a full bed, frustratingly inconsistent performance with some strokes.
LocNetMonster
Professional
Last week, I finally got around to trying Black Knight. I strung it with Sgut mains at 60 and BK at 54 in the crosses in Pure Control. Break-in took about 15 minutes and the set-up performed really, really well for the next three or so hours. The power level crept up after the four hour mark but I seemed to reigned it back in by adding 8 grams in handle this morning and was back to hitting like the first three hours. I like the way this feels on contact. The sweet spot has a lot of pop and the string bed gives awesome feedback for volleys and touch shots. I'm also liking the lower launch angle compared to that from triangle shape strings.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
Agree that FireWire full bed, although very comfortable, extremely spin friendly, and also mid-powered, can generate some erratic shots. I prefer using FW mains with either OGSM crosses or Ghostwire.
But, it isn’t like full bed FW is uncontrollable by any means...it is still very good. Just not as good as when crossed with a smooth/round string.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
TheFlash26
New User
Firewire Boost 12 hour update
Racquet: Prince Phantom Pro 93p 18x20
String: Firewire Boost 17g at 47lbs
I played 2 sets of doubles and 2 sets of singles today bringing the time on these strings up to about the 12 hour mark. The tension maintanance continues to be great. After the initial 5 pound drop in tension, the strings have only dropped 3 pounds gradually over the course of three weeks of pretty regular play.
Starting at around 9 hours I started to lose the predictibility of the string bed. I thought about cutting it out before my session today, but decided to give it another go since the tension was staying strong. The string bed had definitely lost some feel and some pop from a week ago. Feel today was definitely sub-par and the comfort, which has been excellent up until now was only ok. I don't fault the string for this...just the reality of hitting with poly past the 8 playing hours and 3 weeks on the racquet.
All in all I enjoyed this string a lot. I'll be cutting it out and trying a full bed of Black Knight next. Thinking about 45 lbs since it's going to be slightly lower powered than Firewire Boost.
My Final scores out of 10:
Power: 7.5 There's some pop available, but not too much.
Spin: 9 I didn't notice the spin potential of this string until the tension dropped from 47 to 42 pounds. After that...spin was great. My opponents commented on it multiple times.
Comfort: 8.5 Comfort was excellent for the first 8 hours of play.
Control: 8 Control was good but not pin-point. The spin helped with control for sure but directional control on flatter shots probably suffered a little bit due to the triangular shaped mains.
Feel/Touch: 7.5 Ball pocketing was noticibly less than my previous string in this racquet (Grapplesnake Tour Sniper). I think there's a predictable tradeoff of less feel and touch from a shaped poly for the added spin.
String Movement: 9.5 No string adjustments needed...could possibly give this a 10, but I'm playing a small head size and an 18x20 string pattern so I don't know about more open string patterns.
Tension maintanence: 9.5 There was a very quick tension drop from 47 lbs off the stringer to 42 lbs after 2 hours hitting. Everything about the string felt better after the tension drop and then it stayed very consistent for the next 3 weeks.
Durability: I rarely break strings, so I don't think I'll give a score for this
Overall: 8.5/10 I have a second pack of this that I plan on using after I try Black Knight. I'm looking forward to comparing the two.
Racquet: Prince Phantom Pro 93p 18x20
String: Firewire Boost 17g at 47lbs
I played 2 sets of doubles and 2 sets of singles today bringing the time on these strings up to about the 12 hour mark. The tension maintanance continues to be great. After the initial 5 pound drop in tension, the strings have only dropped 3 pounds gradually over the course of three weeks of pretty regular play.
Starting at around 9 hours I started to lose the predictibility of the string bed. I thought about cutting it out before my session today, but decided to give it another go since the tension was staying strong. The string bed had definitely lost some feel and some pop from a week ago. Feel today was definitely sub-par and the comfort, which has been excellent up until now was only ok. I don't fault the string for this...just the reality of hitting with poly past the 8 playing hours and 3 weeks on the racquet.
All in all I enjoyed this string a lot. I'll be cutting it out and trying a full bed of Black Knight next. Thinking about 45 lbs since it's going to be slightly lower powered than Firewire Boost.
My Final scores out of 10:
Power: 7.5 There's some pop available, but not too much.
Spin: 9 I didn't notice the spin potential of this string until the tension dropped from 47 to 42 pounds. After that...spin was great. My opponents commented on it multiple times.
Comfort: 8.5 Comfort was excellent for the first 8 hours of play.
Control: 8 Control was good but not pin-point. The spin helped with control for sure but directional control on flatter shots probably suffered a little bit due to the triangular shaped mains.
Feel/Touch: 7.5 Ball pocketing was noticibly less than my previous string in this racquet (Grapplesnake Tour Sniper). I think there's a predictable tradeoff of less feel and touch from a shaped poly for the added spin.
String Movement: 9.5 No string adjustments needed...could possibly give this a 10, but I'm playing a small head size and an 18x20 string pattern so I don't know about more open string patterns.
Tension maintanence: 9.5 There was a very quick tension drop from 47 lbs off the stringer to 42 lbs after 2 hours hitting. Everything about the string felt better after the tension drop and then it stayed very consistent for the next 3 weeks.
Durability: I rarely break strings, so I don't think I'll give a score for this
Overall: 8.5/10 I have a second pack of this that I plan on using after I try Black Knight. I'm looking forward to comparing the two.
Really like your review! I would recommend staying at 47lbs for your Black Knight test. I am also in my very first experience with BK and started at 49lbs using the 18g. It plays as all its adjectives advertise. I am very impressed. I dont feel it is all that underpowered. If anything I feel a little extra juice now that it's broken in.
Anyways, just didn't want you to start too low and then get an off impression. Looking forward to hearing your first impressions!
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TheFlash26
New User
It would make some sense to try the BK at 47 to keep one variable constant for comparison with FWB.
LocNetMonster
Professional
I agree. Hope I didn't sound like it wasn't playable at all. A full bed of triangle shaped strings is okay, just not optimal at least for the way I play some shots. For guys/gals who are slice purist, I have to think this string bed would be desirable.
