TRU PRO (formerly Tier One Sports)

[williamthurman]

I definitely agree on the tension maintenance being very steady on the 1.23mm at around 10 hours.

I have only tried 17g on Tier One strings, has anyone been able to compare the differences between gauges (I am mostly intrigued by Ghostwire, BK and Firewire)?

 

[TypeRx]

Just strung up a friend's racket (Blade 98 v7 16x19) with some Tier One Firewire 18g mains and and Wilson Revolve 17g crosses -- both at 52 lbs. I've never tried this hybrid and really only did it because it was extra string I had on hand. Should be interesting to see how it plays. My prior experience with Revolve was meh but maybe it will serve as a nice slick cross kind of like Ghostwire?

 

[djNEiGht]

Just strung up a friend's racket (Blade 98 v7 16x19) with some Tier One Firewire 18g mains and and Wilson Revolve 17g crosses -- both at 52 lbs. I've never tried this hybrid and really only did it because it was extra string I had on hand. Should be interesting to see how it plays. My prior experience with Revolve was meh but maybe it will serve as a nice slick cross kind of like Ghostwire?

I think it will be a comparable cross...the only difference might be tension maintenance

 

[warney]

T1 Black Knight:

Finally I shopped local and got the demo poly pack from T1. First one I tried is Black Knight in my PS Gen3 @ 48/46. Liked it from the first hit. It settled in nicely after first hour of hitting and since then performance has stayed the same. I have so far played 7 sets (just over 6 hours) with BK.

Spin (8/10): - Not WC Ultra Cable level, but I still get balls that seem going out and dip in at last second.
Power (7/10) : Not too low powered for a poly. Just middle of the road. But this works well with PS.
Control (9/10): Depth control is really good and I can ramp up speed as much as I want without fear of overhitting.
Comfort (8/10): I have had no comfort issues and I am playing full bed of poly back to back first time after over 2 years. Reason I did not rate 9/10 is because FWB is even more comfortable.
Touch (7/10): It's a shaped poly. It's as good as it's going to get.
Playability (9/10): I absolutely love linear response I get from this after settling in. No significant drop off in performance.
Durability (8/10): Looking at the strings I should get at least 2 more hours of play at which point I am satisfied with any poly. Anything over 8 is bonus for me.

I am very impressed with this string and ordered a reel.

 

[Mirko]

T1 Black Knight:

Finally I shopped local and got the demo poly pack from T1. First one I tried is Black Knight in my PS Gen3 @ 48/46. Liked it from the first hit. It settled in nicely after first hour of hitting and since then performance has stayed the same. I have so far played 7 sets (just over 6 hours) with BK.

Spin (8/10): - Not WC Ultra Cable level, but I still get balls that seem going out and dip in at last second.
Power (7/10) : Not too low powered for a poly. Just middle of the road. But this works well with PS.
Control (9/10): Depth control is really good and I can ramp up speed as much as I want without fear of overhitting.
Comfort (8/10): I have had no comfort issues and I am playing full bed of poly back to back first time after over 2 years. Reason I did not rate 9/10 is because FWB is even more comfortable.
Touch (7/10): It's a shaped poly. It's as good as it's going to get.
Playability (9/10): I absolutely love linear response I get from this after settling in. No significant drop off in performance.
Durability (8/10): Looking at the strings I should get at least 2 more hours of play at which point I am satisfied with any poly. Anything over 8 is bonus for me.

I am very impressed with this string and ordered a reel.

What gauge did you play BK?

 

[warney]

What gauge did you play BK?

I normally don't use full bed of poly, but when I do it's17g.

Tight Mains in PS Gen3 and also stiffness numbers for 16G and 17G contributed to that decision. Only polys I have used in 16g are Cyclone Tour and Cream.

 

[mctennis]

T1 Black Knight:

Finally I shopped local and got the demo poly pack from T1. First one I tried is Black Knight in my PS Gen3 @ 48/46. Liked it from the first hit. It settled in nicely after first hour of hitting and since then performance has stayed the same. I have so far played 7 sets (just over 6 hours) with BK.

Spin (8/10): - Not WC Ultra Cable level, but I still get balls that seem going out and dip in at last second.
Power (7/10) : Not too low powered for a poly. Just middle of the road. But this works well with PS.
Control (9/10): Depth control is really good and I can ramp up speed as much as I want without fear of overhitting.
Comfort (8/10): I have had no comfort issues and I am playing full bed of poly back to back first time after over 2 years. Reason I did not rate 9/10 is because FWB is even more comfortable.
Touch (7/10): It's a shaped poly. It's as good as it's going to get.
Playability (9/10): I absolutely love linear response I get from this after settling in. No significant drop off in performance.
Durability (8/10): Looking at the strings I should get at least 2 more hours of play at which point I am satisfied with any poly. Anything over 8 is bonus for me.

I am very impressed with this string and ordered a reel.

Keep us updated as how well you continue to like this string and how long it lasts before you have to re-string it.

 

[beltsman]

Can anyone comment on Tour Status black versus red? A reel of black is $40 more, which is significant. I like how black plays. I haven't tried red. Obviously I want to go with the cheaper price, but I am unsure if it will play the same.

 

[Jouke]

I am gonna jump on this string as soon as the next sale comes to europe. Sounds very promising!

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Can anyone comment on Tour Status black versus red? A reel of black is $40 more, which is significant. I like how black plays. I haven't tried red. Obviously I want to go with the cheaper price, but I am unsure if it will play the same.

Across several companies, ime the red version of a string always has more power and livelier feel than the black ink string. Definitely true for FW. Have not tried status red.

 

[TypeRx]

Across several companies, ime the red version of a string always has more power and livelier feel than the black ink string. Definitely true for FW. Have not tried status red.

My experience with FireWire as well (dont know about Tour Bite, Tour Status, etc.) -- red is softer and more lively than black.

 

[beltsman]

Across several companies, ime the red version of a string always has more power and livelier feel than the black ink string. Definitely true for FW. Have not tried status red.

Thanks

 

[Remioli]

I tried a few strings and have a question. I am not really a gear guy and the only thing I really notice about poly’s is how stiff they are.
I tried ghost wire and it’s awesome. Soft as it gets, I feel nothing when I hit the ball which I kinda like.
Fire wire feels just as good. Not as soft, some feedback. Like it just as much.
I didn’t like durafluxx. Too stiff for me.
My question is if durafluxx feels to stiff for me, should I even try black magic, Tour status, or strike force RIP?

 

[TRU PRO Official]

I tried a few strings and have a question. I am not really a gear guy and the only thing I really notice about poly’s is how stiff they are.
I tried ghost wire and it’s awesome. Soft as it gets, I feel nothing when I hit the ball which I kinda like.
Fire wire feels just as good. Not as soft, some feedback. Like it just as much.
I didn’t like durafluxx. Too stiff for me.
My question is if durafluxx feels to stiff for me, should I even try black magic, Tour status, or strike force RIP?

Yes, I would certainly try Black Knight. Almost as soft as Ghost Wire but with texture!

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Yes, I would certainly try Black Knight. Almost as soft as Ghost Wire but with texture!

Despite the stiffness rating, BK has a fairly dead, low powered feel. Would recommend @Remioli to keep using GW or FW.

 

[TheFlash26]

Despite the stiffness rating, BK has a fairly dead, low powered feel. Would recommend @Remioli to keep using GW or FW.

I agree that BK has a muted feel, but I don't think it feels stiff...so maybe it's still worth a try @Remioli.

 

[beltsman]

I tried a few strings and have a question. I am not really a gear guy and the only thing I really notice about poly’s is how stiff they are.
I tried ghost wire and it’s awesome. Soft as it gets, I feel nothing when I hit the ball which I kinda like.
Fire wire feels just as good. Not as soft, some feedback. Like it just as much.
I didn’t like durafluxx. Too stiff for me.
My question is if durafluxx feels to stiff for me, should I even try black magic, Tour status, or strike force RIP?

Try Tour Status. Very much like FW but not as aggressively shaped.

 

[beltsman]

Just wanted to say that black FW and white GW look great together.

 

[williamthurman]

What would you guys recommend to add a bit more power from BK (I love it but find it underpowered, even at low tensions - 48/46), hybrid with another specific cross?
I used it with GW in the crosses, which made it even softer and kept BK's control

 

[LocNetMonster]

My question is if durafluxx feels to stiff for me, should I even try black magic, Tour status, or strike force RIP?

I keep sets of FW, Ghost Wire and RIP since I started playing with T1 strings four years ago and have dabbled with Tour Status a couple of times. I tried Black Knight in the crosses with a multi main back in August in Pure Control Team. It was love from the first ball I hit. The set up was crisp and responsive. I'm plan on trying BK with natty gut mains at some point and order some more sets to keep on hand.. I probably have to wait until next spring since I'm not planning on playing indoors at the moment. Yeah, I'd recommend on giving Black Knight a try.

 

[LocNetMonster]

What would you guys recommend to add a bit more power from BK (I love it but find it underpowered, even at low tensions - 48/46), hybrid with another specific cross?
I used it with GW in the crosses, which made it even softer and kept BK's control

I strung BK crosses with Velocity MLT mains. Never felt underpowered even after 15 hours of play when I cut it out to try another combo.

 

[mctennis]

I'm with you about not planning on playing indoors. Main reason is because of this Covid mess. I would be interested in your take with the nat gut mains and BK crosses.
I am about done trying different string combos for the year since it is getting colder outdoors and rainy enough that I cannot get outdoors to play.

 

[LocNetMonster]

I'm with you about not planning on playing indoors. Main reason is because of this Covid mess. I would be interested in your take with the nat gut mains and BK crosses.
I am about done trying different string combos for the year since it is getting colder outdoors and rainy enough that I cannot get outdoors to play.

Yeah, I'm winding down as well. RE: COVID Mess .... I would play indoors if the folks who ran the tennis facility here had a clue. Rumor has it they plan to be closed during what would be the safest time of the day to play *SMDH* and then pack all six courts during evening hours without improving air the exchange ration. Oh well. May global warming will throw a few 60 degree days in January and February

 

[mctennis]

Yeah, I'm winding down as well. RE: COVID Mess .... I would play indoors if the folks who ran the tennis facility here had a clue. Rumor has it they plan to be closed during what would be the safest time of the day to play *SMDH* and then pack all six courts during evening hours without improving air the exchange ration. Oh well. May global warming will throw a few 60 degree days in January and February

I agree with you. The club I belong to is sort of the same way. They think they are doing everyone a favor by leaving the inner door open, for air circulation, and as to not have everyone to tough the inner doors. They " limit" the number of people on the court but still have every court being open. I am not interested in running into people not wearing masks being that close together. They did not have any showers open until last month. Now they have two showers open for use in each locker room. They had the locker rooms closed as well until they opened up the two showers. Not sure I want to be in the locker rooms with people coming and going, you know they will not be wearing masks as they are supposed to be doing. Plus they have lots of junior/ kids programs. They will definitely not be wearing masks on a regular basis.
Like you mentioned maybe we will get a few days here and there. I will be anxious to get out on those days to hit some. I have worn out the pressureless tennis balls this year because I used my ball machine so much. The fuzz is actually worn off of many of them.
I am ready to try more Tier One combos and get a " go to" combination with some of their strings. It sounds like the BK will be a great choice for a cross string to try the next re-stringing I do.

 

[Mirko]

I'm with you about not planning on playing indoors. Main reason is because of this Covid mess. I would be interested in your take with the nat gut mains and BK crosses.
I am about done trying different string combos for the year since it is getting colder outdoors and rainy enough that I cannot get outdoors to play.

I played VS Touch 1.35 in the mains with BK 1.23 cross. It's really one of my top 5 gut/poly setup's.
Super feel, spin, control and power.
The only problem with it is, that the gut will not last long with the five or six sided BK. But if you use 1.35 gauge instead of 1.30 you will get some more time with the set up.

 

[mctennis]

I tried a few strings and have a question. I am not really a gear guy and the only thing I really notice about poly’s is how stiff they are.
I tried ghost wire and it’s awesome. Soft as it gets, I feel nothing when I hit the ball which I kinda like.
Fire wire feels just as good. Not as soft, some feedback. Like it just as much.
I didn’t like durafluxx. Too stiff for me.
My question is if durafluxx feels to stiff for me, should I even try black magic, Tour status, or strike force RIP?

What tension(s) did you string your racquet at? What racquet(s) did you use. Just curious to know. I'm still experimenting with the Tier One string series.

 

[Remioli]

What tension(s) did you string your racquet at? What racquet(s) did you use. Just curious to know. I'm still experimenting with the Tier One string series.

Blade 16x19 at 60/57 lbs

 

[taydbear7]

Got a set for Ghost Wire for under $5.

 

[jangotango]

Got a set for Ghost Wire for under $5.

Care to share how?

 

[Syeven Johnson]

Picked up some Ghost Wire (16 & 17 ga ) and Triumph for a hybrid set up in my daughters Clash 100L. Thinking Triumph in the mains at 52-54 lbs and and GW 16g crosses at 50. Hasn't had the racquet long and searching for a go to string set up. She's a senior on her high school team, has UTR at 3 ish. Seams like it would be plenty of comfort and power, not sure on the control aspect. Anyone played this or used Triumph in a hybrid before?

 

[Happi]

Picked up some Ghost Wire (16 & 17 ga ) and Triumph for a hybrid set up in my daughters Clash 100L. Thinking Triumph in the mains at 52-54 lbs and and GW 16g crosses at 50. Hasn't had the racquet long and searching for a go to string set up. She's a senior on her high school team, has UTR at 3 ish. Seams like it would be plenty of comfort and power, not sure on the control aspect. Anyone played this or used Triumph in a hybrid before?

Why not just go full bed GW as it is a very soft poly,

 

[Syeven Johnson]

Why not just go full bed GW as it is a very soft poly,

Thought about that, and why I got it in 16 and 17 g. Can always do the next stringing all GW if the Triumph doesn't work out. Also, read up thread that while GW is a great cross it isn't that good in a full bed. Of course that dips into the personal preference area. My only experience with Tier 1 has been Black Knight which I like, but don't think it would work in this case. Which lead me to giving Triumph a shot.

 

[Happi]

Thought about that, and why I got it in 16 and 17 g. Can always do the next stringing all GW if the Triumph doesn't work out. Also, read up thread that while GW is a great cross it isn't that good in a full bed. Of course that dips into the personal preference area. My only experience with Tier 1 has been Black Knight which I like, but don't think it would work in this case. Which lead me to giving Triumph a shot.

GW is indeed a great cross string. I play GW 19g in a full bed 18x20 racquet, and it is absolutely excellent. GW 19g is almost as soft as a multi.

For ultimate comfort 16g poly you should try YTPA, this is really soft (almost as soft as GW 19), and works well as a cross too.

 

[Syeven Johnson]

GW is indeed a great cross string. I play GW 19g in a full bed 18x20 racquet, and it is absolutely excellent. GW 19g is almost as soft as a multi.

For ultimate comfort 16g poly you should try YTPA, this is really soft (almost as soft as GW 19), and works well as a cross too.

Thanks for the input. Any problems with durability in the 19g? She just broke a cross and a main( dead center) in the Clash L using Tour Bite m/ Sensation c, strings were 3 weeks old.

 

[Happi]

Thanks for the input. Any problems with durability in the 19g? She just broke a cross and a main( dead center) in the Clash L using Tour Bite m/ Sensation c, strings were 3 weeks old.

It works really well in an 18x20 racquet (Angell TC95) I had 8 hours before I cut it out and restrung. Not so sure about 19g in the Clash with open string patterns. Perhaps the GW 16 or 17 like you have would work better.

 

[williamthurman]

I am loving BK 118 (strung at 49/47) for its predictability, control and tension maintenance. However I am still lacking a bit of power, and it shows when playing strong 5.5.
Should I just keep trying it at lower tensions or hybrid with a powerful cross? any ideas on that?

 

[TripleFault88]

I am loving BK 118 (strung at 49/47) for its predictability, control and tension maintenance. However I am still lacking a bit of power, and it shows when playing strong 5.5.
Should I just keep trying it at lower tensions or hybrid with a powerful cross? any ideas on that?

the softness of a thin gauge Ghost Wire cross may add more power??

 

[TheFlash26]

I am loving BK 118 (strung at 49/47) for its predictability, control and tension maintenance. However I am still lacking a bit of power, and it shows when playing strong 5.5.
Should I just keep trying it at lower tensions or hybrid with a powerful cross? any ideas on that?

I agree that BK doesn't give much free power. In my limited string experimenting, Firewire gave a bit more power than BK, but it doesn't have the same directional control. Grapplesnake Alpha might be a good one to try for a more powerful poly main if you'd rather stay away from the shape of Firewire.

 

[williamthurman]

I agree that BK doesn't give much free power. In my limited string experimenting, Firewire gave a bit more power than BK, but it doesn't have the same directional control. Grapplesnake Alpha might be a good one to try for a more powerful poly main if you'd rather stay away from the shape of Firewire.

Thank you for your response, the thing is I would love to keep some part of BK for its predictability and just have a bit more free power (everything lands well in court and need more depth) .
Firewire was nice but lost confidence on swinging, I understand it's a trade off of course.
Can BK be used as a cross even though it is a shaped string (with a more powerful string in the mains)? Or would it work with a round power string in the crosses for that matter?

 

[TheFlash26]

Thank you for your response, the thing is I would love to keep some part of BK for its predictability and just have a bit more free power (everything lands well in court and need more depth) .
Firewire was nice but lost confidence on swinging, I understand it's a trade off of course.
Can BK be used as a cross even though it is a shaped string (with a more powerful string in the mains)? Or would it work with a round power string in the crosses for that matter?

I don't see why BK wouldn't work as a cross only. It's mildly shaped but not extreme like Firewire. I guess it will depend on whether you want your cross to be slick. Ghostwire is my favorite cross at the moment because it allows the mains to move so easily. (And because the comfort is top notch). I don't know if BK would do the same thing, but it would be worth a try for sure.

 

[taydbear7]

Can FW be used as a hybrid or would you do a full bed? I'm thinking about doing FW with either GW, Velocity or Biphase X1.

 

[Space_D]

Can FW be used as a hybrid or would you do a full bed? I'm thinking about doing FW with either GW, Velocity or Biphase X1.

They sell a pre-packaged hybrid of FW/GW called FW Boost.

 

[taydbear7]

They sell a pre-packaged hybrid of FW/GW called FW Boost.

I did not know that. Thanks for letting me know.

 

[JOSHL]

I did not know that. Thanks for letting me know.

It’s a great combo by the way.

 

[LocNetMonster]

Can FW be used as a hybrid or would you do a full bed? I'm thinking about doing FW with either GW, Velocity or Biphase X1.

IMHO, FW is better in hybrid. Great with any really slick cross string like GW. For about two years I played FW mains with RIP and Prince XC crosses, which is on my list to try in a Radical MP.

 

[warney]

Keep us updated as how well you continue to like this string and how long it lasts before you have to re-string it.

I have strung my PS with BK 2 more times so far. 7.5-8 hours is when I restring. Spin I get seems to drop off at 7.5 hours or so and I will start launching balls when taking big cuts. No significant changes in comfort though.
For me BK is at its optimum from first 30 minutes up to 6 hours.

 

[warney]

Another vote for GW as cross with multi. I am using on racquet with full bed of BK and another one with Tecnifibre Multifeel 16 crossed with GW 17. My first preference is BK, but GW is amazing cross. About as soft as Cream (I have used in past) but better feel with multi main.

I am very intrigued to try BK main and GW cross. Can anyone who has played with BK full bed (I use 48/46) and BK/GW hybrid recommend tension?

 

[myth]

IMO GW is the best soft mono on the market with cream.

 

[williamthurman]

Another vote for GW as cross with multi. I am using on racquet with full bed of BK and another one with Tecnifibre Multifeel 16 crossed with GW 17. My first preference is BK, but GW is amazing cross. About as soft as Cream (I have used in past) but better feel with multi main.

I am very intrigued to try BK main and GW cross. Can anyone who has played with BK full bed (I use 48/46) and BK/GW hybrid recommend tension?

I really love BK 118 full bed at the same tensions, I have done full bed 123 BK as well, but I did prefer in that case the BK/GW hybrid at 51/49 (would go lower now) as it was a bit softer on the arm for extended sessions (it did seems to lose some control and predictability around the 5 hours mark for me)

 

[g4driver]

Luvin HGS 1.25mm mains / GW 1.22mm crosses. Uber soft for a poly/poly.

As someone who strings of a lot VCT, Cream, and a little YPTA (all in the soft poly arena) , the HGS/GW setup is just a frame I keep using over and over. GW works in a lot of hybrids, gut, poly and multi.

Disclaimer: I could hit with 1.30 VCT, 1.25 HGS, or 1.25 FW plus 1.22 GW crosses. Those three polys mixed with GW crosses just like my game and elbow.