TRU PRO (formerly Tier One Sports) Strings.. FireWire

[danbrenner]

For anyone who was wondering about Tier One Fire Wire.
I have played with it this week. 17g @ 53 in my Head Extreme 2.0 mp.
This string is soft like CT but with edges like TB. It's triangular in shape.
Tension holds beautifully. And impact shock is among the best and softest polys available. My only gripe is that my forehands were sailing a little long and I would have to dual up the tension a few pounds to compensate. I would guess 3 to 4 lbs tighter next time. But my feeling is that people who like a soft response with average power will love these strings. I will string with the 16g next and dial up a little. But honestly this is a quality string.

Impact shock is prob the very softest of any poly i have ever tried. And this is kinda special because its a triangular string, that will rip the felt off the ball. So these two attributes gives the string an "edge". pun intended
As i said i have gotten used to super low powered string, and this is easily a medium, so i will have to adjust tension accordingly. But honestly for those of you who enjoy the softer Tourna strings, or Volkl Cyclone Tour, this is in my opinion is a superior string. The tension maintenance after a week has held up magnificently. Just string it in at least your mid range. Dont go to your low because it has ample power.

 

[mikeler]

Cyclone Tour lasts much longer for me but Firewire is a very nice offering.

 

[TRU PRO Official]

For anyone who was wondering about Tier One Fire Wire.

I have played with it this week. 17g @ 53 in my Head Extreme 2.0 mp.

This string is soft like CT but with edges like TB. It's triangular in shape.

Tension holds beautifully. And impact shock is among the best and softest polys available. My only gripe is that my forehands were sailing a little long and I would have to dual up the tension a few pounds to compensate. I would guess 3 to 4 lbs tighter next time. But my feeling is that people who like a soft response with average power will love these strings. I will string with the 16g next and dial up a little. But honestly this is a quality string.



Impact shock is prob the very softest of any poly i have ever tried. And this is kinda special because its a triangular string, that will rip the felt off the ball. So these two attributes gives the string an "edge". pun intended

As i said i have gotten used to super low powered string, and this is easily a medium, so i will have to adjust tension accordingly. But honestly for those of you who enjoy the softer Tourna strings, or Volkl Cyclone Tour, this is in my opinion is a superior string. The tension maintenance after a week has held up magnificently. Just string it in at least your mid range. Dont go to your low because it has ample power.

If you are used to playing with low-powered strings you could give Durafluxx a try!

 

[danbrenner]

Cyclone Tour lasts much longer for me but Firewire is a very nice offering.

I am a fan of CT. And I can see why you would especially love it in a 16x16 pattern. In a 16x19 I prefer a sharp edged poly.
Out of curiosity have u tried v Tourque?
And just for the record I really like the red CT more than the anthracite.

 

[danbrenner]

If you are used to playing with low-powered strings you could give Durafluxx a try!

Sounds good. U guys have great products. I will slap a set of the 16 g fire wire at 55 next. I think that will bridge the gap for me.

 

[mikeler]

I am a fan of CT. And I can see why you would especially love it in a 16x16 pattern. In a 16x19 I prefer a sharp edged poly.
Out of curiosity have u tried v Tourque?
And just for the record I really like the red CT more than the anthracite.

I have not tried that yet. In more closed patterns, I always preferred shaped strings to twisted ones as well.

Sounds good. U guys have great products. I will slap a set of the 16 g fire wire at 55 next. I think that will bridge the gap for me.

They definitely sell some good string.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

Cyclone Tour lasts much longer for me but Firewire is a very nice offering.

Strings only need the last 10 to 15 hours with good tension maintenence. How long is FireWire less for you?

 

[mikeler]

Strings only need the last 10 to 15 hours with good tension maintenence. How long is FireWire less for you?

The durability in my super open pattern racket was not good. It should work fine for 10 to 15 hours in any other normal pattern.

 

[jonestim]

Mikeler,

Did you try it other than the one time it broke on a shank? I have tried it in a couple racquets and found that it notched slower than most - if not all - other strings I have used, even in my ESP.

 

[mikeler]

Mikeler,

Did you try it other than the one time it broke on a shank? I have tried it in a couple racquets and found that it notched slower than most - if not all - other strings I have used, even in my ESP.

I tried a prototype variant of it that lasted a little longer but if I recall it was still only a couple of sets.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

I am in the process of testing a 17g and 18g of the Tier One FIREWIRE poly strung in my Yonex Ai98 with the standard +4# tension in the crosses at 46/50. I expected the 17g to have a bit less feel – and it does – however, I expected the 18g to have bit more power and comfort (which to this point, it does not). The 18g definitely has more spin potential, but I am surprised how stiff the string bed feels at the same tension compared to the 17g at the same exact tension. Both play well and have excellent control, but I am confused by the lack of comfort and pop in the 18g string, so far. Is this common?

 

[danbrenner]

My experience is that 18g is too thin. In general it lacks life. I haven't tested it out with T1 but when I used to use cyclone I slapped an 18g on for a test, and hated it. The 17g for me is the thinnest I can go. The cyclone 18g felt like dead plastic compare to the 17g which has life and resilience to hard hitting. So again for me 18g doesn't pan out. In just about any brand.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

I think a lot has to do With the stringbed density and size of frame. For today’s modern 16 x 19 with 100sq in the current thinking seems to tend to prefer either a 16ga main with a 17ga cross or a 17ga main with a 17L gauge cross. I am going to go with the later with my Ai98.

 

[danbrenner]

You say standard +4lbs in the crosses, but Its the other way around normally. The crosses are usually 2-4lbs less than the mains when using the same string. To allow the mains to move more freely.

 

[danbrenner]

I think a lot has to do With the stringbed density and size of frame. For today’s modern 16 x 19 with 100sq in the current thinking seems to tend to prefer either a 16ga main with a 17ga cross or a 17ga main with a 17L gauge cross. I am going to go with the later with my Ai98.

On another note. What is your take on these strings. I really like them. Very comfy.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

From USTA Stringer John Youngblood:

For as long as we have been stringing there has been an ongoing discussion revolving around the pros and cons of altering the tension between the main strings and cross strings. Many years ago we concluded it was a matter of personal preference. The players in the camp advocating a lower set tension argued that because the cross strings are shorter they should be pulled at a lower tension. Those in the opposite camp believed that pulling at higher tension reduced string movement. Both camps argued emphatically that their method produced a better feel. When it comes to a criteria like “feel” we are in objective territory and that is why we concluded it was largely a personal preference.

However, back when we drew this conclusion we were not in the era of polys and hybrids. The physical properties of these strings have not only altered the game, but have also provided a strong rationale for increasing the tension on the cross strings.

When a racquet is strung with the set tension the same in the mains and the crosses the differential between the two (as measured by a Stringmeter) is often in the 32 – 37% range. You read that correctly. The mains will measure (on average) 35% tighter than the cross strings. In the context of a full synthetic or a natural gut setup, this has not been an issue. It has been status quo. However, with full polys or poly hybrids it is less than ideal. The differential in tension with poly-based strings should ideally fall in the range of 20 – 25%…no more. When the differential in tension is brought closer together, the mains and crosses are able to work in unison with one another. When they are further apart, (greater than 25%), the mains are punished until they stabilize and come closer in line with the crosses. The result of this in the today’s world of polys is that the poly mains become overstretched and thus lose their tension and playability rapidly. One easy way to extend the optimal life of your poly setup is to allow the crosses to support the mains. This extends the useful playability by a considerable amount.

Bringing the mains and crosses closer in tension offers HUGE benefits for poly players. It allows players to string at lower reference tensions where polys will shine, it extends the useful playability of the stringbed and extends the time players can get solid performance before having to restring. The easiest way to bring the mains and crosses closer to one another so they will work in unison is to increase the tension of the cross strings by approximately 4 pounds. The simple act of altering tension in this manner will definitely lead to a noticeable increase in performance in most instances. HOWEVER, when increasing the tension on the crosses it is possible to overstretch the poly, exceeding the elastic limits of the string. This is most likely to occur on constant pull machines that overshoot tension. Because of this potential pitfall we recommend keeping the tension on the crosses the same or up to 2 pounds lower than the mains and using extended pulling time before clamping off. The extended pulling time on a constant pull machine (much more difficult to achieve this effect on a crank machine) will produce the desired outcome much more reliably than increasing the set tension. We recommend keeping each cross under tension for 20 seconds before clamping off. This may seem like it will add considerable time to the stringing process, but it really does not. While the cross is under tension go ahead and pre-weave the next cross string. After weaving the cross, release the tension and clamp off. Stringing in this manner is a bit awkward at first, but soon the stringer becomes fluid in working with this method. The on court results are definitely worth the effort!

 

[The Big Kahuna]

Yes I very much like the strings. They have a wonderful blend of both comfort and spin which is hard to find. I have been testing all the top spin polys on the market for the last month and they stand out from all the others IMO.

 

[danbrenner]

Yeah man I suppose that it is all subjective however I usually base what I do on what the pros do and in this case the pros just about all of them have their crosses lower than their mains. However that does not mean that they are correct everyone for shoild tailor there needs to their own game and I can see that you have. That's why in general I like to use a full string bed and just keep it at the sametension in a one piece job.
Sorry for the grammatical errors but I am dictating this on my iPhone so I do love the string as well it's special and has certain characteristics Of softer polyesters but at the same time has sharp enough edges being a triangular quite unique I would say definitely the find of the season. I would advise anyone reading this thread to give it a whirl and again if Ihad to make a comparison I would say that it is quite similar to cyclone tour but with sharp edges

 

[Cfidave]

I just strung FireWire in my Aeropro, using the above method. It does seem to make a difference on playability. I noticed a little better contol, and overall feel.

FireWire has been my go to string for a while now. I rank it above Tourbite and Cyclone Tour.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

I just strung FireWire in my Aeropro, using the above method. It does seem to make a difference on playability. I noticed a little better contol, and overall feel.

FireWire has been my go to string for a while now. I rank it above Tourbite and Cyclone Tour.

Totally agree on both fronts.

A number of pros are now also string with higher tension on their crosses with a full bed of poly (and this only applies to a full bed of poly - not hybrids). Roanic for one now strings his Wilson Blade 98 BLX with Luxilon 4G at 44/46lbs; Nishikori is at 49/51lbs; and, Zvonereva is at 57/60lbs. The theories on stringing with a full bed of poly are changing.

 

[danbrenner]

Totally agree on both fronts.

A number of pros are now also string with higher tension on their crosses with a full bed of poly (and this only applies to a full bed of poly - not hybrids). Roanic for one now strings his Wilson Blade 98 BLX with Luxilon 4G at 44/46lbs; Nishikori is at 49/51lbs; and, Zvonereva is at 57/60lbs. The theories on stringing with a full bed of poly are changing.

Very interesting find. Nishikori is justified because he's using softer crosses, but Raonic switching to 4g 44/46 is quite unique.

 

[o0lunatik]

Totally agree on both fronts.

A number of pros are now also string with higher tension on their crosses with a full bed of poly (and this only applies to a full bed of poly - not hybrids). Roanic for one now strings his Wilson Blade 98 BLX with Luxilon 4G at 44/46lbs; Nishikori is at 49/51lbs; and, Zvonereva is at 57/60lbs. The theories on stringing with a full bed of poly are changing.

Big Kahuna,

I too have come to settling with T1 Firewire and Tour Status as my primary setups. I have yet to try out varying tensions like you in the main and cross. Could you be kind enough to share your Firewire experience when strung same vs varying tension? Thanks.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

When a racquet is strung with the set tension the same in the mains and the crosses the differential between the two (as measured by a Stringmeter) is often in the 32 – 37% range. You read that correctly. The mains will measure (on average) 35% tighter than the cross strings. In the context of a full synthetic or a natural gut setup, this has not been an issue. It has been status quo. However, with full polys or poly hybrids it is less than ideal. The differential in tension with poly-based strings should ideally fall in the range of 20 – 25%…no more. When the differential in tension is brought closer together, the mains and crosses are able to work in unison with one another. When they are further apart, (greater than 25%), the mains are punished until they stabilize and come closer in line with the crosses. The result of this in the today’s world of polys is that the poly mains become overstretched and thus lose their tension and playability rapidly. One easy way to extend the optimal life of your poly setup is to allow the crosses to support the mains. This extends the useful playability by a considerable amount.

Bringing the mains and crosses closer in tension offers HUGE benefits for poly players. It allows players to string at lower reference tensions where polys will shine, it extends the useful playability of the stringbed and extends the time players can get solid performance before having to restring. The easiest way to bring the mains and crosses closer to one another so they will work in unison is to increase the tension of the cross strings by approximately 4 pounds. The simple act of altering tension in this manner will definitely lead to a noticeable increase in performance in most instances. HOWEVER, when increasing the tension on the crosses it is possible to overstretch the poly, exceeding the elastic limits of the string. This is most likely to occur on constant pull machines that overshoot tension. Because of this potential pitfall we recommend keeping the tension on the crosses the same or up to 2 pounds lower than the mains and using extended pulling time before clamping off. The extended pulling time on a constant pull machine (much more difficult to achieve this effect on a crank machine) will produce the desired outcome much more reliably than increasing the set tension. We recommend keeping each cross under tension for 20 seconds before clamping off. This may seem like it will add considerable time to the stringing process, but it really does not. While the cross is under tension go ahead and pre-weave the next cross string. After weaving the cross, release the tension and clamp off. Stringing in this manner is a bit awkward at first, but soon the stringer becomes fluid in working with this method. The on court results are definitely worth the effort!

NOTE: this applies to poly strings only.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

Bottom line, I feel I get more "snap back", pocketing, and spin when +4 #s on the crosses.

 

[scotus]

Totally agree on both fronts.

A number of pros are now also string with higher tension on their crosses with a full bed of poly (and this only applies to a full bed of poly - not hybrids). Roanic for one now strings his Wilson Blade 98 BLX with Luxilon 4G at 44/46lbs; Nishikori is at 49/51lbs; and, Zvonereva is at 57/60lbs. The theories on stringing with a full bed of poly are changing.

I don't think Raonic uses 4G.

He has been using M2 Pro at around the same tension for a long time, and a switch from M2 Pro to 4G will be an incredible leap in stiffness.

So if he were to switch to 4G, he would have gone down in tension.

 

[o0lunatik]

Bottom line, I feel I get more "snap back", pocketing, and spin when +4 #s on the crosses.

Thanks for the insight Big Kahuna. I will try the differing tension on my next string job with Firewire and will report back on how it'll turn out.

 

[danbrenner]

I don't think Raonic uses 4G.

He has been using M2 Pro at around the same tension for a long time, and a switch from M2 Pro to 4G will be an incredible leap in stiffness.

So if he were to switch to 4G, he would have gone down in tension.

He does. Just Google Colin he stringer.
And again it is very interesting what BK says about cross tension
I will have to do a little more snooping around regarding this topic.

 

[scotus]

He does. Just Google Colin he stringer.
And again it is very interesting what BK says about cross tension
I will have to do a little more snooping around regarding this topic.

I don't know how reliable Colin's list is.

His list says it was updated this February, but it lists Roger's racquet as PS 6.1 BLX. It also has a bunch of retirees like Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo, Kim Clijsters, Paradorn Schrisphan, etc. with their old, old setups listed.

Any other source that says Raonic has changed strings?

 

[The Big Kahuna]

Everything about string tension is a matter of personal preference. There are many people who believe exactly as your tennis shop. Nothing wrong with this as long as you are enjoying your setup.

In terms of our recommendation the ultimate goal is to get the tension differential between the mains and crosses to be in the 20 – 25% range. With no tension differential the difference is usually 30 – 35%. With a reduction in tension on crosses it is probably closer to 35%.

When the mains and crosses are closer together in terms of tension, at least with polys and co-polys, they tend to hold tension and playing properties longer because they are working in unison.

52 is a general guide we use. Most polys can reach 52 without overstretching. We like lower, but 52 is max we use. There are some newer copolys that we string slightly higher, but these have more elasticity. Strings like MSV Focus Hex +38 and WeissCANNON TurboTwist. Will .5 kilo over make a difference? Not likely, but in general the only frames we string at the top end of the poly range are Babolats because of the power and woofer grommet systems they use.

If polys are overstretched and not supported with crosses being closer in tension to the mains, then yes, certainly tension will be lost more rapidly.

 

[WhETHANs]

Been trying out durafluxx at 54 in graphene xt speed pro 18/20 for the past week in transition to using tourbite and wow this is a great string!!! Tension maintenance has been superb for 18 hours of hitting and it has just started to open up and gain some power but nothing too uncontrollable. Good comfort, great spin and control. Better than solinco revolution imo. Will compare to tourbite later.