Jacobthebest1
New User
I just got an email from tier one sports saying that I won a $50 gift card in the giveaway that was on their website. It's $50 off their string reels. Is it worth it to buy a reel of the string? It would be around $79
TRU PRO (formerly Tier One Sports)
- Thread starter Jacobthebest1
- Start date
stephenclown
Professional
I hear really good things about firewire but it can be inconsistent on certain strokes. I want to try it out as its meant to be a very soft poly and exceptional bite on the ball.
They have a number of decent strings, you should be able to look around and see what they are comparable and make a decision.
What do you play with at the moment?
I really don't think you can go wrong with $5 a set if they fit your game.
They have a number of decent strings, you should be able to look around and see what they are comparable and make a decision.
What do you play with at the moment?
I really don't think you can go wrong with $5 a set if they fit your game.
Jacobthebest1
New User
I play with volkl cyclone currently. I do string racquets frequently as a side business, but I've never heard much about the company except for firewire.
CopolyX
Hall of Fame
yep, they are small, they try hard and have a soul.
I seek underdogs like this. No the big four touting hype..and @ premium price
But bottom-line...it really about if your like it.
They have at least 4 copolys, multis and syncs.
just call them
But why did you enter the contest, if do not want there stuff?
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Jacobthebest1
New User
Good question. I found them on instagram and they were advertising free strings for a year. So I entered my email. Didn't figure that I would actually win something. If anyone wants the promo let me know.
stephenclown
Professional
I am pretty sure that T1 Black Knight / Neos 3 is supposed to be similar to cyclone but maybe a bit crisper and potentially better. I would give this one a go if you were going to 
Firewire is their favourite string among testers from what I can see due to its really unique style and feel due to triangular shape
Firewire is their favourite string among testers from what I can see due to its really unique style and feel due to triangular shape
Jacobthebest1
New User
What is the difference in playability between the Black Knight and Fire Wire?
mikeler
Moderator
I'm a former Cyclone 16 user. My new string of choice is Tier One Firewire Boost. I also have Black Knight in one racket. The Black Knight is very good but less spin than Firewire. The Firewire Boost is a poly/poly hybrid with the smooth poly in the crosses, the spin is massive and the durability is excellent.
Jacobthebest1
New User
Thank you very much for the reply! For someone using volkl cyclone right now, would it be beneficial to buy the boost or the regular?
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mikeler
Moderator
You talking Firewire versus Firewire Boost? If so, the sharp Firewire is awesome in the mains for spin production but you don't need it in the crosses. I think the smooth poly cross they offer in the Boost works a little better. All their strings are above average to excellent.
stephenclown
Professional
Given firewire is a nice and soft string in play do you think it would hybrid well with something like max power rough? Or a smoother string like RS Lyon/ Alu power or silverstring? Instead of buying the boost packs and just purchase 2 reels? Unless they have a reel hybrid?
I also guess using it as a hybrid removes the inconsistencies in the string bed. I may have to try this hybrid soon
392Hemi
Professional
I have FireWire 18g / Cream in 1 racquet and have also used FireWire BOOST. Both are great setups for me at 50/48. I prefer Boost (Tier One Neos cross) over the Cream cross when fresh, but I'm finding Cream will stay playable a little longer.
I am thinking to also try MSV Co-Focus or Solinco Revolution as a cross to FireWire mains
I am thinking to also try MSV Co-Focus or Solinco Revolution as a cross to FireWire mains
mikeler
Moderator
As a fellow fan of the Cyclone series of strings, I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this one.
g4driver
Legend
Will string up two frames tomorrow. I have two sets of FireWire Boost and the Volk Cyclone Tour 16g is sliding all over the place and sticking out of place In the mains = getting ready to snap in two frames.
You and I have very similar taste in strings so I will trust your judgement.
Q: Do you string FireWire Boost like Cyclone or Cyclone Tour? I string Cyclone Tour 4 lbs higher than Cyclone.
Q: Any idea how the Boost compares to Head Hawk ? Thinking about using the FireWire 1.30mm / 16g reel in the mains and Head Hawk 1.25 mm in the crosses since I got a reel of HH 1.25mm for $125. Head Hawk is very slick smooth poly. I didn't see a reel of the Crosses (Neos ?? ) for sale.
mikeler
Moderator
I use the same tension. One issue I have with Firewire is a weird kink at the bottom of my frames no matter the string. Firewire at 60 pounds will break at that kink outside of the racket. If I reduce the tension on the last 2 strings to 56 pounds on the mains, the durability is fantastic.
Hawk might be a good one to try. It's unfortunate they don't sell the cross separately. It is fantastic. Firewire is very sharp and just has so much spin.
LocNetMonster
Professional
That is from the string rotating as the crosses are being pulled. It will happen less - this is what works for me - if you push the weaved string next to the last tensioned string before pulling.
LocNetMonster
Professional
If you want to turn your racquet into a spin machine, put Firewire in the mains and put Tier One's Strike Force RIP in the crosses. The strings won't always line up neatly because of the grooves in RIP but if you can generate serious amounts of racquet speed, this combo will deliver a vicious vertical drop. The additional spin can really amplify the Magnus Effect on your heavy strokes and balls both you and your opponent will think sail two feet long will drop in with room to spare inside the baseline.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
I am currently using Volkl Cyclone 18 at 47.5lbs in my Babolat Pure Drive 2015. I just placed an order for Firewire Boost 18 and was wondering if I should try stringing at the same tension or perhaps a few lbs higher? I am primarily looking for a little more comfort (but similar performance as Cyclone).
LocNetMonster
Professional
Having never tried Volkl strings I can't answer that for you. I always buy at least two sets of a new string. I'll put one in at what I think works and play it for 3 sessions and then cut it out and adjust to what I think I need to tweak it to. I think I would put in at 50 and work from there. Because of its shape, Firewire tends to have a pretty high launch angle so raising it 2.5 might not be a bad idea.
If you want more comfort, put a slick SG in the crosses. You still get the spin, better control IMHO, and definitely a softer feel.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
Thanks for the reply. I bought 4 sets so I'll be able to play around with tension. I also have a 1/2 reel of Wilson syn-gut (15L though!) so I could experiment a bit but will try out the hybrid Firewire boost by itself first. I used to be a very frequent stringbreaker (1-2x/week) but that was 20 years ago. Just re-picked up the sport and am enjoying poly strings but am interested in trying a few different combos - especially since I have a stringer and am playing 3-4 times a week lately.
PS: I am a UIUC alum!
g4driver
Legend
FireWire Boost feels stiffer than Cyclone Tour 1.30mm even though I dropped the tension 4lbs. Strung at 52/50. The spin is certainly there with the Neos crosses. Hitting again this afternoon.
I have another 4.0 guy who is testing the FireWire 1.30 mains / Head Hawk 1.25mm crosses.
LocNetMonster
Professional
I have and played with it in several different hybrid combinations. My favorite is FW 18g mains and RIP 16g crosses. IMHO, it's basically boost on 'roids. Despite its deep textured grooves, RIP has a very slick surface that allows mains to really glide, so it makes for a really nice cross string for increased spin potential. It also packs a decent amount of energy in my Pure Storms/Controls whether it is in the mains, crosses or strung in a full bed. It delivers a fair amount of spin, but definitely a step or two below FW on its own in the mains.
The one thing you may not like about it is the strings in the opposite direction will catch in the grooves and not return to the straight position. For that reason I would skip hybridding this with a multifil or Sgut - I tried several iterations of both - unless they were 15 or 16g and your RIP 18g or smaller. Visually it is annoying, but in my experience it doesn't affect playability in regards to control and making predictable shots. It seems pretty durable, good for about 20 hours of play before I feel like I need to replace it.
For players who rely on lots of slicing, dicing and drop shot, I try FW crosses/RIP mains. The three or four times I strung it this way, I could consistently hit some wicked slices that I can't seem to replicate strung the other way around.
LocNetMonster
Professional
I have not tried the Cyclone line of strings so really can't help you on a comparison. I can say there is a noticeable difference in each of the three available gauges. Stringing between 59-62#, 18g feels soft completely different than 16g, which feels much stiffer both stringing and striking the ball. I feel like 18g pockets the ball better and feels really good flying out of the sweet spot. I bought 16g specifically for a cross string because not only is really slick but it helps keep the sharp edge of Firewire raised face out in the string bed.
g4driver
Legend
Was rained out yesterday so hitting tonight at 6 pm then again at 730
Strung up one frame with Tier Boost 52/50 and it feels stiffer than Cyclone Tour 56/54.
The second frame has FireWire 1.30mm mains and Head Hawk 1.25mm crosses 52M/50X to do a side by side comparison of the Neos crosses with the same mains
The third identical frame with the "Captain America " blue / white setup V-Torque 1.28mm/ Head Hawk 1.25 mm. This setup might last 3 sets but my shoulder is still bugging me 8weeks post Mumford Procedure surgery. I choose this setup knowing it is a very comfy poly/poly hybrid, and it has the identical crosses the second frame is using.
Strung up one frame with Tier Boost 52/50 and it feels stiffer than Cyclone Tour 56/54.
The second frame has FireWire 1.30mm mains and Head Hawk 1.25mm crosses 52M/50X to do a side by side comparison of the Neos crosses with the same mains
The third identical frame with the "Captain America " blue / white setup V-Torque 1.28mm/ Head Hawk 1.25 mm. This setup might last 3 sets but my shoulder is still bugging me 8weeks post Mumford Procedure surgery. I choose this setup knowing it is a very comfy poly/poly hybrid, and it has the identical crosses the second frame is using.
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mikeler
Moderator
Looking forward to hearing the results of these tests! The Boost may be slightly stiffer than Cyclone Tour but not by much.
g4driver
Legend
Ok...2.5 hours of singles tonight. Two opponents. I played better than expected. Four Prince Textreme Warrior 100 frames (16x18) with Fairway Leather grips all strung on my constant pull Alpha Ghost.
1) Tier One FireWire Boost (FireWire 1.30mm / Neos2 1.30mm) 52M/50X
2) Tier One FireWire 1.30mm / Head Hawk 1.25mm 52M/50X
3) Volkl V-Torque 1.28mm / Head Hawk 1.25 mm 56M/54X
4) Wilson Natural Gut 1.30 mm / Head Hawk 1.25mm 58M/56X
First of all the V-Torque /HH setup feels nothing like a full bed of poly IMO. It feels like I am hitting with a multifilment and actually feels closer to the Wilson Natural Gut/ HH setup than a full bed of Cyclone, Cyclone Tour or the Tier One setups. I have been playing a full bed of Cyclone Tour 1.30mm for 3.5 years now and I didn't feel the need to playtest it tonight. I know it like the back of my hand as it is my favorite setup of all time. I normally use at least one reel per month, sometimes two for various 4.0 and 4.5 players as customers.
The FW Boost setup feels much stiffer than the V-Torque/HH setup and slightly stiffer than the FW/HH setup. IMO both feel stiffer to me than a full bed of CT, but that isn't a bad thing. The FW setups played almost identical to my hack of a game as a USTA rated 4.0 (meaning Head Hawk1.25mm works just fine as a cross with Fire Wire 1.30mm). Since Tire One doesn't sell Neos2 by the reel, Head Hawk 1.25mm seems like a great alternative for a cross. Yes, I know Head Hawk is more expensive when you look at the sticker price. But using google's nice little search engine as helped me acquire reels of HH for $125. I like HH and so do several 4.0 and 4.5 guys so HH is a keeper for me.
I don't get nearly as many free points off my serve as a few of my teammates. I felt the FW setups were definitely more powerful for my serve and groundstrokes, but perhaps the 52M/50X tension got me some extra power compared to my normal CT 56M/54X setups. My serve was better than normal and my groundstrokes felt great with the FW setups. I have been using a two handed backhand for many years and use a one hand backhand slice when stretched wide or on the run. My backhand felt completely comfortable with the FW setups.
I will continue to play with the FireWire Boost and FireWire/Head Hawk setups, but I want to try to soften the stringbed with a softer smooth cross. I don't want to use 1.25 mm mains since I prefer 1.30mm mains and that is the reel I purchased. I don't need the soft feeling of the V-Torque/HH frame and a buddy tried and and love it, so he asked to borrow it. When I get it back on Sunday, I will make a third FireWire setup with Head Hawk Touch 1.25 crosses trying to soften up the stringbed a bit more. I am not a fan of Wilson Revolve but I do have the string and string it for quite a few people in hybirds with multifilaments. The last time I used 1.25 mm Revolve crosses this spring I broke them in the second set of my Prince Textreme Warrior 100. It was a 1.28mm V-Torque / Revolve 1.25mm experiment that didn't work at all, so on that note, I will not be putting Revolve crosses with my FireWire mains.
Next round will have to be Sunday. On the road Wed until Sat afternoon.
1) Tier One FireWire Boost (FireWire 1.30mm / Neos2 1.30mm) 52M/50X
2) Tier One FireWire 1.30mm / Head Hawk 1.25mm 52M/50X
3) Tier One FireWire 1.30mm / Head Hawk Touch 1.25mm 52M/50X
Hope this one night experiment helps Tier One get a few more purchases and perhaps if enough of us ask, TW will start selling Tier One strings. I think the FireWire reel is a keeper. I am just looking to soften the stringbed for my bum shoulder and protect my elbow.
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mikeler
Moderator
^^^ Firewire is the real magic of the setup. I have not used any string to date that creates a heavier topspin or backspin shot. I'm sure any smooth poly in the crosses would do fine with Firewire in the mains.
My tennis level has jumped up a little bit just with the string change. Almost everyone I play is a close match so a few extra points per set can make all the difference between winning and losing.
My tennis level has jumped up a little bit just with the string change. Almost everyone I play is a close match so a few extra points per set can make all the difference between winning and losing.
g4driver
Legend
Haven't tried that. FireWire is a very sharp poly, and stiffer than my normal setup so I was attempting to compare to the Boost set (FW/Neos 2).
I don't think my shoulder would like that just yet. I had over 1/2 inch of bone shaved out of my right shoulder on Aug 21st. It is still sore 8 weeks later.
stephenclown
Professional
Going to start stringing for people so will be able to buy a few reels, was thinking isospeed cream could be a great cross for fw? bumped up a little in tension if needed.
Will probably buy YPTP/S, FW, cream and maybe hyper g. Still figuring out what people are using so that I can position my options nicely for clients. Not really many european strings like kirschbaum and solinco here. Tier one also pretty much non existent but fw seems like a great string.
Edit* which guage of fw do you like the most?
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
Received 4 sets of Tier One FireWire Boost 18 awg yesterday and strung up one racket. Was able to hit with it for about an hour off of a ball machine, tonight and tomorrow will actually play with it. I have been using Volkl Cyclone 18 awg at 47.5lbs in my 2015 Babolat Pure Drive Plus. I am a big fan of Cyclone thus far with limitations being tension maintenance, feel, and shock (elbow/joints). I am able to generate significant spin regardless of racket/string, but am happy to add a bit more and Cyclone has helped with that. I am hoping for at least similar performance from FireWire Boost. Here are some impressions:
- FireWire is definitely an unusual string. Its triangular shape takes some getting used to and it can get kinked while stringing if you are a bit careless. Not my favorite to string with and I think doing a full bed with it will be a bit of a PITA. In any case, I used it for my mains as recommended. While it is available in reels of black or red, in FireWire Boost it is only available in red. I wish this wasn't the case.
- Noes-2 is a more typical smooth poly. It was pretty slick so weaving the crosses was quite easy. I could see using another very very slick smooth poly here in replacement, especially if you want to use a different gauge than the mains. But, it is nice to get everything in one package and Tier One is generous with their measurements, giving ~2 feet more of both strings than you typically see. Also, this string is not currently available in reels so you are stuck buying set by set for the time being.
- I strung both mains and crosses at 50 lbs.
- From the first hit, I could tell that I would like this string. It provides a bit more feel than Cyclone and has similar if not slightly more spin potential. My topspin shots were definitely on point, dipping visually more than usual. It also had less of a "plasticky" feel and I was able to execute drop shots (again, off of a ball machine!) well. On the control side, I felt I had slightly more control with Cyclone, but I'd like to reserve judgment on that for now until I can play against another human. I only took about a dozen serves and could tell the spin potential was very high - otherwise, felt similar as Cyclone.
- One big difference was in comfort -- the FireWire Boost was much more comfortable than the Cyclone IMO. This is important for me as I have been experiencing some mild GE for the past few weeks. While it has improved as I have lowered tension on Cyclone (went from 50 lbs to 47.5 lbs), reduced my late-hit forehands, and have strengthened my arm with Flexbar exercises, I am still not at 100%. Well, after an hour of hitting I experienced none of the post-tennis elbow soreness I am used to and didn't even need to ice down. I am really hoping this holds up.
- I'll monitor tension maintenance closely -- when comparing immediately after stringing to after hitting for an hour, RacquetTune is reporting a 7.5% drop in tension.
- Overall, I am happy with the purchase and at $8.95 (without discounts), this is a great value co-poly hybrid string set!. I am going to string up my other racket later today with FireWire Boost at 50 lbs as well. If the comfort aspect holds and control is similar to what I experienced with Cyclone, I am going to switch to this string.
mikeler
Moderator
^^^ I pretty much had the same experience with you based on the 16g of FW Boost and Cyclone. Only 7.5% drop in tension? Did you hit immediately hit after stringing? Most polys drop about 20% tension overnight before you hit the first ball. If you let it settle for a day then hit and the drop was only 7.5%, that is well below normal.
g4driver
Legend
IMO, Head Hawk is better/slicker cross than both Cream and YPTP and works well with other shaped polys including Revolution, and Hyper G.
Cream is a rather soft poly and honestly I think it works better with smooth strings, both Polys and multi-filaments.
FWIW, I have reels of each string you mentioned and the ones I wrote about. I use 1.25mm Head Hawk as crosses in my own frames when testing poly/poly and gut/poly hybrids. I like the dead feeling of Hawk and it works great as a slick cross.
You might try packs of strings before investing in reels of string that you may or may not sell.Solinco Revolution and Tour Bite are strings that many people like but it took me years to find clients who wanted Revolution time and time again. I buy Tour Bite in packs as I sell more 1.30mm Cyclone Tour than any other poly.
stephenclown
Professional
Thanks for the information. Do you think the cream just isn't as slick and too soft for a cross with something so edged? Heard fw is comfortable itself so could be fine with a stiffer cross.
I was also thinking that Max Power (smooth or rough) and Wilson Revolve (seems like a strong standard poly) could be good? Just want a smooth poly that wont hinder performance of the FW. Will probably order a few more sets to try it out.
TRU PRO Official
Rookie
Based on USRSA lab test results, Firewire has one of the highest tension stability in the industry (comparing polys with polys)
g4driver
Legend
Both Cream and Revolve are softer polys. I have reels of both. I used 1.25mm Revolve crosses with 1.28 V-torque earlier this year and broke the Revolve in the first game of the second set of doubles. It was shredded by the V-Torque which feels like a very soft poly when stringing it and it plays like a very soft poly. I can't imagine how quickly FW, Revolution, Hyper G or Cyclone would shred Wilson Revolve. Maybe less than a set.
So that is why I would never use Revolve in crosses with edged / shaped poly Mains. I used this soft smooth polys with smooth strings only. Just my .02 and experience as a stringer.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
Racket 1:
Baseline tension was measured a few minutes after stringing. I hit with it a few hours later with the ball machine for ~1 hour. I did not re-measure tension until the following morning. The value the next morning after stringing was 7.5% lower than baseline. It has now been another 24 hours with no playing and I measured again. Now, it is at 9.6% tension drop.
Racket 2:
I strung up my other racket (another 2015 Pure Drive Plus) with Tier One FW Boost at 50 lbs yesterday and hit a bit and played a set a few hours post stringing. Baseline tension was measured a few minutes after stringing, and I just checked out how things changed overnight. I measured a 9.1% tension drop.
I'll continue to monitor and will play a couple sets tonight as well as Sunday. I'll post up any updates and also provide a more detailed playability assessment.
I hit with Tier One's Black Knight 17g for a few hours yesterday in my Wilson Burn 100s. I like this string a lot. Solid control/power with killer spin! I'm putting a coil of 16g in another frame later this week to do a side by side comparison.
After that, I'm seriously considering buying a reel of Black Knight in my favorite gauge.
Side note: Tier One also has outstanding customer service. I ordered the set of 17g online, but ended up calling them to add the 16g. All I can say is they were great to deal with and are ideal for players.
After that, I'm seriously considering buying a reel of Black Knight in my favorite gauge.
Side note: Tier One also has outstanding customer service. I ordered the set of 17g online, but ended up calling them to add the 16g. All I can say is they were great to deal with and are ideal for players.
Moosch
New User
How did those last 3 set ups work for you thus far? I just strung Boost myself and can't wait to try that and FireWire/Hawk Touch
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
Okay, its been a while so I'll provide an update on this all. I played a full set with Racket 1 and even several days later the tension has barely dropped. Same story on Racket 2 after no play on it. So, tension maintenance on this string is excellent. Comfort is much better than Cyclone.
HOWEVER, I have definitely noticed less pop and control after extended use. Enough that I had switched rackets completely during a match (something I never do) because I was missing shots that would normally drop in. After switching rackets (to my standby racket from 30 years ago...strung with syn gut), things got back to normal. After the match, I decided to try the Tier 1 FW Boost in my old racket (Prince CTS Graduate 90) strung at 52 lbs. After 4 sets with this combo, tension dropped 12.4%. In general, playability was fine but I didn't experience any more spin than with syn gut.
So, this all said, I think that Tier One FW Boost is a good string, with the following attributes (in rank order):
- Tension maintenance
- Comfort
- Value
- Spin potential - perhaps dependent a bit on the racket
PS - I am thinking about ditching my Pure Drives and reverting to the Prince rackets from my High School days. I have 4 of them total and they play great...
