Ultimate string of choice !
- Thread starter galapagos
- Start date
galapagos
Hall of Fame
I think it has a bit more power than rpm blast and black code but very linear response so you dont feel it as much (the power)And besides comfort and power does it have enough spin, similar to RPM Blast?
While a flat hitter(like you), I love the spin I get from poly which allows me to hit harder and more free than with full bed NG!
Thank you master reviewer/ tester and tournament winner!
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Thanks, I'm still split between it (Hepta Power) or getting a second reel of Tour Hex, which doesn't have power (and you have to generate it yourself, but maybe I can't swing as fast anymore), but control that I absolutely love so far.
Tour Hex I could also use it in hybrids with Big Spin and Hit Pro, besides full bed.
Sorry to bother you again, what do you think?
If you are busy and I don't hear from you, I'll play it safe and get Tour Hex (as I already have a set of Hepta Power to try) today or tomorrow.
Thanks again!
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galapagos
Hall of Fame
do you have experience with 1.30 gauges or mostly using 1.20-1.25 ? Asking because I know Ice Code (1.30) and Lynx Tour (1.30 and 1.25) but thinking about 4g lately to review
tried only champagne lynx tour but might try silver one too !
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Yes try 4G I love it at 40lbs in v13. One of these days I need to try 4g soft...do you have experience with 1.30 gauges or mostly using 1.20-1.25 ? Asking because I know Ice Code (1.30) and Lynx Tour (1.30 and 1.25) but thinking about 4g lately to review
tried only champagne lynx tour but might try silver one too !
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Noticed you didn't say Razor code ever tried that instead of ice code? Actually you're more of a power guy makes sense you'd prefer ice code I guess
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
My swing path is flat with fully top spin. So i need the help of my 18x16 blade to lift the ball. The more open pattern the better to me. So 1.25 is the max i could use. 4G at low tension on an open pattern stick is top quality stuff. No need to go at 1.30 it’s already the most solid string out there along with original. Great heavy punch feel on contact not plastic and light like more shaped strings.do you have experience with 1.30 gauges or mostly using 1.20-1.25 ? Asking because I know Ice Code (1.30) and Lynx Tour (1.30 and 1.25) but thinking about 4g lately to review
tried only champagne lynx tour but might try silver one too !
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
I play tested razor code 3 years ago along with all tecnifibre strings. It was kinda muted if i remember ? I might give it a try again. I like ice code because it’s elastic…. ball stays on the stringbed a little bit and launches with power like 4G. It just has worse feel than 4G but play similar to me. I also enjoyed red code and triax over bphase.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
Razor Code more control oriented version of Ice Code. Less power, less spring.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
Tecnifibre Black Code 1.24 and 1.28 review
We have a new winner in group B !
Tried 1.24 gauge in new Tecnifibre TF40 16x19 (but tight pattern) 315g and 1.28 in Angell TC95 16x19 (but open pattern)
I have to say, TF40 16x19 is my new top contender for ultimate racquet of choice (click) BUT let's focus on the strings now!
Black code is a 5-sided string with high stiffness rating but quite efficient energy return %. From my experience it's like trying to mix two different personalities. One that is cold and very calculative and second one hot-tempered and bitey
The dominant factor for power level is overall the stiffness while energy return % is like a "limiter" to your input.
How to understand it?
Let's take out the stiffness factor out for a while and focus just on energy return %. Let's say your swing acceleration has a force "input" from 1-10. Energy return % will take that number , adjust accordingly and launch the ball with some added info. The higher the energy return % the more info you are adding, increasing the final output.
Stiffness kinda adjusts the amount of your input and passes it on to energy return % lol
In short:
If you had a "tennis plugins/effects chain" it would look like this:
Your clean power just before the ball touches the strings (input 1) -> stiffness rating (increasing or decreasing input) -> energy return % ( how much of this input do you want to let through or maybe even add more signal?) -> final output
So if you look at for example Luxilon Original - It is relatively stiff (213 stiffness rating) with 85 % energy return which is making it a very very control oriented string. The amount of energy return combined with stiffness are encouraging me to speed up my swing because low energy return is keeping me safe from pushing the ball out. - it's more difficult to hit a too short ball than too long.
Now back to Black Code (let's start from 1.28 gauge) - stiffness is quite high at 250 with energy return at 87%. All I can say is that the performance is very interesting.
I noticed that there is a perfect sweet spot of my initial input (how hard I try to swing) where the ball is very heavy, controlled with rather linear response. The stiffness provides control but energy return is giving me the performance and actually I would say Black Code is a very comfortable string with a nice dwell time and pocketing sensation.
I can FEEL it. If I can feel something then I can adjust to it from shot to shot and replicate on demand And everytime I decrease my input (slow down my swing) or try to go for a crazy off the cuff winner then I am being punished for stepping out of that sweet zone (I loose control and the ball goes too short or too far).
To me - that's actually a very good quality because it teaches you to play "in the zone" and "learn" your swing. Look at Djokovic or Medvedev - they are not the attackers, they just contantly hit their targets and make it look easy. So relaxed but manages to play very deep over and over again. Black Code to me is for a playstyle like this.
Launch control is perfect. I was not surprised by anything. String listened to me and my intentions
It felt much more comfortable than Luxilon Original and Tourna Silver 7 Tour.
I can see why there are many brands trying to copy this formula (without pointing fingers)
I think Millman in the interview once said he prefers Black Code over Luxilon Alu Power because he is getting the same top performance BUT in a more comfortable package.
I usually prefer control oriented strings so no surprise that I am enjoying Black Code. I would prefer Black Code to be a bit more "tempered" (not sure if that's a good world?) so I could go a little bit crazy from time to time or so it could let me slow down my swing (push the ball) when under much bigger pressure. On the other hand it pushes me to play good.
1.24 Black Code is like a thinner brother of 1.28 gauge lol. Everything pretty much the same just "more".
So a bit more power, a bit more spin potential. Which one is better? For me it's down to string-racquet combination. People were noticing quite a lot of spin from my TF40 with 1.24 Black Code.
Compared to Mayami Big Spin (which was so far the leader in group B) Black Code has much more linear response with a bit more connected feel and better volleys while Big Spin is an ultimate spin machine.
Similar strings from different brands:
Solinco Confidential (Black Code has better tension maintenance and longer playability duration with control, rest is very similar)
Head Lynx Tour (Black Code is more comfortable, Lynx Tour has less power, rest is similar)
Mayami Hepta Power (Black Code less power, Hepta Power more comfort, rest is similar)
Griekspoor is using it and managed to win 8 record-breaking challengers in one season with his endorsed TFight RS305 18x19
Compared to Tecnifibre Razor Code:
Razor Code offers even more feel,comfort and a bit more power with bigger "sweet spot" but a bit less spin.
I'm not sure which one I prefer Razor Code or Black Code - depends on the racquet.
RATING: 7.3
say hello on IG ! @dandan.tennis
go to strings list (click)
We have a new winner in group B !
Tried 1.24 gauge in new Tecnifibre TF40 16x19 (but tight pattern) 315g and 1.28 in Angell TC95 16x19 (but open pattern)
I have to say, TF40 16x19 is my new top contender for ultimate racquet of choice (click)
BUT let's focus on the strings now!Black code is a 5-sided string with high stiffness rating but quite efficient energy return %. From my experience it's like trying to mix two different personalities. One that is cold and very calculative and second one hot-tempered and bitey
The dominant factor for power level is overall the stiffness while energy return % is like a "limiter" to your input.
How to understand it?
Let's take out the stiffness factor out for a while and focus just on energy return %. Let's say your swing acceleration has a force "input" from 1-10. Energy return % will take that number , adjust accordingly and launch the ball with some added info. The higher the energy return % the more info you are adding, increasing the final output.
Stiffness kinda adjusts the amount of your input and passes it on to energy return % lol
In short:
If you had a "tennis plugins/effects chain" it would look like this:
Your clean power just before the ball touches the strings (input 1) -> stiffness rating (increasing or decreasing input) -> energy return % ( how much of this input do you want to let through or maybe even add more signal?) -> final output
So if you look at for example Luxilon Original - It is relatively stiff (213 stiffness rating) with 85 % energy return which is making it a very very control oriented string. The amount of energy return combined with stiffness are encouraging me to speed up my swing because low energy return is keeping me safe from pushing the ball out. - it's more difficult to hit a too short ball than too long.
Now back to Black Code (let's start from 1.28 gauge) - stiffness is quite high at 250 with energy return at 87%. All I can say is that the performance is very interesting.
I noticed that there is a perfect sweet spot of my initial input (how hard I try to swing) where the ball is very heavy, controlled with rather linear response. The stiffness provides control but energy return is giving me the performance and actually I would say Black Code is a very comfortable string with a nice dwell time and pocketing sensation.
I can FEEL it. If I can feel something then I can adjust to it from shot to shot and replicate on demand
And everytime I decrease my input (slow down my swing) or try to go for a crazy off the cuff winner then I am being punished for stepping out of that sweet zone (I loose control and the ball goes too short or too far).To me - that's actually a very good quality because it teaches you to play "in the zone" and "learn" your swing. Look at Djokovic or Medvedev - they are not the attackers, they just contantly hit their targets and make it look easy. So relaxed but manages to play very deep over and over again. Black Code to me is for a playstyle like this.
Launch control is perfect. I was not surprised by anything. String listened to me and my intentions
It felt much more comfortable than Luxilon Original and Tourna Silver 7 Tour.
I can see why there are many brands trying to copy this formula (without pointing fingers)
I think Millman in the interview once said he prefers Black Code over Luxilon Alu Power because he is getting the same top performance BUT in a more comfortable package.
I usually prefer control oriented strings so no surprise that I am enjoying Black Code. I would prefer Black Code to be a bit more "tempered" (not sure if that's a good world?) so I could go a little bit crazy from time to time or so it could let me slow down my swing (push the ball) when under much bigger pressure. On the other hand it pushes me to play good.
1.24 Black Code is like a thinner brother of 1.28 gauge lol. Everything pretty much the same just "more".
So a bit more power, a bit more spin potential. Which one is better? For me it's down to string-racquet combination. People were noticing quite a lot of spin from my TF40 with 1.24 Black Code.
Compared to Mayami Big Spin (which was so far the leader in group B) Black Code has much more linear response with a bit more connected feel and better volleys while Big Spin is an ultimate spin machine.
Similar strings from different brands:
Solinco Confidential (Black Code has better tension maintenance and longer playability duration with control, rest is very similar)
Head Lynx Tour (Black Code is more comfortable, Lynx Tour has less power, rest is similar)
Mayami Hepta Power (Black Code less power, Hepta Power more comfort, rest is similar)
Griekspoor is using it and managed to win 8 record-breaking challengers in one season with his endorsed TFight RS305 18x19
Compared to Tecnifibre Razor Code:
Razor Code offers even more feel,comfort and a bit more power with bigger "sweet spot" but a bit less spin.
I'm not sure which one I prefer Razor Code or Black Code - depends on the racquet.
RATING: 7.3
say hello on IG !
@dandan.tennisgo to strings list (click)
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Fintft
G.O.A.T.
To me this is an edorsement for Mayami strings (including Hepta Power) that are much more comfortable/softer, just to err on the good side, health wise
galapagos
Hall of Fame
ya Mayami brand is focused on comfort without loosing too much control and performance. Very interesting strings!To me this is an edorsement for Mayami strings (including Hepta Power) that are much more comfortable/softer, just to err on the good side, health wise
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Please advise me, string guru, what shall I get today: another reel of Tour Hex or one of Hepta Power?
I also have reels of Big Spin and Hit Pro + sets of every Mayami poly strings.
Thanks!
Ultimate string of choice !
RPM Team 1.25. Highly suggest to me. I tried it and it was very good. Good feel and control. Stiff string on paper but felt soft at 53 pounds. Tension maintenance looks good.
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Does Tour Hex have similar control?
galapagos
Hall of Fame
Tour Hex has less power so even more control. To me power and control are often interchangeable but not always. There are some strings that are powerful but somehow keep the control very high. Tour Hex 1.23 slighly higher launch angle.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
if you prefer more control - Tour Hex, if you prefer more comfort - Hepta Power. Both are control oriented. Tour Hex has better tension maintenance. Hepta Power more linear response.Please advise me, string guru, what shall I get today: another reel of Tour Hex or one of Hepta Power?
I also have reels of Big Spin and Hit Pro + sets of every Mayami poly strings.
Thanks!
Ultimate string of choice !
RPM Team 1.25. Highly suggest to me. I tried it and it was very good. Good feel and control. Stiff string on paper but felt soft at 53 pounds. Tension maintenance looks good.
A good example for powerful yet controllable is Lynx Tour grey. How would you compare these two? Tour hex 1.23 with lynx tour 1.25
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Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Yes, I've noticed the tension maintenance for Tour Hex...
I might go with Tour Hex for now, mainly for control (in the light also of what you said for Technifibre Black Code, in case I can't generate my power anymore: "let me slow down my swing (push the ball)").
I'll also try a couple of Hepta Power sets, but save the reel for later, if I'll need more comfort.
I've been very happy with the launch angle of the Tour Hex/Hit Pro hybrid so far.
Minor update: I've ended up ordering a reel of each (in order to take advantage of the 30% coupon that expires tomorrow), planning to do maybe full bed Hepta Power and use Tour Hex mainly in hybrids (but also full bed).
I have the other hybrids to try with Big Spin/Tour Hex, plus individual sets of the rest.
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Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Is it really much less harsh than rpm blast though?
Can you compare it with other strings stating good and bad?
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
Hard to say for me but it feels actually soft. Decent power. I felt rpm blast changed quickly compared to team but I tried both once.
I played with many racquets and strings, but maybe one was my favorite: Solinco Tour Bite 1.25, tried other options but only 1.25 is good (for me).
Mayami Tour Hex lasts at least double time more than Tour bite, maybe even more. Superb control, great spin, great touch... Arm friendly, I play without vibrastop. Just needed few restrings to find right tension for my style. And tension depends a lot on your racquet. My example: RF Autograph started at 23/22kg but finally found best at 20,5/19,5 kg, on Angell TC100 started at 24/23 and finished at 25/24kg and this is my deadly weapon
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
I played with many racquets and strings, but maybe one was my favorite: Solinco Tour Bite 1.25, tried other options but only 1.25 is good (for me).
Mayami Tour Hex lasts at least double time more than Tour bite, maybe even more. Superb control, great spin, great touch... Arm friendly, I play without vibrastop. Just needed few restrings to find right tension for my style. And tension depends a lot on your racquet. My example: RF Autograph started at 23/22kg but finally found best at 20,5/19,5 kg, on Angell TC100 started at 24/23 and finished at 25/24kg and this is my deadly weapon
And what's your style? Do you hit relatively flat with an Eastern grip? And level please?
So you do Tour Hex, full bed?
Tried any other Mayami strings?
Myself I've tried: Tour Hex/Hit Pro hybrid at 48/45 LBs and I love it so far:
Mayami strings
@faded_lines Good to hear...what tension? Just received VC95 2021 and have to decide which string to start from (firestorm -razor code-TS7T -big spin -tour hex 1.23-hit pro all in 1.25) amazing choice to choose from!
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
My style: Agressive baseliner, first chance I have I am trying to make winner. Aiming angles, lines, deep balls... never wanted just to bring ball back to opponent or wait for him to make mistake. Yes, I am hitting relatively flat, eastern grip, heavy spin generate only when needed. I hit slices on higher balls (playing 1HBH) and a lot of drop shotsAnd what's your style? Do you hit relatively flat with an Eastern grip? And level please?
So you do Tour Hex, full bed?
Tried any other Mayami strings?
Myself I've tried: Tour Hex/Hit Pro hybrid at 48/45 LBs and I love it so far:
Mayami strings
@faded_lines Good to hear...what tension? Just received VC95 2021 and have to decide which string to start from (firestorm -razor code-TS7T -big spin -tour hex 1.23-hit pro all in 1.25) amazing choice to choose from!
. On hard court, with TC100 and Tour Hex, I have made drop shot which bounce back in my part of court Always play with full bed, years ago tried some hybrids but generaly I want pinpoint precision and predictible power and didn't find good combination. Level 5.0
Flashman92
New User
Hi, you also tested Focus Hex 1.27 gauge. How would you compare it to Tourna silver 7 Tour 1.30 gauge in terms of durability? ThanksTime for another trio of strings that I think are quite similar to each other.
Dyreex Cube Max 1.25
Mayami Big Spin 1.30
Tourna Silver 7 tour 1.30
Cube max is a square string with rounded corners. Big Spin is twisted 3 sided string, Tourna Silver 7 tour is 7-sided. So what do they have in common ? They are baseliners dream !
Cube Max has a very interesting capping effect on a contact (perhaps due to rounded corners?) the feeling lasted for few training sessions and then slowly faded out. The spin potential is amazing, control is very good. It gave me pretty much same control as 1.30 strings. The trajectory sometimes tends to be up and down rather than linear but you can easily adjust to it. It is quite stiff but not uncomfortable (similar to tourna silver 7 tour I would say) . The response is very predictible in a sense that it doesn't launch the ball with a small power boost. Cube Max is honest with great spin potential. I string almost all of my demo strings at 24/23 kg. Maybe i could lower the tension to open the sweet spot a bit. I sometimes loose too much power on my backhand side with stiff strings. I think that all string from Group B have highest spin potential.Cube Max has great price which gives us some bonus points. What I didn't like about it ? I think the response on volleys could be better, the string just bites too much and I would prefer more feel and even response over there. It is a great string when you are comfortable with opponent's shots and can be a bit too spinny when facing faster balls. I tried to counter attack and needed more linear response there. I think I might prefer less spin but lienar and honest response rather than ultimate spin. I think this string would be amazing in a 18x20 100" racquets like speed pro or gravity pro. Testing continues so maybe this string might actually make it to my top choices.
I give it a 7.1 rating
Mayami Big Spin is also a baseliners dream but opposed to Cube Max , it offers much softer response with bigger sweet spot with still amazing control which make it a very unique string. It's not "boardy" but definitely not launchy either ( i hate when the ball springs too fast). Bigger sweet spot combined with great spin potential made it a great choice for those who try to hit the ball on the rise or redirect the shots. I played my best tennis when I tried to play with like 70% of power. Just focus on a relaxed swing and leading the ball. When I tried to speed up the response became a bit too inconsistent. At first the string felt quite lively in general but after 2 training sessions became more control oriented. In fact when I took it to clay courts I was struggling to hit a winner BUT never did any unforced error, everything was going in deep with great spin but not so much penetration as I would like to... On groundstrokes its a gem. The thing that bothers me most is that on volleys I had even less control than with cube max or Tourna silver 7 tour. I struggled to hit a strong first serve with it. Maybe it's in my head but I don't really trust triangle strings when it comes to grommets or height control. However I must ensure you that Big Spin is acting more like a 6+sided string and my grommets are all fine
Edit: I tried 1.25 gauge as well but in a more closed 16x19 pattern racquet (Radical MP) and oh boy. This is excelent string and if you play with sticks like Radical MP, Blade or Yonex ezone then I would say its your golden setup
I give it a 7.2 rating. Great value, spin, control and comfortable response with larger sweet spot. Great if you want to play relaxed yet with high efficienty . Just keep your head cool. Not so great at net. Would prefer more power on first serve. Very addictive !
Tourna silver 7 tour - out of this 3 this one has the most consistent response when it comes to launch angle, height control and volleys. It is quite stiff and at first I had issues with 1st serve. Sometimes the ball get's slight boost/kick which can be suprising sometimes but it all happens in pretty neutral way that doesn't bother me much. So this one is best all around. It is more on a stiff side of course but I didn't experience any pain...That stiffness crushes the force of the incoming ball and if you hit outside the sweet spot you might produce a floater. But it's always a matter of choices. Do I want a stiffer string with more control but smaller sweet spot and less comfort or softer strings with bigger sweet spot and more comfort ? I prefer the sweet spot and comfort of Big Spin (that really is addicting) but the overall performance all around the court of Silver 7 Tour...When the string dropped in tension my first serve got better but lost a bit of bite on 2nd serve.. Anyway the value is also great and the control is just superb. I play better lobs with some other feel oriented strings.... Tension maintenance is great. After 2 weeks of playing with this string I could still enter a tournament and play my tennis. Crazy ! Could be more forgiving but is it even possible without ruining the performance stats ? For me - top of the top if you are looking for value, control and spin. - string for advanced players
1.25 gauge review:
Ok, this string is still great and it will definitely not decrease the rating. I still prefer 1.30 gauge slightly so the rating overall is untouched at 7.3
I figured out that 1.30 I can string 24/23 kg and with 1.25 if I increase tension on the crosses its kinda getting closer to my preference in terms of response.
So 1.25 tourna silver 7 tour was strung at 24/24kg (exactly like I did with Solinco Tour Bite 1.25).
It is still extremely low powered string. Maybe even lower powered than 1.30 version ? I would say 1.30 have that small boost sometimes while 1.25 is a bit more consistent. My theory is that 1.25 has much lower energy return % than 1.30 (that one has 90% energy return - one of the biggest numbers among all the strings). This one feels more like 83-84% - much closer to Tour Bite 1.25.
On a semi-positive side - I just couldn't hit the ball out. No matter how hard I hit it. I had to intentionally hit much harder to get any depth. It was big confidence booster but at the same time at my level depth is almost everything so I am saying semi-positive because it got to the point where the advantage is almost a disadvantage.
Also thicker gauges are slightly heavier and increse SW so with 1.30 it should be slightly easier to extend the arm more forward (plow through)
It was still slightly unforgiving I would say just like 1.30 gauge...
Spin is very lovely
Overall I still prefer 1.30 gauge.
I give it a 7.3 rating. So far this one felt the best all around but definitely the war isn't yet over as I will revisit all the top strings later on !
go to strings list (click)
galapagos
Hall of Fame
durability is great on both but performance is IMO better with Tourna (more control, more spin) + I think Tourna might have better tension maintenance. Focus Hex was ok, Volkl Cyclone was better and Tourna Silver 7 Tour is my favourite out of those 3.
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Still really high spin like rpm blast?
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
I’m not the pro reviewer here but it’s enough/solid spin for me. Tension maintenance is great.
Rorano_Fedalovic
Semi-Pro
I’ve heard rather negative reviews about rpm team but i like the color
i imagine it to be somewhere around signum pro firestorm and luxilon element. Maybe one day… i dont feel the hype
feels completely different to firestorm.
Grieeegoorr
Semi-Pro
I think you just described Hit Pro
yess I know but sadly I have no more hit pro and cant get it in china. I ordered a reel of tour hex/big sipn/hit pro but I have no idea when I ll get them...
galapagos
Hall of Fame
besides hit pro as suggested here it's worth checking out signum pro firestorm. Even softer but also more power. I am getting more spin from it probably because the stringbed is softer and dwell time is a bit longer.
many will probably say luxilon element at this point too
alu power soft is interesting choice too. There is one guy ATP playing with it. Sonego I think
many will probably say luxilon element at this point too
alu power soft is interesting choice too. There is one guy ATP playing with it. Sonego I think
Grieeegoorr
Semi-Pro
That sucks, I would not be surprised that the real reason Putin is making a move on Ukraine is to get his hands on all the Tour Hex, Big Spin & Hit Pro
D
Deleted member 781523
Guest
@galapagos I wonder if you have considered adding Kirschbaum pro line evolution to your review list? Seems like it fits what you like and it’s a great price
besides hit pro as suggested here it's worth checking out signum pro firestorm. Even softer but also more power. I am getting more spin from it probably because the stringbed is softer and dwell time is a bit longer.
many will probably say luxilon element at this point too
alu power soft is interesting choice too. There is one guy ATP playing with it. Sonego I think
@galapagos Thanks. I'll try element or firestorm then. Have you tried element ? I cant find alu power soft on taobao sadly, but found a good deal for element.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
I havent but let me know !
galapagos
Hall of Fame
I am lately thinking about Kirschbaum. I have No idea about their offer.
D
Deleted member 781523
Guest
I think pro line number II and pro line evolution (from my understanding evolution is just a blue version of number II) are the softer, control oriented offerings
galapagos
Hall of Fame
Ive heard something from them is close to luxilon original as well?
Guys maybe you enlighten me on something. I always like my strings more after a few sessions, maybe 8-10 hours, so not long before it starts to go dead. Thats when I feel so connected to the racquet and the strings. So I was doing 48/45, then 45/42, and last time 42/40 with big spin/tour hex. My question is: is it because I like lower tension or is it more about the strings breaking in? I'm wondering if I should go even lower next time. I'd like to have that sweet feeling all along.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
I am thinking about it myself too. String after some time not only drop in tension but change their snapback. I think you cant fully compensate it with string tension. I dont know.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
BAM ! Another string review!
PACIFIC POLY FORCE 1.30
Angell TC95 16x19 is very fussy when it comes to string combo. On one side it's super control oriented (95", thin, flexy beam) and on the other it's got some serious juice from very open string pattern. If you put too stiff string it can become too demanding to find the sweet spot, forgiveness. If you put something too explosive, soft then you might have issues with launch angle...
I tested so many strings that whenever I try something new I am not really expecting anything special.
Pacific POLY FORCE managed to surprise me
Right away, straight out of my tennis bag the performance was all good. Some strings need a bit of time to settle.
I really enjoyed the color. It looks a bit like a "cooper" that's on my tc95.
FEEL and performance:
it's somewhere around the strings like Luxilon Original, Luxilon Alu Power, Mayami Hit Pro and Signum Pro Firestorm. In short - ELITE
Closest would be to Original after +/- few weeks of playing. So kinda stiff string (control) that got loose and dropped in tension (comfort). Signum Pro Firestorm is a bit softer to give a reference.
What's unique about that string is my ability to hit deep and heavy without forcing myself to do it. I just need to control my core and keep the motion relaxed and stable. So yes, the power lvl is definitely bigger than Original and closer to Hit Pro or Firestorm. But the feel and consistant response allows me to adjust my swing to the power and "learn" it. Very very very pro asset in my opinion. Feel and touch are superb.
what could be improved?
I feel like whenever I try to hit "above the threshold" I am getting less spin and more power (I hit out). So maybe I would like to get a bit more bite? Maybe I can string it 24kg/24kg instead of 24/23 so that could make the control a bit better. Luxilon Original and Alu Power were still offering me more spin potential (but Original was strung 25g/23kg). On the other hand Pacific Poly Force was much more comfortable and ready to play straight out of my bag. It's a hard court season now so it's easier to play with less spin but I am a bit worried that clay season would be very difficult in some situations where I need to catch the ball higher and spin it down safely.
tension stability after 1 week of playing is great so far. I wonder if the spin potential will increase over time. Very possible.
Conclusion:
pro string with ultimate feel, connection and sense of control (predictable response) that makes you discover sweet spot, learn it and adjust your swing which at the end increases your %. Less unforced errors unles you force it. That's where it could (or maybe shouldnt???) be improved. Some strings kinda ignore my sudden, a bit chaotic movements and still manage to add spin to place the ball safely inside the lines. Let's call it "lack of technique forgiveness" xd
RATING: 7.0/ 10 . Yes, top rating and we have a draw with other favourite round strings. I will consider Pacific Poly Force when choosing string for upcoming season. We will see...
go to the full list of strings (click)
say hello on IG ! @dandan.tennis
PACIFIC POLY FORCE 1.30
Angell TC95 16x19 is very fussy when it comes to string combo. On one side it's super control oriented (95", thin, flexy beam) and on the other it's got some serious juice from very open string pattern. If you put too stiff string it can become too demanding to find the sweet spot, forgiveness. If you put something too explosive, soft then you might have issues with launch angle...
I tested so many strings that whenever I try something new I am not really expecting anything special.
Pacific POLY FORCE managed to surprise me
Right away, straight out of my tennis bag the performance was all good. Some strings need a bit of time to settle.
I really enjoyed the color. It looks a bit like a "cooper" that's on my tc95.
FEEL and performance:
it's somewhere around the strings like Luxilon Original, Luxilon Alu Power, Mayami Hit Pro and Signum Pro Firestorm. In short - ELITE
Closest would be to Original after +/- few weeks of playing. So kinda stiff string (control) that got loose and dropped in tension (comfort). Signum Pro Firestorm is a bit softer to give a reference.
What's unique about that string is my ability to hit deep and heavy without forcing myself to do it. I just need to control my core and keep the motion relaxed and stable. So yes, the power lvl is definitely bigger than Original and closer to Hit Pro or Firestorm. But the feel and consistant response allows me to adjust my swing to the power and "learn" it. Very very very pro asset in my opinion. Feel and touch are superb.
what could be improved?
I feel like whenever I try to hit "above the threshold" I am getting less spin and more power (I hit out). So maybe I would like to get a bit more bite? Maybe I can string it 24kg/24kg instead of 24/23 so that could make the control a bit better. Luxilon Original and Alu Power were still offering me more spin potential (but Original was strung 25g/23kg). On the other hand Pacific Poly Force was much more comfortable and ready to play straight out of my bag. It's a hard court season now so it's easier to play with less spin but I am a bit worried that clay season would be very difficult in some situations where I need to catch the ball higher and spin it down safely.
tension stability after 1 week of playing is great so far. I wonder if the spin potential will increase over time. Very possible.
Conclusion:
pro string with ultimate feel, connection and sense of control (predictable response) that makes you discover sweet spot, learn it and adjust your swing which at the end increases your %. Less unforced errors unles you force it. That's where it could (or maybe shouldnt???) be improved. Some strings kinda ignore my sudden, a bit chaotic movements and still manage to add spin to place the ball safely inside the lines. Let's call it "lack of technique forgiveness" xd
RATING: 7.0/ 10 . Yes, top rating and we have a draw with other favourite round strings. I will consider Pacific Poly Force when choosing string for upcoming season. We will see...
go to the full list of strings (click)
say hello on IG !
@dandan.tennis
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