Ultimate string of choice !

[galapagos]

Just got my hands on a set of Firestorm, trying it this week!

SYNCHRONIZED My friend had it in his tc95 16x19 and let me try it for a warmup. I still need to test it properly but the sensation was good enough to make it to my list.

Initial impressions: soft with very nice pocketing. 1.30 gave me enough control but not sure how will it play after few more sessions. Maybe will become too lively.... We will get there Let me know your thoughts ! I am currently in 6-sided group strings

 

[bobleenov1963]

I do not see Luxilon or babolat NG I this thread. Is it because of the cost?

 

[galapagos]

I do not see Luxilon or babolat NG I this thread. Is it because of the cost?

you mean natural gut ? Well... yea it is pricey and I don't feel that this would change my game by the % of how more expensive it is. I was developed with poly strings. HOWEVER I will try 2 setups with a gut just for the sake of experience and this thread. Only 2 strings will get the privalege to meet the gut So first I have to determine "the big 4"

Luxilon Alu Power Rough is a strong contender for the combo
I already know 50% of the round strings from group A...but I can't tell you the results until I finish the group of 6-sided beauties

 

[Znak]

@galapagos RS Lyon!

 

[galapagos]

@galapagos RS Lyon!

thanks for your input ! I was seriously debating on this... of course I am aware of RS Lyon. There were many positive reviews on Angell dedicated thread -Thanks to @Backhanded Compliment
It hit the tennis market really hard (newcomer of the year 2015) but lost its momentum quite fast. Also I've heard they increased prices on Lyon so I'm not sure if I can support this (it's still low in my country but still...) Biggest question (as its an ultimate string of choice thread) - does RS Lyon offer something else/more than Luxilon Alu Power ? I know that big part of its marketing was "how close it is to Alu Power with much better price" . Of course price plays part in my ratings BUT they need to deliver performance on a competitive lvl (competitive to other strings) . Is there any pro player playing with RS Lyon ? BTW I really like their balls good value.

If it's only a "cheaper alu" then I'm not interested. I might be but only if Alu Power makes it to my top 4 of all strings.

What do you guys think? I will put this on my "maybe" list for now

 

[Znak]

thanks for your input ! I was seriously debating on this... of course I am aware of RS Lyon. There were many positive reviews on Angell dedicated thread -Thanks to @Backhanded Compliment
It hit the tennis market really hard (newcomer of the year 2015) but lost its momentum quite fast. Also I've heard they increased prices on Lyon so I'm not sure if I can support this (it's still low in my country but still...) Biggest question (as its an ultimate string of choice thread) - does RS Lyon offer something else/more than Luxilon Alu Power ? I know that big part of its marketing was "how close it is to Alu Power with much better price" . Of course price plays part in my ratings BUT they need to deliver performance on a competitive lvl (competitive to other strings) . Is there any pro player playing with RS Lyon ? BTW I really like their balls good value.

If it's only a "cheaper alu" then I'm not interested. I might be but only if Alu Power makes it to my top 4 of all strings.

What do you guys think? I will put this on my "maybe" list for now

Yeah toss it in the maybe list. I'm one of those in the minority that doesn't gel with Alu Power. I find LAP on the crisper end and Lyon more muted and comfortable. I'd say Lyon is closer to a white string than a silver string. And I find it holds tension better. Ice Code and Lyon for me are some of the better round polys.

 

[taydbear7]

Just got my hands on a set of Firestorm, trying it this week!

I have Megaforce on the way.

 

[galapagos]

Yeah toss it in the maybe list. I'm one of those in the minority that doesn't gel with Alu Power. I find LAP on the crisper end and Lyon more muted and comfortable. I'd say Lyon is closer to a white string than a silver string. And I find it holds tension better. Ice Code and Lyon for me are some of the better round polys.

I can already say that I share your opinion on Alu Power too I mean I like it a lot when fresh but overall there are many better strings for me on that list...ahhh spoilers ! spoilers !

BTW if you kinda feel the stiffness by just looking at that silver alu color then its worth trying ice blue Alu it worked for me...maybe it was indeed softer i don't know ;p

 

[crash]

Ok but here is one thing (and it is serious) that I didn't like about Lynx Tour.... In 1.30 gauge it felt...heavy. Heavier than my other top strings I tested here so far... Maybe thats why the launch angle is so low ? I remember that some strings also had that heavier feeling but I don't want to name them as I feel like by now it would be more subjective. I REALLY REGRET that I didn't weight my racquet with all those strings as this would be very helpful for some nerds here I will start to weight my racquets from NOW ON so let's see if Lynx Tour is heavier or I got tired and weak ? I am very sensitive to setup changes in general. I can feel the difference of 4 pts SW . I can feel the subtle difference by removing dampener. This added weight and slightly lower launch angle than expected made me feel a bit slugish. I could't finish my shot at times which is actually my one of the top things i focus on while playing. It's not just focusing on the finish of my stroke. It's also one of my things that I feel and I can reproduce. So If I feel the finish, I feel the output- i get more confidence and higher % . Launch angle - I can tweak it with tension. Lynx Tour provides great margin of tension as its very control oriented, low powered string with above average spin potential. Too heavy setup makes it a bit harder to play "in a zone" as I need to force some things too much.
Again - maybe I got tired and weak after those tournaments so I need to weight my next strings.. (ah and yes - maybe I could just hit the gym lol)

I strung Lynx Tour 1.30 and weighed my racket before and after and you are right, it is a pretty heavy string. Here's the string weight of Lynx Tour and other strings I tried recently in my 100 sq. in. 16x19 racket:

Volkl Cyclone Tour 1.30, 17.3g
Ytex X-square 1.25, 17.7g
Tier One Black Knight 1.28, 18.3g
Solinco Tour Bite 1.30, 18.6g
Topspin Cyber Flash 1.30, 19.2g
Kirschbaum Max Power 1.30, 19.3g
Head Lynx Tour 1.30, 19.8g
Babolat RPM Blast 1.35, 19.8g
Luxilon ALU power 1.38, 20.5g

 

[galapagos]

I strung Lynx Tour 1.30 and weighed my racket before and after and you are right, it is a pretty heavy string. Here's the string weight of Lynx Tour and other strings I tried recently in my 100 sq. in. 16x19 racket:

Volkl Cyclone Tour 1.30, 17.3g
Ytex X-square 1.25, 17.7g
Tier One Black Knight 1.28, 18.3g
Solinco Tour Bite 1.30, 18.6g
Topspin Cyber Flash 1.30, 19.2g
Kirschbaum Max Power 1.30, 19.3g
Head Lynx Tour 1.30, 19.8g
Babolat RPM Blast 1.35, 19.8g
Luxilon ALU power 1.38, 20.5g

Now that's a serious addition to this thread Thank you @crash
It's interesting that I felt it heavier while the differences are very minimal between those strings. My transition was from Tourna Silver 7 tour 1.30 to Solinco Confidential and then Head Lynx Tour. Maybe Tourna and Solinco are below the average weights and then Head Lynx Tour hit me ;p
By looking at your chart I would say I am either a professional tester to feel such a small difference or it was just a lucky guess...either way I feel kinda proud now lol

I removed the dampener to kinda make it feel a bit faster. I can report that it plays/feels good without the dampener (no stupid ping sound) - I think this proves that the string might be dense, thick and therefore - slightly heavier.

 

[LocNetMonster]

Waiting on USPS to deliver my Toroline demo pack today. Hope I have a chance to string it before I go out to play this afternoon.

 

[galapagos]

Waiting on USPS to deliver my Toroline demo pack today. Hope I have a chance to string it before I go out to play this afternoon.

Looks like you will have a lot of work and fun

 

[galapagos]

Time for MSV Focus Hex 1.27 : stiffness 186 - energy return 85% - spin potential 8.6

Wow look at this spin potential. I don't get it ;p Another string with big spin potential that for me was pretty much on average


I remember trying this string right after my Volkl Cyclone 1.30 and I mention Cyclone here because overall those strings are pretty much interchangeable to me BUT there are few distinct differences:
1. I had a bit less spin than with Cyclone
2. The feel was stiffer and less comfortable
3. The playability duration and tension maintenance were slightly better than with Cyclone

besides that - control, price and launch angle were pretty much the same to me. It is definitely stiffer than MSV Hepta Twist and Hepta Twist perhaps have biggest spin potential out of those 3 mentioned strings (but the control and feel were the worst !) So all depends on the racquet and performance you are looking for.
Best all around - Cyclone
Best spin worst control - Hepta Twist
Stiffer cyclone with less spin but better tension maintenance and playability duration - MSV Focus Hex 1.27


Overall I give this string a 6.2 rating. It's decent but when you look at the performance stats - Cyclone is just better. I don't know if it's because of the low price but I feel like some strings that also have 6.2 rating felt much more "premium" to me. They just got low ratings for the performance. MSV feels a bit cheap but maybe it's just in my head..

Cheers !
say hello on IG ! @dandan.tennis

go to strings list (click)

 

[skfx]

I too found that I keep coming back to Cyclone from the likes of Ultra Cable and other super highly rated spin strings. I had exactly the same thought, how can they be so highly rated in spin and yet I cant say that when I played with it I felt that it was a spin monster in comparison to Cyclone.

 

[jugheadfla]

Waiting on USPS to deliver my Toroline demo pack today. Hope I have a chance to string it before I go out to play this afternoon.

Caviar is a solid string!

 

[galapagos]

Caviar is a solid string!

is it better than Mayami Tour Hex ? I can see it as your string of choice in a signature

 

[jugheadfla]

is it better than Mayami Tour Hex ? I can see it as your string of choice in a signature

It's hard to say because I too got the sample pack so only got to play with it once. What I can say is that in my opinion they are very similar. Medium stiff, six sided, good control for both, I think I would slightly give the edge to Tour Hex on spin and pocketing. I'd have to try them out side by side to truly know which one feels better, which I might do in the near future. I don't think you can go wrong with either string though.

 

[galapagos]

It's hard to say because I too got the sample pack so only got to play with it once. What I can say is that in my opinion they are very similar. Medium stiff, six sided, good control for both, I think I would slightly give the edge to Tour Hex on spin and pocketing. I'd have to try them out side by side to truly know which one feels better, which I might do in the near future. I don't think you can go wrong with either string though.

have you tried both gauges of Tour Hex ? @topspn have you tried it already and can compare ?

 

[jugheadfla]

have you tried both gauges of Tour Hex ? @topspn have you tried it already and can compare ?

So far only 1.23, little worried that the 1.28 is a little thick for the 95in frame. It can get tight.

 

[galapagos]

So far only 1.23, little worried that the 1.28 is a little thick for the 95in frame. It can get tight.

I like it tight xDDDD

 

[topspn]

have you tried both gauges of Tour Hex ? @topspn have you tried it already and can compare ?

No, just tried in my BPs the 1.23 but I have a reel of both gauges now so will be using the 1.28 as well

 

[galapagos]

No, just tried in my BPs the 1.23 but I have a reel of both gauges now so will be using the 1.28 as well

what tension you use in your BP with Tour Hex ?

 

[topspn]

what tension you use in your BP with Tour Hex ?

50lbs

 

[LocNetMonster]

Caviar is a solid string!

Got my demo pack. Caviar and Absolute plus three other square shaped demo sets. Totally dig the swanky packaging with sets already pre-cut into half sets. My problem now is what to string first and which racquet? ... LOL ... Purely based on the way Caviar feels, there is definite re-order potential. Leaning toward Big Spin mains, but also really want to put my half set of Mayami's multifilament (which will be hit, I predict) demo I have left, and Caviar in the crosses.

@jugheadfla Did you play Caviar in a full bed or did you hybrid?

 

[galapagos]

Observation:
Had an opportunity to try Mayami Big Spin 1.25 in newest Radical MP 360+ . Liked it a lot. It felt pretty much like a 1.30 Big Spin in my open pattern Angell TC95 regarding launch angle. This shows how much it is important to choose correct strings to the racquet and your style.

And we are discussing difference just between 16x19 racquets. Imagine the change from an open 16x19 to a closed 18x20. Night and day. There is also headsize, stiffness, racquets "DNA" (control? / spin? / power? / balance of those 3?) . All plays big role in performance and string of choice.
However I feel like altering gauges doesnt change overall DNA of the string. Yes you are adjusting launch angle, comfort and power but it still feels like the same string type. Gauges of the string is just one more way of micro-tweaking your setup, another way is tension. Head Lynx Tour 1.30 and 1.25 also felt kinda the same. Just slightly different results due to the overall setup, not string itself.

I think most people don't know this and focus too much on tensions. I get more control with 22kg 1.30 string setup than with 1.25 strung at 24kg. And it still feels softer and pockets the ball nicer. Of course this could reshuffle with different racquet. Its important to experiment with your racquet and try to feel what could work well in it.

ps just maybe don't try 30+ strings 10 is enough I would say xDD

 

[galapagos]

Please welcome Mayami Tour Hex to the ultimate string of choice list
(btw I am Chelsea fan so blue color is already a bonus small point from me....and it suits my tourna grips ha! )

I noticed that I don't have enough 6-sided strings on my list (and there is not that many 6-sided premium strings on the market in general) . So the fight in this group is quite interesting
I trust @topspn as we had similar opinions on multiple subjects in the past. Thanks man for the recommendation ! I am waiting for your review of the 1.28 version !

I feel like Tier 1 Black Knight would be the perfect string to close this group as it gets many positive reviews. 6 strings in a 6-sided string group. The market of the 6-sided premium strings is really small but maybe not for long... We will see about that... I will put them on hold for now because I am simply getting tired of testing and buying so many strings Direct comparison to Head Lynx Tour and Mayami Tour Hex would be helpful if someone can chime in !

cheers !

 

[topspn]

Yeah, BK 1.28 has some attributes of Tour Hex and a great string that does everything so well while not outstanding at any one thing. A bit more muted then TH and typical good poly life of 7-8hrs. TH somehow lasts longer which i find quite amazing. Will see how different TH 1.28 is although it will be in a brand new Cyan XL which i have never played before. I'll put it next on a BP since that's what i was TH 1.23 the most

 

[topspn]

is it better than Mayami Tour Hex ? I can see it as your string of choice in a signature

Torline caviar is indeed a very good string and at 1.24 as close as you can get to the gauge i've been playing TH. It is firmer in feel then TH and less pocketing but not harsh at all. Control is around same level and so is spin. They both hold tension maintenance extremely well and far better then most polys. I like TH a little more due to the pocketing and sightly more nuanced feel. Caviar may be a better choice if you're trying to tame some head flex in a racquet or enjoy a slightly firmer feel

 

[blai212]

signum pro poly plasma hextreme is also worth a look...play similarly to hyperG but retains sharpness better

 

[galapagos]

Torline caviar is indeed a very good string and at 1.24 as close as you can get to the gauge i've been playing TH. It is firmer in feel then TH and less pocketing but not harsh at all. Control is around same level and so is spin. They both hold tension maintenance extremely well and far better then most polys. I like TH a little more due to the pocketing and sightly more nuanced feel. Caviar may be a better choice if you're trying to tame some head flex in a racquet or enjoy a slightly firmer feel

Mayami Tour Hex sounds like a string for me after your review I am testing it today ! Might take it out for the league match next week...

 

[galapagos]

signum pro poly plasma hextreme is also worth a look...play similarly to hyperG but retains sharpness better

i'm not that big fan of Hyper G. And I am also not a big fan of orange string in a racquet (green as well ). Looks a bit cheap. Maybe I see it that way because academy I worked in some time ago was stringing their teaching racquets with pro's pro hexaspin. The string was actually very good for it's price hah ! But definitely not good enough for the ultimate string of choice

Troy from TW likes Signum Pro Poly plasma so something must be there for sure !

 

[Injured Again]

I feel like Tier 1 Black Knight would be the perfect string to close this group as it gets many positive reviews. 6 strings in a 6-sided string group. The market of the 6-sided premium strings is really small but maybe not for long... We will see about that... I will put them on hold for now because I am simply getting tired of testing and buying so many strings Direct comparison to Head Lynx Tour and Mayami Tour Hex would be helpful if someone can chime in !

I've played with full beds of all three (Black Knight, Lynx Tour (when it was the Head Experimental), and Tour Hex).

Black Knight is the most control oriented of the three, and also the lowest power. It is extremely consistent and linear in its reponse to changes in swing speed. The very light shape doesn't provide a lot of help in spin generation, but it also makes the string fairly immune to incoming spin. If I had the swing speed of a younger man, I'd probably like this string a lot more than I do now. I typically want a bit more help with spin generation and power than this gives me, though if I were playing doubles, where I'm mostly trying to block returns low and hit lots of volleys, Black Knight would be near or at the top of my list of strings.

Lynx Tour (or Experimental as it was known during my playtest of it) is a very, very lightly shaped string that is much chunkier than its stated gauge. I got both a 16 and 17 gauge set as part of the playtest. The 17 gauge set added three grams of weight over the string I had in there before, which probably added about 6-7 swingweight units. It was comfortable and pretty powerful, but otherwise played with a good round string. Spin generation was good compared to round strings, but nothing like a more shaped string. Lynx Tour died a quick death on me at about the five hour mark, when it just totally lost launch angle and grip on the ball, but played well up until that time.

I described Tour Hex as a slightly softer, slightly less crisp version of Tour Bite, being slightly less powerful than an average poly. I said it generated enough spin for me to do almost anything I wanted, and it is a string which I think I could use today and be happy with.

Power: LT > TH > BK
Control: BK > TH > LT
Spin capability: TH > BK > LT
Comfort: LT > BK > TH
Playability duration: BK > TH > LT
Overall: TH > BK > LT

 

[galapagos]

I've played with full beds of all three (Black Knight, Lynx Tour (when it was the Head Experimental), and Tour Hex).

Black Knight is the most control oriented of the three, and also the lowest power. It is extremely consistent and linear in its reponse to changes in swing speed. The very light shape doesn't provide a lot of help in spin generation, but it also makes the string fairly immune to incoming spin. If I had the swing speed of a younger man, I'd probably like this string a lot more than I do now. I typically want a bit more help with spin generation and power than this gives me, though if I were playing doubles, where I'm mostly trying to block returns low and hit lots of volleys, Black Knight would be near or at the top of my list of strings.

Lynx Tour (or Experimental as it was known during my playtest of it) is a very, very lightly shaped string that is much chunkier than its stated gauge. I got both a 16 and 17 gauge set as part of the playtest. The 17 gauge set added three grams of weight over the string I had in there before, which probably added about 6-7 swingweight units. It was comfortable and pretty powerful, but otherwise played with a good round string. Spin generation was good compared to round strings, but nothing like a more shaped string. Lynx Tour died a quick death on me at about the five hour mark, when it just totally lost launch angle and grip on the ball, but played well up until that time.

I described Tour Hex as a slightly softer, slightly less crisp version of Tour Bite, being slightly less powerful than an average poly. I said it generated enough spin for me to do almost anything I wanted, and it is a string which I think I could use today and be happy with.

Power: LT > TH > BK
Control: BK > TH > LT
Spin capability: TH > BK > LT
Comfort: LT > BK > TH
Playability duration: BK > TH > LT
Overall: TH > BK > LT

Thanks injured . As always very insightful i tested today Mayami Tour Hex and for now i will Just say....WOW

more to come. One training session is nothing. I need at least 1 or 2 weeks of testing it + competitive matches.

 

[galapagos]

I added some of my favourite racquets in 2021 to my main post. First to offer a wider spectrum of reference towards what gears I gravitate to and second, Angell is relatively unknown brand so it could be misleading sometimes (performance is a combination of racquet and strings)... My top strings would still be my first choice for ANY racquet ! Adjust the gauge or tension and ready to go !
On the list besides Angell we have Head Prestige 360+ MP , Blade v7 and Head Gravity Pro What a year for Head oh boy !

 

[LocNetMonster]

So got a couple of hitting sessions in with Toroline's Caviar in the crosses with Mayami's Big Spin mains in a Pure Strike VS. There seems to me at the moment no appreciable difference in control, spin or power. The main difference between Caviar and Magic Twist is lies in feel and launch angle. Not that it is a bad thing, Magic Twist is a little more comfortable on impact and seems to have a higher launch angle. If you like that crisp feel when ripping the ball and a distinct audio feedback that you hit a quality shot, you'll like Caviar. The feel is nearly identical to the Big Spin/4G set up I have in another racquet, except it is more comfortable and again a lower launch angle off the string bed. Looking forward to trying Caviar next with a multifilament or gut main to see how it compares to my favorite set up for doubles, Mayami's soon-to-be-released Perfection mains and Magic Twist crosses.

 

[galapagos]

So got a couple of hitting sessions in with Toroline's Caviar in the crosses with Mayami's Big Spin mains in a Pure Strike VS. There seems to me at the moment no appreciable difference in control, spin or power. The main difference between Caviar and Magic Twist is lies in feel and launch angle. Not that it is a bad thing, Magic Twist is a little more comfortable on impact and seems to have a higher launch angle. If you like that crisp feel when ripping the ball and a distinct audio feedback that you hit a quality shot, you'll like Caviar. The feel is nearly identical to the Big Spin/4G set up I have in another racquet, except it is more comfortable and again a lower launch angle off the string bed. Looking forward to trying Caviar next with a multifilament or gut main to see how it compares to my favorite set up for doubles, Mayami's soon-to-be-released Perfection mains and Magic Twist crosses.

hmm i agree 1.25 magic twist kinda have high launch angle so i would recommend it in 18x20 patterns or very tight 16x19. otherwise 1.30 could be better choice. Tour Hex for me had lower launch than magic twist 1.25

 

[LocNetMonster]

hmm i agree 1.25 magic twist kinda have high launch angle so i would recommend it in 18x20 patterns or very tight 16x19. otherwise 1.30 could be better choice. Tour Hex for me had lower launch than magic twist 1.25

I don't mind the higher launch angle as it has its advantages. With a triangle shape main, its going to be higher than any other shape purely because of more aggressive ball bite. What I do find interesting how the shape of the cross string - round vs twisted round vs square - contributes or mutes the launch angle.

 

[galapagos]

Tour hex is growing on me. I Just need some league/tournament matches to finish the review. Stay tuned!
@topspn how is your 1.28?

 

[galapagos]

My league match was postponed mleh... still not enough minutes of testing under pressure. Training is NEVER gonna give full review. If you guys are looking for a new string setup remember this rule

 

[irulan]

Having never tried it, I bought a reel of Kirschbaum Max Power Rough 17 out of FOMO of the sale ending. Now I'm debating if I should return it for store credit and just buy a reel of OGSM / Ghostwire, which I know I like.

I bought a set of MPR 17 off of a friend, would love to get some input on how I should go about testing it. If I keep the MPR 17, I'll probably use it in hybrids as I play through my stack of 30-ish poly strings. Should I run it full bed or playtest it in two hybrids?

Favorite string setup so far: Trionic 18 mains, OGSM 18 crosses at 50/52 in an EZone 98+.

 

[galapagos]

Having never tried it, I bought a reel of Kirschbaum Max Power Rough 17 out of FOMO of the sale ending. Now I'm debating if I should return it for store credit and just buy a reel of OGSM / Ghostwire, which I know I like.

I bought a set of MPR 17 off of a friend, would love to get some input on how I should go about testing it. If I keep the MPR 17, I'll probably use it in hybrids as I play through my stack of 30-ish poly strings. Should I run it full bed or playtest it in two hybrids?

Favorite string setup so far: Trionic 18 mains, OGSM 18 crosses at 50/52 in an EZone 98+.

What would you like to improve in your current setup? It seems you like very soft feel ?

nothing wrong in testing new things but dont change too much with your new gear. So i would go with a hybrid if i were you...this setup in theory will give you less spin than your current. Maybe more control.

when I test new string i put it in same racquet, using same overgrip, same tension , same dampener ,same ball types if possible , same wife in a house
Only then you can really feel the difference between the setups + try it in match situations

If you really like your setup for comfort and spin then i guess your next move could be trying different brands but with same shapes of the strings and similar philosophy behind it.

 

[megamind]

This is the string version of the Diary of a Racketaholic thread

 

[irulan]

@galapagos I don't really have a current setup so much as I have a bin of ~35 poly strings that I'm slowly testing my way through haha. I like soft feel in my racquets, but don't get enough spin / control without having at least some poly in the mix. I'm just a sucker for experimentation; have the TierOne, Mayami and Toroline samplers plus a bunch of random polys between $8 and $15 a set.

Setups i've liked so far:
1. Trionic 18 / OGSM 18 at 50/52: great ball pocketing, want a little more liveliness / feel.
2. Firewire 18 / GhostWire 19 at 51/53: Great spin / feel, want a little more control & pocketing
3. Tour Status 18 / OGSG 16 at 50/52: Decent spin / feel, want more control / pocketing.

Other setups I've tried:
Yellow Jacket / OGSG: Wished it had more bite
Tour Status / Yellow Jacket: want more bite
V-Square 19: Wanted more control, this string was not as predictable as I wanted.
Hyper G 20: Tension drop a little too fast for me.
Cyber Blue: Want more bite and feel

Strings in the bin that I have yet to try:
Weisscannon Red Ghost, Ultra Cable, Luxilon 4G 16L, RPM Blast 18, Tier One / Mayami / Toroline Samplers, reel of PRCW I bought out off fleabay, Revolve Spin, Confidential, Tour Bite Soft,

Strings I'm curious about but haven't yet purchased:
MSV Focus Hex, Grapplesnake Irukandji and friends, Pro's Pro / Isospeed budget reels

 

[pico]

I have gone through string experiments and ended up liking Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour and Kirschbaum Max Power the best.

 

[megamind]

I have gone through string experiments and ended up liking Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour and Kirschbaum Max Power the best.

Have you tried Black Knight and Mayami Tour Hex? What did ya think of those?

 

[pico]

Have you tried Black Knight and Mayami Tour Hex? What did ya think of those?

I havent tried those. I have tried Ghost Wire. Too soft for me.

 

[megamind]

I havent tried those. I have tried Ghost Wire. Too soft for me.

Yea I found Ghost Wire’s use case as a cross for stiff mains, but not good in full bed

if you’re willing to continue your stringaholism, or need a break fron your regulars, give tour hex and black knight a try. Both are stiffer than ghost wire, tour hex is stiffer than bk

 

[beepee1972]

Time for MSV Focus Hex 1.27 : stiffness 186 - energy return 85% - spin potential 8.6

Wow look at this spin potential. I don't get it ;p Another string with big spin potential that for me was pretty much on average


I remember trying this string right after my Volkl Cyclone 1.30 and I mention Cyclone here because overall those strings are pretty much interchangeable to me BUT there are few distinct differences:
1. I had a bit less spin than with Cyclone
2. The feel was stiffer and less comfortable
3. The playability duration and tension maintenance were slightly better than with Cyclone

besides that - control, price and launch angle were pretty much the same to me. It is definitely stiffer than MSV Hepta Twist and Hepta Twist perhaps have biggest spin potential out of those 3 mentioned strings (but the control and feel were the worst !) So all

Try it at a much lower tension. I use this string in a 98 head strung at 20-21k. And that is just great!

Other tips: you may also try some golden oldies, especially if control and tension stability is on your wish list: Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.23 (yes, I am serious, string it low). Kirschbaum Pro Line II 1.25.

Nice topic!

 

[Pete Player]

Lux Alu PWR have been my choice for about as long as I remember now. At 26-27 kilos it has been really responsive in 1.25 in diameter and gives a convincing sound on Babs PD Tour I play with - no damper on my sticks. Also really consistent spin and pace.

Before ending up using these, I really strugled with either feel of contact and consistency off the strings. Tried one of them hexagons too, but that felt weird and sounded like the racket broke one every shot.

Thinking of probably downgrading the tension into 24-25-ish, but for now I find 27 really good. Not giving up too much of the pop, but having good control over my shots. Re-strung average of every 10-20 hrs. Three frames inthe mix, one being an old PD Roddick, the best of these three. The Tours are not the same racket, light in weight and also head lighter. But I think that would be the trend nowadays except for the best players out there.

 

[galapagos]

This is the string version of the Diary of a Racketaholic thread

thank you @megamind ! I try my best but I still feel like this could be done better I was just searching for a string setup and woke up my inner beast xd I was writing down my observations in excel and at some point thought that if its useable to me then why not sharing it to the public .

One day I might launch a racquet thread like this why not xD I do test some racquets from time to time but managed to stop switching

Now i know that even if I switch a racquet one day I can revisit this thread and narrow my choice to maybe 6 strings instead of well... around 40 xD