Ultimate string of choice !

[SinneGOAT]

Personal preference, I don't mind giving up a bit of control from the 18X20 to go to a 16x19 or 16X18 to get some help with more spin/higher launch angle/more depth. Just my personal taste.

Especially with an 8 center main 16/19 like a blade or pure strike, it has a linear feel like an 18/20 but still some more spin and power.

 

[jugheadfla]

Do you think the Big Spin and Tour Hex retain their sharp edges for a while without getting worn down?

Not sure about big spin, but Tour Hex seems to keep its edges throughout the life of the string. At least that is what I have experienced so far.

 

[galapagos]

I'm also a 5.0+ player. I had been using Tecnifibre Black Code for a long time.... but it was popping frequently.

I tried the diadem flash and used a full bed of that for a bit and really liked it.

I eventually settled on the mains with Diadem Flash and crosses with tecnifibre black code. Both 16g

have you tried tecnifibre ice code and razor code as well ?

 

[galapagos]

I don't understand this phrase exactly. Can you explain this more in detail?

less strings = less boardy dead feeling. You have better pocketing and its easier to make the string work (snap-back).
For example - Djokovic changed his string pattern from 18x20 to 18x19 . The main objective was to gain more comfort for his body (he was recovering from a serious injury). He didn't change string setup , im not sure if he even changed string tension. Of course he also dropped some weight from his racquet but still....

example 2:
when Goffin had injury he was also spotted using Blade 16x19 for a while. He eventually came back to his trusty 18x20 blade. He stayed with the same string but increased the tension by 1 kg.

when you make even bigger change from 18x20 to 16x19 lets say - you can pick thicker gauge and those are more durable. With thicker gauges you can string looser perhaps and this also benefits performance in general....

example? Nadal - He is using 100" 16x19 racquet but with 1.35 RPM blast. I am pretty confident that it has similar launch angle to blade 18x20 with 1.20 gauge or thinner... It's just his technique and gamestyle makes the ball fly more up and down. (he has more confidence to rip the ball with thicker gauges and 16x19 still offers better snapback) not to mention string durability of course. Keep in mind that in this case I am discussing mainly launch angle. Anyway launch angle determines pretty much everything IMO.

Of course... when we add different tensions to the equation (with 18x20 you might be able to string looser than with 16x19) and the final results can jump around so my conception is mainly generalisation .

 

[Happi]

less strings = less boardy dead feeling. You have better pocketing and its easier to make the string work (snap-back).
For example - Djokovic changed his string pattern from 18x20 to 18x19 . The main objective was to gain more comfort for his body (he was recovering from a serious injury). He didn't change string setup , im not sure if he even changed string tension. Of course he also dropped some weight from his racquet but still....

example 2:
when Goffin had injury he was also spotted using Blade 16x19 for a while. He eventually came back to his trusty 18x20 blade. He stayed with the same string but increased the tension by 1 kg.

when you make even bigger change from 18x20 to 16x19 lets say - you can pick thicker gauge and those are more durable. With thicker gauges you can string looser perhaps and this also benefits performance in general....

example? Nadal - He is using 100" 16x19 racquet but with 1.35 RPM blast. I am pretty confident that it has similar launch angle to blade 18x20 with 1.20 gauge or thinner... It's just his technique and gamestyle makes the ball fly more up and down. (he has more confidence to rip the ball with thicker gauges and 16x19 still offers better snapback) not to mention string durability of course. Keep in mind that in this case I am discussing mainly launch angle. Anyway launch angle determines pretty much everything IMO.

Of course... when we add different tensions to the equation (with 18x20 you might be able to string looser than with 16x19) and the final results can jump around so my conception is mainly generalisation .

@galapagos great thread, and some very interesting comment from you regarding 18x20 and 16x19

I play both patterns (and both RA63 and RA70) in my TC95's

With the TC95 18x20 I play very thin strings 1.20, 1.18, 1.15, 1.10 and down to 1.05, I really like the liveliness of a thin string and often it is also softer for the arm. Thin strings works really well with a dense string pattern for me. Also with the 18x20 I am able to play with multi or sync gut strings without much string movement (unlike TC95 16x19). I also like to string poly at low tension.

With the TC95 16x19 I play mostly 1.25 string guage but also 1.30 sometimes, and string 2 kg higher than with the 18x20 brother. I also really like the feel of the 16x19. I kind of abandoned the TC95 16x19 but pulled them out yesterday and played great. Now I just strung 2 up one with Lux Element the other with Cyber Flash. CF is my goto round string, and I would like to see how Element compares side by side.

I can go back and forth between 16x19 and 18x20 pattern, somehow I think the TC95 18x20 is a real gem with thin strings. I quickly adjust launch angle and spin, and I think I can generate as much spin with the 18x20 as with the 16x19. The control with the TC95 18x20 is amazing, but also really good with the 16x19

When I saw that in the Nitto ATP finals, 7 out of 8 players was using dense string patterns (18x20 and 18x19), I kind of went all in on the TC95 18x20 and have played that one exclusive ever since. I see more and more pro players with 18x20 string patterns, perhaps it is just me looking more carefully now.

Anyway both TC95 are amazing racquets, a real gem that I think anyone should try out to see for themself.

I play mostly round strings, so I am very interested in your findings in that department, I will also encourage you to try out good old Topspin Cyber Flash.

Cheers, H

 

[Happi]

BTW regarding the 63RA and 70RA, I was really afraid to play with a stiff 70RA racquet because I have a sensitive arm. I talk to Paul Angell who told me that there is not much difference, and much to my surprise I have to agree. The Angel TC95 in RA70 is a very arm friendly racquet (I know his RA are unstrung, so the numbers go down in RA when strung).

I would say thet the different in stiffness is almost like going from a 17g to 16g string or going up or down 1-2kg, it is really such a small difference. My arm is very string sensitive, but it don't seem to be sensitive to the RA in the Angell TC95 frames.

 

[galapagos]

@galapagos great thread, and some very interesting comment from you regarding 18x20 and 16x19

I play both patterns (and both RA63 and RA70) in my TC95's

With the TC95 18x20 I play very thin strings 1.20, 1.18, 1.15, 1.10 and down to 1.05, I really like the liveliness of a thin string and often it is also softer for the arm. Thin strings works really well with a dense string pattern for me. Also with the 18x20 I am able to play with multi or sync gut strings without much string movement (unlike TC95 16x19). I also like to string poly at low tension.

With the TC95 16x19 I play mostly 1.25 string guage but also 1.30 sometimes, and string 2 kg higher than with the 18x20 brother. I also really like the feel of the 16x19. I kind of abandoned the TC95 16x19 but pulled them out yesterday and played great. Now I just strung 2 up one with Lux Element the other with Cyber Flash. CF is my goto round string, and I would like to see how Element compares side by side.

I can go back and forth between 16x19 and 18x20 pattern, somehow I think the TC95 18x20 is a real gem with thin strings. I quickly adjust launch angle and spin, and I think I can generate as much spin with the 18x20 as with the 16x19. The control with the TC95 18x20 is amazing, but also really good with the 16x19

When I saw that in the Nitto ATP finals, 7 out of 8 players was using dense string patterns (18x20 and 18x19), I kind of went all in on the TC95 18x20 and have played that one exclusive ever since. I see more and more pro players with 18x20 string patterns, perhaps it is just me looking more carefully now.

Anyway both TC95 are amazing racquets, a real gem that I think anyone should try out to see for themself.

I play mostly round strings, so I am very interested in your findings in that department, I will also encourage you to try out good old Topspin Cyber Flash.

Cheers, H

yes. i agree that it seems guys on a top are using 18x20 more often but when you compare it to grand slam records you can see that there is 40 grand slams for 16x19 and 18 grand slams for 18x20 (top 3 results) ^^ for how long you can be as effective during a grand slam with 18x20 . I would like to see the whole lineup of all grand slams to see the bigger picture here. But when it comes to "dominance" of slams its still 16x19 world .

 

[Happi]

yes. i agree that it seems guys on a top are using 18x20 more often but when you compare it to grand slam records you can see that there is 40 grand slams for 16x19 and 18 grand slams for 18x20 (top 3 results) ^^ for how long you can be as effective during a grand slam with 18x20 . I would like to see the whole lineup of all grand slams to see the bigger picture here. But when it comes to "dominance" of slams its still 16x19 world .

I think the Gran Slam records is more to do with the player than the racquet . However it seems like many of the new young top players prefer 18x20 string pattern, and to me that is kind of counterintuitive as spin is such a big part of the game, it would make more sense with a 16x19 pattern. Playing both patterns myself, I actually don't see a large difference in spin between the two patterns, but I do get more control with the 18x20, so my guess is that the number one reason to play dense string pattern is control.

However we as rec players are very different than pro players, but I did see an increase in consistency in my game with the 18x20 pattern, with very little downsides compared to the 16x19 pattern.

This is all hard court indoor, I suspect I might change to 16x19 when outdoor clay season opens up - not sure yet as I did not have my TC95 18x20 last clay season and only played the TC95 16x19. As you can read I am somehow undecided on my choice of string pattern, but the TC95 is a keeper.

 

[Gee]

less strings = less boardy dead feeling. You have better pocketing and its easier to make the string work (snap-back).
For example - Djokovic changed his string pattern from 18x20 to 18x19 . The main objective was to gain more comfort for his body (he was recovering from a serious injury). He didn't change string setup , im not sure if he even changed string tension. Of course he also dropped some weight from his racquet but still....

example 2:
when Goffin had injury he was also spotted using Blade 16x19 for a while. He eventually came back to his trusty 18x20 blade. He stayed with the same string but increased the tension by 1 kg.

when you make even bigger change from 18x20 to 16x19 lets say - you can pick thicker gauge and those are more durable. With thicker gauges you can string looser perhaps and this also benefits performance in general....

example? Nadal - He is using 100" 16x19 racquet but with 1.35 RPM blast. I am pretty confident that it has similar launch angle to blade 18x20 with 1.20 gauge or thinner... It's just his technique and gamestyle makes the ball fly more up and down. (he has more confidence to rip the ball with thicker gauges and 16x19 still offers better snapback) not to mention string durability of course. Keep in mind that in this case I am discussing mainly launch angle. Anyway launch angle determines pretty much everything IMO.

Of course... when we add different tensions to the equation (with 18x20 you might be able to string looser than with 16x19) and the final results can jump around so my conception is mainly generalisation .

Many thanks for your extensive explanation. Very nice to read!

Good reasons in order to switch to a more open pattern.

However thinner strings (<1.20 mm) only have better feel/touch and they are softer for your arm as well.

Fortunately I have both patterns of the TC95 63RA so I can play with the one or the other one depending on what surface and/or opponent I have to play.

I use to string my TC95 18m with Head RIP Control 1.20 mm mains and CoFocus 1.18 mm crosses at 24/22 kg while I lately I had my TC95 16m strung with Velocity1.25 mm mains and T1 Ghost Wire 1.30 mm crosses at 24/22 kg as well.

Before this string setup I had a Pacific Poly Power Pro 1.25 mains and RIP Control 1.20 that gave me a sore elbow. (That's why I replaced these strings with a softer stringbed as described earlier).

Yesterday I hit for the first time with this setup and it went pretty well. Good plow through, easy depth control and spin. It felt more crisp than I expected but maybe the strings weren't yet broken in. It almost played like a full poly stringbed.

I also noticed the strings snap back well and I didn't have to straighten them myself. However I still only hit one hour with this so I have yet to see how long this snapback will continue to work properly.

Though the control felt very well to me I would prefer a little more feel from the strings. Maybe that'll improve when the strings have been broken in.

O yeah,... the day after I didn't have a sore elbow.

 

[ron schaap]

With 18/20 you have to be swinging harder to get the same spin and power you would more easily from a 16/19. You have to be pretty much on the pedal the whole time to keep the ball deep with an 18/20, while 16/19 you can get some help.

You cant generalize. It depends on the racquet and certainly on the strings and tension.

 

[SinneGOAT]

You cant generalize. It depends on the racquet and certainly on the strings and tension.

I tried a blade 16/19 and 18/20 side by side, and while it does depend on string/tension/racquet let’s say we are using something like a 1.25 poly, the 18/20 will have less power, spin, higher swingweight and lower launch angle than the 16/19. I’m not generalizing, I’m speaking from experience.

 

[Happi]

I tried a blade 16/19 and 18/20 side by side, and while it does depend on string/tension/racquet let’s say we are using something like a 1.25 poly, the 18/20 will have less power, spin, higher swingweight and lower launch angle than the 16/19. I’m not generalizing, I’m speaking from experience.

To get the same DT (Dynamic Tension meassured with ERT300 stringmeter), I have to string my TC95 18x20 2kg lower than my TC95 16x19 (same string). 18x20 strings adds about 1.5g compared to the 16x19 / 1.25 poly gauge.

I just strung up 2 racquets (18x20 / 16x19) with same string to compare side by side, same DT.

 

[galapagos]

To get the same DT (Dynamic Tension meassured with ERT300 stringmeter), I have to string my TC95 18x20 2kg lower than my TC95 16x19 (same string). 18x20 strings adds about 1.5g compared to the 16x19 / 1.25 poly gauge.

I just strung up 2 racquets (18x20 / 16x19) with same string to compare side by side, same DT.

nice info. could you maybe meassure the difference it makes in balance ? is it even noticable ?

 

[galapagos]

Many thanks for your extensive explanation. Very nice to read!

Good reasons in order to switch to a more open pattern.

However thinner strings (<1.20 mm) only have better feel/touch and they are softer for your arm as well.

Fortunately I have both patterns of the TC95 63RA so I can play with the one or the other one depending on what surface and/or opponent I have to play.

I use to string my TC95 18m with Head RIP Control 1.20 mm mains and CoFocus 1.18 mm crosses at 24/22 kg while I lately I had my TC95 16m strung with Velocity1.25 mm mains and T1 Ghost Wire 1.30 mm crosses at 24/22 kg as well.

Before this string setup I had a Pacific Poly Power Pro 1.25 mains and RIP Control 1.20 that gave me a sore elbow. (That's why I replaced these strings with a softer stringbed as described earlier).

Yesterday I hit for the first time with this setup and it went pretty well. Good plow through, easy depth control and spin. It felt more crisp than I expected but maybe the strings weren't yet broken in. It almost played like a full poly stringbed.

I also noticed the strings snap back well and I didn't have to straighten them myself. However I still only hit one hour with this so I have yet to see how long this snapback will continue to work properly.

Though the control felt very well to me I would prefer a little more feel from the strings. Maybe that'll improve when the strings have been broken in.

O yeah,... the day after I didn't have a sore elbow.

it seems your main search is gathered more around comfort right ? I guess between 1.20 poly in 18x20 and 1.30 poly in 16x19 I feel less difference in comfort. For example Lynx Tour 1.30 and 1.25 felt pretty much the same to me when it comes to comfort... So it was all about the performance differences. If you enter that super soft strings world then probably it changes data a bit. Setup is so much muted that you just prefer more control than even more comfort. Just brainstorming...

Maybe one day try to string your 16x19 pattern with a soft poly (because we don't want to change too much things at once) but string it really low. Like... 20kg ? Keep the slightly thicker gauge as well for that added control and durability.

 

[Gee]

it seems your main search is gathered more around comfort right ? I guess between 1.20 poly in 18x20 and 1.30 poly in 16x19 I feel less difference in comfort. For example Lynx Tour 1.30 and 1.25 felt pretty much the same to me when it comes to comfort... So it was all about the performance differences. If you enter that super soft strings world then probably it changes data a bit. Setup is so much muted that you just prefer more control than even more comfort. Just brainstorming...

Maybe one day try to string your 16x19 pattern with a soft poly (because we don't want to change too much things at once) but string it really low. Like... 20kg ? Keep the slightly thicker gauge as well for that added control and durability.

Today I practiced my service and that went very well. No wonder as you know how great you can serve with the TC95!

The thicker strings feel a bit deader than the thinner ones but also contribute to a more solid feel and more power as they are heavier strings.

Another thing I noticed today is that the smooth strings (Velocity and Ghost Wire) didn't grab the ball as well as textured or shaped strings like RIP Control that I'm used to. Maybe I'll try RC mains and GW crosses next time (as I have these ones still in stock).

I'll also consider a full soft copoly 1.25-1.30 as you suggested. I only have bad experiences with shaped copolys (like MSV Focus Hex 1.10) as they tend to cut through the grommets but maybe thicker ones don't. Which one would you recommend me?

 

[SinneGOAT]

Just a question but what are people’s thoughts on Weiss cannon silverstring here?

 

[PURETENNISsense]

Some strings maintain their shape longer. I’ve had good experiences with dunlop black widow 16g, tier one black knight, sppp hextreme, tourna s7t keeping their sharpness while other strings like volkl cyclone, cyclone tour, hyperG sharpness wear off quite fast. I’ve only used shaped mains because 1.) shaped strings are a b!tch to pull/string in crosses and 2.) shaped crosses somehow produce a harsher feeling string bed. Smooth/slick thin round cross much easier to string and much nicer feeling. Currently testing Tour hex 123/SPPP 118 to see how long sharpness lasts.

Haha I used to use Tecnifibre black code in mains (full bed) now I use them as a cross... kinda completely opposite of what you said .

But I do agree that they are annoying to pull!

2/3 of the textured strings you listed, I've never heard of! There are so many new strings out that, tough to keep up with, I'll take your word on those though.

 

[PURETENNISsense]

have you tried tecnifibre ice code and razor code as well ?

I haven't tried either of them. Are they good?

 

[irulan]

Ice Code is an excellent control poly, more powerful than Head Hawk, but still pretty solid spin for a round slick string.

I find it quite comfortable even in full bed

 

[galapagos]

Ice Code is an excellent control poly, more powerful than Head Hawk, but still pretty solid spin for a round slick string.

I find it quite comfortable even in full bed

then maybe razor code is something like head hawk ? they have similar stiffness index i think ? i try to put head hawk somewhere and as you can see , it is in my maybe list... Karatsev is really making me excited with his string of choice

 

[galapagos]

I haven't tried either of them. Are they good?

I will try ice code soon and report back !

 

[galapagos]

Today I practiced my service and that went very well. No wonder as you know how great you can serve with the TC95!

The thicker strings feel a bit deader than the thinner ones but also contribute to a more solid feel and more power as they are heavier strings.

Another thing I noticed today is that the smooth strings (Velocity and Ghost Wire) didn't grab the ball as well as textured or shaped strings like RIP Control that I'm used to. Maybe I'll try RC mains and GW crosses next time (as I have these ones still in stock).

I'll also consider a full soft copoly 1.25-1.30 as you suggested. I only have bad experiences with shaped copolys (like MSV Focus Hex 1.10) as they tend to cut through the grommets but maybe thicker ones don't. Which one would you recommend me?

I found MSV Focus Hex quite stiff in 1.27 gauge - stiffer than Volkl Cyclone 1.30. So I guess 1.10 focus hex is still stiffer than cyclone 1.10 .... and there is also cyclone tour which is supposed to be even softer than regular cyclone. When I look at the stiffness indexes it confirms my theory.

So my 3 recommendations (biggest comfort + still great control oriented performance) for you would be:

1. Signum Pro Firestorm 1.30 ( stiffness 186 , energy return 84% )
2. Volkl Cyclone Tour 1.30 (stiffness 167 , energy return 83 %)
3. Solinco Tour Bite soft 1.30 (stiffness 184 , energy return 84 %)

out of those 3 I have only experience with Firestorm and this string is a hidden gem in a control oriented 95" frames. Out of all the strings I reviewed here so far this was the softest / most comfortable with still great performance ... I havent reviewed it in full yet. Just hit with it for 20 minutes in TC95 16x19 strung at 23kg (Berrettini setup) . You could try to string it lower just to keep it more comfortable. Cyclone Tour has a lot of love around here so this could be interesting as well. Tour Bite soft is my last recommendation. Tour Bite is grabbing the ball in quite unique way. Its a love/hate relationship I prefer more honest strings...but my friend is using angells with tour bite soft and loves it so....

If you find Firestorm stiff and uncomfortable then you probably can cross out all of the strings I reviewed so far

btw...strings like firestorm really make me think about adding some more soft options to this list. Next comfortable option from the reviewed strings would be Mayami Big Spin but its 3-sided spin oriented string...totally different world...

 

[galapagos]

Do you think the Big Spin and Tour Hex retain their sharp edges for a while without getting worn down?

I dont watch the string-bed as i Just try to observe the performance. Tour hex played great for 2 weeks of heavy hitting. I had even better results with big spin. Tour hex slowly looses that initial feel but keeps the performance very high. Big spin for me gained even more control over time with pretty much same feel so this was interesting . Big spin is most addictive Mayami string. But I had issues with it on volleys where tour hex could easily do anything everywhere... i would prefer more linear power from it though so i can attack more flat on the rise. Big spin 1.30 had still lower launch than 1.23 tour hex despite the 3 sided shape.

i could see big spin as a very smart choice for clay season

 

[Nostradamus]

Which one do you think is the Best for spin, and power if you are doing full bed ? RPM rough, RPM blast, Alu power, or Alu power rough ? Thanks

 

[galapagos]

Which one do you think is the Best for spin, and power if you are doing full bed ? RPM rough, RPM blast, Alu power, or Alu power rough ? Thanks

RPM family is kinda dead , control oriented style of strings. Alu power rough should offer most spin and power out of the options you provided. Alu family is very responsive. Some May like it, some dont

 

[Nostradamus]

RPM family is kinda dead , control oriented style of strings. Alu power rough should offer most spin and power out of the options you provided. Alu family is very responsive. Some May like it, some dont

RPM family is kinda dead , control oriented style of strings. Alu power rough should offer most spin and power out of the options you provided. Alu family is very responsive. Some May like it, some dont

RPM rough did feel like it had decent power compared to RPM blast. Do you think alu power rough or alu power feel will offer more spin and power ?

 

[Nostradamus]

I do have another question for you guys. Is there a big difference in power and spin from Alu power to Alu power Soft ? i know Luxilon made this alu power soft version to make it bit more arm friendly. but not sure if there is big differenc in playability ? Thank you in advance

 

[slipgrip93]

Interesting thread on strings. I'm a relatively new self-stringer since last year on a klippermate. Have you tried solinco tour bite diamond rough? Are you also testing multifilaments like Gamma livewire professional? I'd been trying to lighten up on strings and make it easier on my arm with the kps88.

 

[galapagos]

RPM rough did feel like it had decent power compared to RPM blast. Do you think alu power rough or alu power feel will offer more spin and power ?

Rough versions usually are a bit more lively. I feel like RPM blast rough hated high tensions. I strung it at 25kg/25kg and If I had it again I would string it 24/23 or even 24/22 or 23/23 or 23/22 RPM blast rough has interesting texture but its quite stiff string from my experience - you need a lot of RHS to make the string work as it should (or drop the tension) while more responsive strings are kinda tuned to all the RHS and still perform very well. So with RPM I would drop the tension to kinda find that sweet spot where its still great in control and spin but with better response when I am not going full in. I had exactly same experience with Mayami Magic Twist 1.30 and I would recommend to drop the tension here as well... those 2 are quite unique on my list. They needed the biggest input from a player to really make the string snapback. Thats why maybe Aliassime and Marchenko are using those strings...

I think alu power feel will be more lively than rough. It's thinner and softer.

 

[galapagos]

Time to transition from 6-sided strings to round profiles. Its a perfect transition as I am currently playtesting Dyreex Super Tour Edge (last string in 6-sided group) and Dyreex Super Tour (round). Same material, same gauge, same tension... just different shapes.

See how I planned this reviews ? Stayed in a dedicated group of strings so I can determine the differences easier and changing from string to string was much easier. Less adjusting period.

@edelp - last chance to chime in !

 

[Nostradamus]

Rough versions usually are a bit more lively. I feel like RPM blast rough hated high tensions. I strung it at 25kg/25kg and If I had it again I would string it 24/23 or even 24/22 or 23/23 or 23/22 RPM blast rough has interesting texture but its quite stiff string from my experience - you need a lot of RHS to make the string work as it should (or drop the tension) while more responsive strings are kinda tuned to all the RHS and still perform very well. So with RPM I would drop the tension to kinda find that sweet spot where its still great in control and spin but with better response when I am not going full in. I had exactly same experience with Mayami Magic Twist 1.30 and I would recommend to drop the tension here as well... those 2 are quite unique on my list. They needed the biggest input from a player to really make the string snapback. Thats why maybe Aliassime and Marchenko are using those strings...

I think alu power feel will be more lively than rough. It's thinner and softer.

You are saying Felix is using Mayami magic twist ?? i haven't heard that one yet. when did he switch ? i thought he had babolat contract ?

 

[galapagos]

You are saying Felix is using Mayami magic twist ?? i haven't heard that one yet. when did he switch ? i thought he had babolat contract ?

Naah what i mean is that rpm blast rough and mayami magic twist are somehow very similar in performance and both are used on pro atp tour.

Felix - rpm blast rough
Marchenko - mayami magic twist

 

[galapagos]

Interesting thread on strings. I'm a relatively new self-stringer since last year on a klippermate. Have you tried solinco tour bite diamond rough? Are you also testing multifilaments like Gamma livewire professional? I'd been trying to lighten up on strings and make it easier on my arm with the kps88.

Hey,

i dont use multis. Maybe will try some one day. I am usually looking for ultimate control and feel with a nice spin potential. Performance is my main goal as i want to improve my results. Comfort of course is very important but i still feel fine with most polys. There are some nice options out there as I feel like the trend is slowly shifting towards comfortable/muted strings rather than stiff dead rocks.

 

[irulan]

Hey,

i dont use multis. Maybe will try some one day. I am usually looking for ultimate control and feel with a nice spin potential. Performance is my main goal as i want to improve my results. Comfort of course is very important but i still feel fine with most polys. There are some nice options out there as I feel like the trend is slowly shifting towards comfortable/muted strings rather than stiff dead rocks.

Have you hit a plateau when it comes to stroke / form / conditioning improvement? I'm starting to feel like I should just buy a reel of SPPP hextreme or Genesis Trionic or some other poly and just experiment with strings on the 93P. Changing strings every other session is definitely affecting the amount of time I spend working on specific aspects of my game.

 

[galapagos]

Have you hit a plateau when it comes to stroke / form / conditioning improvement? I'm starting to feel like I should just buy a reel of SPPP hextreme or Genesis Trionic or some other poly and just experiment with strings on the 93P. Changing strings every other session is definitely affecting the amount of time I spend working on specific aspects of my game.

Oh Ye. Definitely! I had that feeling like 4 strings ago . Thinking about it all the time but I am very focused and determined. I dont want to Just find the string setup. I also want to forget about the existance of all the other gear so I feel like i have no options left and Just focus on the game. I dont want to think like „Maybe around the corner something is waiting better” . I have to make it better on my own. Nothing for free.
But clear mind helps with it.
After the ultimate review I will try some gear from time to time out of curiosity ... like 1, max 4 strings a year Maybe ;p how often brands develop a new string ?

 

[Happi]

Oh Ye. Definitely! I had that feeling like 4 strings ago . Thinking about it all the time but I am very focused and determined. I dont want to Just find the string setup. I also want to forget about the existance of all the other gear so I feel like i have no options left and Just focus on the game. I dont want to think like „Maybe around the corner something is waiting better” . I have to make it better on my own. Nothing for free.
But clear mind helps with it.
After the ultimate review I will try some gear from time to time out of curiosity ... like 1, max 4 strings a year Maybe ;p how often brands develop a new string ?

I don't always trust my memory while testing strings, so the option for me is to have matched racquets.

Racquet 1 with my preferred string setup
Racquet 2 candidate / testing setup

If tha candidate in Racquet 2 is better than my preferred string, it moves to Racquet 1 and is the new preferred string.

I have 4 matched racquets, so I can go through some more candidates faster.

IMO finding a great string setup is both a physical test (power, spin, feel, softness) and a mental state (you feel you play better with this og that setup, and that can sometimes not be logical)

Have a great quest. I did tha same with racquets and settled with Angell TC95, now I am also out looking for a great string setup and found a few good candidates.

 

[galapagos]

I don't always trust my memory while testing strings, so the option for me is to have matched racquets.

Racquet 1 with my preferred string setup
Racquet 2 candidate / testing setup

If tha candidate in Racquet 2 is better than my preferred string, it moves to Racquet 1 and is the new preferred string.

I have 4 matched racquets, so I can go through some more candidates faster.

IMO finding a great string setup is both a physical test (power, spin, feel, softness) and a mental state (you feel you play better with this og that setup, and that can sometimes not be logical)

Have a great quest. I did tha same with racquets and settled with Angell TC95, now I am also out looking for a great string setup and found a few good candidates.

ye. your method is perfect I have only 2 matched racquets but I still have some preferences depending on situation - both were purchased at different time so maybe thats why

anyway - I think for me its 70% mental state. I must feel that with string "x" I can play very good and even If I loose the groove I just try to recreate the feel from memory with visualization methods... If I start off on the wrong foot with a string...well lucky/unlucky - it doesnt matter as my mental side is already suffering and I have other options that are still "clean" . Of course in tennis you can't be unbeaten forever. But I don't want to force myself into the string. The string must have a good start with me so I have that mental foundations for the future.

I also record myself sometimes with a setup. Helps a lot!

I still plan to revisit some of the best strings that left the biggest positive impact on me (that's why i am creating my list of 7+ ratings and later top 4 strings) . I will be even more strict for the strings Let's say I am now in a "happy mode" testing

 

[edelp]

Hey @galapagos, indeed I can say a few words about the Dyreex Super Tour 1.30. Did not have the opportunity yet to test the Edge version of the same but have it now at home.

Two things here. I like it a lot! At the same time, I know quite some friends that prefer a certain type of strings, kind of Head hawk, Pro Pro Strategem, Pro Hurricane tour, Lynx tour, Mayami Tour Hex, and the kind. Very good strings but kind of non-super soft, firmish, crisp, direct feedback strings. I have seen that people that like these are not very fond of the super tour.

I started using Super tour with the TC100 / TC95, as I thought that both the power level and launch angle were super high in these frames as compared to other frames I used in the past. To tame the power I went for 1.30 and I like it a lot in that frame and also in other powerful frames.

It is a lower powered string, spin level is normal (which I prefer here, so for the ones that love solinco tour bite or hyper g stay away jeje), control is superb for me and the feel is nice (not to fall in love but somehow nice), and super comfortable, important as I had in the past several issues with stiff strings. And even though comfortable and soft not too mushy, not too chewing gum like (do not like that).
Durability seems good, but I admit I cut poly strings out after 6-10 hours. Overall, also price I was able to get it for was excellent. So, in big headsize or very open pattern or powerful frames I recommend it a lot with the caveat of the above. Never tried the 1.25 actually.

Looking forward to your reduced list of 4 finalists where I suppose ST 1.30 (nor Edge?) will not be part of, @galapagos…

 

[galapagos]

Ok so time to review Dyreex Super Tour Edge (6-sided) and Dyreex Super Tour (round).

The easiest way to review them is by comparing to Head Lynx Tour and Luxilon Original.

Dyreex Super Tour Edge felt to me like a softer, slightly more powerful version of Lynx Tour. The launch angle was higher with Tour Edge and it was actually slightly lighter. It played great from the start just like Lynx Tour. If stiffness rating and low launch angle are your problems with Lynx Tour then this is the first string on your list. However it seems that with added comfort it lost some of the performance magic compared to Lynx Tour. Hard to point out exactly what was wrong or could be better with Tour Edge. I would say it is feel oriented mostly but like I said...launch angle determines so many things in my game. I gain more "directional" power and this makes the ball more dangerous. I think I preferred Tour Edge while hitting on the rise but Lynx Tour feels more "natural" to me and inspires me to hit bigger and bigger without the fear of overhitting. Always something for something right ? Well I am here in search of performance mostly. Bonus points for the color as well !

I give it a.... 6.2 rating...mostly because: Lynx Tour offered me something more + Dyreex Hexablast had that something special as well however it felt slightly too stiff for me.


Dyreex Super Tour - very similar story. It offered softer, more lively feel vs Luxilon Original and bonus point -> it played good from the start where Original out of the box is kinda mleh. However when Original opens up after some time it becomes one of the best round string I played so far (ups ! spoiler alert !) . With Super Tour the feeling is constant which is great for tournament play but the performance was just below the Original. One thing I noticed is that the string felt slightly unforgiving. I prefer lower powered Original which inspires me to be more aggresive although its stiffness really bothers me...
Super Tour and Edge version was a fun test. They felt very familiar to me while comparing them to one of my favourite strings. They just couldn't provide the same performance but offered much more comfortable feel which for some can be more important.

I give it a 6.2 rating as well.

I don't have any preference between those two. Low rating in this case doesnt mean that I don't like the strings. It just means there were other strings that offered me better performance (however lynx tour and original are on the edge of being too stiff for me so always something for something).

For many players there is also the price difference. For Luxilon Original reel we have to pay about 3x or 4x more than Dyreex Super Tour and I believe that was the intention of creating such string. To offer a slightly softer and more affordable alternative.

Overall Hexablast and Cube Max offered me much more "something extra / unique" and those were my favourite Dyreex strings. Hexablast - amazing performance and direct control but quite stiff. Cube Max amazing performance and very comfortable but I still prefer lower launch angle / thicker strings .

go to strings list (click)
say hello on IG ! @dandan.tennis

 

[galapagos]

Interesting thread on strings. I'm a relatively new self-stringer since last year on a klippermate. Have you tried solinco tour bite diamond rough? Are you also testing multifilaments like Gamma livewire professional? I'd been trying to lighten up on strings and make it easier on my arm with the kps88.

I haven't tried Tour Bite Diamond Rough. Not many users of this string around here so I just couldnt feel the hype. It seems pros also prefer regular Tour Bite so... I am not testing multis as I am strictly performance oriented guy. There are some very comfortable polys on the market as well so I guess that would be my next step if I feel any pain...

 

[Space_D]

Is Dyreex a new brand? I feel like I only started hearing and seeing them recently. Searching the forum shows that they are first mentioned around 2013. I guess they don't have much penetration into the US market yet.

I'm a fan of Super Tour like @edelp, although I'm pretty positive that exact string is re-branded under several different brands/names (they all have the exact same description). Also, after trying Firestorm the past few weeks, I think I have a new favorite string

 

[galapagos]

Is Dyreex a new brand? I feel like I only started hearing and seeing them recently. Searching the forum shows that they are first mentioned around 2013. I guess they don't have much penetration into the US market yet.

I'm a fan of Super Tour like @edelp, although I'm pretty positive that exact string is re-branded under several different brands/names (they all have the exact same description). Also, after trying Firestorm the past few weeks, I think I have a new favorite string

ha ! was it after my recommendation or just coincidence ?

I can see Firestorm getting more love from now on ! especially with Berrettini on board. It seems Luxilon Element is kinda similar... maybe worth comparing ? and there is also Element Rough...

 

[edelp]

Is Dyreex a new brand? I feel like I only started hearing and seeing them recently. Searching the forum shows that they are first mentioned around 2013. I guess they don't have much penetration into the US market yet.

I'm a fan of Super Tour like @edelp, although I'm pretty positive that exact string is re-branded under several different brands/names (they all have the exact same description). Also, after trying Firestorm the past few weeks, I think I have a new favorite string

Hmm, so I guess firestorm needs a chance

 

[Space_D]

ha ! was it after my recommendation or just coincidence ?

I can see Firestorm getting more love from now on ! especially with Berrettini on board. It seems Luxilon Element is kinda similar... maybe worth comparing ? and there is also Element Rough...

Actually, I received a sample set of strings a few months ago from a stringer who sells his own branded strings. I enjoyed and then did some digging and found several other small brands carrying what I believe is the exact same string (they all had the same description word for word). I assume these are all coming from the same factory.

Dyreex seemed to be the biggest of these brands. I was about to buy a reel of it and then found an insane deal on one of the other brands (Discho Big Star Original) and bought a few reels of that.

In the meantime, since shipping to the US was taking so long, I tried out a set of Firestorm I forgot I bought. Turned out I liked it even more (the life of a stringaholic haha). It’s soft, yet very lively with good touch. And I found a very good price on it to ship to US so I pulled the trigger on that. Now I’ll have to figure out what to do with the Big Star

 

[galapagos]

Actually, I received a sample set of strings a few months ago from a stringer who sells his own branded strings. I enjoyed and then did some digging and found several other small brands carrying what I believe is the exact same string (they all had the same description word for word). I assume these are all coming from the same factory.

Dyreex seemed to be the biggest of these brands. I was about to buy a reel of it and then found an insane deal on one of the other brands (Discho Big Star Original) and bought a few reels of that.

In the meantime, since shipping to the US was taking so long, I tried out a set of Firestorm I forgot I bought. Turned out I liked it even more (the life of a stringaholic haha). It’s soft, yet very lively with good touch. And I found a very good price on it to ship to US so I pulled the trigger on that. Now I’ll have to figure out what to do with the Big Star

haha my question was aimed towards Firestorm, not Dyreex I already recommended that string in the thread

 

[Space_D]

Oh haha, that was coincidence

 

[galapagos]

Oh haha, that was coincidence

ouch ! xD

anyway, please consider testing also Luxilon Element and Element Rough I would be very interested in the comparison vs Firestorm. I have so many strings on the list. I just need some help ! xD

 

[irulan]

@galapagos It seems you have quite the affinity for shaped polys, based on your reviews in aggregate. I'd love to get your thoughts on which ones would be good candidates for me to test as cross strings in my hybrids .

I wonder if there's a significant difference to odd-vs-even sided hybrids when it comes to sliding string-to-string friction. I can see square:square sliding really well across the full bed, but I wonder if squareentagonal will encounter additional friction based on how the 5-sided string twists (and if the mains have to cross a twist vs a full-flat surface)

 

[galapagos]

@galapagos It seems you have quite the affinity for shaped polys, based on your reviews in aggregate. I'd love to get your thoughts on which ones would be good candidates for me to test as cross strings in my hybrids .

I wonder if there's a significant difference to odd-vs-even sided hybrids when it comes to sliding string-to-string friction. I can see square:square sliding really well across the full bed, but I wonder if squareentagonal will encounter additional friction based on how the 5-sided string twists (and if the mains have to cross a twist vs a full-flat surface)

Yees. Maybe. Still lot of round strings to review. Let me tell you that before I started this thread my main string was... rounded so... ) we will see how it goes.

why I like round strings?
They are very honest with your game. They make you focus on footwork, stability , contact point. But you need dedication and hours on court to make it play the way you want. But once you find it , you can recreate each shot much easier than with shaped polys. Thats my approach to round profiles. Thats also why i play with 95” racquet . Yes, they offer more control and feel but they are also very unforgiving. You cant be lazy with 95”.
Same with round polys kinda. However everyone has their limits i still want very good performance and forgiveness from the string but it must be honest with me so i can learn on my mistakes
Does it make sense ?

 

[GummiiBear]

The demo of a VCORE PRO 97HD I loved was strung up with 17ga Dunlop Explosive Bite. Of all demos I’ve tried over the course of... months, I don’t know how much to attribute to the racquet vs. the string; it was the only racquet strung up with a full bed of poly that I actually liked. An interesting first.

Would you consider giving this string a try?