Volkl Cyclone 18L vs 19

[CosmosMpower]

Looking for opinions on volkl cyclone 18L vs 19 gauge especially in 18x20 frames for a non string breaker with a fairly flat swing and lowish net clearance.

Currently using Solinco Revolution 1.20 and looking to try some similar strings. I also like Hyper-G 18 gauge right now.

 

[Sardines]

The 19g feels about 15% softer even though it's only 0.05mm less. Not familiar with the Revolution, but the HyperG18 is stiffer and to me has less spin and feel than the 18L/19g.
18L has good feel and if you are looking for more spin than power, it is better than the 19. The 19 has great feel (for a poly) and bite but it is softer with a bit more power. At 1.1mm, it REALLY doesn't last. I use the 18L as mains and 19g as crosses @ 48-51lbs/43-47lbs respectively. That gives a good blend of spin, feel and just enough power.

 

[hotasice]

I agree with Sardines above. 19 is noticeably softer and lasts me 2-3 hours before I feel it bag out. 18L is stiffer and lasts me about 5 hours. Spin is about the same for me

 

[CosmosMpower]

Thanks I may try a set of the 18L. Oddly enough the 18L has a pretty good tension loss percentage on the TW string comparison tool

 

[DanS]

I've used 18L in my 18x20 Ultra Tours @45 and like it a lot. I do have a bunch of 19 that I haven't used yet. I may give that hybrid a try with the 19 in the crosses. Sounds interesting!

 

[Jonathan P.]

I have both and don't notice any difference other than durability.

 

[DanS]

I have both and don't notice any difference other than durability.

That's not the first time I've heard that. Maybe some people just have better sensitivity to strings than others.

 

[Sardines]

I agree with Sardines above. 19 is noticeably softer and lasts me 2-3 hours before I feel it bag out. 18L is stiffer and lasts me about 5 hours. Spin is about the same for me

I tested on 2 racquets, strung to the same tension (prestretch 3%) on a Playsight court. The 19g actually hits peak performance early, giving easier power, feel and spin, then tapers off until it breaks. However, the 18L maintains the bite longer and obviously lasts an hour or 2 longer with serious gameplay with hitters, vs say stroking/drilling. A lot depends on who you're hitting with. Being stiffer, it is the better "control" string.

@CosmosMpower the 18L lasts longer for me but if it's game day must win, I'd go 19g all the way. It has a great blend spin, feel and control that I like quite a lot. I've even tried it with a smooth poly like PTP17 and it's really bouncy.

I may give that hybrid a try with the 19 in the crosses.

Since the 19g is softer, you will need to adjust the tension a little. I now actually use a 1lbs differential because of the softness. Prestretching helps.

 

[CosmosMpower]

Thanks for the feedback. I just got a decent deal (sub 100 shipped) on a reel of 18G Hyper G last night so I'll get to experimenting with the thinner Cyclone's sooner or later.

 

[Jonathan P.]

Has anyone compare the cyclone 18-19 against the RPM blast 18?

 

[DanS]

Has anyone compare the cyclone 18-19 against the RPM blast 18?

I haven't tried the RPM Blast 18, but the 17g died quicker than any sting I've ever used before! In my opinion (especially considering it lasts twice as long and costs half as much), I I'll stick with the Cyclone.