Volkl Power Fiber Pro

[Trip]

I figured I'd start a thread for this fairly durable, controlled and slick multifilament string, which has been out since ~2021 and mentioned here a few times, but doesn't have its own thread (pics below, of each gauge/color):

Gauges: 18 (1.20), 17 (1.25), 16 (1.30), 15L (1.35)
Colors: Neon Yellow, Neon Orange, Turquoise (Blue), Lava (Red) - (all four colors available in 17 and 16 gauge; only Neon Yellow and Lava available in 18 and 15L)

The description from Volkl's website:

Power Fiber Pro is a multifilament string which combines gut-like performance with good durability due to an advanced coating. The low-friction coating and advanced construction give Power Fiber Pro great playability with good tension maintenance. Players looking for better durability, but still offering the feel and control of a multifilament should try Power Fiber Pro.​

Interesting to note that this string is a true multifilament at its core, but with a co-polymer "sheath" around the outside:

I am unsure as to whether "co-polymer" equates to "co-polyester", which, if so, would make this string a partial-poly, or "multiester", similar to Triax/RPX/HDMX, Rexis Speed, NXT Control, etc. This may be the case, as playability is very close to Triax/RPX (even preferred over Triax by Michelle) per the following TW review:

I've had one playing experience with PFP so far: Lava 1.30 mains in a hybrid with Tecnifibre Multifeel Black 1.25 crosses, in a 2018 Yonex VCore 95. Playability was quite nice. I'd say balanced between crisp and muted, very shock-absorbent, and quite snappy, with a lasting slickness (at least with Multifeel in the crosses). The snapback is actually very good, practically poly-like, even after 5+ hours hours of play:

Curious to hear more people's experience with Power Fiber Pro!

 

[Rabbit]

I think it's one of the best bang-for-the-buck multis out there. It's usually what I install when folks ask for a multi and don't specify a particular one.

 

[happyandbob]

Very slick for a multi. Personally, I found it to be too slick to use as a main. It didn’t grab the ball as well as Multifeel (for example) as a main.

I tried full bed and cut it out after just a few hours but seems like a good option for a cross though. I may revisit some day.

 

[maksp]

Very slick for a multi. Personally, I found it to be too slick to use as a main. It didn’t grab the ball as well as Multifeel (for example) as a main.

I tried full bed and cut it out after just a few hours but seems like a good option for a cross though. I may revisit some day.

Which color was slickest?

 

[happyandbob]

Which color was slickest?

only tried yellow. It was very slick

 

[oldmanyellingatcloud]

how's this compare to Head Velocity?

 

[Rabbit]

how's this compare to Head Velocity?

IMO it plays much softer than velocity but firmer than NRG

 

[Trip]

Versus Velocity, I think PFP plays slightly lower-powered and bit more controlled per unit tension, similarly spinny/snappy, and its outer coating seems a hair more durable.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Yep, substantially firmer and slicker than Velocity.

 

[puppybutts]

It's quite plush and one of the more comfortable and powerful multis available. Very slick when freshly strung.

However, I'm not a string breaker and played it in a 97 16x19, and it broke quite quickly (can't remember how many hours, but it didn't last more than a few matches). Additionally, before it breaks, the coating starts peeling in a very ugly and friction-heavy way, which makes it not very playable before it breaks.

It's a great string when fresh, though lacking some spin, but the way it wears down and break early makes it not worth it to me.

 

[Trip]

@puppybutts - Very good feedback. Thank you. So far the '18 VC95 (95" 16x20) is all that I've experienced, and its still holding strong with TF MF Black crosses after 5-ish hours. But we all hit differently, etc etc.

Anyone else?

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Definitely more suited to cross string use in place of strings like Velocity, if you’re prepared to swap some comfort/resilience for a moderate increase in slickness & durability.