What happened to my buttery Kirschbaum synthetic gut?

[dantesinferno18]

For the past 10 years I have been using a hybrid set up of MSV Focus Hex in the mains and kirschbaum syn. gut in the crosses. Prior to settling on this set up I've used a handful of synthetic guts but the kirschbaum syn. gut was noticeably softer and gave me great feel and dwell time for the ball. I think I paid $35 for a whole 660' reel of it too, what a steal!!!

I finally used up my last reel of it and when I went to buy more I couldn't find it anywhere, it appears that they stopped making it or something? Wondering what syn. gut you guys would recommend for a cross in a hybrid that would play similar to my beloved kirschbaum syn. gut. I have tried multis before but I rip through them in about an hour of hitting, the synthetic guy gives me substantial durability so I would like to stick with a syn. gut (Unless you know of a really cheap Multi I can get for $40 a reel LOL).

Appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks!

 

[GrilledBurgers]

F

 

[SinneGOAT]

For the past 10 years I have been using a hybrid set up of MSV Focus Hex in the mains and kirschbaum syn. gut in the crosses. Prior to settling on this set up I've used a handful of synthetic guts but the kirschbaum syn. gut was noticeably softer and gave me great feel and dwell time for the ball. I think I paid $35 for a whole 660' reel of it too, what a steal!!!

I finally used up my last reel of it and when I went to buy more I couldn't find it anywhere, it appears that they stopped making it or something? Wondering what syn. gut you guys would recommend for a cross in a hybrid that would play similar to my beloved kirschbaum syn. gut. I have tried multis before but I rip through them in about an hour of hitting, the synthetic guy gives me substantial durability so I would like to stick with a syn. gut (Unless you know of a really cheap Multi I can get for $40 a reel LOL).

Appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks!

Check E Bay to find some old reels, other than that I’d check out Gosen OGSM if you want to move away or don’t want to try E Bay. I’ve never used the kirschbaum synthetic gut but I liked the Gosen.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

EDITED
-oops, please ignore, i realized i was recalling the tecnifibre syngut, not what the OP wanted!

-i havent found a substitute for that string
-very unique, buttery, soft feel
-but i do remember the outer coating was not too durable; it would fuzz up pretty quick
-i find that wilson syngut has a almost buttery feel! , comparable,, maybe. price would be different
-gosen is a touch crisper and a bit thinner IMO, price also different
-babolat syngut also has a nice outer coating that would be comperable, but price an issue
-forten.SWEET is/has nice soft feel, but not sure its comperable in price
-prince is a bit softer/buttery than gamma syngut, but neither is as soft as tecnifibre.syngut

 

[DrumWizOHBD]

Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Titan ;-) Not sure where to purchase these days though. It's a little more muted than the Kirschbaum, but has that nice pocketing, works great a slippery cross string in a hybrid setup, and it's cheap! I 2nd that Forten Sweet is close to the Kirschbaum, but it's more "sticky", outer coating wears off fast, causing mains to stick out of place.

 

[Happi]

You could check out Pros Pro synt gut. 18 Euro for a reel. Perhaps you would like the string.

 

[Happi]

Kirchbaum synt gut available at amaz..... uk just do a serch there

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

You could check out Pros Pro synt gut. 18 Euro for a reel. Perhaps you would like the string.

I vouch for this one (PP SG). Less sticky than Forten Sweet but may be slightly less durable as it is softer.

 

[GrilledBurgers]

You could check out Pros Pro synt gut. 18 Euro for a reel. Perhaps you would like the string.

@TagUrIt What do you think? I think you said you've tried Pro's pro syn gut

 

[-Kap-]

@fuzz nation might have some helpful advice, as I remember reading that Kirschbaum synthetic gut was also his favorite when it was still available.

 

[TagUrIt]

@TagUrIt What do you think? I think you said you've tried Pro's pro syn gut

I hate to talk bad about a product, because everyone has their own experience. However if I’m being completely forthcoming, I gave Pro’s Pro a try and absolutely hated the string. It was probably one of the worst strings I’ve ever strung my racquet with. Even at 57lbs it was mushy, dead, and had no feel. I didn’t even make it through a whole set, before I was switching back to one of my racquets strung with the Gamma Synthetic Gut. Which played tremendously better and already had about 8 hours of court time on it.

 

[NastyWinners]

Probably a stupid question, but ever try prince synthetic gut?

 

[esm]

@TagUrIt What do you think? I think you said you've tried Pro's pro syn gut

Can’t really see the point of this, unless you have tried it yourself once or twice, then share your personal opinion.

 

[Uncoil]

A simple search on google shows many retailers still selling this string.

 

[GrilledBurgers]

Can’t really see the point of this, unless you have tried it yourself once or twice, then share your personal opinion.

I've never tried it, saw he's used it, wanted his opinion on this discussion. Nothing more, nothing less

 

[fuzz nation]

For the past 10 years I have been using a hybrid set up of MSV Focus Hex in the mains and kirschbaum syn. gut in the crosses. Prior to settling on this set up I've used a handful of synthetic guts but the kirschbaum syn. gut was noticeably softer and gave me great feel and dwell time for the ball. I think I paid $35 for a whole 660' reel of it too, what a steal!!!

I finally used up my last reel of it and when I went to buy more I couldn't find it anywhere, it appears that they stopped making it or something? Wondering what syn. gut you guys would recommend for a cross in a hybrid that would play similar to my beloved kirschbaum syn. gut. I have tried multis before but I rip through them in about an hour of hitting, the synthetic guy gives me substantial durability so I would like to stick with a syn. gut (Unless you know of a really cheap Multi I can get for $40 a reel LOL).

Appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks!

K-baum SG is indeed my all-time favorite. I have several others right now including Prince Original, Volkl Classic, Forten Sweet, and Gosen OGSM, all of one gauge or another. Nothing quite matches that buttery wonderful ride that Kirschbaum could conjure up for me.

If you call the contact number listed on the site for Kirschbaum USA, you may or may not be able to do a direct order for reels through them. One of our pals here gave me the heads up back in the fall that they were taking orders, but I had a lot of other stuff on hand and didn't want to overdo it. I may take a chance on grabbing some reels as the weather warms up.

Before I came across K-baum a while ago, I was liking Tecnifibre SG for that similar extra-cozy feel. But after the drama of falling for K-baum and then seeing it disappear maybe two years later (should have written a country song), I tracked down some more Tecnifibre, but it seems like they changed the recipe. Much more firm than when I was using it a few years ago - and the black version of their SG now marks the balls. The dye used to stay put on the strings. Pet peeve, but I can't stand that. My string adventures might inspire an entire album

Prince Original and Volkl Classic are the two syn. guts that have been working for me lately in terms of their combo of moderate softness and crispy feel. Gosen OGSM is too firm for me in 16 ga., but the 17 ga. option can be pretty good for me tensioned at 52-53 lbs. in my Volkl C10's. I tensioned 17 ga. K-baum SG at about 57 lbs. when I used it in those frames. Forten Sweet is really soft - nearly as cushy as some multifibers - but not the same feel and performance I like with K-baum's SG.

 

[loosegroove]

I've never tried it, saw he's used it, wanted his opinion on this discussion. Nothing more, nothing less

Like dude, stop trying to push your agenda man.

 

[GrilledBurgers]

Like dude, stop trying to push your agenda man.

What are you talking about?? What agenda are you and @esm even talking about, seriously was just trying to help the discussion since I've been looking into a new syn gut to switch to....

honestly frustrating because i was trying to be helpful.

 

[loosegroove]

What are you talking about?? What agenda are you and @esm even talking about, seriously was just trying to help the discussion since I've been looking into a new syn gut to switch to....

honestly frustrating because i was trying to be helpful.

Sarcasm isn't always so discernible on the interwebs.

 

[Polotechnics]

They still sell it in the UK.

On a website that's also a large, tropical, wooded area.

 

[esm]

What are you talking about?? What agenda are you and @esm even talking about, seriously was just trying to help the discussion since I've been looking into a new syn gut to switch to....

honestly frustrating because i was trying to be helpful.

How were you trying to help the discussion when you went by a “single use” review. You’d provide more discussion and be more helpful if you linked the whole PP thread, or posts more specific to the PP Syn gut discussions from that thread.

 

[Lukhas]

You could check out Pros Pro synt gut. 18 Euro for a reel. Perhaps you would like the string.

Speaking of Pro's Pro, there's Hot Stuff. Exists mainly in 1.33mm (15L) and even 1.40mm (15) should your grommets be wide enough.

 

[Jocke]

Are you talking about Kirschbaum Synthetic Gut or Kirschbaum Premium Synthetic Gut?

 

[Brando]

Great question. I was wondering the same since it seems regular Kirschbaum syn gut is still fairly widely available in 16 while the premium not. @fuzz nation , you're a big K-baum fan--- you have a take on if there's much of a difference?

 

[fuzz nation]

Great question. I was wondering the same since it seems regular Kirschbaum syn gut is still fairly widely available in 16 while the premium not. @fuzz nation , you're a big K-baum fan--- you have a take on if there's much of a difference?

I tried the Premium after going through a couple reels of the standard version. It was also very nice. I didn't have any objections with the Premium, but I think it cost at least twice as much as the standard SG and any comparisons I tried didn't seem to set the two strings apart by any significant measure. So the standard still tops my list of favorites.

 

[Brando]

Good to know, @fuzz nation . Am tempted to get a reel since one can be found under $40. First, tho, I have to play-test a Volkl Classic Syn Gut set I bought after research on TWU's String Performance Database. Am curious, how did YOU discover Volkl SG? I ask because its elasticity, in terms of tension change during impact and tension loss after, suggests it's remarkably resilient for a syn gut that's only 10% less stiff than POSG. So I thought many would have discovered it. But when I search worded the string here at TT, I only came up with you talking about it.

[And BTW, I compared VCSG with POSG, OGSM, and Sweet 16 on the D.B., and everything you say about those strings seems born out in the stats, too.]

 

[SteveI]

I tried the Premium after going through a couple reels of the standard version. It was also very nice. I didn't have any objections with the Premium, but I think it cost at least twice as much as the standard SG and any comparisons I tried didn't seem to set the two strings apart by any significant measure. So the standard still tops my list of favorites.

Is it possible to compare it to others on the market? Thanks so much. I am looking for a cheaper reel as I have moved away from polys with my aging arm. I also string quite a bit of poly / syn gut for HS and college players.

 

[fuzz nation]

Is it possible to compare it to others on the market? Thanks so much. I am looking for a cheaper reel as I have moved away from polys with my aging arm. I also string quite a bit of poly / syn gut for HS and college players.

If I used a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the stiffest, I'd rank Kirschbaum syn. gut (SG) at about a 2.

The softest SG I know is Forten Sweet, which I'd rank at a 1.

I've also used some Babolat SG lately - I'd rank that string at 2.5 or 3 and put it in the same neighborhood as Prince Original SG.

Gosen OGSM is too firm for me to enjoy in my own frames, although I do think it's a great cross for a basic poly hybrid. I'll rank that string up at a 4.

Prince SG w/Duraflex is also too stiff and harsh for me. I'll rank that at a 5.

Tecnifibre used to have a syn. gut right in the buttery soft realm of Kirschbaum, but it disappeared for a while. When I eventually found more of it, the new stuff may have been cooked up from a different recipe because I didn't like it at all. It felt at least as stiff to me as OGSM.

I haven't used Head or Wilson SG lately, so I really can't accurately place them on this ladder.

 

[SteveI]

If I used a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the stiffest, I'd rank Kirschbaum syn. gut (SG) at about a 2.

The softest SG I know is Forten Sweet, which I'd rank at a 1.

I've also used some Babolat SG lately - I'd rank that string at 2.5 or 3 and put it in the same neighborhood as Prince Original SG.

Gosen OGSM is too firm for me to enjoy in my own frames, although I do think it's a great cross for a basic poly hybrid. I'll rank that string up at a 4.

Prince SG w/Duraflex is also too stiff and harsh for me. I'll rank that at a 5.

Tecnifibre used to have a syn. gut right in the buttery soft realm of Kirschbaum, but it disappeared for a while. When I eventually found more of it, the new stuff may have been cooked up from a different recipe because I didn't like it at all. It felt at least as stiff to me as OGSM.

I haven't used Head or Wilson SG lately, so I really can't accurately place them on this ladder.

Thanks so much. The one that TW is currently carrying for $40.00 a reel the one you are describing.. correct? I had a chance to pick up a reel in black 16G for $35.00... I was wondering if it was a good buy?

 

[fuzz nation]

Thanks so much. The one that TW is currently carrying for $40.00 a reel the one you are describing.. correct? I had a chance to pick up a reel in black 16G for $35.00... I was wondering if it was a good buy?

I don't recall using the black version of this string in the past, but that deal sounds great. I can say that I've maybe a couple of options of black strings in the past that have marked the balls a bit. Whatever dye, etc. used to color the string transferred onto the felt a little bit when the strings were fresh. Not all black syn. guts or multis I've used have done this though - only one or two.

 

[SteveI]

I don't recall using the black version of this string in the past, but that deal sounds great. I can say that I've maybe a couple of options of black strings in the past that have marked the balls a bit. Whatever dye, etc. used to color the string transferred onto the felt a little bit when the strings were fresh. Not all black syn. guts or multis I've used have done this though - only one or two.

Yes... many of the cheaper black string have that issue. Thanks again..

 

[SteveI]

Any idea how the newer cheaper version plays? is it worth $40.00 a reel?

 

[SlowTiger]

Is nylon and syn gut that different when used as a cross?

 

[LittleDawg]

Any idea how the newer cheaper version plays? is it worth $40.00 a reel?

If you are asking about the black version I do not know. I love the natural color though in 16 gauge. I like it more than Babolat, Prince syn. gut duraflex, Gamma, Volkl, Solinco Prostacked, OGSM, Head PPS and any other synthetic gut I can’t remember the names.

 

[SteveI]

If you are asking about the black version I do not know. I love the natural color though in 16 gauge. I like it more than Babolat, Prince syn. gut duraflex, Gamma, Volkl, Solinco Prostacked, OGSM, Head PPS and any other synthetic gut I can’t remember the names.

I just strung up one of my main frames with the black version I just picked up for a steal. Really nice to string up and it has a feel unlike any other syn gut I have worked with. It feels a bit like Head Velocity. Looks to be like it is going to play a bit muted, nice comfort and mid power. Can you share how it played. I wont be a court for a few weeks. Thanks..

NOTE: The string feels more like a 17g.

 

[SlowTiger]

It feels a bit like Head Velocity. Looks to be like it is going to play a bit muted, nice comfort and mid power.

NOTE: The strung feels more like a 17g.

One of the online reviews said it was muted but not that soft. Has anybody whose in played with Tourna syn gut armor and can compare the 2?

 

[LittleDawg]

I just strung up one of my main frames with the black version I just picked up for a steal. Really nice to string up and it has a feel unlike any other syn gut I have worked with. It feels a bit like Head Velocity. Looks to be like it is going to play a bit muted, nice comfort and mid power. Can you share how it played. I wont be a court for a few weeks. Thanks..

NOTE: The strung feels more like a 17g.

The natural color plays with a crisp sound and feel is decent to me. It plays with good power, good control. It seems to stick out of place quite a bit.Doesn’t seem to affect play though.But I string it only at 52 Mains and 48 crosses in a Prince Textreme Tour 310 so you might have different experience in your racquet. Even though it feels crisp it doesn’t feel stiff if that makes sense.

 

[PurcellPower]

One of the online reviews said it was muted but not that soft. Has anybody whose in played with Tourna syn gut armor and can compare the 2?

I’ve played both and I prefer the Kirschbaum. Tourna seems to move and get stuck out of place quickly, more in 100 racquets. The movement isn’t that bad in Ezone 98s. Kirschbaum has a better feel to me. Both are muted, but KB has more direct feedback. Tourna i felt like I lost the ball in the string bed more. I’ve only used both is 16g black. Hope that helps.

 

[Lucandrio]

I just strung up a Dunlop FX 500 with the KSG @60 lbs because the previous string I had in it was the Tourna synth gut armour black @ 54 and there was to much power for my style , flat hitter old school 3.5 - 4.0 on a good day. and this Kisrchbaum gave me a nice feel and I can swing out with this power frame and keep the ball in for most of my shots. the tourna is a good string but I like the KSG more and at the price they have it in the jungle store its a no brainer for me I like bargains. I will be stringing up several racquets this week, next frame is a Fischer pro tour air carbon and this one I will string a bit lower maybe 56 lbs and after that a haed Radical tour Candy Cane OS and a iPrestige mp to get a wide spec idea of how the string play on a ample variety of such different frames. I will keep you all posted. my first reaction in the FX500 is I am happy.

 

[Cowboy]

Well, you all convinced me to give it a shot. Should be here tomorrow.

I couldn't find a 17g version, so I went with the 16g natural.

 

[Lucandrio]

Hey Cowboy I hope you like it as much as I have let us know your thoughts .

 

[beepee1972]

old topic... new reaction. I recently switched from hybrid to full syngut again..... using KB SG premium in 1.30 in my Speed Team 2022. Felt really familiar again, loved it. I string myself, so durability is not really important for me. Arm health and feel is!

Any recommendations for another SG string to try, in the same price range?

 

[Cowboy]

The last reel I bought of it was about $29. I don't think you'll find a better deal than that!

 

[Cowboy]

old topic... new reaction. I recently switched from hybrid to full syngut again..... using KB SG premium in 1.30 in my Speed Team 2022. Felt really familiar again, loved it. I string myself, so durability is not really important for me. Arm health and feel is!

Any recommendations for another SG string to try, in the same price range?

What level do you play, and how often do you restring it?

 

[beepee1972]

I realize I was not exactly clear. I still buy KB SG Premium here, no problems. I was only wondering perhaps there is also a 1.35 variant, since KB doesn't make it in that diameter (anymore). That is just as good of course. It is more curiosity than a real need, was wondering if you guys still use full bed SG and if so, which types?

male, 52 yo, I play averagely 2 times a week, Dutch level 5, reckon that is like 4-5 in USTA (not sure though). Restring whenever it breaks, that is indoor roughly between 4-8 times of playing 1-2 hours. So that is absolutely fine for me. I used Babolat SG, Prince SG/DF, Gamma SG/WG in the past, but can't really remember how different they were. So far, I still kept KB SG Premium as my only SG string.

 

[Fiddyshadesoftay]

I use KSG as a cross in a hybrid with MSV focus hex. I string my own rackets but have to hybrid for durability, I’m a high 4.5 and break a full bed of syn gut in about 20-30 minutes.

I’ve yet to find a syn gut that performs better than KSG as a cross. It almost has the pocketing of a multifilament string. So why pay $10+ for a high performing multi when I can get similar performance in a string that’s only $30 a reel.

 

[SlowTiger]

You can still buy the 15g in the rainforest site. It's more expensive then the 16g tho

 

[Rabbit]

Just looked. The 1.30 Kirschbaum reel is $29. 1.35 is $59. Crazy huh?

 

[Trip]

I’ve yet to find a syn gut that performs better than KSG as a cross. It almost has the pocketing of a multifilament string. So why pay $10+ for a high performing multi when I can get similar performance in a string that’s only $30 a reel.

Indeed. KBaum Syn Gut is a darn good cross. It's just good in general. I use it as a cross, but also use it as a main with IsoSpeed Cream crosses for many rec player string beds, and people LOVE the combo because it 1) never locks up and 2) is playable until it breaks, as syn gut never goes dead, and Cream really doesn't either, as it's ~50% rubber, so it never fully plasticizes. Great combo.

But yes, at a borderline crazy $29 per REEL, so <50 CENTS per section (?!?!?), their 1.30 SG is quite likely the best value of any string on the market, period.

 

[fuzz nation]

I realize I was not exactly clear. I still buy KB SG Premium here, no problems. I was only wondering perhaps there is also a 1.35 variant, since KB doesn't make it in that diameter (anymore). That is just as good of course. It is more curiosity than a real need, was wondering if you guys still use full bed SG and if so, which types?

male, 52 yo, I play averagely 2 times a week, Dutch level 5, reckon that is like 4-5 in USTA (not sure though). Restring whenever it breaks, that is indoor roughly between 4-8 times of playing 1-2 hours. So that is absolutely fine for me. I used Babolat SG, Prince SG/DF, Gamma SG/WG in the past, but can't really remember how different they were. So far, I still kept KB SG Premium as my only SG string.

If you like Kirschbaum in any gauge, I don't think you're going to find anything much better. I haven't sampled every syn. gut from every label, but I play with this string type in my own frames all the time and nothing outshines Kirschbaum for me.

I've also done fine with Babolat, Volkl Classic, and Prince Original (without the Duraflex) and if I get in the mood to play with a bed of 17 ga., I'll use some Babolat. Kirschbaum SG in 1.25 seems to have disappeared for at least the time being, but it's not a big deal for me. I primarily use 16 ga. unless I'm experimenting with a racquet that has a dense string pattern.