Ytex Strings - an objective review

ryushen21

Legend
I figured I would jump on here and post my experiences with Ytex in terms of their products and their customer service.

As a disclaimer, I am part of the Coach/Stringer program. I am not a distributor and do not sell their strings. I do receive discounted pricing on purchases.

I have been trying out various Ytex strings over the last few years in my own racquets and the racquets of my players. I have coached at high schools of different sizes with a wide range of players at different skill levels. I tested most of their poly strings and premium multi, Microfiber X.

Polys - I feel the Ytex poly lineup is a bit bloated and that they would be better served by cutting back some of their offerings and offer different gauges in their best strings. Below is a brief summary of each poly I've personally used. I can say that Ytex polys do generally need to be strung 2-3 lbs. tighter than other polys as they tend to play softer. I typically string mine at 50/48 compared to my standard 47/45.
  • Square X - a decent poly with a 4-sided profile. However, its edges aren't as pronounced as similar strings. For example, the edges on Hyper G or Confidential are more pronounced. This gives it a slightly more round poly type response. It is very comfortable in stiffer racquets like the Pure Drive and Pure Aero. While you don't get as much spin as other offerings, you do get a consistent response and a solid 10-12 hours of play before restringing becomes needed.
  • Square X Sharp - This is Square X on steroids and the thinnest gauge in Ytex's line. The edges here are definitely pronounced and the spin production is noticeably better compared to Square X. This is a lively string but still controllable thanks to the spin. Like other super sharp strings (FireWire, Ultra Cable, etc.), there is a reduction in spin around the 4-hour mark but what you can get out of this string is better past that 4-hour mark. I didn't really like this one in a full-bed setup but it does great in a poly/poly hybrid.
  • Quadro Twist - This is the twisted version of Square X and in my opinion, the far superior string. Feel is similar, but you get much better spin from Quadro Twist than Square X. This string has been incredibly popular with my players who use frames like the Pure Drive and EZone 100. It has enough pop and spin while also being very comfortable and consistent. Like Square X, this string has a very consistent response. After the initial settling, it is easy to get 10-12+ hours out of a full bed without any drop in performance.
  • Octo-Twist - probably my least favorite of the Ytex lineup that I've played with. But, I am generally not a fan of 8-sided strings. Even with this one being 8-sided and twisted, it doesn't perform as well as other strings in the lineup.
  • Hexagon X - This has become one of my favorite strings that Ytex offers after initially not liking it that much. I have played with both the black and the red versions of the strings and they do play similarly. The black is a touch firmer. I've also played this one in hybrids and in full-bed setups. This string provides good spin if you have solid technique but also has a lot of control with a firmer, cleaner response.
  • Penta Power Twisted - This is my favorite string in their lineup. A five-sided twisted poly that offers excellent spin and durability but also offers a crisper feel than any of the other strings Ytex offers. The spin production is top-notch with this string. A full bed can be a bit too spinny for my liking but that is where a hybrid with Hexagon X is a great option. My biggest complaint is that I wish this came in a 1.25 or 1.23 string gauge.
  • Triangle Twisted - another one that was not my favorite. Three-sided strings tend to have a pretty sharp drop off in performance after the 4 hour mark and this one is no different.
  • Protour - This one is definitely interesting and close to becoming my new round cross of choice. Compared to my previous favorite Ghost Wire, it is a little bit crisper and doesn't show the signs of becoming vague or mushy like Ghost Wire can after about the 8-hour mark.
The only other string that I've tried extensively is their premium multi, Microfiber X. It's billed as the closest thing to natural gut that you get and it is really good for what it is. However, I can't say with confidence that anything ever really gets close to gut. It does have excellent power, comfort, and durability. I've been using it with some of my more advanced beginners and it lasts them longer than syn gut while also giving them better performance. And it does come in at a better price point than some of the other premium multis.

Customer Service - I can honestly say that most of my dealings with Ytex have been very good. They are prompt to reply and very receptive any time there are issues. Ordering is also extremely convenient and fast. Even having to work with a school district business department, it has rarely taken more than a week from getting the quote to having the strings in my hands. The only issue that I have with Ytex when it comes to this aspect is pricing. I understand they are a newer string company but their retail pricing is too close to premium string brands without having an established reputation for quality and performance. If they were pricing more of their strings in the $10-12/set range, I feel like more people would be willing to try them out. But when you are spending $14+ you start looking at other brands that are more well known.

Pros
  • Great strings focused on comfort and performance
  • Good durability with strings easily getting 12+ hours before needing restringing
  • Lots of spin-friendly options
  • Comfort really is good and makes poly more accessible to a wider range of players
Cons
  • Too many offerings that are too similar
  • Lack of gauge offerings
  • Pricing could be more competitive
 

WacTennis2017

Semi-Pro
Thanks for this review!
I currently have Hexagon X - Mains and Protour crosses in a Wilson Steam 100 and
X-one Biphase- Mains and Protour crosses in a Solinco Blackout.

I agree the protour is similar to Ghostwire which has been my cross of choice for a while.

I also like the feel of Hexagon X but still prefer my Multi/Poly hybrid.
 

ryushen21

Legend
Thanks for this review!
I currently have Hexagon X - Mains and Protour crosses in a Wilson Steam 100 and
X-one Biphase- Mains and Protour crosses in a Solinco Blackout.

I agree the protour is similar to Ghostwire which has been my cross of choice for a while.

I also like the feel of Hexagon X but still prefer my Multi/Poly hybrid.
Hexagon X and Protour is a good hybrid as well.
 
Would you say that the penta power twisted has the most spin out of the ones you tried? I like the Square X Sharp but it does feel a little soft to me and loses tension/playability from initial stringing.
 

ryushen21

Legend
Would you say that the penta power twisted has the most spin out of the ones you tried? I like the Square X Sharp but it does feel a little soft to me and loses tension/playability from initial stringing.
Square X Sharp has the most spin right off the stringer. But it does start to round off after about 4 hours and you lost some spin.

Penta Power Twisted has the most consistent spin of the Ytex polys I've played.
 

Radical Shot

Semi-Pro
Yep, I love YTEX strings. I've played with ProTour, SquareX, HexagonX and Quadro Twist. SqaureX is my favourite. Soft, powerful and crisp at the same time. They are all very good.
 

ryushen21

Legend
Yep, I love YTEX strings. I've played with ProTour, SquareX, HexagonX and Quadro Twist. SqaureX is my favourite. Soft, powerful and crisp at the same time. They are all very good.
From my experience, I've had to increase the tension to get a crisp feel from them. Sometimes, it borders on my limit for what I'm willing to string poly at for myself and my players.

That's why Penta Power Twisted has been my preferred string. I get that crisper feel at a tension that I'm still comfortable using.
 
Is PPT your preferred string now over others? I like Tourna Silver7Tour as well (especially the feel), but not sure how it compares to PPT.
 
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