That Old Black Magic

In the latest in a series of string tests, I tested Genesis' offering of Black Magic poly string. Genesis is a relatively new company (started in 2009) that currently offers two strings. "Black Magic", in a 16 or 17gauge and "Spin-X", also in a 16 or 17gauge. I tested the 17gauge string. Of course, it's black! The Spin-X comes in either a red or silver color.

I used this in a hybrid set up using black magic in the mains at 57 pounds and Wilson sensation 16gauge in the crosses at 60 pounds. This proved to be a very powerful set up and was very easy on my arm. All through the testing period of about six hours of hitting, I never felt any pain in my arm, wrist or shoulder. As many of you know, some polys can cause pain to your arm depending on which string you use and the tension. My advice with polys is to be careful.

Now for the testing...

Forehands, backhands and serves seem to explode off of the racquet face. This seems to be a very powerful string but yet spin was very adequate. When I originally strung this, I waited two days before testing (due to weather and other factors). Sometimes with polys, there is a break-in period but not with this string. It felt comfortable from the start and the characteristics did not change through the testing period. There was only a minor drop in tension of about 3-4% during the testing. That's terrific!

My playing partner commented that my shots were coming across much faster but with a bit less spin than normal. I found myself hitting the ball flatter but when I was wanting to generate spin, I could do so with ease. Even though groundies were very good, this string seemed to shine on serves. My opponent said that he had to guess because the ball was coming at a pace he could not handle. I generally hit the ball hard but not usually this hard!

Overall, this string was soft, easy on the arm, powerful and predictable. This is a string that I would not only recommend but one that I would also be more than happy to play full-time. I will be adding this to my inventory for my customers in the near future.

This string was, in a word..."Magic"!!

Keep hitting,
Dan