All new string tests - Poly only

I just ordered a few strings for testing. They are:

Genesis Spin X 17 gauge
Genesis Black Magic 17 gauge
Pro Supex Big Ace 17 gauge
Signum Pro Poly Plasma 17 gauge
Topspin Cyber Flash 17 gauge
Kirschbaum Pro Line II 17 gauge

Genesis is a fairly new line of strings and have been getting rave reviews. The rest are very well-received by players of all types. You'll notice that these are all thinner gauge strings (17) and they should offer a higher level of performance but may sacrifice a bit of durability. My hope is that, since these are poly strings, they will still have good lasting ability. My quest continues for the best strings to review and carry for my customers (and me, of course!).

On another note, I have begun testing of the new Mantis strings and have found them to be solid but not too exciting. This is only after a couple hours of testing and the full review will be forthcoming.

Well, the winter has set in and the cold is here. Hopefully, you (and I) can get out a bit this winter and hold on 'til warmer weather. Hang in there, spring's coming!!!

Keep hittin',

Dan

New Strings from Mantis

I'm looking forward to a shipment of test strings from a new company named Mantis. Looks like I'll be getting 2 polys and 2 synthetic gut strings to review. Mantis is a company from Europe that is mostly in the UK and they are attempting to break in to the US market. If you want to check them out for yourself, dial up http://www.mantis-sport.com/us/string.html and read all about them. However, if you want something other than the marketing spin, keep checking back here and see my unbiased review and testing.

I should be getting these strings soon along with a few others. It's going to be a busy winter league season this year as I am testing a bunch of strings!

Thanks for looking in!
Dan

New Wilson String Playtest

Earlier, I told you about a new string from Wilson I received as a playtester for them. I just finished playtesting it and wow!!, it knocked my socks off! It's currently in testing only, but if it comes to market, it's a definite string to play. Power, exceptional spin and excellent durability. I'll keep you updated.

Dan

SuperString Review

I posted this review over at stringforum.net on this string.

Here it is:

Most of my experience has been with other polys that feel similar to wire and are difficult to string. This was very easy to string for a poly and didn't have a lot of coil memory. The stringing went smooth and easy and tying knots was generally pretty easy. I had just strung a Luxilon Big Banger prior to stringing this and it was night and day. Luxilon Big Banger is a wild animal, hard to tame and the SuperString went my way during the whole process, not talking back once. This string was surprisingly soft for a poly. I think that this would be a good choice for someone who my need a softer string for their arm/wrist but still wants the benefits of a poly. I strung it at the tension as usual and no arm/wrist issues. I had suffered arm problems with another poly 12 months ago but there were no signs of problems here.

I tested this string outside in 60°F temperature, hard courts and tested during 1) giving instruction, 2) general rallying, 3) against a ball machine. No string movement during play and no apparent drop in tension.

There was decent pocketing and it provided average to slightly above average feel – especially for a poly. However, I felt like I could control this string and the spin was above average. I could feel the "poly drop" quite often and was surprised a few times that the ball dropped in. The tension felt good all through the time I had it and I didn't feel any noticeable drop in tension through the entire testing process. Volleys were decent but there wasn't as much feel as my "control" racquet. Of course, this is to be expected but the SuperString performed very well and adequate. Serves were a bit disappointing as there wasn't as much pop as I would have liked. The spin was good, but not great, and control was there. All in all, serving was good enough. If you are relying on your serve to win points, this may not be the right string for you – or you might need to lower the tension a few pounds. I did love the control and spin I got from this string and the softness it provided.

My "control" racquet string setup (Wilson KSix-One with natural gut mains / Wilson Sensation crosses - 60#, 2 piece) is one that provides great power, touch, spin and control. An identical racquet with the Nikita Soft 1.25 was nearly up to this performance. Unfortunately, this string broke after 1 3/4 hours (on an overhead - near the top/middle of the racquet) so a full comparison was not completed. However, I believe that this string provides excellent spin, control and has good pop. If natural gut is a 10, this is a strong 8.0. The only thing I would have liked to see different is durability. If this is set at a good price point, I would recommend this to my customers as long as the durability issue is resolved.

Edit: Since posting this review, I found that it is not a budget-friendly string and there are several strings that are a much better value. So, I would not recommend this string.

New String Playtest from Wilson

I just received a new string from Wilson to playtest. Unlike known strings, this one is simply known as a number, not a name. Since it's a prototype, it's not available to the public and may never be available. Wilson will take all the playtesters reviews and make a decision on whether to bring it out or not. Of course, I'll keep you udated after the results come in from Wilson and let you know when and if it'll be available, and at what price.

After I'm done with my current playtest (SuperString Nikita Soft 1.25), I'll post that review and move on to this one. Keep watching...

Dan

SuperString Nikita Soft 1.25 Playtest

I've been slected to playtest a new string from SuperString. Their website www.supertennistring.com indicates that the Nikita Soft 1.25 "Is a Co-Polymer composition of the extra-class. A complex mixture of new materials and additives (rubber) which provides a crisp soft feeling, elasticity and a high level of forgiveness and power."

I rec'd my playtest sample today and strung it up for a quick hit. Initial thoughts are that it is softer than many polys I've hit with and has good potential. Of course, I'll have to go through the complete analysis first before any final conclusions can be made. I'll be hitting tomorrow and through the week with it and will post my results after that.

In the meantime, it does look like it holds some promise. Now, let's see if it will live up to the company's marketing.

Dan