Home » TI magazine » Playtests » Playtest: Gamma Moto 16

Playtest: Gamma Moto 16

By Greg Raven

Gamma Moto 16 is a heptagonal (seven-sided) geometric co-polyester monofilament developed for the aggressive baseline player who seeks massive spin and control. According to Gamma, the co-poly material used in Moto is very responsive and provides lots of feedback, with excellent tension maintenance. Gamma tells us that Moto allows a player to swing out fully with confidence that the ball will land in due to the spin it generates.

Moto is available in 16 and 17 gauge in black and lime. It is priced from $11 for 40-foot sets, and $181.50 for 660-foot reels. For more information or to order, contact Gamma at 800-333-0337, or visit gammasports.com.

In the lab

We tested the 16-gauge Moto. The coil measured 40 feet. The diameter measured 1.29-1.33 mm prior to stringing, and 1.24-1.26 mm after stringing. We recorded a stringbed stiffness of 72 RDC units immediately after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a constant-pull machine.

After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness measured 66 RDC units, representing an 8 percent tension loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units immediately after stringing and 71 RDC units after 24 hours, representing a 9 percent tension loss. Moto added 17 grams to the weight of our unstrung frame.

The string was tested for five weeks by 37 USRSA playtesters with NTRP ratings from 3.5 to 6.0. These are blind tests, with playtesters receiving unmarked strings in unmarked packages. Average number of hours playtested was 25.1.

If you roll Moto between your fingers, there is no doubt that it is a geometric string: The apexes stand in sharp relief to the flats. The sharpness of the edges might become an issue when installing the crosses if your technique involves pushing the free end of the string across the mains. At worst, though, you’ll just have to slow down a bit. As with all sharply geometric strings, installing the crosses knocks down some of the edges on the mains.

One playtester broke the sample during stringing, six reported problems with coil memory, six reported problems tying knots, and four reported friction burn.

On the court

Gamma advises that you reduce the reference tension for Moto 5 to 10 percent from your nylon reference tension, so this is what we recommended to our playtest team members.

Our playtest team agreed that Gamma Moto delivers spin and control. Moto 16 ranked as the 6th-best string of the 171 we’ve playtested to date for publication in the category of Spin Potential, with an excellent ranking in the Control category. As you might expect from these two rankings, Moto 16 also ranking highly in Resistance to Movement, placing 10th-best of the strings we’ve tested. Our playtest team also ranked Moto 16 well above average in the Durability category. As a result, Moto 16’s overall score was also well above average.

Three playtesters broke the sample during the playtest period, one each at 9, 14, and 15 hours.

Conclusion

Given the relatively narrow target player for Gamma Moto, it’s interesting to see that none of the members of our playtest team had much bad to say about it — and this from a team with only eight players who describe themselves as baseliners. Of course, spin can benefit any style of play, and it’s often said that one of the differences between the pros and non-pros is the amount of spin the pros use on each and every shot.

Playtester comments

“Great all-around performance! The shaped construction creates great spin. The feel and touch on compact strokes are excellent. Good pop and kick on topspin serves.” 4.5 male all court player using Wilson BLX Steam S strung at 55 pounds CP (Polyester 17)

“This strings feels great from the first hit. The bite, which is outstanding, produces pinpoint accuracy and spin. It has zero string movement and excellent tension maintenance for a polyester. The phenomenal spin and control adds welcomed confidence to my game.” 4.5 male all court player using Prince Exo3 Tour (18x20) strung at 53/57 pounds LO (Prince Lightning XX 16)

“Impressive combination of comfort, control, playability, and feel. The sharp edges add bite and spin.” 5.0 male all court player using Head Youtek Prestige Pro Midplus strung at 62 pounds LO (Head Sonic Pro 16)

“This string has a wonderful combination of power and spin. It also has uncommonly good tension maintenance and touch. What separates it from other control strings is the feel. It offers the spin and power of a high-end co-poly, but with above average comfort and tension maintenance. This is just a very enjoyable string to hit with.” 5.0 male serve-and-volley player using Wilson BLX Five strung at 58/55 pounds LO (Wilson NXT Tour 17)

“This is one of the better polys I’ve hit. Along with the usual spin and durability, this one has better feel on touch shots, especially around the net. I will add this string to my inventory.” 5.5 male serve-and-volley player using Babolat AeroPro Drive GT strung at 52 pounds LO (Wilson NXT 17)

“This string is ideal for players who want maximum control and spin. Lowering the tension improves the playability and brings out its best characteristics.” 5.0 male all court player using Gamma RZR strung at 53 pounds CP (Gamma Zo Verve 16)

“An excellent overall string with great playability for a monofilament. Very little string movement, even though I was using a super open string pattern.” 4.0 male baseliner with moderate spin using Wilson BLX Steam S strung at 56 pounds LO (Wilson Sensation 17)

“This string has great feel for a poly. It maintains tension much longer than most polys and has big spin potential. This string is great for advanced players with long strokes, but has enough feel and power for players with shorter strokes.” 4.0 male baseliner with heavy spin using Wilson Sledge Hammer 2.8 strung at 45 pounds CP (Wilson Enduro Pro 16)

“This is a great option for poly players who want maximum spin. Comfort is above average for a poly.” 3.5 male all court player using Prince EXO3 Blue strung at 57 pounds CP (Genesis Black Magic 16)

“This string is slightly firmer than my typical co-poly. This fact did not result in less power. In fact, during my league doubles match, I hit two my opponents on serve, neither of whom could get out of the way in time.” 5.0 male all court player using Head Youtek Graphene Speed Pro strung at 50 pounds CP (Head Sonic Pro Edge 16)

“Flat serves have impressive power, and kickers have extra spin. Volleys feel crisp and precise.” 4.5 male all court player using Babolat Pure Storm GT strung at 58 pounds LO (Gamma Professional 16)

“Finally, a poly that holds tension for more than five hours. String movement is minimal. I hope more polys like this come along.” 4.5 male all court player using Babolat AeroPro Drive GT strung at 59 pounds CP (Gamma TNT2 Touch 17)

“This poly holds tension better than its peers. It doesn’t go dead after a few hours. Comfort is also above average.” 4.5 male serve-and-volley player using Babolat Pure Drive Roddick GT strung at 59 pounds CP (Babolat Xcel Power 16)

“This string feels slightly firmer than many of the softer co-polys that have been hitting the market over the past few years. Touch and feel are a little below average. On the upside, it has exceptional spin potential, durability, and control. Perfect for the hard hitting topspin player.” 3.5 male baseliner with moderate spin using Prince Thunder Rip OS strung at 58 pounds LO (Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough 17)

“The high coil memory and difficulty tightening knots makes installation a little slower. This string plays perfectly at a ten percent tension reduction. Control on big swings is outstanding. It’s nice having the confidence to finish points.” 4.5 male all court player using Wilson BLX Six One Tour strung at 47/48 pounds LO (Luxilon Alu Power/Wilson Sensation 16L/16)

“For players who need more comfort and touch, I definitely recommend using a low tension. Despite the firm feel, there is great feel on the backhand slice. If you are a serve-and-volley player, you will appreciate the extra kick on serves and the control at net.” 4.5 male all court player using Babolat Pure Storm GT strung at 56 pounds LO (Babolat RPM Blast 16)

“Despite being on the stiffer side, this string has great all-around playability.” 4.5 male all court player using Babolat Pure Drive GT strung at 56 pounds LO (Babolat RPM Blast 17)

“Impressive combination of durability and comfort. Great control and tension maintenance. Touch could have been better.” 5.5 male baseliner with heavy spin using Pro Kennex Q5 295 strung at 54 pounds CP (Spintex Exclusive HD 16)

“While I am not a fan of polys, I have to admit that this one was a notch above the rest. It has impressive playability. I would recommend stringing it down 10 percent, not five as I did. As it loses tension, it definitely gets better, especially the touch at net. I really did not see that coming. The shaped profile is a plus when it comes to spin. Overall, this string has enough positive qualities to justify another try.” 4.0 male baseliner with heavy spin using Yonex V-Core strung at 52 pounds LO (Gamma TNT2 16)

“Finesse players or recreational female players may not find this string very arm-friendly. However, it would likely work well for hard hitters in search of a longer lasting string. “ 4.0 female all court player using Prince O3 Tour MP strung at 48 pounds CP (Tecnifibre NRG2 16)

“The edges of the string bite into the ball and produce heavy spin. This string provides great control on big swings. Paired with a soft cross, this would definitely add some serious spin and control to a hybrid.” 5.0 male all court player using Wilson BLX Six One Team strung at 50 pounds LO (Babolat RPM Blast 17)

“This string notches right away, but it does not break. String movement is nonexistent, even on big spin shots. I would not recommend this to players with compact strokes. It is best suited to big hitting baseliners who favor heavy spin. Though comfort is impressive for a poly, volleys and touch shots can be a little challenging.” 6.0 male all court player using Wilson BLX Steam strung at 56 pounds LO (Wilson NXT 16)

“Great option for the poly veteran who likes to pound groundstrokes with total control. Touch is not great, but the feel and sound on big strokes is amazing, and unlike any other string I’ve tried.” 5.5 male baseliner with heavy spin using Wilson BLX Pro Open strung at 58.5 pounds LO (Luxilon Alu Power 16L)

“This string plays great in the beginning. The spin-potential is very high, but once it loses tension the playability wanes a bit.” 5.0 male all court player using Babolat Aero Storm Tour GT strung at 54 pounds LO (Babolat RPM Team 16)

“This string is much easier to install than other polys I’ve strung. It neither kinks nor has high coil memory. Durability and resistance to movement are simply great. Unlike other polys, this string is arm-friendly. Compared to my typical setup, it has decidedly less feel and power. Nevertheless, this is a good choice for players who want durability coupled with impressive playability.” 4.5 male all court player using Prince O3 Blue strung at 55 pounds LO (Gamma Professional 17)

“Impressive tension maintenance for a poly-based string.” 5.0 male all court player using Wilson Juice 100 strung at 55 pounds CP (Luxilon Savage/Wilson Sensation 17/17)

“This string has an impressive combination of durability and playability. I would recommend this to big hitters who want a little more life out of their string.” 5.5 male all court player using Wilson BLX Blade strung at 50 pounds CP (Luxilon 4G 16L)

“This poly might be a little too soft. As opposed to being crisp, it is quite muted. Power is low. Recommended to big hitters who want a softer option.” 6.0 male all court player using Vantage Custom (16x19) strung at 54 pounds CP (Ashaway MonoGut ZX 16)

“This is a very average polyester. I had some wrist pain after about seven hours of play. My wrist pain subsided when I switched back to my racquet with a softer string setup.” 5.0 male all court player using Wilson BLX Steam S strung at 53/55 pounds CP (Luxilon 4G/Babolat VS Touch 17/16)

“This string plays like most of the polyesters I’ve hit. It has excellent control, but it is a little unforgiving on off-center impact. Touch shots feel a little dead. It’s great for aggressive baseliners who hit with a lot of topspin.” 5.0 male all court player using Head Youtek Speed MP 315 (16x19) strung at 52 pounds LO (Luxilon Timo/Wilson NXT 18/17)

“Great spin and control, but as with many firmer polys the power and touch are not strong suits.” 5.0 male all court player using Wilson BLX Blade strung at 45/49 pounds CP (Babolat RPM Team/Gamma Synthetic Gut 16/15L)

“Strings like a typical polyester string. Coil memory and weaving are more difficult than with a nylon string. No problem tying knots. On court this string has a bit too much power and not enough control. Good pop on my serves but I hit too many balls out.” 4.0 male all court player using Babolat AeroPro Drive Cortex strung at 62 pounds CP (Wilson Sensation Control 16)

“Control is average with nice pop when attacking short balls. Comfort is impressive for this type of string. Great for 3.5+ level players with seasoned mechanics.” 4.0 male all court player using Babolat Pure Drive strung at 55 pounds CP (Yonex Poly Tour Pro 16)

“Good tension maintenance and durability, but not enough touch or power. This string is best for long, fast strokes.” 4.0 male baseliner with heavy spin using Wilson BLX Blade strung at 53 pounds CP (Natural Gut 16)

“While durability, spin, and good control are good, the feel is lacking.” 4.5 male all court player using Wilson BLX Blade strung at 52 pounds LO (Wilson NXT 16)

“Durability is excellent, but the stiffness makes it challenging to hit touch shots.” 4.0 male all court player using Wilson Hammer 5.0 strung at 55 pounds CP (Forten Sweet 16)

“For the first two or three hours this string is amazing. The response is lively and very spin friendly. The control is exceptional. After the tension drops, however, the control goes away. Next time I might try stringing it a little tighter.” 4.0 male baseliner with heavy spin using Vantage BC-30 strung at 52 pounds CP (Kirschbaum Pro Line II 16)

Playtester ratings

EASE OF STRINGING (compared to other strings)
Number of testers who said it was:
much easier	0
somewhat easier	3
about as easy	17
not quite as easy	16
not nearly as easy	1
OVERALL PLAYABILITY (compared to string played most often)
Number of testers who said it was:
much better	1
somewhat better	6
about as playable	9
not quite as playable	19
not nearly as playable	2
OVERALL DURABILITY (compared to other strings of similar gauge)
Number of testers who said it was:
much better	9
somewhat better	13
about as durable	11
not quite as durable	4
not nearly as durable	0
RATING AVERAGES
From 1 to 5 (best)
Playability	3.4
Durability	4.2
Power (8th overal)	3.2
Control	3.7
Comfort	3.1
Touch/Feel	2.8
Spin Potential (6th overall)	4.1
Holding Tension	3.4
Resistance to Movement (10th overall)	4.1

See all articles by Greg Raven

About the Author

Greg Raven  is an associate editor for Tennis Industry magazine and technical writer. He is certified as a Master Racquet Technician by the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association. He can be reached via e-mail at greg@usrsa.com, or through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. He plays tennis three to five days a week, and is turning into an avid cyclist.

From the May 2013 issue
Permalink