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Playtests

April 2017

String Playtest: Laserfibre Vorso 16

View as PDF Laserfibre Vorso is a premium shaped monofilament co-polyester blend. The materials in Vorso are designed to offer a softer feel to promote power and enhance comfort and overall feel, and the advanced twist is designed to... (Click here to read more...)

January 2017

String Playtest: Babolat RPM Blast Rough 16

View as PDF Babolat RPM Blast Rough is a textured geometric monofilament polyester string. According to Babolat, it offers maximum spin thanks to its octagonal cross-section, surface roughness and “cross-linked silicone,” which allows the string to “bite” the ball... (Click here to read more...)

November 2016

String Playtest: MSV Go Max 1.25

MSV Go Max is a monofilament co-polyester engineered and manufactured in Germany by Mauve Sports in one of the world’s most modern production facilities, using high-quality ingredients with newly developed additives. This pedigree gives MSV Go Max a high... (Click here to read more...)

September 2016

String Playtest: Ytex Square-X

Ytex Square-X is a square profile monofilament string containing co-polymer, carbon and polyolefin that is finished using a Thermo Foil Cooling Process. Ytex claims that where the mains and crosses contact, the two flat surfaces increase durability, eliminate notching... (Click here to read more...)

August 2016

Playtest: Tecnifibre Pro Redcode Wax 17

Pro Redcode Wax is a polyester monofilament featuring Tecnifibre’s latest innovation: Wax inside. This is accomplished by inserting a polyethylene wax directly inside the polyester matrix at the beginning of the manufacturing process, fully impregnating the polyester material. According... (Click here to read more...)

July 2016

String Playtest: Kirschbaum Pro Line II Rough 1.25

Kirschbaum Pro Line II Rough is a third-generation co-polyester string with a roughened surface designed for extra spin, with balanced precision and power. According to Kirschbaum, the string comes from a development of new materials and mastery of the... (Click here to read more...)

June 2016

String Playtest: Pacific Poly Force Black Series 1.20

Pacific Poly Force is a monofilament “poly,” which is to say that while many would classify it as being in the polyester family, it is not truly polyester-based. Pacific tells us that Poly Force is strong and powerful while... (Click here to read more...)

March 2016

Playtest: Tecnifibre Multifeel 16

Tecnifibre Multifeel is a solid-core single-wrap multifilament string, which, according to Tecnifibre, offers durability, dynamic performance, and comfort in a “made in France” string featuring many of the same great features of the premium Tecnifibre strings (HDX Tour, X-One,... (Click here to read more...)

February 2016

Playtest: Tourna Big Red 16

Tourna Big Red is a monofilament poly. According to Tourna, Big Red is a soft, comfortable, playable poly that is easy on the arm. Tourna designed Big Red as a control-oriented string with outstanding feel, with medium power to... (Click here to read more...)

January 2016

Playtest: Gamma Solace 16

Gamma Solace is an advanced multifilament string comprised of a high-energy TNT2-processed dual-filament core surrounded by high-tenacity multifilaments. The core and filaments of Solace are bonded together by a polyurethane matrix, and coated with a soft, abrasion-resistant thermoplastic polyurethane... (Click here to read more...)

November 2015

Playtest: Babolat M7 17

Babolat M7 is an innovative string with a new multifilament construction that provides power, comfort and durability. According to Babolat, the seven 100 percent polyamide monofilaments and innovative matrix of polyamide and polyurethane provide a longer lifespan and high... (Click here to read more...)

June 2015

Playtest: Tecnifibre Black Code 4S 17

Black is back. Tecnifibre Black Code 4S is a geometric monofilament polyester with a square cross-section. Like the original Black Code, Black Code 4S is produced using Thermocore Technology, a process that varies temperature in stages during manufacturing, allowing... (Click here to read more...)

April 2015

Playtest: Tecnifibre XR3 17

Tecnifibre XR3 is a multicore multifilament nylon string, made up of 544 fine filaments in bundles surrounding the three larger PHP Monocores, with everything held together by Tecnifibre’s polyurethane. The Monocores and surrounding filaments provide a firm feel, while... (Click here to read more...)

March 2015

Playtest: Yonex PolyTour Spin G 125

Yonex PolyTour Spin G is a durability-oriented high polymer polyester monofilament. Yonex refers to PolyTour Spin G’s five-sided cross-section as its Giga Spin structure. The material is treated using Yonex’s Silicone oil Infused Filament (SIF) process, which is said... (Click here to read more...)

February 2015

String Playtest: Head Gravity

Head Gravity is a polyester/polyester hybrid string that uses the same Crystal Core technology Head introduced in Head Hawk a little more than a year ago. According to Head, Crystal Core technology is a unique manufacturing process that utilizes... (Click here to read more...)

January 2015

Playtest: Babolat Origin 17

Origin is a novel monofilament nylon string made from a bio-sourced, innovative polyamide called Pure Combo. Polyamide is usually sourced entirely from the petroleum industry, but Pure Combo is partially made up from a vegetable source. Babolat tells us... (Click here to read more...)

November 2014

Playtest: Luxilon Alu Power Feel 1.20

The most popular string on the pro tour now comes in a thinner gauge. Luxilon Alu Power Feel is one of the latest additions to the Alu Power lineup. The Alu Power line is a poly-ether-ether, which gives it... (Click here to read more...)

September 2014

Playtest: Tecnifibre HDX Tour 17

Tecnifibre HDX Tour is a multifilament string constructed of thousands of fibers in multiple separate bundles held together by an exclusive Tecnifibre polyurethane-infusing process. The combination of the unique fibers involved and the polyurethane process creates a string with... (Click here to read more...)

July 2014

Playtest: Ashaway Crossfire ZX Tour

Ashaway Crossfire ZX Tour is a hybrid composed of one-half set of polyester and one-half set of Ashaway’s Zyex® monofilament. The polyester is Ashaway’s 1.27-mm MonoGut Original co-polymer for durability, while the Zyex-based string is 1.27-mm MonoGut ZX for... (Click here to read more...)

June 2014

Playtest: Wilson Optimus 16

Wilson’s Optimus 16 is a multicore multifilament nylon string with a couple of features not found in traditional strings of this type. First, there is a thermoset co-polymer membrane that encircles the nylon fibers to minimize tension loss and... (Click here to read more...)

May 2014

Playtest: Ashaway Crossfire ZX 17

Crossfire ZX is a hybrid that combines Ashaway’s Kevlar® +Plus mains with its MonoGut® ZX Pro crosses. According to Ashaway, the 1.25 mm Kevlar +Plus main string is a blend of braided aramid and silky PTFE fibers that soften... (Click here to read more...)

April 2014

Playtest: Tourna Mega Tac Overgrip

According to Tourna, Mega Tac is the tackiest overgrip ever made, period. An exclusive polyurethane coating creates an ultra tacky surface that literally clings to your hand. Tourna also promises a very long tack time, with Tourna reporting tackiness... (Click here to read more...)

March 2014

Playtest: Victory Acelon Seven 16L

Victory tells us that Acelon Seven is its premier product for top-level players. Made from premium copolyester, it features a sharp seven-sided construction to help players convert power into maximum topspin with control. According to Victory, a European manufacturing... (Click here to read more...)

January 2014

Playtest: Tourna Quasi-Gut Armor 16

Tourna Quasi-Gut Armor is a multifilament made from thousands of twisted nylon filaments impregnated and coated with polyurethane, making it an update to the original Tourna Quasi-Gut. Quasi-Gut Armor includes two additional strands of heat-treated co-poly ribbons in the... (Click here to read more...)

September 2013

Playtest: Isospeed Black Fire

Isospeed Black Fire is a modified co-polyester monofilament that is made using a triple-heating process to soften the stiff modulus somewhat. Isospeed tells us the string is produced very stiff for control, but shrinking the string in the last... (Click here to read more...)

August 2013

Playtest: Gamma RZR RX 16

Gamma RZR Rx is an oval-shaped co-extruded monofilament made of proprietary thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a material that can be thought of as being halfway between plastic and rubber. RZR Rx is like a composite polyester string but the TPE... (Click here to read more...)

June 2013

Playtest: Wilson Sensation Control

Sensation Control is Wilson’s original high-performance multifilament, with a “twist.” Specifically, it’s been updated with wraps of Liquid Crystalline Polymer (LCP) ribbons for added control. The wraps are woven around the nylon fiber bundles to reduce elasticity. This reduces... (Click here to read more...)

May 2013

Playtest: Gamma Moto 16

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,... (Click here to read more...)

April 2013

Playtest: Tecnifibre ATP Razor Code 16

Tecnifibre ATP® Razor Code is a co-extruded polyester string. The solid core utilitizes Thermocore technology, a Tecnifibre process to improve flexibility in polyester strings. The Thermocore process involves using temperature control during the manufacturing process to soften the string’s... (Click here to read more...)

March 2013

Playtest: Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro

Ashaway MonoGut® ZX Pro is a monofilament string — like Ashaway MonoGut ZX — made from polyetheretherketone, a high temperature, engineering-grade polymer also known as PEEK and polyketone. The version used by Ashaway goes by the trade name Zyex®.... (Click here to read more...)

February 2013

Playtest: Head Sonic Pro Edge

Sonic Pro Edge is a new version of the well-known Sonic Pro from Head, the most obvious difference being that Sonic Pro Edge is a five-sided geometric monofilament, where Sonic Pro is a more traditional cylindrical monofilament. In addition... (Click here to read more...)

November 2012

Playtest: Gamma Zo Dart

Gamma Zo Dart looks to be a monofilament string, but in fact is really comprised of a soft co-polyester base string into which are embedded six stiffer monofilaments. The Zo high-energy polyester core is softer for greater feel and... (Click here to read more...)

September 2012

Playtest: Gosen Sidewinder

Gosen Sidewinder is new geometric monofilament polyester string that is made from high–tech polyester resin combined with a chemical additive to increase power, control, and spin. Gosen tells us that Sidewinder utilizes the latest innovation in co-polyester technology. The... (Click here to read more...)

July 2012

Playtest: Ytex Protour

Ytex Protour is a premium monofilament co-polyester containing softer polyester and polyethylene. According to Ytex, Protour provides a better response than other conventional polyesters due to its exclusive patented Low Molecular Weight Technology (LMWT), and its added olefins and... (Click here to read more...)

June 2012

Playtest: Ashaway Zyex MonoGut

Zyex MonoGut is a 100 percent Zyex monofilament string that Ashaway tells us provides exceptional dynamic stiffness, gut-like playability, and superior durability. Because of the difficulties involved in creating a pure Zyex string, Ashaway has been working on perfecting... (Click here to read more...)

May 2012

Playtest: Tourna Big Hitter Black 7

Tourna Big Hitter Black 7 is a seven-sided geometric monofilament polyester (in this case, a co-polyester). According to Tourna, Big Hitter Black 7 is an ultra-playable string that bridges the gap between co-polys and multi-filaments. Designed to be extremely... (Click here to read more...)

April 2012

Playtest: Tecnifibre Ruff Code 16

Ruff Code is a textured monofilament polyester string made using Tecnifibre’s Biphase and Thermocore processes. According to Tecnifibre, the Biphase process, which it has used in manufacturing its multifilament strings, prestretches the string for durability (without reducing diameter) and... (Click here to read more...)

March 2012

Playtest: Pacific XCite 16L

Pacific XCite is a new monofilament polyester. XCite uses the patent-pending PolyCite®, which according to Pacific features a molecular structure unlike that found in any other poly string. Pacific tells us that the difference is that, instead of a... (Click here to read more...)

February 2012

Playtest: Ytex Quadro Twist

Ytex Quadro Twist is a geometric monofilament polyester string that has a square profile, but is also — as the name suggests — twisted. The monofilament itself is a co-polymer with carbon and a special polyolefin, with Thermo Foil... (Click here to read more...)

January 2012

Playtest: Wilson NXT Control

Wilson NXT Control is a hybrid multifilament composed of four polyester bundles and three nylon bundles. One of the polyester bundles serves as the center core. The three remaining polyester bundles and three nylon bundles alternate in a wrap... (Click here to read more...)

November 2011

Playtest: Head FXP Tour

FXP Tour is a new three-layer, multi-core multifilament string from Head. Head’s goal with FXP Tour was to take advantage of the burgeoning acceptance of polyester string in the tennis world, capitalizing on the benefits of polyester while producing... (Click here to read more...)

September 2011

Playtest: Gamma Zo Verve 17

Gamma Zo Verve is a unique co-extrusion polyester string that combines two types of material. At the core is a softer, more elastic, and resilient red polyester. Embedded around the periphery of the red core are three sections (on... (Click here to read more...)

August 2011

Playtest: Genesis Black Magic 17

Genesis Black Magic is a monofilament polyester string. Genesis tells us that Black Magic utilizes the latest innovation in co-polyester technology, with chemicals added during the heating process to increase power, control, and spin. Tension maintenance is also one... (Click here to read more...)

July 2011

Playtest: Tecnifibre Duramix HD 16

Duramix HD is the latest addition to Tecnifibre’s Team line of strings, which also includes X-Code. Duramix HD is constructed using similar technology to Tecnifibre Promix (which we playtested for the April 2003 issue of RacquetTech magazine) and X-Code... (Click here to read more...)

June 2011

Playtest: Wilson Red Alert

Red Alert is a new solid-core multifilament nylon that Wilson tells us was engineered to be the most durable synthetic gut produced. Part of that durability comes from Red Alert’s High Molecular Weight (HMW) nylon coating. The single wrap... (Click here to read more...)

May 2011

Playtest: Luxilon Savage White

Savage is a new shaped monofilament that builds on Luxilon’s experiences with the proprietary materials and technologies it uses in its other strings. Luxilon tells us that the combination of these materials has resulted in a string that is... (Click here to read more...)

April 2011

Playtest: Yonex Poly Tour Pro 130

Yonex Poly Tour Pro has a monofilament core, which is finished with high polymer polyester. During manufacturing, it is stretched under controlled temperature, making the string more resilient to tension loss, and increasing durability and consistency, while maintaining its... (Click here to read more...)

March 2011

Playtest: Prince Beast XP

Prince Beast XP is a brand new monofilament string, which Prince refers to as a precision tuned thermo-poly featuring a secret alloy additive. According to Prince, Beast XP offers advanced performance characteristics not found in conventional polyester strings, including... (Click here to read more...)

February 2011

Playtest: Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough 17

Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough from Unique is an advanced German-engineered monofilament string made with polyether. Unique tells us that polyether makes the string softer and more forgiving, increasing shock absorption and comfort, while retaining an incredible combination of... (Click here to read more...)

January 2011

Playtest: Tecnifibre X-Code

Tecnifibre calls X-Code the missing link between premium synthetic multifilaments and polyester monofilaments. Tecnifibre accomplishes this using a unique technology that integrates polyester and polyurethane, using multifilament technology, where the filaments are bundles of polyester strands. Each bundle of... (Click here to read more...)

November 2010

Playtest: Genesis Typhoon 16L

Genesis Typhoon is a five-sided monofilament poly. It is made from a proprietary composite formula of high-tech polyester resin combined with new performance- enhancing chemical additives and aluminum fibers. Genesis tells us that after extruding Typhoon, it applies several... (Click here to read more...)

September 2010

Playtest: Mantis Comfort Synthetic

Mantis is a relative newcomer to the string business, but the team behind it has a wealth of experience within the tennis industry. With headquarters in the UK, Mantis has just entered the U.S. market with four strings, one... (Click here to read more...)

August 2010

Playtest: Luxilon Adrenaline 16L

The Adrenaline line of strings uses Luxilon’s new Liquid Crystalline Polymer (LCP) technology. Luxilon does not divulge much information about its proprietary technologies, but it has told us that LCP is a unique combination of raw materials and processing... (Click here to read more...)

July 2010

Playtest: Solinco Tour Bite

Solinco tells us that Tour Bite is a newly developed, high-performance, and versatile monofilament co-polyester string designed to generate extreme power, and intense spin and bite. According to Solinco, Tour Bite uses an innovative, proprietary composite formula of high-tech... (Click here to read more...)

June 2010

Playtest: Gamma TNT2 Touch

Gamma TNT2 Touch is the first multicore, multi-wrap string energized with the Gamma patented TNT (Thermo Nuclear Technology) process. TNT2 Touch is a premium string that according to Gamma offers amazing feel and power without sacrificing control. Gamma says... (Click here to read more...)

May 2010

Playtest: Wilson Hollow Core Pro

Hollow Core Pro is an innovative nylon and polyester multifilament from Wilson. Instead of a round solid core, Hollow Core Pro has an air-filled, hollow triangle-shaped polyester core. According to Wilson, this hollow core is what gives the string... (Click here to read more...)

April 2010

Playtest: Unique Tourna Quasi-Gut

Tourna Quasi-Gut is an advanced multifilament nylon string meant to play and feel like natural gut, while maintaining better durability. Unique tells us that Tourna Quasi-Gut is constructed from thousands of tightly wound microfibers, each permeated with and contained... (Click here to read more...)

March 2010

Playtest: Pacific Poly Power Pro

Poly Power Pro is a high modulus polyester string manufactured in Germany exclusively by Pacific. In construction, it is essentially a double-coated monofilament. Pacific tells us that the high modulus polymers combined with two layers of a special coating... (Click here to read more...)

February 2010

Playtest: HEAD FXP Power/FXP 17

Head FXP Power/FXP is a hybrid from Head’s Perfect Match Hybrid program. With Head’s unique system and easy-to-follow matrix, the player can find the perfect match for his chosen benefits. The combination of FXP Power and FXP is aimed... (Click here to read more...)

January 2010

Playtest: Luxilon M2 Plus

M2 Plus is a new “multi-mono” from Luxilon that offers the advantages of both multifilament and monofilament strings. Luxilon M2 Plus has dynamic variable flex which reacts to the power of your shots. It acts like a multifilament at... (Click here to read more...)

November 2009

Playtest: HEAD Sonic Pro/FXP Power

HEAD Sonic Pro/FXP Power is another of Head’s pre-selected “Perfect Match” hybrids. “Perfect Match” is a system developed by Head that allows each player easily to select a hybrid combination based on desired primary and secondary string properties. (See... (Click here to read more...)

September 2009

Playtest: Prince Hybrid Power EXP

Prince now combines one-half set of Prince Poly EXP and one-half set of Prince Premier LT as Prince Hybrid Power EXP. This string comes standard in demos of the EXO3 Rebel, EXO3 Rebel Team, EXO3 Ignite, and EXO3 Ignite... (Click here to read more...)

August 2009

Playtest: HEAD Sonic Pro 17/Natural Gut 16

Head Sonic Pro 17/Natural Gut 16 is a “do it yourself” hybrid with a twist: It is one of several hybrids pre-matched by the Head Perfect Match Hybrid program. What Head has done is create a matrix showing the... (Click here to read more...)

July 2009

Playtest: Tecnifibre Black Code 16

Tecnifibre Black Code is a coated monofilament polyester with a pentagonal shape. The monofilament core is a co-polyester, which provides the ultimate in durability, according to Tecnifibre. The polyester coating is said to increase durability and reduce friction burn... (Click here to read more...)

June 2009

Playtest: Gamma TNT2 Tour 16

Gamma TNT2 Tour is a wrapped multi-core multifilament string with a somewhat unusual construction. In the core, a solid high-tenacity polyamide (nylon) outer matrix surrounds six high-energy monofilaments. The outer matrix is stiffer than the individual core monofilaments. Around... (Click here to read more...)

May 2009

Playtest: Luxilon M2 Pro

M2 Pro is a new string in more than one way. First, it is one of the latest offerings from Luxilon. Second, M2 represents a completely new category of string from Luxilon, incorporating a breakthrough in string technology. Third,... (Click here to read more...)

April 2009

Playtest: Wilson Hollow Core 16

Hollow Core is an innovative nylon multifilament from Wilson. Hollow Core is the first string that, instead of a round solid core, has an air-filled, hollow triangle-shaped core. According to Wilson, this hollow core is what gives the string... (Click here to read more...)

March 2009

Playtest: Prince Premier LT

Prince Premier LT is a multifilament that advances the Prince Premier line with new features. The “LT” stands for Linear Technology, a reference to the parallel alignment of the 900+ fibers in the core of Premier LT. Prince tells... (Click here to read more...)

February 2009

Playtest: HEAD ETS 16

Head ETS is a wrapped multifilament nylon string. According to Head, the highly elastic multifilament core moves freely within its unique polypropylene outer wrap, providing optimal elasticity and energy transfer for unprecedented power, playability, and perfect sound. The outer wrap... (Click here to read more...)

January 2009

Playtest: Wilson (K) Gut Pro 16

Wilson (K) Gut Pro is a premium multifilament made of high crystallinity xycro microfibers bonded together with polyurethane. Fluorocarbon (polytetrafluoroethylene) microfibers are interspersed among the xycro microfibers for enhanced performance. According to Wilson, (K) Gut Pro is engineered for... (Click here to read more...)

November 2008

Playtest: Pacific Power Hybrid

Pacific Power Hybrid 16L is a combination of two top-performing Pacific strings: Poly Force 17 (1.24 mm) and Power Line 16L (1.28 mm). According to Pacific, Poly Force is an exclusive German-made high-modulus co-polyester string, and is Pacific’s number... (Click here to read more...)

September 2008

Playtest: Gamma Zo Tour 16

Gamma Zo Tour is a “multifilament” polyester string that is made of six PET (polyethylene terephthalate) monofilaments surrounded by Gamma’s Zo energy core material. Gamma tells us that this unique construction gives Zo Tour a softer, more forgiving feel... (Click here to read more...)

August 2008

Playtest: Prince Recoil

Prince Recoil is a solid core multifilament with some interesting features. The core is advanced thermoplastic for extra feel and comfort. The inner wrap is a new high-tenacity filament, for improved tension memory and better durability due to its... (Click here to read more...)

July 2008

Playtest: Tecnifibre TGV

TGV is a multifilament string from Tecnifibre that is made of bundles of micro fibers, imbued with Polyurethane 400. According to Tecnifibre, the composite micro fiber bundles give TGV its dynamic properties and power. The Polyurethane 400, which makes... (Click here to read more...)

June 2008

Playtest: Pro Supex Matrix Hybrid

Pro Supex Matrix Hybrid is composed of two strings that are designed to offer the best in both durability and playability: Pro Supex Big Ace (mains) and Pro Supex Maxim Touch (crosses). Big Ace is a German-made monofilament co-polymer... (Click here to read more...)

May 2008

Playtest: Tecnifibre Xr3

Xr3 is a multifilament string from Tecnifibre that is made with a core of three composite monofilaments surrounded by six bundles of Elastyl micro fibers, imbued with Polyurethane 400. According to Tecnifibre, the monofilament cores provide a firmer feel, more... (Click here to read more...)

April 2008

Playtest: Luxilon Alu Power Fluoro 123

Alu Power Fluoro is the latest monofilament string from Luxilon. It is based on the original Alu Power 125, which took the pro tour by storm before becoming a favorite with other competitive players. It is created with a... (Click here to read more...)

March 2008

Playtest: Wilson (K) Gut 16

Wilson (K) Gut is a new multifilament nylon-based string. (K) Gut is made up of nylon microfibers augmented by Fluorofiber (individual fibers of 100% fluorocarbon), which Wilson claims give (K) Gut ultimate performance and extra control. The nylon and... (Click here to read more...)

February 2008

Playtest: Wilson Champions Choice

Wilson Champions Choice is a hybrid of two premium strings: Luxilon Alu Power 125 Rough and Wilson Natural. Luxilon Alu Power is a poly-ether-ether material with a textured surface for added spin and control. Wilson Natural is a high... (Click here to read more...)

January 2008

Playtest: Unique Big Hitter Blue 17

Unique Big Hitter Blue is a monofilament string made with polyether. According to Unique, the use of polyether in this advanced German string formulation allows for a much softer string that absorbs shock and increases comfort, while retaining the... (Click here to read more...)

November 2007

Playtest: Isospeed Professional Classic 17

Isospeed Professional Classic is a coreless multifilament, where the filaments are Isospeed's trademarked polyolefin ribbons. Isospeed tells us that Professional Classic is designed for players looking for gut-like performance in terms of speed and arm protection. Professional Classic is... (Click here to read more...)

September 2007

Playtest: HEAD C3 Rocket 16

C3 Rocket is a new multifilament control-oriented string from Head. As with several other Head strings, C3 Rocket uses ribbon-shaped strands. These ribbons surround a solid core, but are not bonded to the core. The "C3" stands for Crystal... (Click here to read more...)

August 2007

Playtest: Gamma Asterisk 16

Asterisk is a nylon string with a center core made up of six large wedge-shaped filaments that are arranged in the shape of an asterisk (hence the name). These fibers are encased in a high tenacity polyamide matrix that... (Click here to read more...)

July 2007

Playtest: HEAD Sonic Pro 17

Sonic Pro is a new polyester string from Head, the first polyester string it has added to its Control line-up. According to Head, Sonic Pro is a uniquely processed co-polymer polyester with extra combinations of resins and fibers. Head... (Click here to read more...)

June 2007

Playtest: Isospeed Professional 17

Isospeed Professional is a multifilament string composed of Power Ribbons and polyamid filaments. According to Isospeed, the polyamid filaments are pre-stretched during manufacturing, which helps with tension maintenance. The Power Ribbons are made of a unique polyolefin, which Isospeed... (Click here to read more...)

May 2007

Playtest: Wilson Super Spin 16

Wilson Super Spin is a hexagonally shaped nylon string with a core consisting of two simultaneously extruded layers. Around the core are wrapped 20 nylon fibers. The hexagonal shape is achieved when the final outer layer is added. According... (Click here to read more...)

April 2007

Playtest: Pro Supex Big Ace

Big Ace is a monofilament co-polymer, which according to Pro Supex is made of high-grade polymers and special monomix-reinforced chemical additives. Pro Supex claims that Big Ace offers power, spin potential, control, comfort, durability, resistance to movement, and tension... (Click here to read more...)

March 2007

Playtest: Wilson Ultimate Duo

Ultimate Duo is a hybrid string from Wilson comprised of Luxilon Alu Power and Wilson NXT Tour. This combination builds on Wilson's dominant position in premium-priced synthetic multifilaments (more than 70% of the market) with Luxilon's market-leading position in... (Click here to read more...)

February 2007

Playtest: Klip Armour Pro 17

Klip Armour Pro is a natural gut string with an unusual feature: The gut is completely coated with a hard shell. Klip says that Armour Pro takes natural gut to the next level, increasing durability and control, while reducing... (Click here to read more...)

January 2007

Playtest: Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 16

Synthetic Gut Multifilament is Prince's latest offering for the player looking for a playable multifilament string with a crisp feel and good durability, at a midrange price. Synthetic Gut Multifilament is available in 16 and 17 in natural only.... (Click here to read more...)

November 2006

Playtest: Klip Detonator 16

Klip Detonator is another of Klip's many Pro Doubles hybrid string offerings, this one combining Klip's K-Boom poly with its Excellerator nylon. Klip recommends using K-Boom in the mains, and the Excellerator in the crosses. We've published playtest reports... (Click here to read more...)

September 2006

Playtest: Tecnifibre Pro RedCode 16

Tecnifibre Pro RedCode is a new premium copolymer polyester monofilament string that features an exclusive abrasion-resistant coating and chemical additives that offer a higher level of tension resiliency compared to other polyester strings. Additionally, Tecnifibre's static and dynamic test... (Click here to read more...)

August 2006

Playtest: Pacific X-Force 18

Pacific X-Force is a "poly-like" monofilament string offering increased power and dampened feel. According to Pacific, although the materials of this string are "in the polyester family," X-Force is not necessarily a polyester string. X-Force is manufactured using a... (Click here to read more...)

July 2006

Playtest: Head FXP Power 16

FXP Power is a new multifilament designed to build on the success of Head's recently introduced FXP string technology. In the past two quarters (Q4 2005 and Q1 2006), FXP has been number 15 on the best-sellers list in... (Click here to read more...)

June 2006

Playtest: Wilson Natural 16

Wilson Natural is a 100 percent natural gut string. According to Wilson, it contains the highest quality natural gut fiber with moisture-resistant long-life coating. Wilson tells us that it is the choice of top players such as Roger Federer,... (Click here to read more...)

April 2006

Playtest: Klip Venom 17

Klip Venom is a high-end multifilament made of DuPont High Modulus PA66 nylon, which is impregnated with polyurethane resin and then twisted with high tenacity monofilament wraps and two polyester metallic yarns. Klip calls these two visible black twists... (Click here to read more...)

March 2006

Playtest: Gamma Zo Pro 16L

Gamma Zo Pro is a hybrid set made up of Zo Power for the mains and Live Wire Professional for the crosses. According to Gamma, Zo Power is an ultra playable 16L-gauge polymer alloy featuring Gamma's TNT2® Technology, for... (Click here to read more...)

February 2006

Playtest: Tecnifibre Multifeel 16

Tecnifibre Multifeel 16 is a solid-core single-wrap multifilament string, which according to Tecnifibre offers durability, dynamic performance, and comfort at an excellent price-to-value ratio. The durability comes from the central monofilament, which comprises 20 percent of the total volume... (Click here to read more...)

January 2006

Playtest: Klip Lightning 16

Lightning is one of Klip's "Pro Doubles" (hybrid) strings, combining its Legend natural gut with its Excellerator nylon. Klip's Legend natural gut is 100 percent Australian top grade gut. Excellerator is a high-end multifilament, with 30 percent more fiber... (Click here to read more...)

November 2005

Playtest: Gamma Zo Sweet 17

Gamma Zo Sweet is a 17-gauge hybrid that combines Gamma's Zo Power coated monofilament polyester in the mains and its TNT² nylon in the crosses. According to Gamma, Zo Power is an ultra-playable polymer alloy, manufactured as a co-extrusion... (Click here to read more...)

September 2005

Playtest: Gosen Polylon SP

Polylon SP (the SP stands for "supreme playability") builds on the successes of Gosen's Polylon and Polylon Comfort strings. (See our playtest report of Polylon Comfort in the June 2003 issue of Racquet Tech magazine.) Unlike the other two... (Click here to read more...)

August 2005

Playtest: HEAD FXP 16

Brand & Model FXP is a new multifilament designed to build on Head's well-established FiberGEL technology. (See the playtest report for Head FiberGel in the September 2002 issue of Racquet Tech magazine, and the playtest report for Head FiberGel Power... (Click here to read more...)

July 2005

Playtest: Unique Tourna Hybrid Poly Gut 16

Tourna Hybrid Poly Gut is a new hybrid string from Unique that combines Unique's Tourna Gut natural gut with its Tourna Poly Big Hitter polyester for the best of both worlds: the power of gut with the durability of... (Click here to read more...)

June 2005

Playtest: Klip Screamer 17

Klip Screamer is one of Klip's "Pro Doubles" (hybrid) strings, this one combining natural gut with Klip Scorcher (see the playtest report for Klip Scorcher in the September 2003 issue of Racquet Tech). Klip Scorcher is a solid-core multiwrap... (Click here to read more...)

May 2005

Playtest: Wilson Reaction 16

Reaction is a new multifilament string that Wilson is aiming at competition players and big hitters who are looking for a firm, crisp string that offers control and good tension maintenance. Reaction is constructed from pre-stretched thermoset microfibers with... (Click here to read more...)

April 2005

Playtest: Volkl V-Rex

V-Rex is a new monofilament polyester string from Völkl. According to Völkl, V-Rex is a unique co-polyester developed specifically for today's serious aggressive player who demands precise control and reliable durability. Due to a patented manufacturing process, Völkl says... (Click here to read more...)

March 2005

Playtest: Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123

Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 is a new monofilament developed for tournament players based on the opinions and experience of Toalson contract players worldwide. According to Toalson, Thermaxe 123 affords an excellent combination of elasticity and durability by... (Click here to read more...)

February 2005

Playtest: Gamma Revelation 16

Gamma Revelation is a new multi-core, multi-wrap string formulated for players who want to use a multifilament string and are looking for the greater control that comes from a stiffer string. Revelation is available in 16 and 17 gauge... (Click here to read more...)

January 2005

Playtest: Prince Lightning Power

Lightning Power is Prince's new solid-core/multi-wrap string in its all-around performance category. Prince orients strings in this category toward players who are looking for improved durability, comfort, feel, and spin. Prince feels that Lightning Power is ideal for players... (Click here to read more...)

November 2004

Playtest: Klip X-Plosive

Klip X-Plosive is one of Klip's "Pro Doubles" -- or hybrid -- strings that contain natural gut. In X-Plosive, the other string is Klip's new K-Boom, a co-polymer polyester. Klip claims the fast response time of K-Boom makes it... (Click here to read more...)

October 2004

Playtest: Head MegaBlast

Head MegaBlast is a new high-end racquetball string that comes standard in all Liquidmetal and MegaBlast racquetball racquets. It is the choice of five-time Pro World Champion Sudsy Monchik as well as dozens of top touring professionals. MegaBlast features... (Click here to read more...)

September 2004

Playtest: Volkl F.I.R.E. Strings

Volkl's F.I.R.E. (Fully Integrated Racquet Engineering) Strings is a hybrid comprised of a nylon multifilament and polyester monofilament. According to Volkl, this combination delivers the power and feel of a multifilament with the durability and control of the polyester.... (Click here to read more...)

August 2004

Playtest: Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 17

X-One Biphase is a multifilament string constructed using a new variation of the tried-and-true Tecnifibre process. According to Tecnifibre, X-One Biphase combines H2C (High Heat Capacity) microfilaments for power and feel, with NRG microfilaments for dynamic response. These microfilaments... (Click here to read more...)

July 2004

Playtest: Wilson NXT OS 16L

Wilson NXT OS is the newest edition to the NXT family of strings. Wilson tells us it specifically engineered this multifilament, polyurethane-impregnated string for oversize and super oversized rackets. Wilson's goal was for NXT OS to retain tension longer... (Click here to read more...)

May 2004

Playtest: Gamma Zo Plus 16L

BRAND & MODEL Gamma Zo Plus is a co-extrusion fiber, which means it is a monofilament comprised of two materials, one in the center and a second that encases or coats the center filament. In Zo Plus, the center is... (Click here to read more...)

Playtest: Unique Tourna Poly Big Hitter

BRAND & MODEL Unique Tourna Poly Big Hitter is a monofilament "poly" string of the type that is becoming increasingly popular both on the pro circuit and with hard-hitting juniors and even club players. Unique tells us that their... (Click here to read more...)

April 2004

Playtest: HEAD RIP PerfectPower

BRAND & MODEL RIP PerfectPower is the newest string in HEAD's line-up, designed to be their top string for players seeking more power. HEAD's other power strings include IntelliString, RIP Ti.Fiber, and FiberGEL Power. To give players more power, HEAD... (Click here to read more...)

Playtest: Klip Blast

BRAND & MODEL Blast 17 is one of Klip's "Pro Doubles" line of hybrid strings. Blast combines their Hardcore polyester (for the mains) with a soft compound synthetic gut (for the crosses), which according to Klip deliver a unique combination... (Click here to read more...)

March 2004

Playtest: Prince Premier with Softflex 16

Brand & model Prince's new Premier is a multifilament string designed for ultimate gut-like playability. To achieve this goal, Prince wraps its micro-filament core with filament outer wraps made of Softflex, which it tells us is the most elastic material... (Click here to read more...)

Playtest: Unique Tournafiber Irradiated 16

Brand & model Unique's Tournafiber Irradiated is a new and improved version of their multifilament, multi-wrap string, the original of which we playtested in early 2002 (see Racquet Tech magazine, May 2002, for the playtest report). Unique says that the... (Click here to read more...)

February 2004

Playtest: Wilson Stamina 17

BRAND & MODEL Wilson introduced Stamina in 2002 as a durability-oriented synthetic gut in 16 gauge only. Since then, Stamina has become so popular that Wilson now offers it in two additional gauges — 17 and 18 — and... (Click here to read more...)