Please help me find a similar sting....

[Digger]

I've just changed over from Wilson Sensation to the new Head FXP (16 guage). The new Head string is described as:
"A comfortable and responsive string that offers some nice ball pocketing qualities. Features three strands of FiberGEL in the core with polyester fibers and a polyamid wrap. A good choice for players seeking more durability than offered by most multifilaments, yet still want a string that offers control and feel."

I really prefer the feel of this over the Sensation, I seem to get a lot more information from the racket(?) when I hit. Can anyone recommend a similar string that is more readily available and slightly cheaper?

Thanks for any suggestions

Phil

[Tim Strawn]

Your request is a difficult one Phil. The FXP string has a core constructed of Polymid 6 and inside that core are 3 of Heads patented FiberGEL filaments. The outer wrap on this string is a combination of Polymid and polyester fibers which are then covered in a DuPont coating.

A rather unique string in that you have outer wraps intended to increase durability with an inner core of FiberGEL that tends to tone down the overall stiffness of the string. When you start trying to match this string with another model it can be quite difficult. You compound this request by asking for something similar yet less in cost. Manufacturing strings of this nature can be very complicated, thus, the increased cost.

My suggestion to you (since you have indicated that you are happy with this product) is to stick with it and make an attempt to buy in quantity to reduce your overall expense of the string. I'm not surprised at all that you like it better than Sensation, which is a string most notorious for less than desirable tension maintenance and not so great with durability issues as well. However, I can't help but wonder what your overall performance window on the Head string will be. Based on it's make-up I would say you would be doing great if you got 8-10 hours of solid performance from that string.

As long as you understand the limitations of the string and can live within those parameters you'll be much better off in the long run.

[Jens]

@Digger
The Tecnifibre Promix might be similar, but it's in the same price range, maybe just a little bit cheaper. You could give it a try anyway. Otherwise, as madmaxx says, you will have trouble finding a similar string, so you should stick with the FXP.

[Tim Strawn]

One thing that could be mentioned here.....finding a string that works well with your individual setup can take time. Strings are just like anything else in terms of variety-there are a ton of them out there. Once you find something you like in terms of how it feels and how it plays then you have half of the battle won. Hopefully, you plan to stick with the same racquet for a while and if so, now is the time to start experimenting with tension to zero in on what works best for you ;)

The above statements of course are assuming you have already taken the time to select a racquet that best suits your style of play. Now you've selected a string but need to pinpoint the tension that works best. For those who prefer backcourt play don't be afraid to lower the tensions on your string -- significantly, to the point of losing control if need be. This will increase the overall power potential and provide a situation where your work load is reduced from stroke to stroke. Yes, you can go too low but just play around with it some by starting low and graduating to higher tensions--always using the same string until you find what works best . If you're stringing low I would definitely suggest you employ the technique of stringing the crosses at a higher tension than the mains to help offset the movement in the strings while using lower tensions (as JayCee explains here many times) . If control is your objective then you will consider using higher tensions (and perhaps if you look for optimum control then a possible switch to a co-polymer may be in order but hopefully not necessary). As mentioned earlier, your choices are endless.

Once you find the tension that works best you have won the entire battle--that is of course, until you decide to change racquets again
:( and now you must begin the entire process from scratch :eek:

Now you can see the benefit of staying with the combination once you find it ;)