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| lostinamerica |
 registered |
40 ratings |
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 1970-02-09 |
male team player upper league
medium strokes with moderate spin, allround game |
 Wilson BLX2 Steam 105S (MP, 16/15) |
Former 4.5 - 5.0 with lots of injuries and age. I played Division II college tennis 20 years ago. At this point in my career, I am just a really good 4.0 singles to a very solid 4.5 doubles player. I am an all-court player with good strokes and volleys but the injuries have limited my ability to move.
I hit a one handed backhand with moderate topspin or a hard skidding slice. Forehand with moderate topsin or flat.
My serve has heavy spin, usually first and second serve.
I play about three times per week almost exclusively on hard courts and most often outside.
I prefer soft strings but have played polys and kevlars. I am a frequent string breaker; with a natural gut, synthetic or multifilament I break strings about every 4 to 5 hours of play. |
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| Date |
2013-05-08 |
| String |
Solinco Tour Bite Soft 1.20 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Wilson BLX2 Steam 105S (MP, 16/15) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
 (4 hrs.) |
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I tried this on a recommendation from a friend. Considering I am just starting to play/string again after an injury induced sabbatical; I am trying to upgrade everything.
It was fairly easy to string. It was not prone to kink and I had no issues.
The durability was about 4 hours of play but I am using it in Steam Spin effect. Since I have been using one of those, keeping strings has been a chore. The only string that I don't break in less than 2 matches is an Aramid (Kevlar). I thought 4 hours was fine.
The control is very good. Whether it is the racket/spins string, I am controlling the ball well. I am not hitting long too often and hitting some insane angles that I had not been previously been able to hit from the baseline.
The feel... well it is better than most polys but I have never really been able to dig the poly feel. It definitely isn't gut or a high end multi. Yet, as polys go it was not uncomfortable. It is better after about an hour of hitting and then you can begin to feel the ball pocketing. If you are fine with poly, this will probably feel soft to you. As for me, I am a soft string player so it does not feel outstanding.
The spin on this thing is insane. When you couple it with the Wilson Steam open patterns, it really produces a heavy ball. One person who knows my game thinks I have turned from a very moderate spin player to a heavy ball hitting top spinner. My forehand has always been a bit wild but it is dipping deep into the court far more often pinning my opponent against the fence. As for my serve, I am not sure if it me, the racket or the string but I have not found my serving range since I started playing again. I will edit when I learn to serve again.
The tension stability is fine. After all, I am breaking it in about 4 hours so my sample is not the best. |
| Satisfied? |
 |
| Compared to:Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.23 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
lively, solid, crispy, unique |
Comments:
No comments found.
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|
| Date |
2013-04-17 |
| String |
Polystar Classic 1.10 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 62/62 lbs |
Head YouTek IG Speed Lite (MP, 16/19) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
 (0.5 hrs.) |
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n.a. |
I am just coming back after a ruptured Achilles (2) and I was given a Wilson Steam 105S with this. It lasted 30 minutes before it snapped. The feel was outstanding. The power was good too. It would be a better string in a more string friendly frame.
I strung one in my Head Youtek Speed. The string was more durable. It was fairly easy to string. It was not wiry like so many string.
The spin was good and comfort was great in this racquet. In the Steam, it last about 15 minutes. I got about 2 sets out of it in the Youtek Speed.
It spins pretty nice. As for polys, it plays stiff but not uncomfortable. I would recommend this if you are not a string breaker but I am so I can't use it. It really plays nice but durability is not it's strong point. |
| Satisfied? |
n/a |
| Compared to:keine Angabe |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
| |
| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
lively, crispy |
Comments:
No comments found.
Please log in to be able to post a comment. |
|
| Date |
2013-04-17 |
| String |
Polystar Energy 16L |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 62/62 lbs |
Head YouTek IG Speed Lite (MP, 16/19) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (2 hrs.) |
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I have meant to evaluate this for years. Unfortunately, tennis ending injuries has kept me from playing for several years. This string has exceptional playability. I wish all polys felt as comfortable. My only negative is it breaks extremely quick.
The stringing was easy enough. I had no issues. It did not kink. And weaving crosses was easy.
The power was adequate. It is not a terribly powerful string. It allows you take a swing at the ball without launching it.
The control was very good. I could keep the ball in play with little problem. I could really get used to it.
As mentioned, the durability was poor. This is what would keep me for using it. I've used it in a Wilson Steam 105S and n that you would need 3 freshly strung racquets to finish a match. I also tried it in a Head Speed and it lasted about 2 hours.
The feel and playability was great. The spin potential was also great.
I strung another racquet with this. Stringing was very easy. The playability is really outstanding but durability is not. It is a string for the non string breaker. I would consider it as a cross string in a hybrid but as a full bed, I went through 2 sets in a match and a half. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.23 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| I like the playability better. Unfortunately, the durability would keep this from being my go to string. If you are not a string breaker, I would recommend. |
| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
comfortable, lively, crispy, precise |
Comments:
No comments found.
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|
| Date |
2009-04-08 |
| String |
Luxilon M2 Pro 16L |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 58/58 lbs |
Head i.X6 OS (OS, 16/19) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Luxilon Big Banger Ace 18 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
stiff, wire-like, solid, crispy |
Comments:
No comments found.
Please log in to be able to post a comment. |
|
| Date |
2009-03-07 |
| String |
Polystar Turbo 1.25 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 58/58 lbs |
Head i.X6 OS (OS, 16/19) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (7 hrs.) |
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Stringing:
It was difficult to string. It was extremely wire like and very apt to kink. When I pulled the crosses, there was a great amount of friction. It reminded me of the Leoina 66 (for those who used that in the 80s).
Power:
It had enough power for me but it was more of a control string.
Control:
I would classify this as a control string. I was able to take really good cuts at the ball and keep it in the court. I had to really swing to hit long.
Feel:
It is a bit harsh but not terrible. It is comparable to Luxilon Big Banger Ace but not nearly as harsh as Big Banger Original or Alu Power. On ground strokes and returns, it was quite stiff. On volleys, there was very little feel.
Comfort:
I could feel a little arm fatigue after using it. It was not an uncomfortable string but I moved to this from natural gut and that reference point probably made it feel a little less comfortable.
Spin:
My kick serve was really twisting and hopping today. Also, my topsin strokes appeared to have more spin as well. Generally, I hit with moderate topspin and the ball appeared to have quite a bit more than usual.
Tension Stability:
I haven't noticed any significant drop in tension.
Durability:
After a long 3 setter there were no signs of imminent breaking. The string broke after about 6 to 7 hours of hitting. This is above average for me. It is not ProBlend but it is adequate.
All around, I really like the string. The control is the best attribute and as someone's who biggest problem is keeping the ball in the court, it was a welcome attribute. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Luxilon Big Banger Ace 18 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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n.a. |
| Overall, I like it better than Big Banger Ace. It has much better control and much better spin. I have another set and will hybrid it with a multifilament and a gut. |
| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
stiff, wire-like, rough, unique |
Comments:
No comments found.
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| Date |
2009-03-02 |
| String |
MSV Soft-Control 1.25  |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 62/62 lbs |
Head i.X6 OS (OS, 16/19) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (1 hrs.) |
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n.a. |
Stringing:
I strung it in 2 pieces at 62 lbs (both mains and crosses). It was easy to string; there was no kinking. The string has a natural gut appearance. The string did stretch somewhat while stringing. I had no issues with friction when pulling the crosses. When cutting the string, I could feel how soft the string was going to be.
Playing Characteristics:
Power:
From a power standpoint, it had ample power but not uncontrollable.
Feel:
It excelled in the feel department. It was very soft and allowed for excellent touch around the net.
Comfort:
It was very comfortable and had a gut like comfort. After breaking the string, I returned to a poly (Big Banger Ace) and I could feel a definite difference.
Spin:
Spin was very good. It bit about as well as Natural Gut. My kick serve was really jumping with the string. I was able to get excellent top spin on my ground strokes. I am only a moderate spin player but I was getting a little extra.
String Movement:
The strings move quite a bit. They were beginning to move after a half hour of playing.
Consistency of Playability:
I did not notice a discernable tension drop. The string only lasted about an hour and a half. The first hour was doubles so I really did not have long sustained rallys and the ability to really evaluate it for tension stability was difficult.
Durability:
This is a big problem. As previously mentioned, I broke the string in about an hour and a half and the first hour was doubles. This would be the primary reason I would not purchase this string.
Playing Conditions:
It was about 75°F and we used brand new pressurized Penn Tennis balls in both matches I used. I played on hard courts. It was dry but somewhat windy. I played a doubles match in which my partner and I won 6-2, 6-1 in less than an hour and I started a singles match and the strings broke at 2-2. I did no other hitting with this string except the warmups.
Conclusion:
The string played really well and had a near gut like feel but durabilty is a definite issue. I am a string breaker but usually not that quick. The string will work well for someone who rarely to never breaks strings. I string rackets as a hobby but I do not enjoy it enough to do it after every match. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Natural Gut |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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n.a. |
| Since it is a multifilament, I am comparing it to Natural Gut. When looking at it, it resembles a natural gut. It is much easier to string than natural gut but it is very soft and stretchy like gut. It does not have the same amount of power as natural but it is not hurting for power. It is extremely comfortable. |
| Similar string(s): |
Babolat XCel |
| StringAdjectives |
soft, comfortable, elastic, stretchy |
Comments:
No comments found.
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|
| Date |
2009-02-20 |
| String |
Laserfibre Laser Tour 17 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 62/62 lbs |
Head i.X6 OS (OS, 16/19) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (1.5 hrs.) |
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| The string played well enough but it broke after less than 2 hours. Durability will keep me from using this string. It is simply not cost effective. The power was good but not great. Feel was above average but not exceptional. I was able to generate good spin but nothing extraordinary. The string was very comfortable. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Prince Synthetic Gut DF etc. |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| It plays very similar to Prince Synthetic Gut Original. Yet it costs more and is not nearly as durable. I will not be using it again. |
| Similar string(s): |
Prince Synthetic Gut |
| StringAdjectives |
soft, comfortable, lively |
Comments:
No comments found.
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|
| Date |
2008-08-14 |
| String |
Babolat VS Touch 16 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 62/62 lbs |
Head i.X6 OS (OS, 16/19) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (5 hrs.) |
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This plays as well as VS Team and it is a little more playable. It never lost significant tension and maintained outstanding playability until it snapped. It was hanging on by one gut fiber and it was still playing great.
Stringing was difficult but not any worse than most natural guts.
Everything felt outstanding; even off center balls felt fine. Power was off the dharts but it was still controllable. I had no problem generating spin.
The string excelled at the net. I am not a great touch player but I was able to control drops and sharp volleys better than most any other string. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Wilson NXT |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| Very soft and very playable. Price is higher but playability is outstanding. It is as durable as any other playability string and touch and feel is better. |
| Similar string(s): |
Babolat VS Team |
| StringAdjectives |
soft, comfortable, resilient, elastic, lively, precise |
Comments:
No comments found.
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|
| Date |
2008-08-14 |
| String |
Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Rough 16L |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 59/59 lbs |
Head i.X6 OS (OS, 16/19) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (8 hrs.) |
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| I really did not like it. It was very hard on my arm. It did generate spin well. Power was adequate but nothing outstanding. Volleys felt awful. It lost tension relatively quick. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Signum Pro Poly Plasma 1.23 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| SPPP was superior in pretty much every category. It was much more comfortable and had much better feel. |
| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
stiff, wire-like, solid, crispy |
Comments:
No comments found.
Please log in to be able to post a comment. |
|
| Date |
2008-07-04 |
| String |
Babolat VS Team 17 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 60/60 lbs |
Head i.X6 OS (OS, 16/19) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (5 hrs.) |
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Like all natural gut, it takes care in stringing but not terribly difficult.
It held its tension until it broke.
It played outstanding from the time I took my first hit until it broke.
Groundstrokes were very comfortable and control was outstanding. I was able to generate great spin without taking enormous cuts at the ball and was able to keep the ball in the court when trying for more pace.
Volleys and touch shots were outstanding. The feel was everything you could ask. It really excelled in the midcourt and forecourt game.
It was very easy to generate power and spin on the serves.
It is pricey but the playability is outstanding. The performance to price ratio is only conducive to a person who can afford it. It is a little too pricey and not durable enough for a frequent string breaker. If you do not break strings often, this is probably the right string. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Wilson NXT |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| NXT and other high end multis are nice but nothing compares to natural gut and VS Team is the best playing natural (or synthetic) I have tried. |
| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
soft, comfortable, resilient, precise, unique |
Comments:
No comments found.
Please log in to be able to post a comment. |
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