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| El Rey |
 Verified Tester |
101 ratings |
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 1989-05-02 |
male team player upper league
hard strokes with heavy spin, offensive baseline game |
 Wilson KBlade 98 (MP, 18/20) |
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| Date |
2010-02-14 |
| String |
Kirschbaum Helix 1.25 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Babolat Pure Storm GT (MP, 16/20) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
 (5.5 hrs.) |
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Just by looking at it, you don't immediately recognize the string's texture, but you can definitely feel it with your fingers.
No problems during stringing.
I really enjoyed the string right from the start, it provided excellent control. At the same time, the Helix provides explosive power when you need it. Great balance of power and control. It grabs the ball really well, similar to the MSV Focus-Hex.
I enjoyed serving, flat strokes and volleys since the string gave me a solid feedback. The tension loss was not as evident as with other polys. No arm problems, and no string movement either.
Overall a great new innovative poly which will probably take one of the top positions in this year's "Newcomer of the Year" awards. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Babolat Ballistic Polymono 1.25 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
comfortable, explosive, crispy, precise, rough, innovative |
Comments:
No comments found.
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| Date |
2010-02-10 |
| String |
Topspin Cyber Twirl Black 1.27 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Babolat Pure Storm GT (MP, 16/20) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| n.a. |
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n.a. |
Like the "Tour Players Only" from SuperString, I think this string also deserves a name like "Hard Hitters Only". I had to swing hard in order to feel the ball with good touch. Slow swings and touchy shots were no successful. The string came off the stringer rather stiff at 26 kg, similar to the Cyber Whirl Octagonal. I will test it again during summer at 24 kg. I think the Cyber Twirl is great for a hybrid.
Provided that I hit in the center of the stringbed, control and spin were really good. But the sweetspot was actually very small, so a slightly off-center hit caused strong vibrations that hurt my arm. That's why I didn't enjoy the string overall.
I can't tell for how long this string will stay in my Pure Storm. |
| Satisfied? |
 |
| Compared to:MSV Focus-HEX 1.23 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| n.a. |
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n.a. |
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| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
stiff |
Comments:
No comments found.
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| Date |
2010-02-07 |
| String |
Topspin Cyber Whirl Octagonal 1.27 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Babolat Pure Storm GT (MP, 16/20) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| n.a. |
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The Cyber Whirl Octagonal felt rather stiff for me. I was worried that it could hurt my arm, but fortunately it didn't.
Overall this is not my favorite string. It lacked feel and felt rather board-like (except on hard, flat strokes, where I got nice solid feedback from the strings). Control was excellent, only Luxilon or Tecnifibre (as well as Kirschbaum) strings provide better control.
On my serves I didn't have sufficient feedback, so I didn't feel comfortable. On the other hand, I felt comfortable with my volleys.
I think I'll cut out the strings after 2 hours of play and try the Topspin Cyber Twirl. |
| Satisfied? |
 |
| Compared to:MSV Focus-HEX 1.23 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| n.a. |
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n.a. |
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| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
stiff, crispy, precise, rough |
Comments:
No comments found.
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| Date |
2010-02-06 |
| String |
Babolat Pro Hurricane 15L |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Babolat Pure Storm GT (MP, 16/20) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (7.5 hrs.) |
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The Pro Hurricane has become a classic string. It used to be my standard string for 3 years and I really like it. Of course the 1.35 mm version has the best durability. Power was again excellent as expected, control was also good. Only downside for me was the lack of spin potential, which is significantly better with the thinner versions.
Overall a great string which is worth being played over a long time. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:keine Angabe |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| Direct comparison to the 1.30 mm version. Only difference was in the spin potential. |
| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
comfortable, crispy |
Comments:
No comments found.
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| Date |
2010-02-01 |
| String |
Kirschbaum Basic Polyester 1.25 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Babolat Pure Storm GT (MP, 16/20) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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I was surprised by the solid performance of this low-cost Kirschbaum string. Polys are known to be low-powered, this one is no exception. You need to create the power yourself. Which is actually not a disadvantage if you are a hard hitter, since control was excellent. Spin was also nice and touch was there with the 1.25 mm version.
Solid string, and although there might be better strings on the market today, it still provides a great price/performance ratio. Recommendable for beginners and string breakers who love polys. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:MSV Focus-HEX 1.23 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| n.a. |
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| Similar string(s): |
Polystar Classic 1.30 |
| StringAdjectives |
solid, precise |
Comments:
No comments found.
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| Date |
2010-01-31 |
| String |
Kirschbaum Hybrix Spin 1.25/1.25 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Babolat Pure Storm GT (MP, 16/20) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (4.5 hrs.) |
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When opening the package I found that I already knew the main string of this hybrid - Pro Line No. I Spiky. The cross string is called Vario II Comfort, which is not available (yet). But from March there will be 110m reels of the Hybrix, which I will certainly buy.
The Hybrix Spin is the best hybrid I've played so far. Power is there, but not too much, which is good for my game. Control is excellent! All shots went where I wanted them to go, even full-powered flat shots. Feel is incredible. Great solid feel on impact, which still provides good touch. At the same time, the shock is dampened so that it does not hurt your arm or wrist. Additionally, the name is spot on: SPIN potential leaves nothing to desire. There is almost no string movement. However there is one disadvantage: Like with the Super Smash Spiky, the texture wears quickly, and the string becomes smooth in the sweet spot. In my case this was after around 1.5 hours of play. Spin potential was slightly decreased, and tension was also lost. The string bed softened up with playing time, resulting in increasing power. I think it can be compensated by stringing 1 lb higher (there was no manufacturer's recommendation on that).
Also worth mentioning might be the fact that the cross string loses its red color and turns white-ish after around 2 hours of play. However this is just a small side effect which I don't really mind.
Overall a great hybrid which I will probably continue playing in 2010.
Congrats to Kirschbaum! |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:keine Angabe |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| Direct comparison to SuperString Rupture V10, another great hybrid combination. |
| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
soft, comfortable, resilient, lively, precise, rough |
Comments:
No comments found.
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| Date |
2010-01-24 |
| String |
Pro's Pro Ichiban Spin 1.26 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Babolat Pure Storm Team (MP, 16/20) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| n.a. |
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I was curious about the spin potential of this gear-shaped, twisted string. I was not disappointed. Spin and control were awesome! However the Ichiban Spin lacks touch, comfort and power. Nevertheless I can imagine that it could work well in a hybrid combination in the mains. A multifilament cross could add power and soften up the string bed. I'll try that out.
Overall a solid string, but nothing special besides the spin. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:MSV Focus-HEX 1.23 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| n.a. |
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n.a. |
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| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
stiff, crispy, precise |
Comments:
No comments found.
Please log in to be able to post a comment. |
|
| Date |
2009-12-29 |
| String |
Kirschbaum Pro Line No. I 1.25 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Babolat Pure Storm GT (MP, 16/20) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (3.5 hrs.) |
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Very nice first-generation poly (FGP). Very crisp feel, plays better than the reference string for FGPs, Super Smash. Comfort is improved, I did not have any pain in my wrist, after I had to rest 8 weeks at the end of the summer season due to wrist pain. Spin is excellent. I'll stick to this string when it comes to FGPs.
BTW, a "spiky" version of the Pro Line No. I can be found in the mains of the Kirschbaum Hybrix Spin. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.25 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
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Comments:
No comments found.
Please log in to be able to post a comment. |
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| Date |
2009-12-29 |
| String |
Kirschbaum Pro Line No. II 1.25 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Babolat Pure Storm GT (MP, 16/20) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (3.5 hrs.) |
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I wanted to have a direct comparison to the Kirschbaum Pro Line No. I in order to find out the progress that has been made.
There are a few basic differences between the two strings: While the PL I is a first-generation poly, the PL II is a second-generation poly. The latter provides better comfort, but still the same feel. I instantly enjoyed the feel. On the other hand, the PL II does not provide as much spin potential as the PL I. The PL II provides better power, though.
Overall another great string from Kirschbaum, however I still prefer the Pro Line No. I. But if you are looking for good power and comfort in a poly, you will like the Pro Line No. II. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:keine Angabe |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| Direct comparison to the Kirschbaum Pro Line No. I. |
| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
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Comments:
No comments found.
Please log in to be able to post a comment. |
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| Date |
2009-12-29 |
| String |
Tecnifibre Pro RedCode 17 |
| Test Conditions |
Tension |
Racquet |
| 57/57 lbs |
Babolat Pure Storm Tour (MP, 16/20) |
| Absolute Rating |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
| (4.5 hrs.) |
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| The Tecnifibre Pro RedCode is a great string, however not recommendable for topspin players. I really enjoyed its power, feel, and comfort. Control was excellent! Only spin was a disaster. Of course one string can't have it all, but a little bit more bite would have been desirable. In all other categories the Pro RedCode convinced me. Still I don't get sufficient spin to hit safe balls into the opponent's court. I had many balls going into the net, which does not happen to me with other strings. |
| Satisfied? |
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| Compared to:Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.25 |
Durability |
Power |
Control |
Feel |
Comfort |
Spin |
Tension Stability |
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| Similar string(s): |
n/a |
| StringAdjectives |
soft, comfortable, lively, precise |
Comments:
No comments found.
Please log in to be able to post a comment. |
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