String - Ashaway's Ultranick
Published: 09 Dec 2010 - 05:51 by Stonehands
Updated: 07 Feb 2015 - 04:41
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Hello,
I'm in the market for good squash string. I have been using Tecnifibre X-One and 305 1.20mm. I like the 305 but it breaks way too easily. The X-One is really nice but a bit spendy. I was looking for a review of Ashaway's new Ultranick. I've looked on this site but have not seen a good discussion/review.
Anyway, I hit the ball pretty hard (used to go through a ton of string) and don't impart a lot of spin - more of a straight hitter. I play at about a 5.0 level. I loved the power of X-One and the soft feel of the 305. Has anyone tried the Ultranick 17g and 18g? And if so, what did you like/dislike? How did if feel in comparison to Powernick 18g? I find Powernick feels a bit like hitting with cable in your racquet. On the website is says that Ultranick is softer, but do you give up power? Durability?
Thanks!
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From rkhcheung - 07 Feb 2015 - 04:41
From Stonehands - 10 Dec 2010 - 04:16
Thanks for the replies. I agree, I don't know how TF can charge those prices after a bad run of 305. And to be honest, I've tried 305 from various sources over the past 6yrs in the 1.2 and 1.1 and have never had good luck. All would start to fray and then snap near the head of the racquet. Different string has lasted forever in the same racquets - so I know it's not grommet or mishits issues.
I think I will pick up a sample of the 17g and 18g -- string each at 28lbs in two racquets of the same model (O3 Speedport Black) and compare.
Thanks!
From Adz - 10 Dec 2010 - 01:24
I gave the Ultranick a go recently but wasn't too impressed.
I've been playing with X-One in my racquets for quite a while and fancied giving something new a go. The Ultranick offered the perfect balance between the supernick (too thick and soft) and the powernick (too stiff). Sadly what I was hoping would be the best of both worlds seemed more like the worst of both to me! The string felt dull and unresponsive but also thick and clumpy. Maybe it's because I've gotten used to X-One recently, but the U/N just didn't have any bite into the ball for touch and spin, or spring to give me the power I wanted. As I refuse to pay the extortionate prices for single sets of X-One and can't afford a reel with Xmas around the corner, I've now opted for the Head Evolution string. Great for blanced play involving touch and power, but stretches WAY too quickly. Cheaper than the Ashaway and T/F though!
Cheers
Adz 
From mike - 09 Dec 2010 - 15:14
Here’s some discussion of it squash.me.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2084
From mike - 09 Dec 2010 - 15:12
The Ultranick 18g is my string of choice. I've used the others you mentioned. The Ultranick definitely feels softer and better for touch than the Powernick but I think has a similar amount of power.
So far I've replaced always the Ultranick before its broken. After about 2-3 months it felt a little more tired than when new, so I've restrung. I play 4-5 times a week. Not sure how long it would actually go before breaking, there is only mild notching at this point, so there's probably quite a bit of life left.
It's definitely worth trying.
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