Back to top

 One person's 26lbs is another's 23lbs.  If a stringer uses flying clamps vs fixed clamps on the same machine, you're looking at 3lbs difference.  Dropweight vs manual crank vs constant pull linear electric will all provide differing results.   Just keep that in mind when somebody on the forum says "try 25.5lbs", know what machine setup is referenced.  

For ultranick you really do need to string 10-20% looser.  I've experienced this as a costly mistake myself.  Feel wise..if you are used to Supernick, Ultranick will feel like bubblegum in comparison, it has a completely different feel; extremely smooth.  X-one is a great string but it doesn't last, infact while it is fraying you are losing tension and power... Every fibre broken is that much less power you are able to produce.  Ultranick lasts seemingly forever in comparison and was my preference between the two.

If you can wait, the Asics Gel Blast 5's are set to arrive in June apparently :)

Back to top

Hi Demo,

I talked to my stringer as you suggested and she told me the X-One I saw was for tennis. She told me they only have 305 1.10 and 1.20, so I decided I should go with 1.10. If it breaks (she told me it wouldn't break so easily), I can switch to X-One or Ultranick-18 (I would probably go with Ashaway this time).

As for the tension, I asked her to make it 26.5 but she told me that would make the string very tight and offered me 25.5. I said O.K. and now she is stringing. Hopefully I would be playing for the first time with my new racket and string on Saturday.

I will deliver my experiences with my new set. I sincerely thank you four your patience.

There is one more question I have; I want to buy a new pair of shoes? I am planning to buy Asics Gel Rocket-6. Is it a good shoe or do you suggest something else?

Regards,

- ismet

Back to top

HI iso9001,

TF X-One is normally more expensive, but just as an indication, many more pros play with 305 than they do with X-One, so you can't go wrong either way.

If you want an absolute suggestion, I think you'll be happy with 305 1.2mm at 26-27lbs. See what the stringer says, based on his experience with his stringing machine, he can guide you better in terms of the tension. FYI, James Willstrop uses 1.2mm on his Prince racket at 29lbs. You wouldn't need that high tension though.

Happy squashing.

Back to top

Hi Demo,

Thank you very much for detailed explanations.

I have ordered the guy in the shop to use TF 1.10 but I believe they have not started to string the racket yet. Therefore, I believe I still have some little time to change my opinion.

I have been reading almost every post about strings. I wish I had the chance to buy Ashaway but that is not an option for me. I have three options:

1. TF 305 1.10

2. TF 305 1.20

3. TF X-One 1.18

I told the guy to use 1.10 with tension 24 but I believe that is a low tension and I should go higher. If I am not late, which string/tension combination do you suggest? Is 1.10 with 28 O.K. or shoud I go with 1.18?

Thanks again, looking forward to your reply.

- Ismet

Back to top

Hi iso9001,

I have a few suggestions to point you in the right direction.

In general, based on your recreational playing, I would say that any Tecnifibre or Ashaway string will be more than adequate. Both make terrific strings and it really comes down to personal preference. I'd say over 95% of pro players use one or the other. For your purposes, it will come down to availability, and cost (Tecnifibre strings, depending on the location, can cost a bit more than Ashaway).

What's more important for you seems to be strings that won't break too quickly. If that is the case, you'd be better off buying an 18gauge or 17 gauge string. 19 gauge string, such as the TF 305 1.1mm or the Ashaway Powernick 19 (black) will, due to being thinner, be quicker to break. As someone who has followed string discussions over the years, those two in particular are known for quick breakages (TF 305 1.1mm for bad batches and PN19 out of personal experience).

I suggest you look at whatever's available and cheaper between: TF 305 1.2mm, Ashaway Powernick 18, Ultranick 18 or 17, Supernick (various, but not the Micro). If you can find TF X-One 1.18 for cheap, then by all means go for it, but it probably costs more than TF 305 1.2mm.

One final note is that Ashaway's Zyex strings tend to hold tension longer, so if you don't play often, and don't want to restring often, Powernick or Ultranick may last longer before losing tension.

Since you have already ordered 305 1.1mm, don't despair. They are great strings, and may just last you awhile if you don't play often! AS for tension, stringing at 26lbs should be OK for you. That falls around the middle of people's preferences. If Powernick or Ultranick, maybe a tad less, like 24-25.

Cheers and good luck,

D

Back to top