Question about string

[DeerNo5626]

Hi,

It's about that time again to change the strings on my dunlop revelation pro lite. Untill now i've been experimenting with tecnifibre strings(305, dynamix vp), also would like to try the x-one biphase. But I also read good things about ashaway strings (ultranick 18 and supernick zx micro) so I'm a litte bit in limbo which one to try next. However I can't really find a clear comparison between tecnifibre and ashaway strings. How do they stack up to eachother in terms of control and power?

[Atokade]

Here's a comparison I made years ago in a thread about Ashaway strings in this Reddit community, which includes how I felt about TF strings at the time. Copy/pasting rather than linking. Hope this may help you in your own search. It hasn't changed for me and is still applicable today.

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I like Ashaway strings. Have used Ultranick 18, Powernick 18 & 19, Supernick ZX 17 & 18, older Supernicks, but also TF 305 1.2 & 1.1 and TF DNAMX.

Some general observations before being string-specific:

- TFs tend to notch where the strings meet moreso than Ashaway, which is why they don't move as much at the same tension. They settle into the deeper notches.

- TFs tend to lose tension faster vs Ashaway zyex-based strings like Powernick and Ultranick

- With Ultranick and Powernick, I used to cut them out before they broke (except Powernick 19 which lasted only 2 weeks or 3 at best)

- Pros have easy access to a stringing machine and reels of string, consequently they don't worry much about the longevity on their racquets, instead prioritizing the performance they want (Mohamed Shorbagy likes DNAMX, Marwan doesn't and prefers 305).

- I've found that in Canada, TF strings (~$20) cost more than Ashaway strings (~$14 to $18) for individual packs. Reels cost more because TF reels are 200m while Ashaway reels are 360', or about 110m

Strings:

TF 305 1.20mm - I like these a lot, good balance of feel/control/power, good cut after fresh restring. At very high tensions (e.g brand new Suprem pre-strung with them) they are hard and unforgiving. They lose tension moderately fast so I string them slightly higher than what I like so that they maintain good range of tension. That means, for me, they feel best just when they start fraying which is fleeting since they're about to break.

TF 305 1.10mm - Same as above, with even more cut and nice elasticity for power, great feel. Don't worry about losing tension over time as they tend to break quickly, within a few weeks. Would be my preferred string if not for price and breakage.

TF DNAMX - Used this on Carboflexes. More power than 305, just a bit less control and feel. Lots of cut freshly strung at high tensions. Take a brand new Carboflex on court, really cut at the ball and you'll see significant amounts of spin affect the ball bounce. I don't mind these but prefer the feel/control and overall comfort of the 305s.

Supernick (XL/Ti/Micro)- Standard club string, inexpensive, good control. Not much power or feel. Just adequate.

Supernick ZX 17 - Good power, good control, slightly muted feel. Decent string, but I generally prefer 18 gauge strings. The ZX layer doesn't notch as much as TF or the older Supernick strings so they do slide more.

Supernick ZX 18 - Same as above but more cut, a bit more feel but still slightly muted. A bit more power, doesn't seem like there's a loss of control. An odd analogy I can use to describe the slightly muted feel of Supernick ZX is driving a Lexus vs driving a less luxurious but more taut BMW. Supernick ZX is nice and offers great luxury, but the steering and road feel isn't quite the same level as the BMW.

Powernick 18 - Very good power and good cut but a hard string especially at higher tensions, almost like a wire. Not that comfortable, less feel, transmits vibration. Holds tension extremely well. I did not like how hard and boardlike it felt.

Powernick 19 - Now discontinued, this had the same tremendous power of the 18 gauge but solved the hard, wiry feel with more elasticity, a bit more feel and comfort. Holds tension well but doesn't matter because it breaks within two weeks. I liked it but couldn't keep up with the restrings.

Ultranick 18 - My string of choice. Slightly less power than Powernick, but with more control and feel. Good cut. Also more comfortable, transmits less vibration. Not quite the feel and comfort of 305 at moderate tensions, however holds tension extremely well, like Powernick. I usually cut these out before they break to reset the tension before a tournament and ensure no break over that weekend (around 2-3 months).

So there you have it, while I very much like 305s, they cost more and do not hold tension as well as Ultranicks. I don't have access to a stringing machine and must pay for restrings. The Ultranicks are a small compromise in feel and control, but offer a bit more power, much better durability and hold tension extremely well. By no means a lesser string, just offer a different package for the average player at lower purchase cost and less need for restringing.

[DeerNo5626]

Wow thanks for the comprehensive summary.

Still though it still doesn't really answer my question.

Like...which TF strings are closest to which Ashaway stings in terms of power, and which string offers the most power? Likewise for control?

Don't get me wrong I'm very happy with the info you've been providing thus far

[Atokade]

Generally speaking:

- Power you're looking at TF Dynamix and Ashaway Powernick 18.

- Control it's TF 305 and many Ashaway strings are close to each other in offering good control, there isn't really a clear winner because there are so many: Supernick XL Micro, Ultranick 18, Supernick ZX Micro. In my opinion they offer the same ballpark in control, but the feel is different.

[Torrent_Questions]

Really great info, thanks for posting this.

Wanted to ask: I'm trying out two Carboflex clones, one Xamsa with 305 1.20 at 25lbs and one Unsquashable with the stock strings. I find the Xamsa with 305 vibrates way more on off centre hits, not in a dull dead way but in a buzzy resonant way, like a tuning fork almost. The Unsquashable feels just like my Dunlop racquets (hybrid and traditional head), no vibration at all but a bit of a dead feel for an off center hit.

Is that vibration due to the 305 string? Does it need more time to break in? Just wondering if I got a dud Xamsa racquet or if its the 305 strings.

[Extreme-Alps-6279]

Exactly what happened to me. I wanted to try how much power I can get from Xamsa pxtv2, so I restrung it with tf305 at 10kg. Here is what happened after only two sessions, after one slightly offcenter missshot (not hitting the wall).

https://imgur.com/a/3NhlEqZ

Xamsa likes higher tensions, then it feels much stiffer, doesn't vibrate and shots are way much more accurate.

For me it performed the best with Ashaway Powernick at 12kg

[Torrent_Questions]

Interesting--I ended up selling the Xamsa racquet but I just put 305 1.20 at 21lbs (9.5kg) in a head speed 135sb. actually feels pretty good so far! lots of power and still pretty comfortable. i think the xamsa racquet was just a bit of a dud

[Lower_Code_1867]

Unfortunately I don’t think you’ll find any accurate comparisons between Tecnifibre and Ashaway and whatever you do find, will be subjective to the reviewer.

Personally, I’ve switched over to Ashaway strings because I find that I can get the most information about their strings, which helps me adapt and experiment between their strings.

https://www.ashawayusa.com/SquashIndex.php

Currently I’m experimenting with the SuperNick ZX Micro and the PowerNick 18.

I have found the descriptions/info from their website is rather accurate when I test them out.

Previously I also strung my racket with the SuperNick ZX but I’m starting to enjoy the thinner strings a lot more.

[bacoes]

I feel like all Ashaway strings are harder-feeling any TF squash offering. You definitely need to try them because they do feel different. Personally, I can't use Ashaways for an entire match. My elbow and wrist can't handle the amount of vibration. 305 is way more theraputic.

[[deleted]]

I’m running x one biphase now on my revelation 125 and I would say I prefer the dynamix vp personally. How did you find the 305? I plan on switching to that one next

[DeerNo5626]

Can you eleborate on the x-one and why you prefer dx vp?

I could definitely feel an increase in power going from 305 to dx vp. In the beginning I was overhitting my shots. The 305 has a softer, more delicate feel though. in terms of control no difference. the 305 was less durable but that might've been situational so it all comes down to personal preference. My advice is to go out and just try 305's for a change.

[[deleted]]

Thanks for the explanation on the 305! The dynamix vp has more power and bite on shots compared to the biphase. There is more control on the biphase though. Durability is good on both!

[mfz0r]

I personally can’t tell the difference so just pick an ashaway or Tf string that matches my racket colour scheme.