Alu power is still very durable if you use it as a cross string with gut. If you like to play with strings for a long time, you should realise that the strings get slightly stuck and boardy, so the tension loss isn’t really a thing as much especially if you use gut in the mains. Gut holds tension very well and main strings are more important than the crosses
Great review! Luxilon makes amazing strings. There is no doubt. The price and durability of Alu Power is not a great match for rec players. Its a premium product for pros switching to new string jobs with every ball change. Restring sync sounds like a winner to me!
First off, I loved the playful metaphors and great editing. Well done and keep up the good work! I can't help but think of Toroline when watching this video. Both small stringing companies with above par snap back and heavy RU-vidr praise. I would love to hear your opinion on a head to head comparison of their round offerings as crosses, i.e. Sync vs. Wasabi X vs. Enso Pro. I might even add Ghost Wire in there because they're also a small manufacturer. I enjoy supporting underdog companies; they're hungry for market share and quite frequently have high (or higher) quality products at more competitive prices.
Thanks! I'm slowly working my way through optimal round poly's and the concept of poly-poly hybriding. If you haven't caught my last video, it's the beginnings of this exploration. Ghostwire, Hawk, PT Fire, Enso Pro, Irukandji are all on my radar. I've also got some Kirschbaum stuff on the way. Toroline's stuff definitely has a signature, more muted feel and i just strung up an experimental hybrid of Toro Toro/Enso yellow!
I've been waiting for them to release a round string since I started using a full bed of zero on my ezone 98. Have you tested zero mains and sync on the crosses? I'd love some opinion on the hybrid since it's not easy to access their strings here in Brazil.
@@TennCom I'm also curious about that hybrid, wonder if sync would "tame" a little zero's launch angle, or if it would actually unlock more snapback and accentuate it (allowing for more spin as well, or course). Leaving tactical comment here in case there is further info dropped.
Brilliant video, as always. Love how you lace in comedy with great information. I'm looking to restring my 2024 Speed Pro (currently full bed of Hawk Power at 48lbs). Thinking of a full bed of Sync at the same tension.
Thanks Dave! I think that would work really nicely. I agree that the same tension makes sense. Sync should last quite a bit longer than Hawk Power too!
It worked well to wake up the feel of the frame. 18g was a bit too powerful for me at 52lbs (i think, i forget now that its been a while) but I think i still prefer the Toroline stuff in the frame as a good combo of comfort/control/spin
Sync is still too soft. So is Grapplesnake 8M, so is Wasabi. RPM rough is the only string that can handle 6hrs in 90 degree temps , still able to provide pocketing and control. 4G Soft also great, however after 6hrs the strings will just go “dead”. All IMO of course. Just finished testing all these new popular underdogs and I am back to mainstream. Happy to drop 20 bucks for a set as long as I don’t have to restring 3X per week.
I tried this ALU Power 17gauge in main and cross with Head Velocity 17guage. Tension: 48lbs. Pure Aero 2019 it worked well for 4 to 6 hours. After that, it lost tension.. started playing like ping ping ping ping only.. and vibrating Same setup with blast in main and velocity cross.. better than alu.. Using solingo hyper g 1.25 mm now.. it’s better than alu and blast
Hey, im really learning a lot about strings from your well made videos! Would you ever do something where you use one of the prince O-Port style racquets and test out some strings in them? I know the larger string movement and snap back feels pretty different from regilar racquets and have yet to see someone do a deep dive on best strings for O-Ports
@@TennCom thanks for the reply! It's great to see how much you engage with the community. Yea absolutely get it, either people love the feel or hate the feel of them. I don't recommend them for everyone, but I recommend everyone to try them. Also yes stringing them is a pain in the ass (as said by my stringer)
Hi Beckett, like watching your great videos. Glad you like Sync; measured Sync 1.25 it is actually thicker 1.30. Measured with micrometer. Could explain why Alu has more feel. Any experience with this, and do you know how thick is Sync 1.20?
Fantastic video. I’m a rec player who plays 2-3 times a week. I use ALU Power Rough on a pro staff at 55lb. Off the stringer, it’s impeccable. My shots are full of confidence and intent. I feel like a god. But, after 3-4 sessions, I’m a completely different player. Almost no feel or control. Because the drop off is so drastic, I’ve been searching for alternatives. So I really appreciate this video. Definitely going to try these out.
Thanks! I really like Tourbite Diamond Rough in the mains with Sync in the crosses if you want a little more ball bite, similar to what you got with ALU Rough.
@@18yearsoldnot there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular strings on tour. Obv helps when you have 8 fresh rackets a match. But I’m done spinning my head on strings for a while. It’s a great string, no need to keep searching when my game is what needs to be focused on lol
Now that's a piece of art among all string tests. To say the least. And well done, you caught me off guard at first, although I knew that such a test was due. No wonder why pros use Alu Power, they change their racquet every 9 games. I tested it with a V7 Blade, which resulted in the worst experience ever. It lost its elasticity and felt like a boardy piece of crap, hurt my arm like hell. As for the Sync (nice name btw) I will definetly order it blind if necessary.
@@TennCom To me Alu was just awful. But I have to admit that it could not perform at its best in my racquet of the day. The V7 Blade was not famous for feel to begin with.
@@TennCom 16/19 or 18/20? I also customized it to 357g at that time, had an 18/20. Quite a weapon. And tbh I don't remember the first hour of playing, but the time after that was extremely impressive for the wrong reason.
Have you tried Yonex Poly Tour Strike? My go-to round poly. Always found round poly to play more consistently, shaped/textured are fun but consistency wise is not comparable IMO. Saw you commented Restring Sync has closer stiffness to TB then should bring it rather close to PT strike which is my go-to string. Works in mid to high 40s Tour Sniper is in my list to try as well. Thanks for the great video! 👍
I don't have enough time under my belt with PTS to give you anything helpful. I have hit the string, but only in demo racquets. I remember it not standing out in any particular way, but also not having any notable weaknesses. It's like $30CAD per set so that's why I avoided it.
Agreed!!! Round strings typically allow you to play the way you want as well. Shaped strings the launch angle can get little erratic. Like you're meaning to flatten the ball out and hit through the court, but Hyper G launch angle gives you 4ft of net clearance. Tour Bite lets you flatten it out, but has so much spin on it that the first bounce is at the service line... Rounds strings (I use Poly Tour Pro) will give you PLENTY of spin with full and relaxed strokes. But what I like is the string does what you ask it to do as long as you do your part.
If long lasting is its main advantage I doubt it will replace any string at professional level (although of course for us customers will be great). Does it offer better performance in the first hours?
Sorry for the silly question, when I made it I could only see the 30s excerpt. I should have waited to see the full video 😅. Great job as always with the review!
First of all, what a beautiful video, as usual, pefect cinematography and speech. I use RPM Blast right now but I'm lacking that power and feel and wanted to try ALU, should I do it? Also adding that where I live it's hard to find ReString and Grapplesnake so.
Thanks! As powerful as ALU is when its fresh, I also found it to be quite unforgiving. Its a weird balance between having a lot of power on-centre, while being low powered and harsh if you don't make clean contact. I would look into Solinco Tour Bite or Tour Bite Soft if you want something that's quite connected feeling with more power and good spin.
Have you ever tried Kirschbaum Max Power? It seems like another great alternative to ALU Power, especially in 1.20mm. Can you compare Max Power to ALU Power?
awesome video! how would you compare the restring sync to the grapplesnake m8? im trying to get back into the sport and want a relatively fun string without breaking my arm? Thanks!
I haven't tested them back to back yet but from memory, M8 feels more solid and luxurious. It's more unique, forgiving and powerful without losing control. Sync has better spin and resists breakage better, feels a bit crisper but feel "full." Both are outstanding all-around options and I'm happily play a match with my life on the line using either.
You should try Alu Power Soft: much more modern string, all the properties of Alu Power with the drawbacks fixed. Also a hybrid of 4G soft mains and Alu Power Soft Cross is crazy spinny for a round Poly. Finally Tourna Big hitter silver round 1.30 y VERY similar to Alu also with much of the drawbacks worked out
Great video, @tenncom I know you tried Torolines before. How'd you compare a full bed of Wasabi X (mentioned in the review) vs Sync. Both probably need to be 17 gauge? I pre-string everything on my CP electric stringing machine and pre-strung Torolines hold their tension really well: Wasabi, X, Enso Pro. They don't notch much, snap back great until their break and have balanced levels of power/spin/control. I doubt Sync is [much] better than this...
I haven't tried WasX in a full bed. The Toroline stuff is softer and more muted feeling than a lot of strings on the market. If that's your jam, stick with it. I tried Enso Pro grey in a full bed and I liked it a lot but I notched it a lot faster than the Sync. This is because Sync is stiffer and I think ReString's coating is more slippery and longer lasting. I felt this way about Zero too. Sync is infinitely more connected than anyting I've tried from Toroline and that's also what I prefer. Had I felt as excited about Enso Pro or WasX, I would have made a full video on it. Sync was exciting enough for me to make full video on, something I didn't have to do, but wanted to.
@@TennCom that makes sense. Thanks a lot for the detailed response. I have pretty stiff racket with a lot of feedback right now so softer more muted string is not the worst thing. Got your point regarding Sync, definitely something to try it once it's available again maybe hybrid it with Zero.
Great video but... Where the hell is the TB Diamond Rough Review??? I have a reel in the 17G and just broke my ALU rough with a multi cross and I’m still convincing myself if I should use it or move into Max Power Rough. Thanks
Thanks! I will be talking about both of those in the coming weeks, but not in standalone reviews. They will be included in the follow up to my poly-poly hybriding series. Really enjoying TBDR, ball bite of a shaped string with the launch angle of a round string. It did feel like the tension dropped quite a bit in my CX200 tho. Max Power Rough on route via mail.
@@TennCom How stiff it feels? I like ALU Rough and confidential and really like a bit of board like strings for my Strike VS. Thanks a lot for the help, regularly I break strings in 3 or 4 hours so playability is not my main concern
If a string "needs" to be pre-stretched to play acceptably well for the consumer, why don't they do it from factory? Kirschbaum pre-stretches. Grapplesnale pre-stretches. I don't see why we should go the extra mile to give ALU a pre-stretch when the competition is saving you time and offering a cheaper product.
@@TennComCool vid 🏆 My setup WILSON RF97 Autograph with Alu Power Rough 24.5 Kilo and the 15% prestretch. With ten stringsavers ; ) It now stays good for six hours before it breaks. You feel the slightest difference when you grab a freshly strung weapon. As it is a search for the ultimate, besides restringing after 45 minutes, I think money, time and effort are out of the equation. Ps. I’ve got my hands on three of the Version 14 RF Autograph 340 grams for this season 💥🎾🎾🎾
How does this string compare to Kirschbaum Max Power (the OG alupower alternative) , and this channel's staple recommendation of Grapplesnake Tour Sniper?
About “strings beckett would use to save his life”, could you rearrange it from softest to stiffest? I know its all poly and there is nothing actually soft, but may a Ng user have some luck here.
Its hard because there's subjectivity to that. We could go off lab numbers, but lab numbers don't always match up with my experience of softness, or perhaps more importantly, comfort. For example, Toroline provides a ranking of their offerings from softest to stiffest, and I would flatout disagree with their rankings based on my experience playing with their products. Further, my preference tends to be for pretty uncomfortable stuff. Anyways: 1. Alpha 2. Toro Toro 3. TBS, Tour Sniper tie 5. the rest are pretty close
@@TennCom thank for your time, before asking you I honestly want to try alpha in my radical mp, still waiting it to arrive. I agree with you about labs numbers not always as it feels. I do appreciate your help. Keep doing great videos.
To me feel can be visualized on a compass. East/West being soft/stiff. North/South being muted/responsive. Stiffness wise, they feel quite similar to me, but Zero is very muted (feels softer than it is) and Sync vibrates a lot more (feels a bit stiffer). Another way to think about it, feel is just vibration. Vibrations travel in waves. Soft strings/racquets would have longer waves lengths, stiff setups would have shorter waves lengths, so you get more vibration with a stiff setup. However, the waves can also vary in amplitude. So you something muted would have low amplitude and something responsive would have a greater amplitude.
Luxilon ALU power is a 30 year old technology introduced in 1994. You'd never dream of using a racquet from 1994, so why would you use a string technology from 1994... :D
Totally. Strings have really progressed. Counter point: The Head Protour 280 (PT57A) came out in 1994 and I do dream of using that, though mostly for fun. Tennisnerd says that's the racquet he'd use to save his life.
@@TennCom - there is always one.... 😂 However, if you did the same pro tour level review of who is using the PT57A racquet (and similar), then you'll probably find a similar decline in usage. And similar experience - super sweet sweet spot, but in match conditions it is a challenging racquet to enjoy after the warm up ...
An even bigger decline in usage, but that’s not about how functional the racquet is. That’s just a function of what juniors use before progressing to pro.
Zero/Sync is quite stiff feeling and I'd warn against it if you have a history of arm injuries. Gut with Sync would probably be great and I would recommend it ahead of Zero for feel and control
Wondered if you could point me in the right direction. Came from a ET 360+ and now using a customised shift 99 which I get on with pretty well, however feel I could do with more consistency + it could be giving me a shoulder issue! Any recommendations on something similarly powered, spin friendly but more consistent feeling and lower launch angle? That description screams aero 98 but you know best 🙂👍
Maybe VCORE 100. The launch angle isn't lower but its a lot more consistent that the Shift and you get a way softer feel. Spin modulation is very strong also.
Interesting, hadn’t considered vcore 100. Heard a bit rocket launchery? I was looking at Dunlop cx200 or 400tour, tfight iso 300 and aero 98 and possible contenders
Another great video. I currently use a Ezone 100 with Hyper G 16L at 48 lbs and Im finding this setup to be pretty launchy. Is there any other strings that I should consider to solve this? Im looking into trying polytour pro 1.25.
True is that this string is made to be hybrided (as cross!) with natural gut or top multi such as Gosen AK PRO CX. And this is my plan, once I got it from my mate from Portugal @tennisracketseu.
As a guy who wore Nike from 2010-2023, I would, but none of their shoes really work for me anymore. Here's why: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZXhR77IwTyo.html
I bought a reel of Luxilon Eco Power for a steep discount and I'm happy with it. It's not as good as ALU Power but who cares, I'm a club player and this is cheaper.
Just got my first set of Sync, do you think it would work well as a cross in the Percept 100 with toro toro mains? Or should i opt for a full bed of toro toro or cross with wasabi x?
It depends when you like I think. I've got Toro Toro in my 100D atm. It works well but I think I'd prefer a full bed of Sync if I had the 100. I got tons of spin with the 100 even with PTP and Sync offers more spin than PTP. I have not found Sync to pair particularly well with the Toroline stiff. It kind of just sits in the background and doesn't add anything. Works better with strings that have more feel like Grapplesnake or Solinco.
luxilon alu power is not the most powerful string . Joker core is way better in tension, crispiness and power. I have compared the two strings at 50 lbs, dunlop 98 inch, tour, 2023. I have to say that joker string is by far more powerful. what amazing is the tention maintenance. I hope tennis warehouse should test
Here it is: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Pwx0sI9Vj3Q.html One thing I didn't mention in the review because it took me a while to realize, control isn't this string's strength. I initially thought it was just the feel that I was struggling with, but with many more hours of using Zero under my belt... it can be a bit launchy depending on the setup.
@@TennCom Super. I use the 2021 headspeed pro, so this could be the pop I am looking for. I am using Tourna Big hittet Silver 7, could use a little more pop and string movement in the 18x20 string pattern.
@@SanjitMandal I'd just put Zero in the crosses and go from there. It gives a noticeable bump in spin and durability just by being in the cross, but then you'd still get the great feel and control from S7T
Yeah that's psychotic. I like Toro Toro too, but its so far off the feel and control of anything Lux 4G that I struggle to understand how anyone could have that belief. It's more like a softer shaped poly-tour fire or lynx edge
Both of those have more spin. Feel is closer to TB than Conf. Tension maintenance is close to Conf than TB. Control closesr to Conf, but with a lower launch angle since its round. Power closer to TB.
Get the control and spin from confidential, and the pop/power from gyper g, or spin from TB. Full bed of confidential and TB @ 54lbs was hurting my elbow.
alu power is not a good string at all, first you have to be of a very good level to have a very high swing and very fast to control the ball, then it is very rigid, very expensive, and loses tension after 20 minutes of play, a real marketing rubbish
In a full bed, I find the lack of control and feel to affect my confidence too much for me to enjoy using it for match play. For durability/spin/power, its easily number 1 all time.
@@TennCom Thank you for the amazing video! I am struggling with lack of control on my Ezone 100 with a full bed of Polytour pro 1.25 @54 since it is too launchy with a lot of easy power.. Any suggestions if Restring zero or sync would help and at what tension? I usually switch to my old 2012 babolat aero pro drive with a full bed of tour bite @50 for match play since that offers more spin and control and helps my confidence. I am an ntrp 3.5 level.
@@udit3566 If you want some more control and feel to tame that racquet I'd highly recommend looking in to Grapplesnake Tour Sniper or Alpha. Zero is a bit launchy too and I think you'll like the shape profile of GSNake sompared to Sync (which is round) for more ball bite and better sensations of spin. I'm personally using Tour Sniper mains and Sync crosses for a little more spin and durability from Sniper.
@@TennCom Thank you for such a quick response.. Tour sniper 1.25 or 1.30? Also is there a discount code available for US since you are an official distributor?
@@udit3566 I just do 1.25mm. Sadly no discount codes for Grapplesnake due to low margins (very high input cost on those) but if you use the link in the description it does support the channel
You can take it that way, if it suits you, but here's my perspective. I've been partnered with ReString for a year now. I was part of the development testing team for this product and contributed feedback to make this string what it is. I feel confident standing behind the product because I know the owners of the company are good people and the product suits my preferences. A huge amount of passion and labour went in to producing this content, writing the script, filming the b-roll, stringing the racquets and testing the strings. To produce a video of this caliber, I need to find ways to earn more money than the $30USD RU-vid pays, not because I'm in it for the money, but because I love making videos and I want each video to be better than the last, and that costs money. I've had several opportunities to work with other brands. Diadem, for example, is very open with their affiliate program, but I don't think enough of their products are produced to a sufficient standard for me to feel comfortable supporting them that way. So does ReString support TennCom financially through affiliate sales? Yes. Does that change anything about my passion for tennis and the search for the best tennis products out there? No.
Thanks. On another note, it was obvious that Jonas isn't that familiar with the RW/MGRI aspect of racquet fitting. My takeaway from that podcast was Dr. Godmode/Tenncon is the top "tennisnerd" in the game right now.
