Coach Jerod's hunch is spot on. Use the 17gauge and go down in tension and the M8 will feel even that much better. The pocketing will increase nicely allowing you to manipulate the ball more effectively with the inevitable benefit of more power. Durability is maybe a little better than other in it's class, but as a 5.0 player, 5-7 hours is typical playing time before the 17g pops. My guess is when they referred to "Familiar but softer" was directed at Solinco Confidential but with softer characteristics. Confidential was my go-to string prior to switching to Grapplesnake Tour M8 and I still think Confidential is great, but M8 provides more confidence during point play. UPDATE: I take back the recommendation to lower tension. The snapback at higher tensions is noticeably better and provides better control and a more positive feedback. If you are a advanced players with full swings 58-62lbs provides excellent playbility.
@@koreanoguy95 My advice would be use the same tension as you use with Confidential to avoid making 2 changes at once. I no longer necessarily agree with my original comment as I am using higher tensions in the high 50's
Good review! The M8 and the Head Lynx Tour are my two favorites (both 16 gauge). The M8 is a little less crisp than the Lynx, but still provides decent feedback without any harshness. The M8 has a little more power, but still has decent control like the Lynx.
Hi, I have ordered a set of the Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.25 for my Wilson Blade v9 18x20, I’ve been reading A LOT about the string…. In terms of tension, what would u recommend for this racket? I’ve played with 4G at 46lbs and loved that, I’m hoping I’ll still get the same playability, control and tension maintenance but with a little extra pop than 4G with Tour M8, would u say I’ll get this? And was thinking of going maybe 48lbs? What u think? Thanks again
Been using Tour M8 for a year or so and intend to stick with it; it's just good all round and tension maintenance seems excellent. Have seen other reviewers claim it's designed for mid-40s (20kg) tension and below, which is where I have it; 45 lbs in a Speed MP.
Just to follow up on the above; my friend's ERT meter indicates that my M8 strings have lost about 5lbs over 3+ months, plus they are still snapping back. Admittedly I haven't played a lot since beginning of December but still, I think that's decent. ymmv N.B. I've tried ReString Zero as well but you can keep it.
I tried M8 in the main, outlast cross (ez98) 45lbs. Control & power of this hybrid seems great for the frame, durability is excellent too. After 1 month of 20hrs play intermediate lvl, outlast started nothing yet playability still great. Intended to try the second month
Strung my kid’s PA98 at 52 even. First 10-min loving it, then the strings stretch and the string bed becomes lively causing over hitting in a big way. Looking at the string bed, the crosses are all out of place, way too loose… I just don’t get it. Switching back to her go to setup with RPM rough 1.25; those strings will last her 4 days (!) without any major drama. Lux 4GS also great. So is Solinco Revolution 16L but all those new setups like, restring Zero, Toroline Wasabi / X all too soft IMO
Hello. Which do you think directs the ball more to the exact place where we want it? For example when approaching, when searching for lines...Tour sniper or M8? I use a Blade 16x19 V9, but even so I'm looking for a string with more of the aforementioned type of control than spin.
I have played them both and they are quality strings. I find Sniper more of a low powered precision string versus M8 being more of an all arounder with excellent feel. I use a Blade as well and I slightly prefer M8 as the stringbed just feels so stable. I still use Sniper from time to time and it really is a point and shoot type of string. I would try both, but it sounds like Sniper may be your best bet to try first.
Great review. Completely unrelated, but what are the unstrung specs of the recreated RF97 racket? I'm trying to recreate the setup but don't have champions choice in my area and its too expensive to ship it to where I live.
you called it many times by touching it "firm". You know better than me that strings work in combination with frames, not isolated. So, a "firm" string" on a flexible frame at lower tension could provide a very plush feel
I prefer sniper because it has more precision and is still comfortable and maintains tension. In a powerful racquet the sniper is better. In a control frame I would go for the M8
