I use Tour Bite 19G in a 2023 Pure Aero at 46lbs (100sq/in version). Actually bought two reels of the stuff after trying it for the first time. When being fed balls or self feeding, it is a pleasure to watch the ball arc and dip into the court with tons of topspin, but in matches it is easy to over hit if I am not able to get a good low to high cut on the ball. Seems easy on the arm as well. I also notice it is highly resistant to notching compared to the last string I used (Cyclone Tour 17). Given my racquet is quite powerful, wondering if I would be better served to run higher tension?
@TheMobilnas, We haven't decided to incorporate our Playsight data into string playtests yet, but that's a great idea! Something to consider for the next one! Michelle, TW
Chris - two questions. 1) when you say a firm poly , does that mean it lacks the elasticity on contact. 2) two polys of equal stiffness should have the same comfort or does the shape of the string ( shaped , textured etc ) and firmness level have an impact on this ? Thank you
@Paul Musarra, A firm poly will have less elasticity, compared to a softer poly, or a softer string in general. With a softer poly string, we typically find a bit better ball-pocketing effect, compared to a firm poly string. Typically speaking, if the stiffness ratings of two given strings are the same, then they should have a very similar level of comfort. That said, the amount of tension loss, over a given amount of time can have an effect on comfort. The strings that lose more tension, will also lose the level of comfort that the string started with; loosing play-ability. Often times a rough textured string will play a bit softer compared to a round profiled version of that same string (for example ALU Power vs. ALU Power Rough). Furthermore, there are certain times that the stiffness rating of a given string in our TW University lab tests, does not always correlate to the way that string may feel on court. Similarly, racquets may have certain specs on paper, but they are not always perceived that way on court. Troy, TW
How does it compares to a Luxilon BIG Banger or Alu Power Spin 17 Gauge? I ask because I know these Luxilons are livelier than a Tour bite, but I wouldn't know about this particular gauge.
@juanchoja, This 19 gauge helps with some added power, but it is still relatively firm feeling. I would say that ALU Power Spin is softer feeling than this string. The 19 gauge Tour Bite is a bit livelier, and more spin friendly compared to Big Banger Original. Troy, TW
How is the feel and ballpocketing of TB19 compared to hyper17? Im using an ig prestige (18x20) MP and looking for a crisper copoly with a bit power. The string im using now just feels too boardy even at 38 lbs
Chris - one more question if you don’t mind. If you didn’t pair with another gauge of tour bite , do you run the risk of tour bite cutting through the mains of another string ? Thank you very much
@Paul Musarra, If you are pairing the Solinco Tour Bite with another gauge of Solinco Tour Bite, or another co-poly string, then you shouldn't worry about it cutting through the other string. If pairing Solinco Tour Bite with a softer string material, such as natural gut/multi/syn gut, then you will likely experience some notching. It may also cause the softer string to snap sooner than when paired with a smooth/round co-poly string. For hybrids with a softer string material, I typically recommend pairing with a smooth/round co-poly. Troy, TW
Hi TW, would a hybrid using volkyl cyclone and tecnifibre ngr2 work well in a Babolat aero pro drive ? Or would something else work better than that combo? Thanks.
@God, The recommendation of @MP, is a good starting point, especially not necessarily knowing your current string set-up. I would go 53 pounds with Cyclone 17 on the mains, and 56 pounds with NRG2 in the crosses. These two stings in a hybrid, are great ones to try. The next step-up, would be a natural gut hybrid, but for some it may not be cost effective. Troy, TW
Seems a bit of a waste putting this into the open pattern TFlash, I'm sure Chris has an old PT lying around that would have preferred this gauge. I've just switched to 18x20. I was using Champions Choice on a Duel G. I wonder if the Hyper G 19g cross would be better with VS Team mains than the Tour Bite because of the rougher surface of the TB sawing into the gut?
@Luke Christo, We tried it in the Prince Phantom Pro 93P (18x20), and it played great. I would likely go with Hyper-G over Tour Bite for the cross string, as it seems less sharp. That said, I typically prefer a smooth/round co-poly when mixing it with natural gut. Troy, TW
@@tenniswarehouse Thanks Troy. You seem to prefer the Lux 17 over other gut. I've been using VS Team, isn't that better for mains because of the coating?
@Luke Christo, I like the Luxilon Natural Gut 125, because of the durability. It is a firmer natural gut, which I don't necessarily mind, as I am usually playing full poly. That being said, the VS Team natural gut has amazing feel, more feel than the Lux gut. Both have coatings, and will both offer great spin when in the mains. If you like the feel of the VS Team, I would stick with it. Troy, TW
I think it there are a lot of factors that will determine the durability, racquet, string pattern, playing level, stroke style. For me, it lasted around 12-15 hours before I snapped it, but I also put it in a 95 headsize, with an 18x20 string pattern. Troy, TW
I use Tour Bite 19G in a 2023 Pure Aero at 46lbs (100sq/in version). Actually bought two reels of the stuff after trying it for the first time. When being fed balls or self feeding, it is a pleasure to watch the ball arc and dip into the court with tons of topspin, but in matches it is easy to over hit if I am not able to get a good low to high cut on the ball. Seems easy on the arm as well. I also notice it is highly resistant to notching compared to the last string I used (Cyclone Tour 17). Given my racquet is quite powerful, wondering if I would be better served to run higher tension?
Why no RPM gauges and speed bars like you show during racquet tests? :(
@TheMobilnas,
We haven't decided to incorporate our Playsight data into string playtests yet, but that's a great idea! Something to consider for the next one!
Michelle, TW
Chris - two questions. 1) when you say a firm poly , does that mean it lacks the elasticity on contact. 2) two polys of equal stiffness should have the same comfort or does the shape of the string ( shaped , textured etc ) and firmness level have an impact on this ? Thank you
@Paul Musarra,
A firm poly will have less elasticity, compared to a softer poly, or a softer string in general. With a softer poly string, we typically find a bit better ball-pocketing effect, compared to a firm poly string. Typically speaking, if the stiffness ratings of two given strings are the same, then they should have a very similar level of comfort. That said, the amount of tension loss, over a given amount of time can have an effect on comfort. The strings that lose more tension, will also lose the level of comfort that the string started with; loosing play-ability. Often times a rough textured string will play a bit softer compared to a round profiled version of that same string (for example ALU Power vs. ALU Power Rough). Furthermore, there are certain times that the stiffness rating of a given string in our TW University lab tests, does not always correlate to the way that string may feel on court. Similarly, racquets may have certain specs on paper, but they are not always perceived that way on court.
Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse thank you very much Troy
How does it compares to a Luxilon BIG Banger or Alu Power Spin 17 Gauge? I ask because I know these Luxilons are livelier than a Tour bite, but I wouldn't know about this particular gauge.
@juanchoja,
This 19 gauge helps with some added power, but it is still relatively firm feeling. I would say that ALU Power Spin is softer feeling than this string. The 19 gauge Tour Bite is a bit livelier, and more spin friendly compared to Big Banger Original.
Troy, TW
Hey TW you should do a review on the Ashaway Crossfire ZX 17 G
@Adolfo Campos,
That hybrid string, is not on our current list of playtests, but we will keep it in mind.
Troy, TW
How is the feel and ballpocketing of TB19 compared to hyper17? Im using an ig prestige (18x20) MP and looking for a crisper copoly with a bit power. The string im using now just feels too boardy even at 38 lbs
The ball pocketing is good with both, but a bit better with this Tour Bite 19. Troy, TW
Chris - one more question if you don’t mind. If you didn’t pair with another gauge of tour bite , do you run the risk of tour bite cutting through the mains of another string ? Thank you very much
@Paul Musarra,
If you are pairing the Solinco Tour Bite with another gauge of Solinco Tour Bite, or another co-poly string, then you shouldn't worry about it cutting through the other string. If pairing Solinco Tour Bite with a softer string material, such as natural gut/multi/syn gut, then you will likely experience some notching. It may also cause the softer string to snap sooner than when paired with a smooth/round co-poly string. For hybrids with a softer string material, I typically recommend pairing with a smooth/round co-poly.
Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse thanks Troy. Appreciate it
Hi TW, would a hybrid using volkyl cyclone and tecnifibre ngr2 work well in a Babolat aero pro drive ? Or would something else work better than that combo? Thanks.
If you Could also recommend a tension for both that would be awesome. Thanks.
MP thank you, I Will take that into consideration. (:
@God,
The recommendation of @MP, is a good starting point, especially not necessarily knowing your current string set-up. I would go 53 pounds with Cyclone 17 on the mains, and 56 pounds with NRG2 in the crosses. These two stings in a hybrid, are great ones to try. The next step-up, would be a natural gut hybrid, but for some it may not be cost effective.
Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse thank you Troy!
Seems a bit of a waste putting this into the open pattern TFlash, I'm sure Chris has an old PT lying around that would have preferred this gauge. I've just switched to 18x20. I was using Champions Choice on a Duel G. I wonder if the Hyper G 19g cross would be better with VS Team mains than the Tour Bite because of the rougher surface of the TB sawing into the gut?
@Luke Christo,
We tried it in the Prince Phantom Pro 93P (18x20), and it played great. I would likely go with Hyper-G over Tour Bite for the cross string, as it seems less sharp. That said, I typically prefer a smooth/round co-poly when mixing it with natural gut. Troy, TW
@@tenniswarehouse Thanks Troy. You seem to prefer the Lux 17 over other gut. I've been using VS Team, isn't that better for mains because of the coating?
@Luke Christo,
I like the Luxilon Natural Gut 125, because of the durability. It is a firmer natural gut, which I don't necessarily mind, as I am usually playing full poly. That being said, the VS Team natural gut has amazing feel, more feel than the Lux gut. Both have coatings, and will both offer great spin when in the mains. If you like the feel of the VS Team, I would stick with it. Troy, TW
i broke this 19g string with 3 shots on a 16*19 racquet at the center of sweet spot. I probably will only use this on closed pattern racquets
Good string :-)
How many hours of play you get ? Did it break or cut it out?
I think it there are a lot of factors that will determine the durability, racquet, string pattern, playing level, stroke style. For me, it lasted around 12-15 hours before I snapped it, but I also put it in a 95 headsize, with an 18x20 string pattern. Troy, TW
@Tennis Warehouse
Can you guys do a review of Solinco Tour Bite 17 & Vanquish 16 Hybrid? I would really appreciate it.
@The Exclusive,
This hybrid string is not on our current list of playtests, but we will keep it in mind.
Troy, TW
@Tennis Warehouse
If you don't mind me asking, what strings/equipment is on your current list of playtests?
First!!!