EXOTIC RACQUET STRINGS {1997}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

These are made of materials not commonly used in the garden variety of strings. Probably most common among this type are those made with aramid composite fibers. This material is commonly known as Kevlar, the name given to it by its inventors at duPont. Kevlar is very tough stuff (5 times stronger than steel) but quite light. Other uses for this material are bullet proof vests, ski equipment, racquets, tires and many, many more.

Most players that use aramid string are the chronic string breakers, who don't want to get their frames re-strung so frequently (some players break strings every day when using conventional nylon strings).

This material can probably last 10 times longer than normal string materials. In most cases aramid fiber is used only for the main strings, while the crosses are a synthetic or even natural gut. These strings are known by names like Prince ProBlend and Ashaway Cross Fire.

The down side ( you knew there would be one) is aramid fiber doesn't stretch. Playability tends to be sacrificed, and the amount of shock to your arm is increased. There are those who like their strings to feel very stiff and prefer this type of string, but they are a minority.

Another specialty string is Zyex. According to Ken Levine, Ashaway String's Sales Manager, Zyex is used extensively in the Aerospace and Defense industries when excessive heat is a concern. This is a plus for racquet string, since heat tends to destroy the properties most important to power, control and the ability to maintain tension.

A true Zyex, like Prince Premier, plays very well, but breaks rather easily, tends to be difficult to string and is quite expensive for a synthetic. As a result, many shops don't carry it. In the last few years however, several manufacturers have found a way to combine Zyex with nylon and the result is quite good. The string still holds tension well, lasts longer than pure Zyex and costs somewhat less. Ashaway Dynamite, which I recommend to many of my customers has been quite successful.

I've outlined only the two most well known strings using more exotic materials. There are others which come on the market from time to time. Most don't become very popular and disappear from the shelves rather quickly, but the ones that find their niche are worth consideration.

Vince's Racquet Tech 101

COPYRIGHT 1997 (PUBLISHED IN TOTALLY TENNIS - FEB/MAY, 1997)
By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT