SuperNick ZX is a new brand of Ashaway squash strings that have just come on the market.
Note: Ashaway also have a thinner version called Ashaway SuperNick ZX Micro
They come in this distinctive orange color:
Image via pdhsports.com
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As best I understand it, Ashaway took their popular SuperNick string design and introduced a relatively new material named Zyex into the outer jacket of the string. It’s supposed to mean that SuperNick ZX has improved durability and holds tension better than the classic SuperNick strings, but still retains their playability.
This string is 17 gauge (1.25 mm), which is on the thicker side for squash strings.
Paul from PDH Sports did a roundup of several Ashaway strings, including this one.
Spotted
Mathieu Castagnet has been spotted using these strings:
Photo via tocsquash.com →
Here’s a picture from PDH Sports. They say Nick Matthew will be using these strings soon, though I don’t think I’ve seen him using them.
Reel
Image via sportsvirtuoso.com
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Nawar says
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I think the ideal tension for the Ashaway SuperNick ZX if you are using Head Rackets 120/135g Speed models is around 13-13.50 kg! am stringing it up to 14 Kg exceeding even the allowable tension limit set for this racket. I believe it is related to the string open pattern (not that dense) you will have your Guitar set for exceptional power just after 2 Squash sessions… be patient!
John says
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So taking the little blurb on the back of most Ashaway packaging into consideration – “Use 10-15% less tension than on traditional nylon strings” … do you guys who use Ashaway as well with other manufacturer string just use the same tension no matter what? If I am used to DNAMX at 26lbs and prefer that tension, if I were to try out Ashaway is one to string it at 23.4lbs (10% less than 26)? Seems a bit questionable.
Or to hell with it, and string at 26. Sorry for the silly question, and many thanks in advance
Tjeerd says
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Hi John,
For the Ashaway strings with Zyex cores (i.e. the Powernick and Ultranick), I tend to live up by that rule…
But this usually applies to every other string that you want to try: different string, different characteristics = new search for the best tension. 😉
Rod says
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The blurb on the back is a guideline but not something you should take as gospel. I switched from the Ultranick to the Supernick ZX (standard, not micro) and had to increase the tension for the Supernick ZX for 2 reasons. First because the Supernick ZX is so powerful that I felt like I could up the tension and have plenty of power with a bit more control off the string bed by increasing the tension. Second, the Supernick ZX has such a soft feel that staying at my Ultranick tension of 26lbs meant the feel was much softer than I preferred. I ultimately went from 26lbs in the Ultranick to 27lbs in the Supernick ZX. Next time I re-string I might even go to 28lbs to test how that feels.
Long story short, it’s a game of trial and error. I would re-string at the same tension of 26lbs and take that as a base line for figuring out what tension you would like to try the next time you re-string.
I would also be very remiss of me not to mention that this is an excellent string from both a play-ability and a durability stand point. I’m using the Supernick ZX but I did try the ZX Micro and didn’t find that I like it as much. The feel was much stiffer and the durability wasn’t great in the ZX Micro.
John says
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Thanks all!
nick says
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Not sure about zx but I’ve been thru a couple reels of ultranick 17 and imo stringing it below 27 lbs just feels like mush…low control and low power.
Dave G says
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I use this string at 27lbs on the new Tecnifibre APX135 (orange string/orange racket, a no brainer for me).
Power is good, though I put this down to the more forgiving frame in the APX135 (I had a Carboflex 135S before).
As a beginner I’ve not got much control, but with these strings I’ve been cutting drop shots and winning points (both new experiences for me). I get that lovely ‘zing’ that I’d previously only dreamed about.
I like these strings a lot.
Rod says
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I just did a play test of this string to compare it to my usual string, which is the Ultranick 18, to see which one I’d buy a reel of next. I restrung 2 identical rackets (both were bought within the same month and this was the first time restringing them) and both were restrung on the same machine by the same stringer at 27lbs. The difference in power was noticeable with the Supernick ZX being more powerful than the Ultranick 18, which was surprising given that it was the thicker string. Much like the comments above I think that next time I’d use a higher tension because the power is almost too much on delicate touch drops and a few of them came popped off the front wall much further than I would like. This string does have a lot of texture on it which you can really tell by running a finger nail over it. This means you can still generate ample cut despite it being a thicker string. Feel wise this string has a nice soft feel which is the feel I prefer when matched up to a stiffer frame. In conclusion this will definitely be my string of choice going forward. It plays like a thinner string and generates plenty of power and cut and I hope that the thicker gauge means better durability (although that being said I was very happy with how durable the Ultranick was, but if you can give me a more durable string that doesn’t give up any playability, I’m always going to choose the more durable string!).
Manuel says
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I tried the SuperNick ZX Micro gauge on my Eye X.Lite 120 Control and the string didn’t survived 10 hours of play. If somebody around germany is interested in trying the micro gauge, I bought a secound set (9 meters) and will sell it for 10 Euros plus postal rate.
Drop me a line here and we can get into contact.
Niklas says
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I just cut out my 305+ and strung my Dunlop Elite with ZX strings at 26 lbs (11,8 kg) with my drop weight machine with flying clamps. The true tension is probably closer to 25 though. My comments:
Feels soft and surprisingly powerful, with good feel of control. I definitely feel it has better control than the 305+ and just as powerful but much softer than the 305+. My 305+ was strung at 24m/23c and it felt good for that string with good power and no vibration even though it is a very hard string.
I still think 26 lbs (on my machine) is too low for the ZX string, because the string moves around very much and will not keep aligned. It also feels maybe too soft for my liking at 26. I would next time go for 28 lbs to get a crisper response and direct feel, and better string alignment.
I think that for recreational/club players it is better to go with thicker strings like the ZX if you have a racket with a big head and an open string pattern, like the Dunlop Elite. Thinner strings in a big head (500cm2) with an open string pattern (14×18 or less) leads to a very unforgiving racket, at least in my experience. I also have a Dunlop Ultimate strung with 305 18G/1.1mm and in that racket the thinner strings work much better for me, because of a denser string pattern. Just my thoughts.
Nawar says
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Dear Niklas,
I totally agree with you about the ZX supernick 1.25mm, ideal tension is 12.5-13 kg and you will feel the difference. explosive !!! after a week it will reach 12-12.50 kg fair enough, strings still aligned most of time !
it’s been 8 months am using the Ashaway ZX, as for durability it lasted more than a month. i play 4 times a week
Racket : HEAD Graphene XT Cyano 120
Nick Bbbb says
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I’ve been using the ZX Micro in my Force Elite. It’s the first time I’ve changed strings, so I’m still working out what works best. I tend to prefer thinner strings, as I don’t go through them often, so was looking forward to trying these, and they haven’t disappointed.
Initially I wanted to try a lower tension, around 25lbs but the stringer thought they were too soft when he did them, so redid them higher but they’re still rather soft. I’ll probably go for around 27-28lbs next time.
Chris says
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How did stringing it at 28lbs go? Also, you could keep your usual 26lb tension, but try pre-stretching them first.
Niklas says
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I’ve tried both the zx and zx micro in different rackets at different tension this past year. I can definitely say that the thicker zx has a little more punch to it than the micro, and also that the zx micro is a tad stiffer than the zx . They both played best at around 13 kg or 29 lbs, any less and the strings felt unresponsive or a bit sluggish with a very dull and muted feel.
The zx micro gave more spin potential but for me the zx was the better option since it plays maybe a little bit more predictable and had more power in my comparison. Bare in mind that I usually play with 305 strung very low at 9-10 kg, so it was a big surprise to me that these required such a high tension,
Jason says
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Hey,
What string tension do you recommend me to string my Tecnifibre at with this string? I have used the 305 strings with 21/23lbs tension.
Thanks!
Ibrahim says
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Can’t wait to try the new micro version gauge 18 & 1.15m.
Pierre says
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A press release about them:
http://framscorner.tumblr.com/post/151657153130/stringing-away-breaking-ashaway-extends-power
Rod says
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I’ve play tested the micro version of this string and it feels really good. Unfortunately it was strung at a tension way lower than I’m used to so it was harder to make a really good comparison to the Ultranick 18s that I usually play with. However, my notes would be that it seemed to play like a 19 gauge string with excellent power, feel and cut. It seemed to play a lot like the Powernick 19, but should have better durability. I’ve also got the 17 gauge version in my BK Ion Cannon Castagnet but the factory tension seems very tight which has reduced the playability of the string. I’ll provide more feedback when I get it strung at my regular tension.
Matt says
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Do you know when this string will be released? I can’t find much info elsewhere.
Rodney Foster says
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it’s been available for a while now….
there are a few online spots to grab em
i use this place:
http://squashgear.com/ashaway-supernick-zx-squash-string-set.html
Matt says
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No, sorry I meant specifically the micro (1.15mm?) version.
Rod says
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I don’t know when it will be coming out. I’d imagine it would be sooner rather than later if they are giving out sample reels.
Doug says
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Rod,
I would love to here your thoughts on the SN ZX Micro vs. UN18.
John says
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Over the past 18 months or so I’ve experimented with Tecnifibre 305, X-One Biphase, Supernick XL, Ultranick 18, Ultranick 19, and the Supernick ZX. I play a pretty light tension – 24lb. The 305s and the X-One gave me the best spin on the ball, but they were breaking every 2-4 weeks or so (I play nearly every day), and replacing them gets expensive for a student. I liked the durability of the Supernick XL, but I missed the sense of control from the 305s and the X-One, the ability to cut into the ball.
Played with the Supernick ZX today in two Prince 03 Speedport Blacks. Power felt good, the ball really popped. Despite the thick gauge, I felt like I had the same ability to cut into the ball, and in fact the sweet spot was heavily speckled with rubber at the end of the match. But the best thing was the touch. With the ZX I felt like I was hitting the ball with my bare hand, especially on drop shots and lobs. Never felt that way with other strings, even the 305s.
If the ZX really helps maintain tension and durability, I doubt I’ll go back to anything else.
Jonathan Catuccio says
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Love this string. Started playing around with crosses 2-4x tighter and the sweet spot gets huge on my Prince 750s.
Sanna Koivumäki says
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I have used this string about 4 months now on my Oliver Pure 3. I’m fully impressed for this string! The power and touch is perfect for me! Durability and tension stability is good also, I have break only one set of strings at this period of time.
On behalf of the price this is much cheaper option than ultranick or powernick. Here in Finland reel of powernick 18 cost 138€ and reel of supernick zx 75€!
I think this string is really good value for money!
aqtor says
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Wow … where do you get that real for 75 Euros?
Aqtor
Pierre Bastien says
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From Michael via Facebook:
Rod Foster says
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that’s great read/hear
i’m convinced that this is the string i’ll be buying in bulk.
it has taken me a lot of strings ….but i think i really found “the one”
*cheesy guitar solo*
Squashr says
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“relatively new material named Zyex”
The now unavailable version of Powernick 17 had Zyex as part of the name IIRC. It was a pale metallic blue colour and 1.25 or 1.22 gauge and lasted _forever_ even compared to the PN18 which is one of the most robust strings available in my opinion.
Rod Foster says
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i put these beauty strings on my prince airstick 130 ….the buddy doing the tension said 28 lbs and 32 for the cross due to the nature of the power ring type racket.
i played w/ it yesterday all day and really liked it. for a sluggish performance (my head and feet just weren’t in the game) …i felt like the strings were:
1. a bit on the heavy side…made for a more powerful ball and better length
2. responsive …great for top and back spin and was able to put decent cuts on the ball for drops
3. they’re sexy…flashy and fun and lots of compliments
4. durable…so far so good….they withstood some good power shots
recommend and will buy again to try on other racket types
JB says
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Rod just a thought might want to go the other way if you are going to vary tensions to allow the racquet to work with te string for even more power and better control. The mains actually when striking the ball pull the head rounder allowing the sides and crosses to control how much giving the racquet it’s sweet spot. If you increase the cross tension the racquets sweet spot becomes smaller so less control or less predictable. For more consistency try your 28 for the mains and 27 for the crosses if you want to change it up. Once a racquet is strung the mains become almost 25% greater tension than the crosses if tensioned at the same tension so your 28 will become 33-34 mains 28-29 crosses. Since the mains are so long the tension they put on the frame hitting a ball is about the same as the crosses even though the crosses are much shorter and in Princes theory thier string is even longer just wrapped around their bridge. Enjoy the game!
nick says
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I have not heard this theory of mains increasing 25%. By that calculation, racket strung at 28lbs (typical) the mains would increase to 35lbs. And that tension can only come from the cross strings so those have to decrease to 21lbs. That does not seem plausible nor is that my experience.
nick says
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Maybe I’m misunderstanding and you mean 25% mains vs cross that is still 31.5 mains (+28*.25/2) and 24.5 cross (-28*.25/2). That still does not seem plausible nor is that my experience.
JB says
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Try it string a racquet at whatever you string at and you will find the mains will be considerably higher than what you started with and the crosses about a lb higher than you set to tension at. So 28 will be around 35 for the mains the crosses about 1 lb higher 29. It’s not a theory it is actually what happens.
Rod Foster says
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thanks jb
i will pass this along to my buddy who strings our racquets at the club.
appreciate the feedback
Tjeerd Mäkel says
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JB, I guess you use something like the Tourna Stringmeter to measure the tension of the mains and crosses in a full stringbed?
When you’ve put in all the mains, the head of the racket will be measurably deformed: the tension on the mains will compress the head, making it shorter and wider. Because of this, the middle 2-4 mains will feel noticeably more loose compared to the moment you pulled tension on them. The deformation of the racket head will be equalized when all crosses are put in, so that will not be the reason for this increased tension. It actually is the weaving of the crosses that will “pull” the mains to a higher tension. The result is a stringbed with a certain stiffness. In the end it all comes down to personal preference of feel and comfort… 🙂
While typing this comment, I bumped into this article. Interesting view on tension of mains and crossing, specially for poly strings. Guess it’s time for some more testing… 🙂
JB says
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Tjeerd you are exactly correct. It has been very interesting to try different tensions but learning also that the different frames make as much a difference as the the string and tension. Since finding this out I have stayed with 3 of the same frame to try to prove out different combinations to see if one is that much better than the other, tension that is. So far 305 at 21-23 has been very interesting in a Harrow Vibe, very different and right now I enjoy it better at those tensions than the usual 28 everyone seems to recommend. Great feel and seems to give me much more control to place the ball seems the ball seems to stay on the racquet to place it if that makes sense. Higher tensions it seems to just jump off the strings. Let me know what you find out. The article you ran across didn’t come up if you have the link that would be great, interested to see what it says. Enjoy the game!
Pierre Bastien says
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Tjeerd’s link should be working now
Jon Catuccio says
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JB,
I agree, and since trying a lower tension on my Beast 750 I enjoy the feel of the ball on the strings. I feel more control given the ball is in contact with the strings longer, and I am getting more power.
Next I will try stringing at 24 mains and 26-27 crosses with various string.
Interesting to note a player with great feel, Shabanna, did not play with tight string tension whatsoever, rather low at 23/24 IIRC.
One might be able to to quick cuts at the ball with higher tension, but I feel strongly about the lower tensions right now.
I can’t believe Selby is using Ashaway 18 Ultranick at 29! To each his own…
JB says
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Jon did you try high crosses how do you like the higher cross tensions. Did it improve playability? I always thought that the crosses are shorter in length so stretch less or able to stretch less so the higher tension would restrict the mains? I need to try it. I am still going a pound less on the crosses. Anyone try the ZX Micro in orange is there a difference between the black and orange? Thank you enjoy the game!
JB says
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Tjeerd fJust a note using a drop weight stringer so how it holds the racquet it doesn’t allow the head to deform doing the mains maybe that is a difference maker verse other stringing machines didn’t think about that. That might make it even more of a difference maker raising the mains even higher as the crosses pull the frame back into shape. So what now? If the crosses are pulled tighter the mains will just get higher as they deform the racquet? Thoughts? Thank you enjoy the game!
Tjeerd says
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Hi JB,
Well, wether the way your machine holds the racket and allows deformation or not, you do not want to end up with a deformed racket when your string job is finished.
In other words : you want to be sure that the forces applied by the main strings on the frame, are somewhat averaged by the forces applied by de cross strings. When your machine has inner support points at 6 and 12 o’clock, you can use them to check this : when your string job is finished, you should be able to get your racket “off the table” without applying any force or without excessively loosening up the 6 and 12 o’clock support points.
That all combined, it doesn’t sound logical to me, to pull a higher tension on your crosses than on your mains, because :
a) Cross strings in general are shorter than the mains, and shorter strings need a lower tension in order to get the same amount of stretching compared to longer strings.
b) There are less main strings than cross strings in a squash racket. If you want to average out the total forces of the mains, with the total forces of the crosses, you automatically end up needing a lower tension for the crosses compared to the mains. The difference is usually no more than 0.5 – 1 kg.
However, there are some exceptions to thumbrule (b) : i.e. the Prince Textreme Pro Warrior 600 (Ramy Ashour) which is very interesting with it’s fan-shaped 16M x 17C string pattern. I can imagine that with this particular racket, you can get away using the same tensions for the main and cross strings.
JB says
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Tjeerd you are exactly correct when I remove it wether I go 28×28 or 28 mains 27 crosses it comes right off no deformation. Just read some saying they ended up with a larger sweet spot going higher with the crosses. I have always gone the same or drop down 1 lb. for the crosses and find the racquet has a bit more predictability that way or its in my head…enjoy the game!
Tjeerd says
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Personally I don’t think you can feel the isolated increase or decrease in tension of the mains or crosses. I’ve been experimenting with proportional stringing on the mains, by lowering the tension on the outer 3-4 mains. But during play, strings will move, resulting in the disappointment of just an lower average tension in the mains. Despite that, it was worth trying… 😛
All summed up : with the combination of the string(s) used and the (average) tension for the mains and crosses, the result of your stringjob is that you simply end up with a certain stringbed stiffness.
What the best combination or setup is, is all very subjective. It is easy to get lost in the almost unlimited possible combinations and get frustrated, because you’ll probably never find the “perfect” setup.
Since I’ve started stringing my own rackets, I’ve been gradually lowering tensions, sometimes in the combination with softer strings; not only for my own stringjobs, but also for the players at my club. I got nothing but positive feedback, and these are the main reasons why :
1) The softer stringbed brings more comfort; extra important for the somewhat older players among us… 😉
2) They like the extra “bounce” or “slingshot” feel, which gives (the perception of) extra power.
3) They start using this extra bounce on drop-shots, which brings extra control. It is easier and you can be more consistent on drop-shots when you just walk “into the ball” with a sturdy wrist, instead of having to put in extra energy in the ball with a flick of the wrist.
4) It seems as if players are less affected by broken rackets, because there is less “tension” or “stress” in the frame.
Just a little bit of my tiny experience I wanted to share with you all. 🙂
JB says
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Tjeerd, great feedback and thoughts. I also do several players racquets at our club mixed, some are hooked on high tensions and others low. Thinking about it the younger players are the 28-32 tension and I have one older gentleman that likes 16-18. Interesting, he is the best player at the club played overseas for years with some pros. The challenge at low tensions is string movement. 305 just doesn’t care but most Ashaway string is all over the place unless tensioned at 27 and above. Drives me nuts and others so at lower tensions I stay with Tecnifibre though found x-one moves around some below 26. I think what it bowls down to is going with a tension and sticking with it to learn its ins and outs and perfect ones game around it. Easier said then done. Enjoy the game!
Jason says
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It’s less textured than super nick XL, I found it to be similar to their Ultranick string.
Rod Foster says
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Just ordered a set of the ZX and will put on my prince airstick 130 and then report back next week
plan to use 28 pound tension
any thoughts on using this string for the prince type power ring rackets? i think it should be good…given it’s 17 gauge
Michael says
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Hey Rod, I use my harrow for practice, I play my matches with Prince Pro Beast 750, my Prince just got strung in ZX, I’ve had Tecnifibre 305 green 1.2, Power nick 18, in my opinion I think Ashaway has brought in a great string into the mix, I had it strung at 28lbs, it’s bang on for me, I think I’ve found my favorite string! All the best!
Rod Foster says
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thanks michael
2 weeks in w/ these strings and i’m still in love.
i’ll be getting another set today for back up.
love the power i get from them and the feel.
Michael says
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Just got a hold of a set of the ZX string in my harrow vapor, the power and touch for me is great! I’ve had about 1.5hour of play with it and I’m very impressed… Like to hear what other people think of it..
michel goulche says
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what tension did you put ?
Michael says
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Heya,
I’ve put 28lbs in it and it seems good so far.
michel goulche says
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thank you, i also have a vapor and i am looking for new string so really appreciate any advice. I was considering a thinner gauge like supernick xl micro but why not give this new one a try…
michael says
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Th micro xl loses tension very quickly I find, I don’t like thicker gauge strings myself but this didn’t affect me this time around, it pops really nice great power, greater control! it’s like powernick 18, power nick 18 in the vapour I didn’t like.. It’s personal preference 🙂
Andrew says
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What tension in your Harrow Vapor?
Would love to know
bygagabog says
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Its less textured than Super Nick , i was touch both
Rasmus Petersen says
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I was in contact with Ashaway about this string only a few weeks ago.
The surface of the string is rough/textured, just as several others of the strings from Ashaway, upping the control of the string.
Yet, I don’t know whether it’s REALLY rough/textured like the SuperNick XL or less than that.