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www.ersa-stringers.

com
ISSUE 9-2018

NEW PRODUCTS
ASHAWAY MultiNick 18
GAMMA XLT STRINGING MACHINE
INDUSTRY NEWS
ATP FINALS
BADMINTON WORLD TOUR FINALS
TECNIFIBRE STRINGING SERVICE

SYMPOSIUM 2019
STRING TESTS
HEAD & DUNLOP
ASHAWAY SQUASH PLAYTEST

PRO STRINGER MAGAZINE IS FREE FOR ALL ERSA MEMBERS


1 ERSA PRO STRINGER
DISTRIBUTION // ARE
OR RESELLING ISSUE 1
NOT7-2018
ALLOWED
� @Ashaway1824 � @Ashaway � @ashawayuk
www.ersa-stringers.com

ISSUE
9-2018

CONTENTS
04 My Serve
06 New Products
10 Industry News
18 ERSA ATW
20 ASHAWAY PLAYTEST
23 HEAD RIP CONTROL
25 DUNLOP EXPLOSIVE RED

3 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


www.ersa-stringers.com

PRO STRINGER MAGAZINE


European Racquet Stringers Association
ERSA Australia - Noel Dodds

My Serve
ERSA Benelux
Timo van Driel, Rob Maessen

ERSA Brazil - ERSA Int. Headquarters

ERSA China - Roger Luo Welcome to the latest issue of Pro Stringer Magazine.
We sent out an e-mail to everyone with our
ERSA Czech Republic & Slovakia
Vaclav Smat announcement that we have moved our offices to
Split, Croatia.
ERSA Germany, Austria, Switzerland If you did not receive it, please check the Masthead on
Mark Maslowski the left side of this page with our new address.
ERSA Indochina - Danny Deng I just returned from Sao Paulo, Brazil running a
workshop together with our 2 testers there. The
ERSA Italy - Marco Rossani workshop took place in Ribeirao Preto, almost 300
kilometers west of Sao Paulo. Priscilla Ramos and
ERSA Ireland - Rob Leahy
Marcelo Ferreira organized the event with 22 people
ERSA Korea - Taikki Lee attending. We also had a large number of sponsors
giving samples, so everyone received 2 bags of
ERSA Serbia - Dr. Alexander Ducic sample strings and grips. Looking forward to doing
ERSA Spain / France- Richard Parnell another one next year.

ERSA Taiwan - Bernie Chen We have the test version of the new website online.
I have been busy moving and travelling the last 2
ERSA UK
Paul Skipp, Huw Phillips months and am behind on doing the corrections and
adding the new data. We are working on it the 15
ERSA Ukraine - Sergey Konovolenko December.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Ashaway Babolat The sign-up sheet for the 2019 Symposium in
Head Isospeed Cambridge is included in this issue of Pro Stringer.
Kirschbaum Luxilon There are only a few double rooms and apartments at
Pacific Wilson the college. We have 2 other hotels in walking
CORPORATE MEMBERS distance to the venue organized with rooms blocked
Ashaway Head Babolat off. The advantage of the rooms in the venue are that
Prince Isospeed Yonex you are directly on the edge of the city with lots of sites
Gosen Tecnifibre to see and many restaurants and pubs to choose from.
STRING SUPLIER MEMBERS In addition to our normal 3 days of presentations and
Apollo Leisure MSV String Kong workshops, many are planned
Krischbaum Signum Pro Pro-T-One in a separate conference room
Stringlab Sergetti Stringing for squash and badminton with
ASOCIATION MEMBER the top stringers in the world
PTR Europe TIA UK offering info, workshops and
Tennis Europe more.
Do not miss the biggest and
TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS
Rod Cross - Australia - Physics best ERSA Symposium ever
Gabe Jarmillo - Pro Tennis and sign up early.

European Racquet Stringers Association best regards


Skrape 6, 2100 Split, Croatia
Phone/Fax: +49 (0)15122637266
Mark Maslowski
www.ersa-stringers.com

4 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


www.ersa-stringers.com

ERSA Pro Certified Stringers


ERSA now offers tennis, badminton and squash certification for different levels of stringers, from beginners to
the top professional stringers in the world. The first level is ERSA Stringer is for new stringers to show they have
completed a stringing course and learned to string correctly. ERSA Professional Stringer is for stringing ser-
vices, such as coaches, club stringers, shop stringers, after passing a day of practical and written tests. Master
Professional Stringer Level 1 is for shop stringers and owners who can tune rackets, string at a high level and
have a broad knowledge of products for their customers. MPS Level 2 is for shop owners and managers. Pro
Tour Stringer certification is for minimum MPS Level1 who are stringing at ATP and WTA tournaments. There
are 3 levels for this certification, Level 1, Level 2 and Master Pro Tour Stringer.

ERSA PROFESSIONAL STRINGER ERSA MASTER PROFESSIONAL STRINGER

ERSA Master Professional Stringer Tennis - Sebastien Mure (France) - Adrien Limousy
(France) - Brice Retailleau (France)

ERSA Pro Tour Stringer Level 1 - Igor Assis (Brazil) - Orlando Nakano (Brazil)

STRINGS
MADE IN GERMANY
SINCE 1985
www.ersa-stringers.com
NEW PRODUCTS

New Ashaway
MultiNick® 18 Squash
String is Designed to Cut and Spin
— Proprietary Nylon/PU matrix adds toughness, durability and
grip, maintains soft nylon feel
Ashaway’s latest innovation is a squash string specifically designed for players who like to cut
and spin the ball. New MultiNick® 18 combines a high tenacity multifilament nylon sheath with a
specially formulated polyurethane resin (PU) that bonds the string into a single matrix and adds
durability while providing superior feel and ball control. The smooth PU surface of MultiNick 18
enhances grip, while the 18-gauge construction maximizes players' ability to cut and spin the ball.

“Polyurethane is known for its toughness, abrasion resistance and innate adhesive quality,” said
Steve Crandall, Vice President of Ashaway Racket Strings. “When combined with other materials,
like the high tenacity nylon multifilament fibers in our MultiNick 18, it results in a string with excep-
tional playing characteristics, including toughness, durability and grip, as well as the traditional soft
feel of multifilament nylon.”

What differentiates Ashaway’s polyurethane-based MultiNick 18 construction, Crandall explained,


is the matrix design. With other multifilament nylon strings, like Ashaway’s popular SuperNick®
XL line, the core and outer wear layer elements remain separate, and retain some ability to move
relative to one another. The PU resin in MultiNick 18 binds the multifilament sheath and surface
into a single unitized matrix. The natural adhesive properties of the polyurethane surface add grip,
while the string retains its soft feel, comfortable playability, and ability to control the ball.

Ashaway’s MultiNick 18
strings are designed for both
professional and amateur
players who seek feel, durabil-
ity and toughness at all levels
of play. Black in color and 1.15
mm thick, MultiNick 18 strings
come in 30 ft. individual pack-
ages or 360 ft. reels. Recom-
mended string tension is up to
35 lbs.

For more information visit


www.ashawayusa.com.

*See our Playtest with this


string on page 20.

6 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


www.ersa-stringers.com
NEW PRODUCTS

The GAMMA XLT comes with a new design and original GAMMA Upgrades.

-Upgrade 1
V-Mounts instead of L-Mounts for quicker mounting.
-Upgrade 2
Longer arms to hold the rackets better.
-Upgrade 3
Curved guiding for the clamps for easier placement.
-Upgrade 4
Smaller clamps for universal use in Squash and Badminton

Digitale Control:
Auswahl der Bespannhärte auch in 0,1 Schritten, 9 programmierbare Memoryplätze, Knotenfunk-
tion erhöht einmaligen Zug um 10%, Eingabe in Lbs und Kp möglich, 3 verschiedene Zugge-
schwindigkeiten, Vordehnung der Saite um 10% oder 20%.
Adjustable to 0.1, 9 Programs Memory, 10% Knot Tension, Lbs and Kilos, 3 Speeds, Pre-stretch
at 10% or 20%.
- Elektronic Tensioning from 5 - 40 Kp, in 0,1Kp
- Constant Pull System
- High quality diamond coated clamps
- Foot pedal (optional)
- Adjustable Stand(optional)
- Tools included
- 5 Year Garantee

The GAMMA XLT is also 110 / 220 volt compatible.


COMPLETE STRINGING DEAL: The GAMMA XLT includes a pathfinder awl, straight awl, hex
wrenches, bent nose pliers, diagonal cutter and straight pliers. Plus, the smart design of the base
features a built-in tool tray to keep stringing tools close.
EASY TO USE STRING CLAMPS: Slim profile, all metal, diamond coated string clamps with
unique self-locking adjustment knobs
hold strings with less clamping pres-
sure for tennis, badminton or squash
stringing. Clamp teeth spacing is
optimized for all racquet types using
Quick Action Swivel Clamp Bases
and a 6-Point Quick Mount System
with ”V” mounting system to keep the
racquet firmly in place.
any questions that you may have
about machine features and function:

www.gamma-europe.com

7 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


www.ersa-stringers.com
NEW PRODUCTS

ANGELL SPORTS
The K25 is a junior version of their top selling K7 model. Constructed from high modulus carbon
and Kevlar fibre it offers a truly unique feel compared to other 25” frames on the market. The
frame is specifically designed to fit younger players needs with perfectly proportioned geometry
and specifications.

 The K25 will be offered in the vibrant K series Red and new for 2019 “Lime”

Both the LIME and RED models are available in grip size 0 and come pre strung.

Frame Features
ACF – High Modulus Carbon and Aramid Fibre
Full Protection Grommets

Unstrung Specifications
Headsize – 95″
String Pattern – 16×19
Weight -240g unstrung
Balance – 310mm unstrung
Stiffness – 60RA
Length – 25” / 635mm
Grip Size – 0
Grip type – High Tack PU Black

www.angelltennis.com

ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


MORE THAN A STRINGING MACHINE
AN EXPERIENCE FOR THE STRINGER AND THE PLAYER

CLAMPS TRACTION HEAD


Auto-adjusting clamps Auto-Lock & ergonomic system
Task simplification Instinctive

SCREEN
Brand new software
User friendly

AVAILABLE MODELS
TURNTABLE
360° rotating clamp holder PERF LINK
Smooth movement

Touch screen Electric

PERF

BASE
Self-adjusting electronic stand Monochrome screen Manual
Comfort
www.ersa-stringers.com
INDUSTRY NEWS

ATP Finals Host City Candidates


Announced
LONDON — The ATP, governing body of men’s professional tennis, has announced the final
shortlist of candidates bidding to host the ATP Finals. The cities of Manchester, England; Singa-
pore; Tokyo; and Turin, Italy, have been selected by the ATP to progress and will now be assessed
alongside London in the final phase of the bidding process to host the ATP Tour’s crown jewel
event from 2021 to 2025.

The announcement of the final shortlist follows an extensive bid application process that began
in August 2018 in which more than 40 cities worldwide expressed an interest in hosting the pres-
tigious season-ending event. The final phase of the process will see the ATP visit the candidate
cities to further review their respective visions for the ATP Finals, with a decision on the successful
candidate to be made not before March 2019.

Chris Kermode, ATP Executive Chairman & President, said: “The level of interest we have re-
ceived worldwide throughout the bid application process reflects the rich heritage of this unique
tournament, as well as the success of the event at The O2 since 2009. It has been a highly com-
petitive process, and the candidate cities on the shortlist deserve huge credit for the passion and
creative vision they have shown in their respective plans to continue the growth of our showpiece
event.

“The ATP Finals have never stood still, remaining vibrant and relevant to fans, sponsors and me-
dia worldwide at every turn. There’s no question that London has set a very high benchmark and,
with the final shortlist announced today, we believe we will be well-placed to determine the next
exciting chapter of a tournament that has come to represent the absolute pinnacle in men’s pro-
fessional tennis.”

The ATP Finals were first held in Tokyo in 1970 and have been staged in some of the major cit-
ies around the world, including New York City, Sydney, and Shanghai. The season finale’s longest
stay in a single venue was across 13 consecutive editions at Madison Square Garden from 1977-
1989. The tournament has been won by many of the all-time greats, including Bjorn Borg, John
McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Djokovic.

The season-ending event features only the world’s best eight qualified singles players and dou-
bles teams following a year-long Race to qualify, giving the winning city a highly valuable associa-
tion with an integral narrative that ties together the entire ATP Tour season.

The tournament is to be held through 2020 at The O2 in London, where it has been staged to
wide acclaim since 2009. The event has successfully established itself as one of the major annual
sporting events worldwide, broadcast in more than 180 territories with global viewership figures
reaching an average of 95 million each year.

The ATP is working with The Sports Business Group at Deloitte to manage the bidding process.

10 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


www.ersa-stringers.com
INDUSTRY NEWS

ATP Unveils 'ATP Cup' Team Event for


2020 Season
The ATP and Tennis Australia today officially unveiled the ATP Cup - a new team competition to kickstart
the men’s tennis season from 2020. The tournament, which was announced during the Nitto ATP Finals in
London, will be played across three Australian cities over ten days in the lead up to the Australian Open and
will feature teams from 24 countries.

World No. 1 and President of the ATP Player Council Novak Djokovic was among the players who joined
ATP Executive Chairman & President Chris Kermode and Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia, to reveal the
details of the competition, which has been shaped through extensive consultation over several years with
players, tournament organisers and sponsors. The launch also revealed the ATP Cup’s new brand identity
and a promotional video to bring the plans to life.

The event sees the return of an ATP team competition into the calendar for the first time since the ATP
World Team Cup, which was held in Dusseldorf from 1978-2012.

The move represents the latest initiative by ATP to innovate in the sport, as well as providing increased
earning opportunities for its players, and introducing new fans to the game. The tournament will ensure
every season starts with an event with a truly global profile, giving players the chance to see their nation
crowned the best in the world. The 2020 ATP Cup will offer US$15 million in prize money and up to 750 ATP
Rankings points to the winners.

Djokovic, who finished 2018 as year-end No.1 for a fifth time, stated: “I like that it’s owned by ATP, by the
players, and that we have ranking points, and it’s going to be the best way to kick start the season. Austra-
lia is a country that has a Grand Slam, that nurtures tennis tradition. More than 90 per cent of the time we’re
playing as individuals and we don’t have too many team events. This is going to bring together a lot of na-
tions and for me personally it will be a very nice and proud moment to represent my country.”

Kermode added: “This new event fits perfectly with our strategy to innovate and look towards the future. We
know from our extensive discussions with the players that the ATP Cup will provide a great way for them
to open their season - bringing together the world’s best for a major team event that compliments existing
scheduling, provides highly-coveted ATP ranking points and clearly links to the Australian Open. The first
week of the season is when the players want to play and that’s why the tournament has their strong sup-
port. By staging the event with Tennis Australia, which is renowned for its experience as an outstanding
event promoter, we know that the tournament will be a great success from year one.”

Tennis Australia CEO, Craig Tiley added: “This is an amazing opportunity, in close collaboration with the
players and the tour, to deliver a globally impactful event that further elevates the sport and the fan interest
in it.

“We want to keep growing tennis, give the players an environment where they can perform to the best of
their abilities and then ensure they are appropriately appreciated and rewarded. This event will help us all
achieve that while connecting with new generations of tennis fans. It will provide a new source of inspiration
for young athletes to choose our sport.”

The format of the ATP Cup will see nations split into six groups, with eight teams emerging from the round-
robin stage to compete in the knockout phase until only one team is left standing. There will be up to five
players in each team, with ties comprising two singles matches and one doubles match. The criteria for
entry into the ATP Cup will be based off the ATP Ranking of the No. 1 singles player from each country.

Venue announcements will be made in due course.


11 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018
www.ersa-stringers.com
INDUSTRY NEWS

World Tour Finals 2018:


Pusarla V Sindhu brings home gold!
Guangzhou, China — After winning silver at the 2016 Rio
Olympics, the 2017 and 18 World Championships, as well
as the Dubai World Superseries Finals 2017, Pusarla V
Sindhu (IND) finally experienced her first major title gold
medal on Sunday, defeating rival Nozomi Okuhara (JPN)
— who dashed her World Championship hopes in 2017 —
at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2018, 21-19, 21-19.

Also, fellow Team Yonex member Ayaka Takahashi, along


with her team mate, Misaki Matsumoto, took gold in Wom-
en’s Doubles, defeating Korean pair Lee So Hee and Shin
Seung Chan, 21-12, 22-20, marking the end of a season in
which the Japanese women have dominated the discipline

Chinese Group Looks to Buy


Amer Sports
A consortium led by China’s Anta Sports made an offer to acquire Finland’s Amer Sports in a deal
that values the company at 4.6 billion euros (US$5.23 billion), the Chinese firm said on Friday.

According to Reurters, the consortium, which includes Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd ,
has offered 40 euros per share in cash for the maker of Wilson tennis racquets and branded out-
door gear.

The deal represents a premium of 13.6 percent to Amer’s last close and has been unanimously
recommended by the board of the Helsinki-based firm.

The consortium plans to operate Amer Sports independently from Anta, with a separate board of
directors, Anta said in a statement.

Shareholders representing in aggregate about 7.91 percent stake in Amer Sports have already ac-
cepted the deal, it added.

Others in the consortium include Chinese private equity firm Fountainvest Partners and Anamered
Investments, which is owned by Canadian billionaire Chip Wilson, founder of yoga apparel
company Lululemon Athletica Inc .
12 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018
Designed for Pro‘s. This monofile polyester string offers ultimate control
combined with high ball speed. Now released!

Diese Monofile Polyestersaite wurde speziell für die Anforderungen auf der Profitour entwickelt. Volle Kontrolle bei
hoher Beschleunigung. Jetzt released nach erfolgreichem Einsatz auf der Tour!

www.isospeed.com
www.ersa-stringers.com
INDUSTRY NEWS

Team MSV is growing with Top


ATP, WTA and ITF Junior players.

Scott Duncan (UK) climbed up the ATP Doubles ranking - now


#424. He recently won ITF futures tournaments in Nottingham and
Minsk (doubles). He plays the MSV Focus Hex 1.27 and the MSV
overgrips Cyber Wet.

Mariana Drazic (Croatia): WTA Career High Singles: #692 / Dou-


bles: #483. She plays MSV Focus Hex Ultra 1.25 and the MSV
overgrips Prespi Absorb.

18-year old Emmanouela Antonakis (Greece) is Greek Champion


2017 and finalist 2018. She is member of the Greek Fed Cup Team
and won the Malta ITF U18 World Ranking Tournament 2017. ITF
Junior Career High: #195. Emmanouela plays MSV Focus Hex 1.23
and MSV overgrips Cyber Wet.

Franziska Etzel (Germany) won the 2018 ITF World Team Champion-
ship Women 35 as member of the German team end of October in Mi-
ami. WTA Career High: #376 She plays a hybrid combination of MSV
Focus Hex Plus 25 1.25 and MSV Co Ultra 1.25 as well as the MSV
overgrips Skin.

14 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


www.ersa-stringers.com

SIGN-UP 2019
Sign up Now for 2019 !!!
Become a member today and receive:
- STRINGERS DIGEST
- PRO STRINGER MAGAZINE - 10 ISSUES
- WEB ACCESS
- DISCOUNTS ON ADVERTISERS PRODUCTS
- FREE SAMPLES
- REDUCED PRICES ON WORKSHOPS AND CERTIFICATION
- ANNUAL MEETING / SYMPOSIUM - Value 600€ for 149€ -
Minimum 100€ in Free Samples plus prizes worth 100s €

MEMBERSHIP FORM 2019


1 Year Membership - 99€ /// 2 Year Membership - 180€ /// 3 Year Membership - 230€

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1. Year Membership 99 Euro

2. Year Membership 170 Euro

3. Year Membership 220 Euro

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Signature

Please Fax or e-Mail this form to European Racquet Stringers Association.


Phone & Fax: +49(0)211-68814151; E-Mail: mmaslo3330@aol.com

15 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


www.ersa-stringers.com
INDUSTRY NEWS

Tecnifibre
Gen ATP Finals, Milan.
has been busy stringing at the Nitto ATP Finals, London and the Next

This was the sixth year for Tecnifibre as the official stringing service of the ATP Finals. Two
stringers,using the Tecnifibre ATP stringing machines, had a record 320 rackets for this
tournament. Kei Nishikori was the biggest consumer with 36 rackets at 40/38 pounds.

Alexander Zverev captured the title beating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 in the final.

With the will to work together with a group of young hopeful players of different nationalities to the
high level, the Lacoste-Tecnifibre duo unveiled a new mentoring programme : Les Petits Crocos.
In order to look for tomorrow’s champions and in order to pass on René Lacoste values at a very
early age, a talent scounting and recruitment programme was launched in 2018. The first activity
of the Petits Crocos programme, which was led by Arnaud Di Pasquale was unveiled during the
Nitto ATP Finals in London.

Aged between 11 and 16, Les Petits Crocos 2018 are among the best of their generation. French
hopeful Tiago Pirès (France), Viktor Frydrych and Benjamin Gusic-Wan from the United Kingdom,
Spaniard Roger Pascual Ferra, Slovenian Luka Talan Lopatic and Croatian Antonio Voljavec will
benefit from an innovative
performance support programme at key moments of the tennis season.

16 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


INDUSTRY NEWS

This was the second edition of the

Next Gen ATP Finals.


Bringing together the top 8 under 21 ATP players to Milan, Itlay in an experimental ATP tourna-
ment with new Rules, simular to American college tennis. 4 game sets, tie-break at 3-3, no-ad
scoring, no let, line judges replaced by Hawk-eye, warm-up 5 minutes, 1 medical time-out per
match and coaching allowed at the end of each set.

2018 is the second year for Tecnifibre as official stringing service.


Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Alex de Minaur 2-4, 4-1, 4-3 (3), 4-3 (3) to capture the title.
The stringing service was located in the Fan Zone with 2 stringers stringing just under 140 rackets.
Jaume Munar strung the most rackets (23) at 23.5 kilo.
www.tecnifibre.com

ENTDECKE Die Int. Plattform für alle


DIE WELT
DER
Trainer und Coaches
die professionell
unterrichten

WE MAKE
A WORLD OF INFO: PTR European Headquarters

DIFFERENCE Leichtergasse 28 - 39012 MERAN


Fon: +39 0473 230097 - www.ptrtennis.de - info@ptrtennis.de

17 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


www.ersa-stringers.com
ERSA ATW

Richard Parnell, ERSA Manager Spain and France


conducted a workshop in France for TennisPro.fr.
Congrautulations to Sebastien Mure (France) - Adrien Limousy (France) - Brice Retailleau
(France) who passed their Master Professional Stringer Level 1 in November.
Richard conducts all the workshops for TennisPro in France. If interested in certification in France
contact TennisPro or Richard Parnell.

ERSA BRAZIL
ERSA Brazil workshop leaders and testers, Priscilla Ramos and Marcelo Ferreira organized a
workshop to be run together with ERSA President Mark Maslowski. The workshop took place in
Ribeirao Preto, three hours by car outside of Sao Paulo, on December 8 -10.

The workshop was attended by 22 people. Several distributors attended also and donated
samples. Each participant received 2 bags of string and grip samples from the 15 sponsors. 4
sponsors supplied 6 machines and 2 tuning centers.

The workshop took place on December 8-9 with certification testing taking place on December 10.
Marcelo organized publicity during and after the event and we have received many requests to
take part in the next workshop
We are looking forward to repeating this next year with even more stringers attending.

18 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


www.ersa-stringers.com
ERSA ATW

ERSA Italy manager, Marco Rossani, keeps busy all winter doing workshops and
private one-on-one workshops. Marco is also head stringer in Rome and stringing in Wimbledon
for many years.
www.ersa-stringers.com
PLAYTEST

Ashaway
MultiNick® 18 Squash
Ashaway’s MultiNick 18 was designed for players who like to cut and spin the ball. MultiNick® 18
combines a high tenacity multifilament nylon sheath with a specially formulated polyurethane resin
(PU) that bonds the string into a single matrix. The smooth PU surface of MultiNick 18 enhances
grip, while the 18-gauge construction maximizes players' ability to cut and spin the ball.
Ashaway’s MultiNick 18 strings are designed for both professional and amateur players who seek
spin, power, durability and toughness at all levels of play. Black in color and 1.15 mm thick,
MultiNick 18 strings come in 30 ft. individual packages or 360 ft. reels. Recommended string
tension is up to 35 lbs.

In the lab
We tested sets of Ashaway MultiNick 18 in our office. The coil measured 10.5 meters. The diameter mea-
sured 1.16-1.17 mm prior to stringing, and 1.14 – 1.15 mm after stringing. We strung a (14 x 18 pattern)
racquet on a Tecnifibre ATP constant-pull machine.
After 24 hours (no playing), we could not get a ERT reading as it was too low. The MultiNick 18 added 11.9
grams to the weight of our unstrung frame. The string has an outer surface that is simular to the feel of
some other multifilaments with PU. It is smooth but not slippery, like some Tecnifibre strings.
The string was tested for five weeks by 21 ERSA playtesters, with playing levels of intermediate to
tournament players. These are blind tests, with playtesters receiving unmarked strings in unmarked
packages. Average number of hours playtested was 8.4.
No playtester broke his sample during stringing, no problems with coil memory, typical with squash strings.
Some stringers said they had to pull the crosses slowly to prevent friction burn, especially on fan pattern
rackets. All rated it as the same or easier to string than other strings in this category, as we expected with a
1.15 mm string on a squash racquet.
Playtest
Almost all of the testers found the string the same to better than their string in Playability, with 2 rating it
somewhat worse to their string, which were also Ashaway strings. Power was rated good to very good,
Comfort good to very good, Feel and Control the same to good, Durability average to good, Tension Loss
a little worse to a little better and String Movement was rated from a little worse to a little better stated as
expected as it is a thin string and the coating sticks a little. Power was rated highest with Playability com-
ing in second, tied with Spin Potential. No testers broke the string during the test. Testers reported they
played with their own string an average of 10-15 hours, but did not test this string until breaking (average
9.1 hours).
Conclusion
Ashaway’s new MultiNick 18 is a great string with new characteristics engineered into it. The players who
did not like it were using PowerNick 19. They thought it was too soft for them and playability was better with
the 19 guage. Most of the testers said they would include this string is their sortiment. This string should be
recommended from club players to top tournament players looking for maximum power,spin and playability.
This string is a high performance string with good durability for a 1.15mm, average tension loss and string
movement. This is not bad for a thin string compared to our testers favorite strings. Also, no one played
more than 15 hours with the string and no tester broke the string, so durability may be higher than in our
test.
Comments
“Very good string with lots of power!”
“A little soft for me, but still a very good string.”
“Strings started moving earlier than with my string. I think this will give lower durability.”
“The thin guage and coating are great on short shots.”
“It is very thin and felt tight than my 17 gauge, but good power and touch.”
20 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018
2019 ERSA
Symposium and Cambridge
Annual General Meeting 5-9 April, 2019

Sign-up Sheet
Friday, April 5, 2019
20:00 – Welcome Cocktail
Samstag, April 6, 2019
9:00 – 17:00 Presentations - Private Lessons - Workshops
Sunday, April 7, 2019
9:00 – 17:00 Presentations - Private Lessons - Workshops
Monday, April 8, 2019
9:00 – 17:00 Presentations, Racquet Testing - Private Lessons - Workshops
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
9:00 - 14:00 Certificaton Testing & Private Lessons - Racquet & String Testing

ERSA Member 149€_________


ERSA e-Member 199€______
Non-Member 279€________
Certification PS, MPS Level 1MPS Level 2, PTS Level 1, Level 2
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e-mail to mmaslo3330@aol.com
www.ersa-stringers.com
TEST

HEAD RIP CONTROL - STRING TEST

Some strings doesn't need presentation because they represent themselves by their own name….. in this case
the object of our rewiew is the modern classic HEAD RIP CONTROL 1.30mm.
The RIP CONTROL is a multifilament built with a combination of nylon fibers and polyolefin ribbon structures
wrapped around the central core of the string, building a very unique rough structured surface.

The traction test done from 5 to 35kg show us the classic response of polyamide strings with an increasing
stiffness with the raise of the tension applied.
The static stiffness value is medium ranked with an average value of 0.80kg/mm; a quite high result for a
multifilament string, also considering all the values in the complete tension range of the test.
In this case we could talk about hybrid multi-mono string rather than "classic" multifilament with the solid
feeling of a soft polyester extrusion but with the impact feeling of the multifilament string.
Control is one of the main features of this string but we can change a lot varying the tension applied during the
stringing process. We can get power stringing al lower tensions and mixing it with the natural spin and control
attitude of the RIP CONTROL.
23 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018
www.ersa-stringers.com
TEST

The load-unload test express a good string power response with medium resilience peak and ball response on
the stringbed. The feeling at impact is very good and the string gives the sensation of fullness, comfort and
feeling without great liveliness during the ball exit.
The dynamic tension stability is very good as well as the static tension stability and playing life; you can play
with rip control until the string breaks with no problems.
A UNIQUE MULTIFILAMENT STRING WITH A COMPLETE AND UNIFORM RESPONSE TO USE AT
MEDIUM LOW TENSION TO EXHALT RESPONSE AND INCREASE DYNAMIC RESPONSE ON THE BALL.
AN EXCELLENT SOLUTION FOR FULLBED STRINGWORKS WITH AN OPTIMAL TENSION RANGE
BETWEEN 20 AND 24kg (on 98"-100" racquets).
CHECK ALSO IN POLY-POLY HYBRID COMBINATION WITH NATURAL GUT FOR TOP FEELING,
PERFORMANCE AND SPIN BUT ALSO WITH A ROUND POLYESTER MONOFILAMENT IN STANDARD
OR REVERSE HYBRID FOR A NICE BLEND OF POWER, SPIN, CONTROL AND FEELING ON THE BALL.
for more info please check the website www.stringingpedia.com

Ing. Gabriele Medri


pro-t-one tech lab

data and test provided by pro-t-one & www.stringingpedia.com

24 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


www.ersa-stringers.com
TEST
DUNLOP EXPLOSIVE RED 1.25 - STRING TEST

Dunlop is working hard on new projects, not only on racquet frames but also on the new renewed string line
proposing a brand new racing string for the 2019.
The name of the new polyester monofilament is EXPLOSIVE RED and will be available in 1.25 and 1.30
gauges from the first months of 2019.
The string is a round shaped monofilament extrusion built with high-tech co-polyester and with a unique
smooth surface obtained from chemical process coupled with thermical treatments.
We tested the 1.25mm 17 gauge string with our pro-t-one string-lab machine for the static traction test and for
the load-unload hysteresis test and with pro-t-one string-killer to get semi-dynamic stiffness of the poly
extrusion.

The traction test done from 5 to 35kg express a constant, progressive and very linear behavior, showing the
good quality of the base material. We can use the string in the whole tension range with no problems; the
stringbed stiffness will increase linearly with the increase of the tensions applied.
The static stiffness value is medium-high ranked with a value of 0.90kg/mm, describing a racing tough string,
thought and build for medium to high skilled tennis players with fast shots and power in their swing.
25 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018
www.ersa-stringers.com
TEST

Control is one of the main features of this string but we can modulate a lot varying stringing tension and
obtaining a good ball speed from the racquet.

The load-unload hysteresis test returned good power level, fast response with a quite good string dynamic
tension stability, that ensures good durability and a progressive behavior change with the passing of playing
hours.
The ball response (resilience peak) is fast and lively and also the spin production stands at high levels, due to
the dynamic stiffness, linear stiffness and string slick finish, studied to maximize snap-back effect.
A RACING CO-POLY STRING FOR GOOD , ADVANCED AND PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS WITH STRONG
AND FAST STROKES LOOKING FOR A HIGH PERFORMANCE MONOFILAMENT WITH A BALANCED
BLEND OF POWER, SPIN AND CONTROL.
AN EXCELLENT SOLUTION FOR HYBRIDS WITH MULTIFILAMENT STRINGS, POLYAMIDE SYNTGUT,
NATURAL GUT FOR FEELING, CONTROL AND POWER.
CHECK ALSO IN POLY-POLY HYBRID COMBINATION FOR MAXIMUM SPIN AND CONTROL WITH
EXPLOSIVE RED 1.30 OR NT MAX PLUS 1.30 ON MAINS AND EXPLOSIVE RED 1.25 ON CROSSES.
for more info please check the website www.stringingpedia.com

Ing. Gabriele Medri


pro-t-one tech lab

data and test provided by pro-t-one & www.stringingpedia.com

26 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 9-2018


YO U R GA M E .
I N YO U R H A N DS.

The new HEAD Tennis Sensor, powered by Zepp, synchs


to your smartphone and fits into your HEAD racquet.
Powerful Play, Train, Compete and 3D Serve modes,
track and analyze your spin, speed and sweet spot,
letting you take control of your game. You’re going to
love it – and so will your coach.

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