I'm going to be buying a MP99 soon and I'm deciding what strings I will get with it. Usually I use Ashaway Microlegend (not XL). I like these strings a lot, and I'm happy with the level of durability I get out of them. Probably wouldn't want anything which breaks faster. It seems like everyone uses yonex strings, so I thought I might give them a decent try. I've found BG65 to last too long such that they lose tension way before breaking as I'm not an extremely hard hitter. I've only used BG66 a little bit on other people's rackets and find them quite nice, but most people say they break quite fast due to being very thin. I read that 85's (similar to 66) are more powerful than 80's but they don't last as long as 80's. At the moment I'm thinking about BG80. Does anyone have any experience as to how they compare to Microlegend? Or if they think that 85's or 66's are just as durable as Microlegend? (I've used the search function but haven't found any real direct comparisons, if I've missed it please point me in the right direction)
I did not use Ashaway strings, but used 80/85 a lot lately. Even though, BG80 is only 0.01mm thicker than 85, i have the say the durability improves a lot. Personally, I had to give up 85, as it breaks on me every 7-10 days (15-20 hrs per week). BG80 can usually holds for about double of the time, which is very reasonable for me. Both string are very nice, and offers superior power if you hit it right. Of course, Bg85 seems have a lil edge on the control side, but BG80 should be decent enough already.
I've got a couple of rackets in play at the moment one using BG80 and another with Micro Legend XL. They really to play very similar. If anything I would say the XL spins the bird more. It is dearer- almost twice. You might consider Ashaways 'Power Gut 65', which claims to offer more than XL. I have just bought 3 sets to try out, and it actually cost me less than BG80 per set. (I did have to go with the 2 tone green though!) The power gut is the string Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms are supposed to be using. The 65 version is 0.7mm dia, and the 66 version is 0.66mm. Both strings have Ashaways PFT technology - Ashaway's new Power Filament Technology creates a unique filament surface layer that reduces string movement and increases durability. PFT also insures exceptional playability and control at all string tensions. I'd like to know how you get one as I am considering a MP99. What tension do you intend to string her at?
Personally having tried various Ashaway strings, I think Micropower is still the best Ashaway has to offer. Ashaway strings are much more durable than Yonex BG-80, but the latter is definitely more powerful and more forgiving as well. Unlike the Ashaway strings, it loses tension really fast though. The control is about the same, but with Ashaway strings sliced shots are a bit better.
I have completely different findings. I bought a 200meter reel of PG65 (0.70mm) and have broken 3 sets, each set in under 3 days of playing. I've also given the string to some upper level players to try, they all liked it but all of three of them mishit and broke the string instantly. Another the string after 4 days of use. BG80 doesn't do that. My doubles partner has 5 of his rackets strung with PG65. He slices a lot so he loves the string but two busted from mishits. Again, from what I saw and what they told me, those mishits were not "hard" and the string should not have broken. Of course there are mishits that will break any string... I haven't made my final conclusions on PG65 but based on my findings so far, I feel BG80 is more durable. I would say if you are not a hard hitter, don't mishit a lot, PG65 is a good string for you. But if you are harder on strings, go with BG80.
The chance of you finding Microlegend in Australia is almost impossible but most badminton shops have BG80.
