Given the enthusiastic* reaction to this string on BC, I was looking forward to trying it. I've now tried it several times. I just can't get on with it. At first it feels too stiff, then it goes soggy. I've had a few moments where it felt good, mainly when I'm feeding. But generally it feels utterly dead. I also gave it to my coach to try (we use the same racket), who had an even more violent reaction. After three clears, he hated it. He said it felt like a cheaply made 0.65. I also noticed his clears were short! Once again, I think this demonstrates how subjective these equipment choices are. One player's nirvana is another's purgatory. There is no way to tell whether you'll like something unless you try it. * In some cases, "pornographic" might be a closer description
Where's that chair-beating emoticon when you need it? Yes, Ln1 was decent. I could use that. Because I tend to restring somewhat frequently, I didn't like its break-in period. But I have very little criticism for that string (interestingly got a similar reaction from my coach; it seems we have similar tastes). Indeed, this is probably the string I would recommend to most players, as it has unbelievable durability and tension retention, as well as good playing characteristics. I also feel it's a bit more "user friendly" than BG80, since Ln1 is not quite as hard-feeling. For whatever reason, when I tried Ln3 it seemed worse -- which really surprised me, as I had high hopes for a thinner Ln1. I do have one more pack to try at some point. For now I'm back to Aerosonic.
LN#3 not available in Denmark. LN#1 didn't impress me too much though. GT5 not available here either... I think a lot of the reviews and opinions here, have a taste of users searching for a non-Yonex string that's better than the Yonex strings... It's like the Yonex reference strings are not looked at with high regards. I don't know if in some countries Yonex is looked upon somewhat as the "Evil Empire"? For me, they are the string reference company - the others really must step up, and make better strings, otherwise I'd simply have to go with Yonex. They are also what players play and request most. I'm thinking that more or less all top players are playing Yonex strings, unless they are forced not to, because of national sponsorship agreements? I'm also thinking, that Yonex is still the number one badminton research & development company, keeping by far the most versatile product catalog (especially strings). I understand that in some parts of the world, Yonex strings are so much more expensive, and in some countries the actual string cost outweigh the labor cost, making expensive strings unattractive. In Denmark you have very cheap access to Yonex strings, and very expensive labor costs for string jobs. So you're basically paying just 5% more for a Yonex job. (some stringers same price, some stringers 10% difference). Currently, I'm paying much more for even the cheapest LN string than I do for ANY Yonex string. Only Ashaway strings and real no-name brands are cheaper. I guess strings are very much a matter of personal taste (and other individual parameters, such as racket stiffness & balance point, elbow/shoulder strain, climate, etc), making it very difficult (close to impossible), to boil down reviews to "This is the best string" or claims like that. It's great to read the positive reviews, because they make me aware of which strings are popular, and should be tried out. they also reflect to some degree which strings will be the ones clients will ask for.
Ultimax is definitely the benchmark for me. I haven't bothered experimenting til recently when I tried ZM65 Fire which was so rubbish I switched rackets mid game and cut it off a week later. It looks like companies are trying to make 65 strings more durable and in the process they lose what makes them so attractive in the first place. I'm yet to try the G-Tone as I'm stuck at home with a sick child, but I hope it's not the lifeless chewing gum that the Fire was.
@FeatherBlaster @Maklike Tier 66UM was my go-to string, but it turns to crap so quickly. Until Yonex bring out a new 66 with better durability, it's gonna be either Li Ning #1 or BG 80 for me. That said I've yet to try G-Tone 5, so if anyone wants to mail me a set I can give a pretty thorough comparison... Remember that the professional players are sponsored by YY, and are therefore contracted and expected to use Yonex equipment. Them having more money to throw at players, does not necessitate them being the best company. It shows they're the wealthiest and have the most expendable capital. As for evil empire, they monopolise. I was personally penalized by my local YY dealer for not buying 'enough' Yonex equipment. Maybe YY are different in Denmark, but YY UK are absolute arse holes.
@Gollum Strange... I used to use ZM62 and Fire, but find GT5 much crisper for repulsion and rougher for control. Guess strings and rackets preferences are very dependent on the individual.
I'm fine with buying Yonex string. I don't feel like I'm contributing to the decline of civilisation or anything. But I'm with you - my MO is to support the smaller companies which is why I jumped on the Victor bandwagon early on. There simply isn't a single Yonex racket I have the urge to try. Strings and stringing otoh are cheap and easy to change, but opinions on them tend to be as unpredictable as racket reviews.
Exactly my experience with this string. I don't know, the thickness (quite thin) and the stiff/hard feeling is a bad combination for me. Didn't like the tension retention, either.
It seems, however, that the GT5 actually IS a thin string - unlike the Lining and Ashaway counterparts. It that true? If so, cudos to Goosen. Because that's was I otherwise see as the main problem with non-Yonex .65 strings. None of them are .65 strings. They all go for the easy "make the string thicker, make everyone happier" solution... "This .65 string is much more durable, than that Yonex one I'm used to"... Well, yes, for a reason! @Charlie-SWUK : If you like the playability and thickness of BG66UM, but think it loose the quality too fast, then instead of going to BG80, you should try the "in-betweener" BG85. You might like it better. It's not the most durable of strings, but it plays sweet while it lasts.
BG66UM does indeed visually look thicker than G-Tone 5 out of the packet, but G-Tone rings at a lower pitch than an identical racket strung with Ultimax, which is confusing. Anyway, having a social hit tonight (finally) so we'll see how we go.