News

Ashaway, RI — Ashaway Racket Strings has introduced a heavier gauge addition to its popular UltraNick® series of squash strings. UltraNick 17 utilizes the same Zyex® multifilament fiber core as its 18 gauge sibling to provide increased power and resilience, and reduced tension loss. But the thicker 17 gauge with its braided surface maximizes durability while still providing better touch and ball control.

Said Ashaway’s VP of Marketing, Steve Crandall, “While squash is not generally considered a power game, powerful people do play it. Plus, long rallies and cutting shots can be tough on string. So both pros and recreational players value durability. UltraNick 17 offers these players improved string durability while retaining the proven Zyex advantages of increased power and resilience and reduced tension loss. The result is a longer lasting string that retains its playing characteristics.”

“Recent advances in material technology have produced Zyex filaments that are even finer and stronger than before,” Crandall added. “We’ve been experimenting with these in our R&D lab, developing ever thinner multifilament core packages with increased linear density and more cross-sectional strength. As a result, we’re now able to produce thinner, stronger, lighter-weight strings which provide superior feel, more power, and improved ball control.”

During the development process, Ashaway provided test sets to a number of top intercollegiate, PSA, and WISPA professionals. The response was uniformly positive. Both amateur and professional players noted increased power and control, and a number commented that the strings gave them “more feel and more grip” and let them “do more” with their shots.

Brilliant lime green in color, UltraNick 17 is sure to be noticed on the court. UltraNick 17 is available in 30 ft sets and 360 ft reels. Recommended stringing tension is up to 30 lbs. Ashaway suggests using 10-20% less tension than normally used for standard nylon strings.

Ashaway Racket Strings are made by Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co., the only U.S. manufacturer of string for squash, tennis, racquetball, and badminton. Operated by the Crandall family since 1824, Ashaway has been making racquet strings since 1949, and is responsible for several important technical innovations. Ashaway is the Official String of USA Racquetball and the Women’s International Squash Players Association. Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. also makes braided products for medical and industrial applications. For more information visit www.ashawayusa.com