News

Ashaway, RI — In moves to capitalize on its established brand and provide added recognition in the marketplace, Ashaway Racket Strings has renamed the recently introduced Zyex® MonoGut tennis string as MonoGut® ZX. The early version of the string has gained increasing popularity for its exceptional dynamic stiffness and gut-like playability, leading many playtesters to predict that the long sought goal of producing a synthetic string to rival the performance of natural gut has been reached. In addition to its resilience, the newly dubbed 1.27 mm MonoGut ZX has been collecting kudos for its improved abrasion resistance, and a surface design that minimizes string movement for better ball control.

“Like natural gut, MonoGut ZX string provides exceptional energy return,” said Steve Crandall, Vice President of Ashaway Racket Strings, “better than any other synthetic material. This means more power. Also like gut, MonoGut ZX remains soft at higher tensions, reducing impact shock. This results in more comfortable performance—what we call ‘soft power.’ MonoGut ZX contains no polyester, and its 100% Zyex monofilament construction maximizes abrasion resistance and enhances string life.”

The absence of polyester in MonoGut ZX increases elongation and decreases stiffness, generating comfortable soft power. Reports from playtesters have been extremely positive, said Crandall, with comments like: “All-around playability is WAY higher than polyester,” “Juicy snap back,” and “Get results from more compact strokes.” Few breakage problems have been reported, and several players raved: “Great power,” “Great spin,” and “Totally different sound than when hitting other monos.”

MonoGut ZX is designed for players seeking both gut-like playability and superior durability in a solid monofilament string, as well as players using monofilament strings in hybrid stringing patterns. A natural gut-like tan in appearance, MonoGut ZX is available in 40-ft (12 m) sets and in both 360-ft (110 m) and 720-ft (220 m) reels. Recommended stringing tension is up to 60 lbs. (27 kgs).

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 ashawayusa.com