Ashaway introduces hybrid tennis string
February 15, 2014
Ashaway, RI — Ashaway Racket Strings has introduced the latest addition to its Crossfire® line of tennis hybrids, Crossfire ZX. Combining Ashaway’s 17 gauge (1.25 mm) braided Aramid/PTFE Kevlar® +Plus main strings with their 1.22 mm MonoGut® ZX Pro cross strings, Crossfire ZX is designed for players looking for a hybrid combination of soft power with excellent durability and superior spin.
“For years top pros have used Ashaway’s braided Kevlar/natural gut hybrids to generate power and spin,” said Steve Crandall, Vice President of Ashaway. “Crossfire ZX is the 21st century version of that, using our 100% Zyex® MonoGut Pro that is known for its soft gut-like feel. Crossfire ZX will appeal to chronic string breakers who, in addition to more string durability, want crisper soft power and more ability to impart spin, and to top spin players who want to soften the impact shock from their racquets without sacrificing power or spin from the baseline.”
The 1.25 mm Kevlar +Plus main strings in Crossfire ZX enhance abrasion resistance and increase string life. Kevlar +Plus is a blend of braided Aramid and silky soft PTFE fibers that soften the string’s feel and complement the playability of the powerful Aramid filaments. The 1.22 mm MonoGut ZX Pro cross strings produce gut-like playability and the ability to generate exceptional spin.
Natural in color, 17 gauge Crossfire ZX sets each contain 23 feet (7 m) of Ashaway 1.25 mm Kevlar +Plus for the main strings and 20 feet (6 m) of Ashaway 1.22 mm MonoGut ZX Pro for the cross strings. Ashaway recommends stringing Crossfire ZX with 10 to 15% less tension than traditional nylon strings, or up to 60 lbs (27 kg).
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 has been the Official String of USA Racquetball for more than ten years, and has recently been named the Official String of Professional Tennis Registry and the Women’s Squash Association. Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. also makes braided products for medical and industrial applications. For more information visit ashawayusa.com. Zyex is a registered trademark of Zyex Ltd, and Kevlar a registered trademark of E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc.