BLIND Strings Comparison (can I tell the difference?)

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Ian hits the court to try out 3 new strings from Diadem, and ‪@MarkSansait‬ challenges him to a blind comparison to see if he can tell the difference. Will Ian find his new favorite string or just be left scratching his head?
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#tennis #gear #review

[@EssentialTennis]

Grab 15% off Diadem racquets, strings, bags and more using this discount link: diademsports.com/discount/Essential15

[@davelee6002]

This is so great. I don't remember if I've ever seen a live side by side comparison of strings in a video before. It really is so much more informative!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikeobiwon]

"As long as they're stiff and not soft . . ." I feel like there's a "that's what she said" joke in there! 😂😂😂 Anyway, I'm happy that you were able to establish a racquet partnership with Diadem and were able to get Mark's help with testing out some different strings. Good luck in your sectional tournament this weekend!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thank you! 😃

[@ayokay123]

"I believe this is going to give him just a little more livelihood." 07:46 Hey, if those strings could increase my livelihood, I want them too!! :D

[@EssentialTennis]

I'm disappointed to say this string did nothing to improve my livelihood 😆

[@-Munditimum-]

Many rave about the Diadem products. Great to see you guys comparing their strings against each other. Loved the video. Thank you ET team!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching!

[@ReidVV]

First, GREAT JOB, MARK! Hats off! It's amazing how stringing experience teaches a player so much about how strings and different tensions truly are a very important part of tennis equipment choice and absolutely, greatly affect how you play on court. Players who don't know this are really losing out on maximizing their game. I suggest ALL serious tennis players buy something like a Gamma 2 drop weight stringer (around $200), learn to string, and play with different strings and tensions. It's the only way to truly dial in your game. Seriously. You will never regret doing it. BTW, Diadem Solstice Black is kinda expensive :-(

[@EssentialTennis]

Totally agree about learning how to string, James!

[@roqueurena7301]

I just ordered the Solstice Power and bought me a Diadem Nova 100, love the feel and comfort.

[@gavinyoung6334]

Love the Solstice Power 16g, I've used so many different strings and this is the best bang for my buck that I've found. I do like crispy and stiffer strings though. Not much of a fan of spongy and sling-shotty feeling strings.

[@EssentialTennis]

I'm right there with you (especially at the net). Thanks for watching, Gavin!

[@ethanhiltz3814]

Same ever since I tried solstice power I cannot go back to any other string 😂

[@Cesarini77]

I love to see both of you on the same video. On the strings you tested, the first string felt like your previous string ALU big banger. The second string Mark said it would felt like hyper g. What could the third string be compared with? Thanks.

[@EssentialTennis]

I'll have to ask Mark...

[@dennisgallas3273]

funny just saw this video and Diadem is sending me racquets tommorow to play test. at what poundage were your racquets strung with? and gauge? great informative video. thanks

[@charliefoster6710]

Testing the Elevate FS 98 now. Came strung with a hybrid of the Flash which I understand is a round poly in the mains with Evolution in the crosses. Good pop on the serve and excellent spin. Curious as to if you’ve tried the Flash yourself?

[@RissTennis]

Loved the vid guys!

[@MarkSansait]

and we love YOU

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it, John!

[@saugus2]

I have played with Solstice Power and I love it but I love stiff strings. Solstice Black is one of the softest polys I have strung with so for, so anyone who likes softer feel but wants the bite and durability of poly I highly recommend it. Don’t know anything about the grey sting but it does look like Diadem take on Alu Power. I love the teal color of Diadem racquets and strings I actually consider switching to Diadem racquet just cause the color Good stuff

[@davidbobruff571]

Great video, thank you! Imo, choosing a string is so tough with so many choices! It’d be great to hear more about how often you change strings, and how you decide when to change. [Ian, just an fyi - intended to be helpful, not trolling - you foot fault on several of your serves from the deuce court (by stepping over the center line.)]

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, David! Also, 😬

[@K4R3N]

Foot faults! We could make a whole video about that

[@tonywilkins7378]

Noticed the foot faults too

[@nickbyrd1027]

I use the exact same set-up! Diadem Elevate 98 Tour with Solstice Black, such a great set-up

[@david4719]

I started using Diadem Solstice Black 16g 56 lbs back in June and I get a ton of spin, control, power and it's been really good so far that I have continued to use it.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great to hear that, David!

[@nglfmark1]

Excellent video.

[@pbillings808]

Any plans to drop the tension on the selected string (Solstice Power)? I also wonder how the "deadest" string (Solstice Black) at a lower tension would compare to the Solstice Power (without changing its tension); e.g., perhaps more spin for a comparable "power level".

[@EssentialTennis]

No plans to change anything right now. I'll let you know if I do!

[@michaelp9061]

Great way to test out strings. Well done.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@JusTennis]

I've been using solstice 16g, love it

[@EssentialTennis]

Nice 👌 Thanks for watching!

[@yoshikay8787]

“81’???? I forgot about that!!!” Mark with the sneak diss!!!! 😂

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@pieterbeckertenniscoaching5808]

Awesome, it takes a real expert to feel the strings in that way. Only experience can teach you that.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, Pieter!

[@peterochester2320]

Mark, love your shirt. Ian, what's with the foot faults? Crossover step on serve?

[@JohnHernandez-bg1gp]

I have an Elevate and a Nova. Have a hybrid setup using Solstice on mains, like it. Had a full bed of softer Diadem string in the Nova. It was dull. Put full bed of Diadem Flash 17 in it. Much better!!!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you finally found the right setup. Thanks for watching!

[@coug22mb]

I just got the Elevate Tour with Solstice power. 15% off , thx! Alot of pop.

[@thomashouston8709]

Ian, I have the Elevate Tour demos on the way from Diadem, love these videos...any chance Mark could test this racquet with the strings? My play style is basically the same as his so that would be super helpful. Thank you!

[@EssentialTennis]

Maybe next time he's around he can give them a shot!

[@thomashouston8709]

@@EssentialTennis Diadem needs to create an Ian Westerman edition of the Elevate Tour. This is solid gold content for them!

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏

[@jlook6070]

What string tension should I use if I get a new racquet? The old one has never been restrung in 20 years. Or what string tension should I string he current racquet? I've never really tried other racquets or string tensions. Do string types and tensions really make a difference? I know Ian is pretty much pro so maybe it makes a difference past a certain level?

[@EssentialTennis]

Paging Dr. Sansait!

[@jlook6070]

@@EssentialTennis If it answers a question, I don't know the original string tension.

[@c.r.knight7263]

It would be interesting to do a tension comparison. I think many people dislike a racquet when it might be the strings and tension.

[@YangiTheCat]

Y'all are going to help diadem out a lot. good idea of them to do a sponsorship of a tennis youtube channel w/ high engagement.

[@EssentialTennis]

We're super happy to be working with them!

[@fdctrumpet]

What was the tension? Same for all three right? What's the Mark Sansait recommendation for full bed poly and the difference between mains and crosses?

[@monstertrucktennis]

Agree Sure would be nice to know the tension. If Ian settles in the Black string in this racquet, a nice follow up video would be to string the Black at 3 different tensions. I'm sure Diadem and your "livelihood" would both benefit from the additional exposure.😉

[@EssentialTennis]

They were all strung at 54lbs.

[@fdctrumpet]

@@EssentialTennis I wonder if you would have liked the shaped strings more with a lower tension. I've found in the 40s is better than the 50s for the shaped polys, but also more of a spin hitter than Ian. Fun to hear your thoughts during the hitting session!

[@willecutlip]

Mark - can you summarize what each of the Diadem strings is similar to when it comes to Solinco strings? What tension were they all strung to? Ian - it will be interesting to see how your hand/arm "like" your new racquet/string combo. It has been interesting to follow Mark's process through racquets and strings over the last ~ year.

[@surerforever9739]

You mentioned Pro X as round poly, but Diadem says it’s a hexagon shaped cross section?

[@Jkan2001]

Pro X isn't round and it's supposed to be the deadest/lowest power string they make. I found the black to be the most powerful and too soft/mushy. I like the teal Solstice Power hybrid with Diadem Evolution the best.

[@hijikatakun000]

Tried the Pro X and totally agreed lol. Nowhere close to round and its as stiff as tourbite to me.

[@experientialtennis]

@@hijikatakun000 Had the exact same experience. It must be strung low!

[@eposz2]

Is it not possible that one chooses string A from A, B, C at a particular tension, but would choose B at another (now) untested tension, and even that B or C would be be the best, if chosen after many tests of many possibe tensions. So is it not possible that the (subjective) optimal tension in a particular racket is different for each string? And we should find (our subjective) optimal tension for each string, and then compare the three strings and find the best string at their own best tension? I know it is cumbersome in practice, but theoretically...(and apart from other circumstances, e.g. hardness of the ball, etc).

[@ConMan]

I've always been hesitant to test a bunch of strings because buying a bunch of types of strings can be pricey, but also there can be so many variables that can make it difficult to have a controlled experiment. Same thing with demoing rackets. When you demo rackets you may have different types of strings, different tensions, etc.

[@EssentialTennis]

True, definitely not practical financially for most people. Hope you appreciate that I did it for you!

[@shroud1390]

Were the racquets matched after stringing?

[@monstertrucktennis]

Great question!👍

[@EssentialTennis]

You mean in terms of weight/balance? No, they weren't.

[@bkatbamna]

It would be interesting to find out from Mark which string did Ian hit the heaviest(or toughest) ball with.

[@ethanhiltz3814]

The solstice power 16L is my favorite I love the star shape because I feel like I get a good bite on the ball

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you found one you love! Thanks for watching

[@ethanhiltz3814]

@@EssentialTennis absolutely 😁

[@billcone9068]

I should add, it was interesting and something to think about in the future... strings, that is.

[@davidm.crispjr.9683]

1981??!! Damn! I had you pegged in your early to mid 30's. Gotta let us know what kind of moisturizer you use. lol. Hey, one question....didn't hear you guys mention the tension the rackets were strung at. Sorry if this got asked in a previous comment.

[@EssentialTennis]

54lbs

[@nateheidengren4412]

Isn’t the diadem pro x string a shaped string?

[@andyneilson3794]

What tension did you use?

[@EssentialTennis]

I believe it was 54lbs

[@monstertrucktennis]

@@EssentialTennis that seems high for a full poly set up. Have you experimented in the 40-45lb range?

[@jeremi7214]

You should really try RPM Blast 17g. I've tried many Poly's and this one absolutely feels the best!

[@EssentialTennis]

I'll check it out!

[@ethanpatrick6466]

Rpm blast sucks

[@jeremi7214]

@@ethanpatrick6466 Compared to what?

[@ethanpatrick6466]

@@jeremi7214 Isospeed makes way better strings, way more cost effective too, RPM blast feels like a brick.

[@jeremi7214]

@@ethanpatrick6466 true, it takes a real man to play with rpm blast! 😉

[@projectdandb]

18 gauge!?!? How often do you find you need to restring your racquets? I imagine that must play exquisitely, but break very quickly

[@EssentialTennis]

Not often, I don't hit with a lot of spin. Thanks for watching!

[@garyrashed8835]

What's the song you guys used at 8:40 ?

[@EssentialTennis]

"Futuristic Cliché" by Curtis Cole Like Daft Punk except affordable to license 😆

[@garyrashed8835]

@@EssentialTennis Thanks !!!

[@slapcitytennis9103]

This is good content

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ObjectiveCoder]

This is great

[@EssentialTennis]

No, you are!

[@alecchalmers3744]

Wicked footfault crossing the service centerline.

[@michaeltreis9751]

Were all three string setups 18G??

[@MarkSansait]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@EssentialTennis]

Yup

[@pzh1]

L

[@michaeltreis9751]

@@MarkSansait do you use 16G or 17G poly?

[@jllarivee60]

I use dampened spaghetti noodles for my string. Most people don't know this type of string, but a few pros sware by it. Just bring in a bag of noodles to your local tennis stringer and they'll know what to do.

[@EssentialTennis]

😆😳

[@BullyGarfield.]

3:35 lmao mark

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@lukasmercer9681]

I like marks shirt! I want one

[@EssentialTennis]

🔥

[@mwu365]

"Mark Sansait the infamous...uh...Mark Sansait." introduction masterclass

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks Matthew Wu! 😆 You're a great Matthew Wu

[@educypriano2]

The infamous ankle breaker, my mind completed

[@ponchogp7870]

When is Mark going to bleach his hair again to that pee color?

[@davidwatkins8016]

Nice video, but not much help for us multi users with bad elbows.

[@EssentialTennis]

Sorry! I'll do more in the future.

[@davidwatkins8016]

No problem. The format was good, and the interaction with Mark is always fun.@@EssentialTennis

[@georgebasham2279]

NXT strings for bad elbows ... along with using a Pro Kennex racquet. 😀

[@davidwatkins8016]

@@georgebasham2279 I tried pro kennex and and liked it, but went for clash 108 instead because I served a little better with it.

[@user-fg6be8gr1e]

how about a blind tension test?

[@EssentialTennis]

That'd be interesting.

[@atrem7942]

Diadem... never heard of it.

[@toniserragts]

Ou Mai Gosh those foot faults xD

[@EssentialTennis]

Oh nooooooooo!!!

[@pickleballplaybook]

For solstice power you need to go 5 to 10 pounds lower than you normally would

[@Javi_C]

👍

[@EssentialTennis]

🔥

[@Dasato123]

18 gauge!!? It lasts longer than one set before breaking? Things have changed from 30 years ago

[@EssentialTennis]

I just broke the first set after 4-6 hours of play.

[@davidfox9875]

Fun

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, David!

[@alwaysprepared]

Can't be a blind test unless Ian is blindfolded... Of course that would lead to a few more off-center hits.. LOL That being said, good information, except that you didn't factor in the color parameter which is the most important factor! LOL

[@lethalphorce]

Did you mistakenly say 18 gauge string? I'd be shocked if you've been using 18ga. I don't even believe you can get Big Banger at 18g.

[@EssentialTennis]

18 gauge is correct.

[@MrWafters76]

Does "Essential 100" get us 100% discount?

[@EssentialTennis]

I mean, it's worth a shot 🤷‍♂️

[@billcone9068]

Ian, just noticing, but you were foot faulting across the center line on your practice serves with your left foot a couple of times...just saying, be careful. maybe you stand further away in matches...

[@chriseibell1064]

So when can I hire Mark to run the same comparison with me

[@EssentialTennis]

Have your people call his people

[@cdahl]

Either you’re not picky or you got really lucky. When I switched racquet I tried all the brands strings and didn’t like any of them :-/

[@EssentialTennis]

All of them?? What were you looking for that you didn't feel? I'm definitely not picky.

[@cdahl]

@@EssentialTennis I was looking for something like you found. A good mix of power and control. It doesn’t really matter that I went with a different brand that I liked more. I’m not endorsed by either 🤣 I’m just OCD and wanted to keep it all the same.

[@wtfm3rkd]

Foot fault crazy

[@peterpham2675]

Hello! Y u ignoring my challenge! You and mark stop running from me

[@iamwhatiam6075]

Foot fault... hehe

[@EssentialTennis]

😅

[@wackojumey]

Ian steped away from the Solinco Confidential?

[@MarkSansait]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@wackojumey]

@@MarkSansait Because of the sponsorship of has it other reasons?

[@EssentialTennis]

Sorry Solinco... It's not you, it's me

[@bencejones1088]

Sponsored by diadem

[@EssentialTennis]

Nope, they didn't pay me to make this video. They sent me free stuff, that's it.