Dunlop Max Comfort 16 is a multifilament string, constructed of 1050 nylon 66 filaments and 29 nylon unidirectional wraps. A “special wet twist process” is used to soak the fibers in an elastic polymer for bonding and additional resilience. It is coated with Duracoat 6 and silicone treatments to “reduce notching without sacrificing flexibility”. Designed for players “seeking ultimate comfort and responsiveness.”

BENCH TESTING

The two coils tested measured 43’2”. The diameter ranged from 1.29 mm to 1.31 mm. Stringbed stiffness of 84 RDC units was recorded immediately after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 X 18 pattern) on a continuous pull machine. After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness measured 77 RDC units, representing a 8.3% tension loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, measured 80 RDC units immediately after stringing and 73 RDC units after 24 hours, representing a 8.75% tension loss.

THE TESTERS

Tested for five weeks by 25 USRSA playtesters with NTRP ratings from 4.0 to 6.0.

STRINGING

Max Comfort is a little wiry when uncoiled but doesn’t require pre-stretching for easy installation. Its slick nylon coating allows for quick cross string weaving. Knots cinch up well and hold tightly. As with most multifilaments, getting through blocked holes can be challenging but Max Comfort doesn’t mush out as badly as some. At 43’, there is plenty of string for every racquet, including Weeds, Wonderwands, even the Big Bubba and Wilson’s new Sledge Hammer 3.4 Outer Limits.

PLAYTESTING

We found Max Comfort soft and comfortable, as expected from a multifilament string. Well-suited to stiff racquets, it provided a nice, cushy feel during ball contact. While not a “zippy” string, power was quite adequate and shots were predictable throughout the playtest session. After several hours of play, Max Comfort seemed to lose a little feel but still provided good response. It’s a good all-around string and maintained tension well for a multifilament. After two weeks (approximately 10 hours of play), Max Comfort lost only 18% of its original tension, similar to solid center core strings. Durability was excellent, with only five reports of breakage. Twenty one playtesters (84%) indicated they would carry the string with over half estimating the wholesale price at $5–$7.99.

CONCLUSION

Max Comfort, introduced last year, is a nice offering from Dunlop, and complements their string line. It provides good cushioning, maintains tension and offers good durability in a multifilament string. At this price, it’s well worth a try for players suffering from tennis elbow or those just looking for a soft playing string.

COMMENTS

(String normally used in parentheses)

“Nice string. Tension held well, even in high humidity. String movement was minimal and playability and feel were above average.” 4.5 touch player using a Prince Precision 730 strung at 59 lbs. (Gamma TNT 16)

“Overall, I like the string very much. It has great feel, offers good control and is well suited for widebody racquets. Good strings. Good hit.” 5.5 serve & volley player using a Dunlop Select Revelation MP strung at 56 lbs. (TOA Silencer 17)

“String seemed to bite the ball for added topspin.” 5.0 baseline player with heavy spin using a Head Pro Tour 280 MP strung at 58 lbs. (Prince Synthetic Gut 17)

“Very crisp, responsive with surprising durability.” 5.0 all court player using a Dunlop Tournament Pro MP strung at 57 lbs. (Dunlop Synthetic Gut 16)

“I thought this string was a nice all around product. It had good power, excellent durability, with little string movement and still had nice feel and playability.” 4.0 all court player using a Yonex Cyborg 2200 strung at 55 lbs. (Gosen Tec Gut Pro 16)

“I liked this string very much! A perfect blend of power, control and feel.” 4.5 all court player using a Wilson Pro Staff Classic 6.1 95 strung at 58 lbs. (Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 17)

“This string felt and cut like an aramid; however, it tensioned like a synthetic. Could it be an aramid blend?” 4.0 all court player using a Weed Zone Plus strung at 70 lbs. (Gamma TNT Pro Plus 17)

“This was one of the most comfortable strings I have ever used. The down side is the control was lacking compared to other strings I’ve used. Even though no special handling was required, the string was so elastic I prestretched it and strung it 5 lbs. higher than normal.” 4.0 all court player using a Volkl C10 strung at 58 lbs. (Pacific Supreme 16 Natural Gut)

“Felt nice at first and then lost some feel after about 2 days of play. Still a very solid feeling string.” 5.5 all court player using a Wilson 4.2 95 strung at 60 lbs. (Gamma TNT 16)

“I really liked this string. It played very similar to Alpha Gut 2000, just more durable. Maintained tension about as well as any string I have played. Just a good all around string.” 5.0 all court player using a Yamaha Secret 04 strung at 58/54 lbs. (Ashaway Crossfire 16)

“Nice playability for a thicker gauge string. Good durability without sacrificing feel.” 4.5 baseline player with heavy spin using a Head Radical Tour MP strung at 53 lbs. (Gamma Pro 17L)

“This is a good feeling string, very similar in power and control to the string I am currently using, but with a slightly softer feel which I like in a widebody racquet. It holds tension well which is important for maintaining control. A definite keeper.” 4.5 all court player using a Prince Synergy Extender strung at 64 lbs. (Prince Synthetic Gut Soft 16)